Book Review: Frozen Beauty by Lexa Hillyer

Release Date: March 17th, 2020
Read: March 21st - 23rd, 2020
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: Standalone
Format: Hardcover, 368 pages
Source: HarperCollins

Description from GoodReads:

Everyone in Devil’s Lake knows the three golden Malloy sisters—but one of them is keeping a secret that will turn their little world inside out….

No one knows exactly what happened to Kit in the woods that night—all they have are a constellation of facts: icy blue lips and fingers cold to the touch, a lacy bra, an abandoned pick-up truck with keys still in the ignition. Still, Tessa, even in her fog of grief, is certain that her sister’s killer wasn’t Boyd, the boy next door whom they’ve all loved in their own way. There are too many details that don’t add up, too many secrets still tucked away.

But no matter how fiercely she searches for answers, at the core of that complicated night is a truth that’s heartbreakingly simple.

Told in lush, haunting prose, Frozen Beauty is a story of the intoxicating power of first love, the deep bonds of sisterhood, and a shocking death that will forever change the living.

Book Review: The Betrothed by Kiera Cass

Release Date: May 5, 2020
Read: February 28-29th, 2020
Publisher: HarperCollin's Children's Books
Series: The Betrothed, #1
Format: ARC, 400 pages
Source: McNally Robinson

Description from GoodReads:

When King Jameson declares his love for Lady Hollis Brite, Hollis is shocked—and thrilled. After all, she’s grown up at Keresken Castle, vying for the king’s attention alongside other daughters of the nobility. Capturing his heart is a dream come true.

But Hollis soon realizes that falling in love with a king and being crowned queen may not be the happily ever after she thought it would be. And when she meets a commoner with the mysterious power to see right into her heart, she finds that the future she really wants is one that she never thought to imagine. 

Book Review: Girls of Storm and Shadow by Natasha Ngan

Release Date: November 5, 2019
Read: November 21st-24th, 2019
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson Books
Series: Girls of Paper and Fire, #2
Format: ARC, 403 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Description from GoodReads:

In this mesmerizing sequel to the New York Times bestselling Girls of Paper and Fire, Lei and Wren have escaped their oppressive lives in the Hidden Palace, but soon learn that freedom comes with a terrible cost.

Lei, the naive country girl who became a royal courtesan, is now known as the Moonchosen, the commoner who managed to do what no one else could. But slaying the cruel Demon King wasn't the end of the plan---it's just the beginning. Now Lei and her warrior love Wren must travel the kingdom to gain support from the far-flung rebel clans. The journey is made even more treacherous thanks to a heavy bounty on Lei's head, as well as insidious doubts that threaten to tear Lei and Wren apart from within.

Meanwhile, an evil plot to eliminate the rebel uprising is taking shape, fueled by dark magic and vengeance. Will Lei succeed in her quest to overthrow the monarchy and protect her love for Wren, or will she fall victim to the sinister magic that seeks to destroy her?

Book Review: Comics Will Break Your Heart by Faith Erin Hicks

Release Date: February 12, 2019
Read: May 8-17th, 2019
Publiser: Roaring Brook Press
Series: Standalone
Format: ARC, 340 pages
Source: Won in a giveaway

Description from GoodReads:

   Miriam's family should be rich. After all, her grandfather was the co-creator of smash-hit comics series The TomorrowMen. But he sold his rights to the series to his co-creator in the 1960s for practically nothing, and now that's what Miriam has: practically nothing. And practically nothing to look forward to either-how can she afford college when her family can barely keep a roof above their heads? As if she didn't have enough to worry about, Miriam's life gets much more complicated when a cute boy shows up in town . . . and turns out to be the grandson of the man who defrauded Miriam's grandfather, and heir to the TomorrowMen fortune.

Book Review: Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan

Release Date: April 30th, 2019
Read: April 29th-30th, 2019
Publisher: Putnam
Series: Standalone
Format: ARC, 320 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for honest review

Description from GoodReads:

   Elouise (Lou) Parker is determined to have the absolute best, most impossibly epic summer of her life. There are just a few things standing in her way:  

   * She's landed a job at Magic Castle Playland . . . as a giant dancing hot dog.

   * Her crush, the dreamy Diving Pirate Nick, already has a girlfriend, who is literally the Princess of the park. But Lou's never liked anyone, guy or otherwise, this much before, and now she wants a chance at her own happily ever after.

   * Her best friend, Seeley, the carousel operator, who's always been up for anything, suddenly isn't when it comes to Lou's quest to set her up with the perfect girl or Lou's scheme to get close to Nick.

   * And it turns out that this will be their last summer at Magic Castle Playland--ever--unless she can find a way to stop it from closing.

Book Review: Honor Among Thieves by Rachel Caine & Ann Aguirre

Release Date: February 13th, 2018
Read: July 17th, 2018
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Series: The Honors, #1
Format: ARC, 467 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Description from GoodReads:

   Petty criminal Zara Cole has a painful past that’s made her stronger than most, which is why she chose life in New Detroit instead of moving with her family to Mars. In her eyes, living inside a dome isn’t much better than a prison cell.

