Bookstagram Mondays: (3)

My family on my dad's side is german, my grandparents were from Germany. My sisters and I went to a german immersion school growing up. I took german classes until I was in grade 10. 

While I've grown rusty over the years, I still collect german editions of books. I don't have a huge selection as it's expensive to ship from Germany, and the books are just expensive in general, but I'm proud of my collection. 

Do you collect different language books?

Ohana Reads' 5th Blogiversary!

Hello friends! It's certainly been a year, and I haven't spent as much time here as I would have liked. Where I miss posting all the time, I just haven't been able to get into a routine of things anymore. I think saying that, I've come to terms with it. I'm officially okay with being that person who just posts randomly, I hope you guys are alright with that too.

Even though I haven't posted a bunch on the blog, I've still been very active on Twitter and in the book community. So if you ever want to chat, don't be afraid to hit me up!

Anyways, time for me to tell you about how my 2018 went:

Break Down of the Year:

Over 203, 672 Total Page Views

247 Published Comments

462 Published Posts

My Top Series Enders of 2013 being my most viewed post...at 47, 352 views

The Ohana Reads' 4th Blogiversary Post being my most viewed post of 2018... at 300 views

28 GFC Followers

1, 386 Twitter Followers

532 Instagram Followers

Like every year, I wouldn't have been able to survive the year without the help of some amazing friends and people in my life. Here are the people that made my year amazing.

Ohana Reads 4th Blogiversary!

   For the first time since starting my Blog, I missed my Blogiversary. The last year has been almost completely different than any other year, I continued on with University, I got a job as a bookseller at my favourite place on earth, and I completely neglected Ohana Reads.

  When I first started to notice the gap between the blog and I, I blamed it on University. If this past year has taught me anything, I would say it taught me that I have changed as a person, as along with me, my determination towards the blog. With this realization, I've come to understand that I will never be like I was when I first started Ohana Reads, so this upcoming year will have some changes.

   The first being, I will no longer have a set schedule when it comes to posts, but you can still expect the odd post from me. The second, that I've somewhat gained a co-blogger. My cousin Sarah has slowly been dragged into the crazy book life along with myself, and with that I asked her if she'd like to post some reviews on Ohana Reads, and she agreed! So expect a few reviews from her in the future, and maybe a few other things!

  Anyways, time for me to tell you about my 2017!

This is my Break Down of the Year:

Over 176, 943 Total Page Views

238 Published Comments

439 Published Posts

My Top Series Enders of 2013 being my most viewed post...at 47,317 views

The Ohana Reads 3rd Blogiversary Post being my most viewed post of 2017... at 1092 views

23 GFC Followers

54 People have me in their Circles

1,138 Twitter Followers

92 Facebook likes

446 Instagram Followers

   With my total number of posts not even being close to the number I had last year, a bunch of my numbers dwindled this year. It was to be expected, and so there can't really be any hurt feelings on my part. I did however spend a lot of time on Twitter, so I'm not really surprised at how much larger that number got.

   Like always, the year wouldn't have been anything with out amazing friends and amazing people in general. Here are the people that made my year great. (Definitely give them a follow)

People Who Made 2017 Great:

Kristie from Lost in Ever After

Ola and Lauren from The Autumn Bookshelf

I can always rely on the three girls above to talk about the latest and greatest teen novels, new book covers, as well as anything really. I can't wait to see what our group chat has in store for 2018!

Lainey from McNally Robinson Kids

Learning a knew job is always tough, and so I'm so glad to have this girl help with all my ridiculous questions as well as suggest and shove new contemporary teen novels in my face. I look forward to our Outlander and gossip nights in the future!

Steph from Doodle's Book Reviews

Of course no list would be complete without mentioning my online sister and name twin, Steph. It was a long and tough year for you, especially with the heart transplant, but I'm so happy to have been there alongside you, even if it was only through a phone screen. I can not wait to see your face in person again in July! 

and finally

 Sabrina from Behind the Book Reviews

I literally would not have been able to get through this year without Sabrina, she helped me get through University classes by taking them with me and making them actually interesting, as well as joining me with my insanity and obsession of books. You're so much more than just a book friend now, and I can't wait to spend the next year fingerling over books, clothes and so much more, with you!

