Review: Legendary (Caraval #2) by Stephanie Garber

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Audience: YA+, no language, some intense-ish make-outs, violence super minimal

Length: 416 pages

Author: Stephanie Garber

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Publication date: May 29th, 2018

Goodreads

LEGEN...wait for it...DARY

Oh my goodness, this book truly had me from the first page. I was drawn in and taken on such an adventure I didn't want it to end.

Seriously, I spent the entire book shouting: WHO IS LEGEND? Garber made my head spin in so many circles til it finally made sense. It was such inventive writing that kept me on the edge. Tella, Dante, Legend, and Jacks were amazing characters. Each was unique and you could feel their voices coming through as you read.

Also, ladies, don't you want ALL of those dresses?! Their descriptions had me drooling for a ball where I could have Jacks create me a dress. The world itself sounded great as well. The descriptions had me craving to be there and enjoy the balls, and all that Caraval has to offer.

Dante stole my heart. The tangle of him and Tella left me wanting more, more, more. The witty banter had me giving all the heart eyes. Their story was perfectly woven within the magic of Caraval.

No language, some make-outs, nothing too crazy. Violence is super minimal, barely there status.

But remember, it's only a game.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Flatiroin Books for the digital ARC! Publication date and length are subject to change before publishing. 

Review: Restore Me (Shatter Me #4)

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Audience: YA+, a few love scenes, some language, definitely some gun slinging
Length: 448 pages
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publisher: Harper Collins
Release Date: March 6th, 2018
Goodreads

#WARNER

OKAY WHAT JUST HAPPENED.

*tries to gather self*

Uh, first off. WARNER JUST WANTS TO BE LOVED. Is that so hard everyone? Why can't he have the things that he loves? Why the will they / won't they? WHY. I mean, I get it, it's the start of the 'second half' of the series, so ya gotta up the ante. I will sit here until I get the next book though because Mafi BETTER NOT LET ME DOWN.

Okay, after that caps parade, this book was great! I was super nervous when I heard that she was adding on more to the original trilogy, but this one rose above. It had all of the twists and turns that make for a wondrous novel. It had everything the first group did. So many emotions were put in, and I loved feeling for all of the characters. The emotions were raw. They were powerful. And I could barely handle it half the time.

When I figured out where Mafi was taking us, I was flabbergasted. That is such an amazing twist. I have no idea where the roller coaster will take us next, but I am buckled in for the ride.

Definitely some language. There were a few love scenes. I'd call them PG-14 rated. Nothing overtly descriptive. You did truly get the love between characters though. And I always applaud an author who can convey that kind of emotion without it being raunchy. Minor violence compared to the battles from the previous books. 

Review: Sky in the Deep

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Audience: YA, no language, a love scene, plenty of gore
Length: 352 pages
Author: Adrienne Young
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Goodreads

WE ARE FAMILY.

...I got all my sisters [and brother] with me.

This book was so good! The Vikings essence of it was what originally drew me to this book and it didn't disappoint. It was the first one I've happened to come across about Vikings that was written beautifully.

There was a big focus on blood and family being first. Eelyn dealing with her brother's betrayal forces her to see the big picture. Does her hate for the Riki really outweigh the fact her brother is alive?

The fact that it isn't a 'love at first sight' kind of concept was FANTASTIC. I love bitter angst between characters before they come together. And a well written [tasteful] love scene...*SWOON*. 

Eeyln's character really evolves through the book. She loses herself and finds that fire within her to gain it back as the final battle descends. Fiske, Inge, Halvard, and even Iri help her gain what she's been missing. Her family and peace.

No language, some kissing and one love scene [written appropriately for younger audiences]. Clearly, lots of throat slashing, arrows hitting their mark, and sword stabbing, because Vikings. 

Side note...THAT COVER THOUGH. 

Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me a digital ARC. 

Review: Obsidio (The Illuminae Files #3)

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Audience: YA+, [redacted] language, some kissing, shooting & explosions galore 
Length: 615 pages
Author: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Goodreads

SO GOOD. SO GOOD.

I have too many feelings going on right now. I LOVE THESE BOOKS. This series was so unique, so mind-blowing, and so very very good.

These books are crafted so cleverly. The time it must've taken to decide what should go on each page (video footage, artwork, notes, explosions, etc.)!? Can't even fathom, can't even deal.

You are taken on a roller coaster of emotions never knowing who died, who actually died, and which part of the universe is still around. The love between characters is great and the group dynamics are amazing. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses that add to the collective story.

