Hidden from the rest of the world live the wizards that the dehaians and landwalkers thought had died long ago. The Ruanir live the lavish life, fancyHidden from the rest of the world live the wizards that the dehaians and landwalkers thought had died long ago. The Ruanir live the lavish life, fancy cars, mansions, and loads of money. Among them is seventeen-year-old Ariabella "Ari" Moreau. Ari hates the social climbing lifestyle her mother has dragged her into as she attempts to climb the Ruanir ladder by finding a powerful husband. Ari and her older brother Jace would much rather still be living with their late father.
Forced to attend a party with her mother at one of the Judges' (leaders of the Ruanir people) houses and being shoved toward Logan, the slick playboy that tried to assault Ari once before, all she wants is to go back to the hotel and hang out with Jace, their cousin Maia, and Maia's fiancee Dhanya. Then all hell breaks loose. The party is invaded by Dehaians and people are being attacked. Then a mysterious boy comes along and saves her. In the blink of an eye, they're in Massachusetts. But who or what is this mysterious boy?
It's been a year since Noah Delaney became The Beast. It's been a long journey of isolation and learning how to become "normal" again. When he sees a girl standing outside a party being attacked by dehaians wearing the Yvarian armband he swoops in and saves her. Noah doesn't want to get close to anyone, but there's just something about this girl that has him following her back to her hotel just to make sure she's alright. But why were the Yvarians attacking people? Would Zeke really aim to start a war so soon after what's just gone down with Chloe and the Sylphaen? Noah has to find out.
Neither Zeke or Chloe know anything about the attack and Chloe insists Noah stay at the palace for a little while. Just as he's settling in he feels a sharp jab of pain. Chloe's alright, Baylie is alright... and then it dawns on him - Ari, the girl from the party. He races for the east coast knowing full well it's most likely a trap but when he gets there he's shocked and enraged to find out the leaders of the Ruanir have performed some kind bonding experiment that connects him to Ari.
Noah knows of only one person who might be able to help him and Ari sever the connection so they start west with Jace, Maia, and Dhanya. But the Ruanir Judiciary are just as conniving as the Sylphaen ever were and they're not going to let Ari and Noah go that easily. It will be a crazy trip west trying to outrun the Ruanir and learning to trust each other in the process. Will they be able to escape the Ruanir Judiciary? Or will they try to use Ari as a secret weapon to start a war against the Yvarians? What will happen when Ari and Noah begin to feel something for one another?
OMG - is it possible that I can love Rebirth even more than the first five books in the Awakened Fate series? Because I think I might! It was great seeing Noah in this role, because in the triangle with Chloe and Zeke I kind of just wanted him to disappear so Chloe and Zeke could be together but now that that storyline has been tied up it is easier to love Noah. Ari's Ruanir world was an awesome addition to the series. It's kind of like she's lived in a cult since her father died and meeting Noah changes everything for her. I loved watching their relationship grow from mistrust and dislike into something that will hopefully blossom into something romantic.
I also loved the blend of new characters and old favorites popping up throughout the story. Seeing glimpses of where Chloe, Zeke, Baylie, and Ellie were one year later felt like catching up with an old friend.
I started this book thinking I couldn't love any characters in this series more than Chloe and Zeke and here came Rebirth with Noah and Ari to completely blow me away. I was engrossed in the story from the first chapter and I didn't want to stop reading. And best of all I completely didn't see the ending coming! It was shocking, and I can't wait to see what's going to happen to Ari, Noah, and the others in the next book. This may be my favorite Skye Malone book yet!
Merged review:
Hidden from the rest of the world live the wizards that the dehaians and landwalkers thought had died long ago. The Ruanir live the lavish life, fancy cars, mansions, and loads of money. Among them is seventeen-year-old Ariabella "Ari" Moreau. Ari hates the social climbing lifestyle her mother has dragged her into as she attempts to climb the Ruanir ladder by finding a powerful husband. Ari and her older brother Jace would much rather still be living with their late father.