Highlights of Ohana Reads 2017:

   1. Half of 2017 was my new job at McNally Robinson, and the job was definitely my #1 highlight for the year. I've made so many new friends, and who would have thought that someone could actually enjoy working for 8 hours straight? Along with being able to work with books constantly, the job itself has kept me mentally sound with all the other craziness that has happened in my life. I look forward to the upcoming years at McNally Robinson!

   2. As part of working at McNally Robinson I've learned a bunch of new things about the publishing industry. One of those new things, being how bookstores decide what to carry in their stores. One of my managers knew how fascinating I find the industry, as well as the fact that I'm going to school to work in the industry, and so she let me sit in on a few buys. In the end I got to see a Simon and Schuster buy, as well as a Raincoast one. I can not wait to be apart of the next buy!

   3. This one isn't really that book related, but a highlight of my year was being able to see Stephanie finally get a heart transplant. I've known her for longer than my blog was even a thing, and so I know how much of a big deal this was for her and her family, and I couldn't be happier for her.

Goals for 2018:

   1. This is a weak goal, but my top goal is to at least have one post every week or second week. It doesn't sound like much, but I'd really love to at least try and get back into a routine.

   2. I want to mentally prepare myself and be able loosen the reigns for Ohana Reads. I'm very obsessive when it comes to possession, and so I want to be able to not freak out when my cousin starts posting on Ohana Reads.

   3.  Then finally, my final goal as well as my new years resolution. I want to read all my ARCs before their publication date. So far I'm already behind by one, but I really hope to stick to this and actually read them all.

Giveaway

To celebrate another year passing, I have a giveaway for you all. The giveaway features my favourite 2017 releases that I read in 2017! Good luck!

- Ohana Reads Giveaway Policies apply. (Check out the policies page)

- Open to any country that can receive books from Book Depository!

-Price of book limited to $25 Canadian.

- Winner gets to choose from any book pictured or any book from one of the series pictured.

- Must have followed @OhanaReads on Twitter, and had Retweeted the Tweet. (I will be checking)
-Giveaway closes February 6th, 2018!

To enter the giveaway click the link below.

ENTER GIVEAWAY.

   Thank you guys, always, for your continued support for Ohana Reads. Hopefully 2018 will take it easy on us all, and that it'll be a good one!

Book Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

Release Date: May 2nd, 2017
Read: May 3rd-6th, 2017
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3
Format: Indigo Exclusive Hardcover, 705 pages
Source: Bought

Description from GoodReads:

   A nightmare, I’d told Tamlin. I was the nightmare.

   Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit—and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well. As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords—and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

Review:

Contains Minor Spoilers:

   Only you can decide what breaks you, Cursebreaker. Only you.
   I knew two things when finishing A Court of Mist and Fury one year ago; one, being that the wait for A Court of Wings and Ruin was going to being even more unbearable than the one for A Court of Mist and Fury was, and two, that I would never be able to prepare myself for what was to come in the final book of the trilogy. Of course where Sarah J Maas is concerned, I was not wrong.

   The year leading up to ACOWAR's release was certainly a hard one, from the long countdown of its release to trying not to predict too much of what I thought might occur in the book. Doing so to avoid being disappointed if what I predicted or wanted to happen didn't occur.

   A Court of Wings and Ruin was everything I could have wanted, but in the end I still couldn't help but feel a little unsatisfied with the ending. My major problem with the book, one that I still think about a week after initially reading the book, was that Sarah J Maas left too many loose threads and unfinished plot lines. A little while after A Court of Mist and Fury was released, the publishing announced that Maas was to write three more novels in the same universe as the characters in the series, as well as two novellas. These novels and novellas were to be set around secondary characters from the originally series. If you went into A Court of Wings and Ruin knowing this little bit of information like I did, then you understood why Maas left the loose threads like she did. But it still didn't stop me from feeling extremely dissatisfied. When reading a final book in a series, I would like to have finished the book feeling like the story has been completed and everything resolved. I never got that feeling from A Court of Wings and Ruin, and thus can't help but be angry with it. This being the first final book in a series that Sarah J. Maas has written, I had high hopes for how she would wrap up her book series. But now I don't know how I feel about her ending her Throne of Glass series in 2018, will she actually end her series like she said she would, or would she leave us unsatisfied again and continue dragging on the series for the sake of it being popular? In the end, the unsatisfied feeling remains on my shoulders a week after completing the book.