                                       

Also, totally feel this is how all of BeiTech feels about the situation mwuahaha.

Sometimes it's nice to see authors collaborate and create great reads that you just can't put down. 

There is quite a bit of language, it's all redacted though (the book is read as a file created to explain the situation at hand), but you definitely know what they meant to say haha. Plenty of guns going off, and ships exploding. Some kisses here and there, but clean. 

Review: Brave Enough

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Audience: YA, some language, a few kisses
Length: 280 pages
Author: Kati Gardner
Publisher: North Star Editions / Flux
Release Date: August 21st, 2018
Goodreads

ALL THE FEELS.

Reminiscent of The Fault in Our Stars, Brave Enough follows two main characters who are struggling with their own afflictions. Cason, currently dealing with cancer, and Davis, who previously had cancer. The difference in this book is what Davis brings to the table, drug addiction. 

Everyone has their own trials, but few go through what these characters do. As I read, it made me consider just how true these feelings are. Pain, turmoil, loss of dreams, none of it is easy. Cason was previously a ballerina who has to come to terms with her new identity.

Gardner draws on her own life story (she survived childhood cancer), and creates a beautiful, fictional version. 

The love story is sweet, and real. Davis and Cason both had to deal with their own internal issues before they could find solid ground to stand on together. The ups and downs may not be full of "drama," but you feel for their stories all the same. 

It was a good, quick read that was different than my normal choices. There is some language, and of course discussion of the turmoil that is drug addiction (and the potential fall-outs).

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a digital ARC. The length, release date, and page counts were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.

Review: Thunderhead (Arc of a Scythe #2)

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Audience: YA, little language, lots of killing, no love scenes
Length: 504 pages
Author: Neal Shusterman
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Release Date: January 9th, 2018
Goodreads

WHAT JUST HAPPENED.

I have no words. For a second book, this was FANTASTIC.

How in the world did Shusterman fit all of this into one book? The drama, the friendship, the angst, the betrayal,  it was a collaboration that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I have so much to say and I'm trying to formulate it without adding spoilers *SIGH*, but I digress.

I love a good romantic component to books, yet this is one where it plays maybe a 5% portion and I can't help reading faster and faster to get to the end. The twists and turns create great plot lines that weave a tangled web.

The world building is so CRAZY. I spend half of my reading wondering what kind of world it would be if we had a Thunderhead (who's to say that won't happen though??). I can't even fathom scythes, gleaning, and a cloud controlling the universe. It makes these novels all the more enticing.

Everything draws me in about this series. Some portions were left open that will definitely craft an insane finale. I feel like using character names will give too much away. So I'll sit in anticipation for book 3 because all hell has broken loose in MidMerica.

His characters are complicated, intense, and without remorse. I love them all. (Well, I could name a few I'd glean myself...)

Very little language, lots of death (to be expected, haha), no love scenes. Overall, a clean book if you're okay with all of the gleaning. 

*Note: All opinions are my own. I only add the Goodreads link if you want to check out other reviews and information on the book itself. Thanks!*

Review: Immortal Reign (Falling Kingdoms #6)

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Audience: YA, one [non-descriptive] love scene, a few curse words
Length: 391 pages
Author: Morgan Rhodes
Publisher: Razorbill
Goodreads

WHAT A FINALE.

At last, Falling Kingdoms comes to an end. It was a great series and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

I appreciate that the nefarious characters who needed to meet their demise, did. Nobody likes loose ends. Or Gods to run amok. 

Also, Cleo & MAGNUS. Yet again, I'll say I love them. Well, I love Magnus. All of his dark, broodiness and sassiness. 💓

Rhodes does a good job tying all the bows on each story line so you aren't left wondering 'what happens next'. Everyone gets a solid ending. I HATE if an author gives ruin to any of my characters, it convinces me I can longer read their books haha. In this case, I am content with how it all went down.

I feel at some portions there was addition of drama to try to increase the height of the conclusion, but I understand the need for it. 

Overall, you can see the ending from a mile away, yet can't help but keep reading because the writing is done so well. The world created by Rhodes is spectacular and unique.

I kept it at 4.5 stars because I enjoyed Crystal Storm the most out of this series.

There's one love scene that is very glossed over, and non-descriptive (except for the fact you know what they're doing haha). Some kissing and such, but nothing 'adult'. It's written appropriately to maintain YA status. Definitely plenty of slashed necks, stabbing, and arrows flying. A few curse words here and there, but doesn't detract from the story.

*Note: All opinions are my own. I only add the Goodreads link if you want to check out other reviews and information on the book itself. Thanks!*