Forced to attend a party with her mother at one of the Judges' (leaders of the Ruanir people) houses and being shoved toward Logan, the slick playboy that tried to assault Ari once before, all she wants is to go back to the hotel and hang out with Jace, their cousin Maia, and Maia's fiancee Dhanya. Then all hell breaks loose. The party is invaded by Dehaians and people are being attacked. Then a mysterious boy comes along and saves her. In the blink of an eye, they're in Massachusetts. But who or what is this mysterious boy?
It's been a year since Noah Delaney became The Beast. It's been a long journey of isolation and learning how to become "normal" again. When he sees a girl standing outside a party being attacked by dehaians wearing the Yvarian armband he swoops in and saves her. Noah doesn't want to get close to anyone, but there's just something about this girl that has him following her back to her hotel just to make sure she's alright. But why were the Yvarians attacking people? Would Zeke really aim to start a war so soon after what's just gone down with Chloe and the Sylphaen? Noah has to find out.
Neither Zeke or Chloe know anything about the attack and Chloe insists Noah stay at the palace for a little while. Just as he's settling in he feels a sharp jab of pain. Chloe's alright, Baylie is alright... and then it dawns on him - Ari, the girl from the party. He races for the east coast knowing full well it's most likely a trap but when he gets there he's shocked and enraged to find out the leaders of the Ruanir have performed some kind bonding experiment that connects him to Ari.
Noah knows of only one person who might be able to help him and Ari sever the connection so they start west with Jace, Maia, and Dhanya. But the Ruanir Judiciary are just as conniving as the Sylphaen ever were and they're not going to let Ari and Noah go that easily. It will be a crazy trip west trying to outrun the Ruanir and learning to trust each other in the process. Will they be able to escape the Ruanir Judiciary? Or will they try to use Ari as a secret weapon to start a war against the Yvarians? What will happen when Ari and Noah begin to feel something for one another?
OMG - is it possible that I can love Rebirth even more than the first five books in the Awakened Fate series? Because I think I might! It was great seeing Noah in this role, because in the triangle with Chloe and Zeke I kind of just wanted him to disappear so Chloe and Zeke could be together but now that that storyline has been tied up it is easier to love Noah. Ari's Ruanir world was an awesome addition to the series. It's kind of like she's lived in a cult since her father died and meeting Noah changes everything for her. I loved watching their relationship grow from mistrust and dislike into something that will hopefully blossom into something romantic.
I also loved the blend of new characters and old favorites popping up throughout the story. Seeing glimpses of where Chloe, Zeke, Baylie, and Ellie were one year later felt like catching up with an old friend.
I started this book thinking I couldn't love any characters in this series more than Chloe and Zeke and here came Rebirth with Noah and Ari to completely blow me away. I was engrossed in the story from the first chapter and I didn't want to stop reading. And best of all I completely didn't see the ending coming! It was shocking, and I can't wait to see what's going to happen to Ari, Noah, and the others in the next book. This may be my favorite Skye Malone book yet!...more
Have you ever seen a book on social media and known that you were going to love it even though you didn’t know anything about it? Maybe it was the autHave you ever seen a book on social media and known that you were going to love it even though you didn’t know anything about it? Maybe it was the author’s aesthetic post, maybe it was a character post, or even a few excerpts. That was Until the Stars Fall for me. I didn’t know anything really about it when I saw it on Vanessa Rasanen’s Instagram but I immediately knew I had to read it.
The beginning of this book covers the years leading up to the main story, building the groundwork and world building later. I’m impatient and wanted to dive right into the here and now, but it was definitely important to read the sections where Lieke has her unrequited crush on Brennan and getting sent away after Connor saves her the first time as well as her training while she is away. We also see Connor’s role in the kingdom and the issues they are facing get more tense until the current time.
Once the story gets moving, it is such an addictive read. I loved Connor and Lieke together, they have so much chemistry! I don’t read fantasy much anymore – it really has to be a book that grabs me from the start – and this one definitely succeeded in that!
