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
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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!*

Review: Crystal Storm (Falling Kingdoms #5)

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Audience: YA, just a little intense make-out session, almost a love scene, a touch of language
Length: 379 pages
Author: Morgan Rhodes
Publisher: Razorbill
Goodreads


*Potentially spoiler-ish if you haven't read the previous books (in regards to Crystal Storm it'll be spoiler free).

OH MY GOODNESS THAT ENDING.

I don't even know where to begin. 

Once again I was completely enamored by this story. I love all of the POVs and the world-building that creates such a dynamic book.

Cleo & Magnus get me every time (Magnus is my favorite POV). I love their banter, yet uncompromising will to help each other. Watching their relationship blossom is great.

I feel for so many of these characters (especially Nic & Jonas 😭), so I applaud Rhodes and her ability to create enough character depth for all the feelings. 

There was somehow less death this time than the previous books. Seriously, every other chapter someone died, this time...every 2 chapters 🤣. Some critical characters did survive, and I'm pleased with that fact. Leading up to the finale though makes me concerned for which main character will meet their demise.

Reiteration of the beginning of this post...THAT ENDING THOUGH. Reminiscent of another novel I'm currently awaiting the ending for, this threw me for a loop. How do they get out of it? Are they found in time?! Questions, my friends, so many questions.

There is a very small spattering of language, an intense make-out session or two. Nothing overtly descriptive. Lots of stabbing and some skirmishes. (all about those dark books).

Loving this series and am excited to start the next [last] book immediately.

Question: Who is your favorite POV of this series?

*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: Snow Like Ashes (Snow Like Ashes #1)

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Audience: Teen (Adults might find boring/repetitive to other stories), minor language, a kiss or two

Length: 416 pages

Author: Sara Raasch

Goodreads

NOT TOO SHABBY.

I listened to this on audio during my runs and it kept me interested enough to ignore how long I needed to run that day 🤣. Lots of magic and some adventure involved!

It's really easy to get the 'main' plot twist early on, but it doesn't take away from the overall book. This book follows most fantasy YA novels with the story line, so nothing too new here.

There is a love triangle (and if you're like me, you generally stay far away from them). This one wasn't bothersome enough for me to stop listening. I can't decide which guy I like better for Meira so I'll see how book 2 goes.

Some dragging themes do occur, having to learn the history of Winter and the other nations, people being captured, etc. Raasch focuses too much on some of the side stories that either haven't resolved (which could be why there's so much focus), or truly are there for no good reason. 

While nothing that special stands out, it's still a good, quick read if you're looking for something simple (and that has a cute love component).

They're some fight scenes that are a touch gory. No major love scenes (two characters kiss once) so it's appropriate for most ages. 

*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: The Thief (The Queen's Thief #1)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5

Audience: Teen+, no language, some fight scenes, no love scenes

Length: 280 pages

Author: Megan Whalen Turner

Goodreads

TOUGH TO GET THROUGH.

Oh goodness, I had been warned that this book was tough to get through, but necessary to the rest of the series, and that is SO true!

I spent most of it speed reading through to conversations just to understand the story. The book tells the story of the Thief, Gen, going with the Sounis to find a stone said to give immortality to its holder. 

While I enjoyed the back story of the formation of the world by the Gods (Earth & Sky), besides that I could barely hold on. Most of the time it's the group moving through the country trying to get to the fabled Temple.

Once there, the story does begin to pick-up as real action descends. Fighting rebel armies, ending up back in prison, and a solid twist round out the conclusion. 

I believe that this book will set-up the rest of the series well (and I've heard great things about the rest of her books). 

If you're interested in reading this series, I would still recommend reading this book. 

The Thief is appropriate for all ages. I don't recall any language, and there's literally 3 women in the entire book who speak (maybe 15 lines?) so no love involved either, haha. They're some fight scenes, but gore is minimal.

Looking forward to ordering her next book!

Question: Have you read this series? What do you think about it?

*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: Hero at the Fall (Rebel of the Sands #3)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Audience: True YA, appropriate for teens, language very minimal

Length: 464 pages
Author: Alwyn Hamilton

Goodreads

SOLID ENDING.

I went with a 4.5 star rating because as my husband let me know I didn't say the book was AMAZING, only really good haha.

I felt the pace of the book did drag somewhat, but Hamilton does a good job of being descriptive without being long-winded. There was also some 'unnecessary' drama involved that annoyed me, and yet, I read faster trying to make sure the author really wasn't going to end her series that way!

I could have used more of Jin & Amani in this book. There relationship had blossomed so well over the series, and I felt their moments were rushed and hurried. 

I appreciated that the twists were a little out of reach of me figuring out. I came up with enough ideas, and hoped that most of the them weren't going to come true. Total cardinal sin in my book is killing a main character undue a death (**cough cough** Divergent series 😆). While characters do die, it made sense and rounded out the conclusion well.

I love that Hamilton adds POV chapters from a 'storyteller' side. It allows the reader to experience other areas of the desert without Amani being present. It helped to close out some story lines and influence others so I wasn't confused as to how one place went to the next.

The characters in this series were also some of my favorite too. The Demdji were colorful and unique in personality and added to the sass and overall group dynamic of the Rebels.

This series is definitely YA. In this book there was only one true 'love' scene and it's written appropriately for [somewhat] younger audiences. There isn't an over abundance of detail (which I appreciate as well).

I really enjoyed this series and look forward to what Hamilton writes next!



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