   The book brought back all my favourite characters from A Court of Mist and Fury, and even gave me a bunch of new characters to love. We were finally introduced to all of the High Lords (officially anyway), and were able to to see a few more of the courts that we were not able to experience in the previous books. In particular, I loved the High Lord of the Day Court, Helion, with his charisma and humour. We also met the High Lord of Winter and his mate, Kallias and Viviane, who I think will both have a part one way or another when it comes to the continuing novels or novellas. Their stories felt as if they still had much to say, the same went with many of the other characters. These were the loose ends that appeared continuously throughout the novel. Along with Kallias and Viviane, it was clear that Maas still had a story to tell for Drakon and Miryam, Vassa, Nesta and Cassian, Elain, Lucian and Helion, and even Mor and Armen. Although I am excited to be able to experience their stories later, I couldn't help but be disappointed with the bare mininmun that we got in A Court of Wings and Ruin. I wanted their stories to end with Feyre's, happy and free, but now we must suffer with questions until the next books release.

   With how A Court of Mist and Fury ended, it was clear that Tamlin was to be apart of the next book, and of course he was. Unfortunately for him, Maas tried to redeem his character in this book. I never liked Tamlin, from the second I met him in A Court of Thorns and Roses, I could never connect with him and as the series continued, I learned why. With him in this book, there was bound to be tension and hate surrounding his character, but in the end Maas decided that she wanted to redeem him which personally made me uncomfortable as well as make me wonder why bother? His character was ruined already, so why bother trying to fix him? If anything, I think Maas just didn't feel like having to introduce a solution if he died with out having living relatives to rule the court. Even with so low standards in the first place, I was disappointed even further with his character.

   I felt as if A Court of Wings and Ruin was a completely different sort of book when compared to its siblings. With the first two books being about Feyre finding love, as well as herself, it didn't leave any windows open for this book. Having already found happiness, the intense connection we had to her in the previous books just wasn't there. Of course swooning still occurred when Feyre and Rhysand were together, but it felt like the book was more of a book of plot than anything else with all the characters already having been established.

   With that being said, the plot itself was very thought out and keep its audience compelled to continue on with the book. From living in the Spring Court, to returning home, and then the war. Every little detail planned out, and necessary in one way or another, making it a true Sarah J Maas novel. From discoveries made with the Bone Carver and the Weaver, as well as perhaps even some connections to her Throne of Glass series.

   There have been many books where the lead up to "the final battle" have been hyped to the point where the final battle feels small and practically nothing. With the war in the book, I was very satisfied with how it ended, even blown away in some cases. With just the right amount of death, blood, surprises and destruction, you couldn't have hoped for more.

   I have many different favourite parts from the novel but the ones that stood out the most for me were when the Court of Dreams were reunited with Feyre, the meeting of/meeting the High Lords, as well as when the three particular human ships sailed in to help the battle. The last one being one of the few different scenes that left me emotionally unstable throughout the book.

   A Court of Wings and Ruin wasn't what I was expecting from the third book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. There were many cases where I was very unsatisfied, but then there were also many cases where I don't think Sarah J Maas could have done better. The series has been apart of my life for two and a half years, and has certainly become a large part of it. A Court of Wings and Ruin may not have become my new favourite in the series, but I am still sad to see the series go. Now the countdown begins for when Maas can bring us back to the beautiful world that she has written.

Rating:

Favourite Quotes:

"Be happy, Feyre."

"You belong to all of us, and we belong to you."

"Remember that you are a wolf. And you can not be caged."

"When you erupt, girl, make sure it is felt across worlds."

"Night Triumphant - and the Stars Eternal."

"Kindess can thrive, even amongst cruelty."

"Leave this world.... a better place than how you found it."

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, New Adult, High Fantasy, Fae, Magic, War, Battles, Intense Romance 

Ohana Talks: Top 10 Favourite Reads of 2016

   I had many favourite reads of 2016, and even though we're already 22 days into 2017, I still want to  share them with you! So these are the books that I continue to find myself thinking of, every now and then, even when I had read some of them last January. Some were published in 2016, some in 2017, and some in 2015! So without further ado! 