I also loved the set up for coming books, which can be read as standalones but are set in this same world. There is no real cliffhanger end, the characters’ storylines are wrapped up nicely, but it gives you a taste of what is to come.
Overall, this was one of only several fantasy novels I read in 2023 (I was an arc reader) but this was probably my favorite! My only complaint (and it is a small one) is that the author gave the male characters, Brennan and Connor, as well as Lieke’s cousin, Raven, normal names and then we saddle the female main character with an unpronounceable name like Lieke – which kind of reminded me of those big onion things (leeks)....more
Three things you must know about me before I begin:
1. I rarely read or enjoy fantasy anymore
2. I usually hate majorly hyped up books
3. I only decided Three things you must know about me before I begin:
1. I rarely read or enjoy fantasy anymore
2. I usually hate majorly hyped up books
3. I only decided to read this book to prove I was right about # 2
I was wrong. So very wrong. I loved this book. Absolutely loved and devoured this book.
Is it really that unique or original? Absolutely not. I can compare elements of it to probably a dozen other fantasy novels, but in this case it worked because it reminded me of books and tropes that I love.
Violet grew on me throughout the book. In the beginning you can tell she’s kind of teasing and bold toward Dain but has low self-esteem and is constantly wanting her mother’s approval but she grows throughout the book, gets stronger, stops comparing herself to others and decides to not give a damn.
I love the crew of friends that Violet assembles through the book. Each one is fully developed and shines on the page and you root for them as much as you root for Violet.
Then there is Xaden. *sigh* Definitely the kind of love interest that I go for! The broken inside, tough outside, falls first type. His and Violet’s chemistry is off the charts.
For a 500 page book this one moves along at a good, steady pace and I didn’t get bored or feel like the story was lagging at any point. The book ends on a cliff-hanger that makes you instantly want to jump into book 2.
Overall, in this case this book’s hype is well deserved. I’m glad I gave it a chance. It reminds me why I used to love fantasy so much and that occasionally I still can.
**Be aware that as of this writing Fourth Wing is sold out on most US book retailer websites. Possibly in stores as well. I’ve seen potential ship dates of 1-2 months from now (June 2023). If you cannot wait you can get this book instantly in ebook or audiobook (and the audiobook is really good!) Please do not spend $800, $1000, or $2000+ on a first edition copy on PangoBooks, Mercari, eBay, etc… that’s just insane.**...more
I wasn’t really in a fantasy mood when I received this ARC so it took me a little bit to get into the story.
Siofra and Stiofen are twins who are serioI wasn’t really in a fantasy mood when I received this ARC so it took me a little bit to get into the story.
Siofra and Stiofen are twins who are seriously mistreated by a steward who took them in after their parents died but with an ulterior motive – he wants to use the twins unique gifts. There’s no salvation in sight until…
A Master of Forests rescues them with a proposition, a marriage of convenience. But will a marriage of convenience lead to real feelings? And is this the end of Siofra and Stiofen’s bad luck?
The world building was excellently done and I enjoyed not only the complex relationship between Si and Des but their respective relationships with their siblings.
This is the spiciest book in the series so far, which I enjoyed.
A couple drawbacks for me that made it harder to get into the story was it felt like there was an over-explanation of things which since I wasn’t in a fantasy reading mood made the story a big of a struggle to connect with and not get bored with at times. Also, I think this book could have been shorter.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and maybe when I feel like reading fantasy again I’ll read more of this author’s backlist....more
I loved the first two books in this series, and Lock is my favorite of Cari’s mates from the previous books, but I think I might have loved Gessi and I loved the first two books in this series, and Lock is my favorite of Cari’s mates from the previous books, but I think I might have loved Gessi and her assassins even more! (But not more than Lock, just to be clear!) The Assassins is such a sexy, spicy, unputdownable read! I devoured this book in one sitting. The writing is fantastic, the worldbuilding definitely paints a picture along the way not only of the kingdom that lives under the moon and stars, but of the wave of destruction left by General Payne and the spice and chemistry between characters is on fire!
As with the previous books, you don’t have to be a Marvel fan to appreciate these books. If you love why-choose romance, sci-fi/fantasy stories, and really spicy reads, I can’t recommend this series enough! I do recommend reading the first two books to get the backstory of what has occurred before The Assassins, but I don’t think it’s absolutely required. ...more
I keep trying with this author's books but I think I'm at the point where I've tried and failed to get through 4 books by her (A Darker Shade of MagicI keep trying with this author's books but I think I'm at the point where I've tried and failed to get through 4 books by her (A Darker Shade of Magic, City of Ghosts, The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, and now Gallant) so I'm giving up and writing V.E. Schwab off as an author whose books I just don't enjoy. It's not that the writing was bad, that's not at all what I'm saying. It's just that the story didn't hold me. It was predictable and a bit too young for my reading tastes. I'm sure lots of other readers will love this book and others by this author, she's just not for me. DNF @ Page 153...more
I was so excited to read this one and be part of this author’s street team! It has everything a fantasy/romantasy reader loves: great world-building, I was so excited to read this one and be part of this author’s street team! It has everything a fantasy/romantasy reader loves: great world-building, a slow-burn romance between characters who have great chemistry (with more steam to happen in book 2 I understand), and an interesting magic system.
To Free the Rising Storm is a dual POV book with the main characters being Mae and Varys. I liked Varys right away, Mae took a little warming up for me, not because I didn’t like her, but because her relationship with her parents as we see at the beginning of the book is a bit difficult to read. My favorite character, as I predicted when I first heard about her, is Leona. As a plus-size woman myself, I think the author did a great job representing her as a plus-sized character on the page. I love her confidence and sass.
The author created her own elfin language for this book and it’s easy to follow, with helpful elvish and dwarvish dictionaries at the beginning of the book to help you with meanings. I still probably would butcher the words if I tried to say them out loud through!
My only drawback, and this could be a me issue and not a book issue as I haven’t been reading a lot of fantasy or lengthy books lately, is that the beginning of the book took me a little bit of time to get into. With the thrillers I’ve been reading lately, I’m used to a faster pace so I had to get used to the setting up of the fantasy world and story here.
Overall, I thought the book was very well written. I know the author went over this book painstakingly to make sure everything was as perfect and polished as it could be and it shows....more
I often think of this series because I really loved the first two books and was hoping for there to be a third book so I was happy when I was given anI often think of this series because I really loved the first two books and was hoping for there to be a third book so I was happy when I was given an eARC to read.
It's been a couple years since the second book came out and I definitely needed a refresher on where we left off. I do recommend rereading or at least refreshing yourself on the previous two books before starting this one.
Rose has grown so much as a character from the first book and it's been so rewarding watching her character arc.
We start Roots of Ruin with peace in Delmar now that Rayce is the new Emperor but Rose and Rayce are unable to touch due to a method used to save Rayce's life in book two. And what of Rose's homeland? Don't worry, there is plenty of action and swoonworthy moments in this book and it leaves readers with a satisfying end in this truly fantastic trilogy.
Overall, this book was well worth the wait and I'm so happy to have read this series. I highly recommend it to all fantasy lovers. ...more
I'd been meaning to read this one since it first came out and now I wish I'd read it sooner!
I loved everything about this book. The town of Cauldron wI'd been meaning to read this one since it first came out and now I wish I'd read it sooner!
I loved everything about this book. The town of Cauldron was fascinating, an entire city of witches. It was really interesting reading about the different types of witches in this world and the amazing things they could do. Everything was so vividly described so as to give the reader a perfect visual. I felt like I was right there in the story.
Castor was a character I could really connect with and I loved her chemistry with Forge. Anyone that likes enemies-to-lovers will really love watching them together. Their heat steams right off the page.
I also really liked the carnival Castor and Forge end up at and the twist that is uncovered there.
Overall, I couldn't stop reading this book. I literally was sneaking sections of it while I was at work because I had to see what was going to happen next. I would love to see something more in this world because I really hated leaving it when the book was finished. ...more
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