Top 10 Favourite Reads of 2016

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson

The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye

A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess

Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

Freeks by Amanda Hocking

Winter by Marissa Meyer

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows

The Masked Truth by Kelley Armstrong

The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker

   And those are them! Did you guys love these guys too? Which were your favourites of 2016? I'd love to hear what those were!

Ohana Talks: Top 5 Most Anticipated Reads of 2017

   Hi guys!

   For today, I'm going to tell you about my most anticipated reads for 2017, or well at least my top 5 so far. Of course I'm still not sure what they're going to announce later in the year for the fall, and obviously I haven't included the final Throne of Glass book (I didn't really want to bother since a title and a cover haven't been revealed yet), but I've put together my current list for you anyway. Without further ado, my top 5 anticipated reads (so far), for 2017!

North of Happy

Adi Alsaid

HarlequinTeen

Expected: April 25th, 2017

Description from GoodReads:

   Carlos Portillo has always led a privileged and sheltered life. A dual citizen of Mexico and the US, he lives in Mexico City with his wealthy family where he attends an elite international school. His friends and peers-fellow rich kids-have plans to attend college somewhere in the US or Europe and someday take over their parents' businesses. Always a rule follower and a parent pleaser, Carlos is more than happy to tread the well-worn path in front of him. He has always loved food and cooking, but his parents see it as just a hobby.

   When his older brother, Felix--who has dropped out of college to live a life of travel--is tragically killed, Carlos begins hearing his brother's voice, giving him advice and pushing him to rebel against his father's plan for him. Worrying about his mental health, but knowing the voice is right, Carlos runs away to the US and manages to secure a job with his favorite celebrity chef. As he works to improve his skills in the kitchen and pursue his dream, he begins to fall for his boss's daughter--a fact that could end his career before it begins. Finally living for himself, Carlos must decide what's most important to him and where his true path really lies. 

Traitor to the Throne

Alwyn Hamilton

Rebel of the Sands, #2

Faber & Faber

Expected: February 2nd, 2017 (For the UK Edition)

Description from GoodReads:

   This is not about blood or love. This is about treason.

   Nearly a year has passed since Amani and the rebels won their epic battle at Fahali. Amani has come into both her powers and her reputation as the Blue-Eyed Bandit, and the Rebel Prince's message has spread across the desert - and some might say out of control. But when a surprise encounter turns into a brutal kidnapping, Amani finds herself betrayed in the cruellest manner possible.

   Stripped of her powers and her identity, and torn from the man she loves, Amani must return to her desert-girl's instinct for survival. For the Sultan's palace is a dangerous one, and the harem is a viper's nest of suspicion, fear and intrigue. Just the right place for a spy to thrive... But spying is a dangerous game, and when ghosts from Amani's past emerge to haunt her, she begins to wonder if she can trust her own treacherous heart.

The Dark Calling

Kresley Cole

The Arcana Chronicles, #5

Expected: 2017

Description from GoodReads:

   N/A

The Crown's Game

Evelyn Skye

The Crown's Game, #2

Balzer + Bray

Expected: May 16th, 2017

Description from GoodReads:

   Russia is on the brink of great change. Pasha’s coronation approaches, and Vika is now the Imperial Enchanter, but the role she once coveted may be more difficult—and dangerous—than she ever expected.

   Pasha is grappling with his own problems—his legitimacy is in doubt, the girl he loves loathes him, and he believes his best friend is dead. When a challenger to the throne emerges—and with the magic in Russia growing rapidly—Pasha must do whatever it takes to keep his position and protect his kingdom.

   For Nikolai, the ending of the Crown’s Game stung deeply. Although he just managed to escape death, Nikolai remains alone, a shadow hidden in a not-quite-real world of his own creation. But when he’s given a second chance at life—tied to a dark price—Nikolai must decide just how far he’s willing to go to return to the world.

   With revolution on the rise, dangerous new magic rearing up, and a tsardom up for the taking, Vika, Nikolai, and Pasha must fight—or face the destruction of not only their world but also themselves. 

A Court of Wings and Ruin

Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3

Expected: May 2nd, 2017

Description from GoodReads:

   Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

   As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places. 

   And those are them! So what do you guys think? Have you guys heard of them before? Are you excited for them too? Anyways, what are you looking forward to releasing in 2017? Let me know so I can add them to my TBR pile!

Ohana Reads 3rd Blogiversary!

   It's been another year already, holy crap, oh how time flies when you're having fun. In the past year, so much has happened, for better or worst. I've started University, wither I like it or not, I joined more bookish things, and I overall got a lot of things done. I didn't let 2016 break me, that's for sure.

   Although a lot was accomplished, I didn't stick to some of my goals like I said I would. I didn't host any giveaways, I didn't really advertise my posts, but I did talk to bloggers and my online friends more! This year, things will definitely be different than last year, although I'm not sure if that's for the best yet.

This is my Break Down of the Year:

Over 140, 950 Total page views

208 Published Comments

384 Published Posts

My Top Series Enders of 2013 being my most viewed post...at 47, 310 views

The Ohana Reads 2nd Blogiversary Post being my most viewed post of 2016... at 731 views

59 Bloglovin Followers

14 GFC Followers

53 People have me in their Circles

895 Twitter Followers

86 Facebook likes

381 Instagram Followers

   Like every year, I say I only ever focus on a few sites in particular, and this year is no different. Twitter was definitely a priority this year, and in my mind GFC is as well, even if I don't boost it often. 

   Although it varies everyday, I'm really satisfied with my average number of pageviews per day, this year. I find that I get around 250 pageviews, roughly each day. To think that 250 people visit my blog a day, honestly just amazes me. That number sure has grown since I first started out. 

   I know I said this last year as well, but this year I think I'm really going to drop Facebook. I don't even check my blogs Facebook page anymore, and so I think that it's really time to go. I guess we'll see, what happens with that.

   Like always, the year wouldn't have been anything with out amazing friends and amazing people in general. Here are the people that made my year great. (Definitely give them a follow)

People Who Made 2016 Great:

Joy from Joyousreads

Kristie from Lost in Ever After

Sara from Just Another Story

Sabrina from Behind the Book Reviews

Mari, Ola and Lauren from The Autumn Bookshelf

Nori from Read Write Love 28

Brittany from Brittany's Book Rambles

and

Steph from Doodle's Book Reviews

   Like usual, Stephanie was a huge part of my year, I even got to meet her for the first time. It was the best feeling, finally being able to meet one of your best friends for the first time. Lots of tears were shed, but I honestly had the best time being able to spend a whole week with her. I love this girl, with all my heart and I can't wait to see her again soon. I love you lots girl. 

Highlights of Ohana Reads 2016:

   1. Since I first started blogging, I've encountered a few Winnipeg Bloggers to talk with online. For the first time this year I've actually had the chance to meet them all in person, and become super close with them. This group consists of Joy from Joyousreads, Kristie from Lost in Ever After, Sara from Just Another Story, Sabrina from Behind the Book Reviews, and Mari, Old and Lauren from The Autumn Bookshelf. We try to hang out at least once every month, and its become something that I look forward to. I love hanging out with these girls, and I can't wait to hang out with them more this year!

   2. This year, I was asked to become a member of MYRCA, the Manitoba Young Readers Choice Award. I couldn't be more excited to be apart of something that encourages young readers to read, and honestly, I get to read as a job. MYRCA has already made my life all that more fun, with getting to meet Kenneth Oppel, to just getting to meet every month and discuss Canadian Books that we love. I've only been apart of MYRCA for half a year, but I'm super excited to see where else it takes me. 

   3. In 2016, I was able to go to my second book convention. I was able to go to BEA 2016, with one of my best friends, Stephanie from Doodle's Book Review. It was sort of a last minute decision on our part, but in the end it was the best decision. Besides meeting Stephanie in person for the first time, I was also able to meet so many other book friends that I had been able to befriend online in the past few years. Obviously bringing home 80+ books was also another highlight, but just making so many memories to look back on was a favourite. Just looking back at that trip, always brings a smile to my face. Although I probably won't be able to do BEA again, anytime soon, I look forward to seeing more friends and attending more signings and conventions in the future! 

Goals for 2017:

   1.  With the end of 2016 being a little iffy for me blog wise, one of my goals for 2017 is to actually make time to plan and write posts for the blog. I love running this blog, and I don't want to give it up or let it die, so I gotta keep up with posts.

   2. I've only ever seen Ohana Reads as my own, but it's always nice to switch things up and have other people bring their ideas to the blog. For 2017, I'm going to try to have multiple guest posts on the blog. So if you're interested in maybe having a post or two on Ohana Reads, shoot me an email and I'll try to work something out!

   3.  It's not really a goal for Ohana Reads, but I want to actually write a book. I've plotted out a few already, and started little things but I'd like to actually write it this year. I'm one of the biggest procrastinators I know, so we'll see how that turns out. 

Giveaway

To celebrate another year passing, I have a giveaway for you all. The giveaway features my favourite 2016 releases that I read in 2016! Good luck!

- Ohana Reads Giveaway Policies apply. (Check out the policies page)

- Open to any country that can receive books from Book Depository!
-Price of book limited to $25 Canadian.

- Winner gets to choose from any book pictured or any book from one of the series pictured.

- Must have followed @OhanaReads on Twitter, and had Retweeted the Tweet. (I will be checking)

- Giveaway runs until February 6th, 2016.

To enter the giveaway click the link below.

ENTER GIVEAWAY.

   Thank you guys so much for all your support in the last year, I wouldn't have done it without you all! Hopefully 2017 will take it easy on us all, we sure as heck need it!

Book Review: The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

Release Date: March 4th, 2014
Read: October 4th-9th, 2016
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens
Series: Throne of Glass, #0.1- 0.5
Format: Signed Hardcover, 435 pages
Source: Bought

Description from GoodReads:

   Discover where Celaena Sardothien's thrilling saga began

   Celaena Sardothien is her kingdom's most feared assassin. Though she works for the powerful and ruthless Assassin's Guild, Celaena yields to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam.

   When Celaena's scheming master, Arobynn Hamel, dispatches her on missions that take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, she finds herself acting independently of his wishes—and questioning her own allegiance. Along the way, she makes friends and enemies alike, and discovers that she feels far more for Sam than just friendship. But by defying Arobynn's orders, Celaena risks unimaginable punishment, and with Sam by her side, he is in danger, too. They will have to risk it all if they hope to escape Arobynn's clutches—and if they fail, they'll lose not just a chance at freedom, but their lives...

   A prequel to Throne of Glass, this collection of five novellas offers listeners a deeper look into the history of this cunning assassin and her enthralling—and deadly—world.

   Included in this volume:

   The Assassin and the Pirate Lord

   The Assassin and the Healer

   The Assassin and the Desert

   The Assassin and the Underworld

   The Assassin and the Empire 

Review:

   Words can be just as deadly as steel.

   This series is basically a huge part of my life now, but I never really got the chance to read The Assassin's Blade until after reading Queen of Shadows. When it comes to reading, I'm not usually a huge fan of novellas. If, like The Assassin's Blade, they come out as a bind up in print form, I will eventually pick them up. But they aren't a high priority. 

   The Assassin's Blade was just like I expected it to be, just a bunch of short stories of Celaena before she was Aelin, when Sam was still alive and they were still working for Arobynn. I really enjoyed being able to see who Celaena was and what she was like before Endovier. In Throne of Glass it sort of felt like Celaena was all talk and no action, with the novellas we got to see some of that action, even if we still never got to see why she was considered the greatest assassin next to Arobynn. 

   Sometimes novellas are all over the place position wise, with the five in The Assassin's Blade, that wasn't the case. Each novella basically took place right after each other, with only a small passing of time between them. The last one ending right as Celaena reached Endovier, I do sort of wish that we got to see her surviving in Endovier though. 

   The only thing I found with the stories was that no matter how hard I tried, I just could not love Sam. I knew what was going to happen to him since I had read the original series first, and so I just couldn't connect with him. 

   The Assassin's Blade was a sweet little bit of backstory to Celaena's story. Where I enjoyed the book as quick little stories, I still prefer reading the storyline the main series has. But I am looking forward to seeing what Chaol's novellas will be like.  

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

“There was no way in hell she was going to move to the southern continent without all of her books."

"Where do men find it in themselves to do such monstrous things? How do they find it acceptable?"

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Fantasy, Supernatural, Fairies, Rebellion, Romance, Assassins, Magic, Demons

Ohana Talks: Top 5 Favourite Authors.

   Since I began my obsession with reading oh so long ago, I've come to read a lot of books over that time, and with those books, I've fallen in love with so many great authors. Today I wanted to show you all, my top favourite authors. The authors that I own almost all of their books, as well as multiple editions of them. Many of them don't need any help getting their books out there, they're already big names, but I wanted to show them off to you anyway.

   I was originally just going to do my top 5, but I found that I had two authors that were tied in 5th place. So now I have 6 total.

Marisa Meyer/ Kiera Cass

   I was lucky enough to have met both Kiera and Marissa, to be completely honest, I've met all the authors on this list, expect one. I met Kiera Cass back in 2014, at YALLfest. She still remains one of the sweetest people I have met in my entire life. She adored how loved my copy of The Selection was, as well as The Selection and The Elite earrings that my sister was wearing. (That I made, hehe) I've loved her book since that one camping trip when I happened to have picked up The Selection at the library to bring along, and finished it in one day.
   I first met Marissa at BEA 2016, when I went through what you could say was A LOT of trouble to get tickets to her Heartless signing/ARC drop. I've adored her books since I first read Cinder, oh so long ago. Her Lunar Chronicles had been instant pre-orders, the minute the next book in the series was announced. 

Richelle Mead

   The Vampire Academy series was one of the first series' that I got into when I first started reading. My mom thought that because I started reading because of Twilight, that it was the vampires that sucked me in. (LOL, excuse my pun.) And so my love of Richelle Mead started. I went from reading and loving her Vampire Academy series, to her Bloodlines series, to eventually reading all her adult series' like the Dark Swan series. As of today, I've read everything but two books that Richelle has published, and I just can't wait to read her latest upcoming book, Midnight Jewel. 

Cassandra Clare

   Cassandra's City of Bones is what got me into her writing. The first trilogy of the series, The Mortal Instruments, was all released when I first picked up the series, and so I was able to read them all as a binge read. But it wasn't until I realized that she had a prequel series out as well, that I really became a fan of hers. I picked up Clockwork Angel, and read it, I believe in a week, although, Clockwork Prince is what really got me hooked. Will and Jem are who won my heart. Since then, I've read everything that connects to the Shadowhunters, and made it my mission to own all of them in hardcover. 

L. J. Smith

   The Night World series was another one of the series that got me into reading, reading it after Twilight but before Vampire Academy. I had picked up the Omnibus of the first three books, and so I was able to read them all at once. Even though the three should have lasted me a while, I had to go to the bookstore twice in the following two weeks to pick up the next two omnibus'. To this day, the series still has a place in my heart. Unfortunately it's been almost 19 years and we still don't have a conclusion to the series, but I still have hope. I even own the originally 1990's editions of the series. 

   I fell in love with the original few seasons of her Vampire Diaries TV show as well, even though it's totally different from the books. I still love them just the same. 

   She is the only one of my top five authors that I have yet to meet, I hope to change that one day.

Sarah J Maas

   I met Sarah J. Maas back at YALLfest 2014, along with Kiera Cass. At the time I had only read her Throne of Glass, which I hadn't really enjoyed. It wasn't until after that festival that I received the first ARC for her new book/series, A Court of Thorns and Roses, that she finally had me obsessed. I couldn't wait for the sequel, but since it was an ARC, I knew I had a long wait ahead. So I finally picked up the rest of the Throne of Glass series. Today, the A Court of Thorns and Roses series remains my all time favourite, and her Throne of Glass series is just a little bit below on that list.

   For her A Court of Mist and Fury tour, I was able to meet her again, but as a true fan. I was a blubbering mess, but at least I was able to see her and have my prized books signed for my collection.

   Those were my top 5,(6) all time favourite authors. Who are your favourites? What stories do you have behind those authors? What do they mean to you? I'd love to hear about your favourites!