   Still, when Zara commits a crime that has her running scared, jail might be exactly where she’s headed. Instead Zara is recruited into the Honors, an elite team of humans selected by the Leviathan—a race of sentient alien ships—to explore the outer reaches of the universe as their passengers.

   Zara seizes the chance to flee Earth’s dangers, but when she meets Nadim, the alien ship she’s assigned, Zara starts to feel at home for the first time. But nothing could have prepared her for the dark, ominous truths that lurk behind the alluring glitter of starlight.

Book Review: Broken Things by Lauren Oliver

Release Date: October 2nd, 2018
Read: May 20th- June 14th, 2018
Publisher: HarperCollins
Series: Standalone
Format: ARC, 416 pages
Source: BEA 2018

Description from GoodReads:

   It’s been five years since Summer Marks was brutally murdered in the woods. 

   Everyone thinks Mia and Brynn killed their best friend. That driven by their obsession with a novel called The Way into Lovelorn the three girls had imagined themselves into the magical world where their fantasies became twisted, even deadly.

   The only thing is: they didn’t do it. 

   On the anniversary of Summer’s death, a seemingly insignificant discovery resurrects the mystery and pulls Mia and Brynn back together once again. But as the lines begin to blur between past and present and fiction and reality, the girls must confront what really happened in the woods all those years ago—no matter how monstrous.

Book Review: Fireblood by Elly Blake

Release Date: September 12th, 2017
Read: August 22nd-23rd, 2017
Publisher:  Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Series: Frostblood Saga, #2
Format: ARC, 416 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Description from GoodReads:

   All hail the Fire Queen.

   Against all odds, Ruby has defeated the villainous Frost King and melted his throne of ice. But the bloodthirsty Minax that was trapped inside is now haunting her kingdom and everyone she loves. The answers to its demise may lie to the south in Sudesia, the land of the Firebloods, and a country that holds the secrets to Ruby’s powers and past…

   Despite warnings from her beloved Arcus, Ruby accompanies a roguish Fireblood named Kai to Sudesia, where she must master her control of fire in a series of trials to gain the trust of the suspicious Fire Queen. Only then can she hope to access the knowledge that could defeat the rampaging Minax—which grows closer every moment. But as sparks fly in her moments alone with Kai, Ruby no longer knows whom to trust. The fates of two kingdoms are now in her hands.

Review:

 
   The last thing I want is to smother you

   I didn't adore Frostblood, the first book in the series, that much is known if you read my review. But in the end I requested the ARC since the author is Canadian and I wanted to give her another chance. 

   All the problems that occurred in Frostblood that I did not enjoy, reoccurred in Fireblood. Everything from the similarity to Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, to the book being a walking cliche of everything Young Adult. The Deja Vu factor had returned in full force.

   In complete honesty, the cliche factor was a deal breaker for me. I thought I could get over the fact, but in the end I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy really anything about Fireblood. Especially not when the only memory I still have of the novel is me groaning every five minutes. 

   Although, saying all of this, I do still believe that anyone just starting to read YA books should give the Frostblood saga a chance. If you haven't read a ton of YA yet, then I could certainly see Fireblood as an interesting and fun read. Because of that fact, I would still recommend it to people. 

   Fireblood was a walking "ugh" for me, so I probably won't pick up Nightblood, the final book in the series, unless someone shoves it in my face. 

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

"You’re quite amusing when you’re not lashing me with that sharp tongue."

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Old Time YA Books

Guest Review: The Siren by Kiera Cass

The Siren by Kiera Cass

Release Date: January 26th, 2016

Read: December 2017

Publisher: HarperTeen

Series: Standalone

Format: Paperback, 336 pages

Description from GoodReads:

   Kahlen is a Siren, bound to serve the Ocean by luring humans to watery graves with her voice, which is deadly to any human who hears it. Akinli is human—a kind, handsome boy who's everything Kahlen ever dreamed of. Falling in love puts them both in danger . . . but Kahlen can't bear to stay away. Will she risk everything to follow her heart?

Review:

  We were stars. We were music. We were time.

   I love The Selection series, so when I found out Kiera Cass had a standalone book I was dying to   read it. 

   I received The Siren for Christmas and about a week later started to read it. I was really fascinated in the beginning when she was becoming a Siren, because I've always been more interested in books that have interesting beginnings right from the start.  As I read, I became interested in the whole concept of a siren, how they lived, how a siren’s voice was poison,  and how her singing could kill.  I really enjoyed where the ocean would come in to hear about how a siren lives and have such a deep connection to her sirens, especially Kahlen. I do wish there was more about the history of the sirens, it would help to really understand them, and the ocean, because at times the ocean was a bit confusing.

   I was fond of the story between Kahlen and Akinli, but I wish things moved slower between them. Like how did Kahlen grow to like him so fast if she knows people easily fall for her? Like, what? I would have really loved to read behind how Kahlen first became a Siren, as well as more about the sirens that had left the ocean, like Aisling who was originally there for 100 years. 

   Besides that, I really did enjoy The Siren and was I was satisfied with the ending.

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

"He saw me not just as a mysterious beauty, but as a girl he wanted to know.”  ~Kahlen

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Fantasy, Mermaids, Romance, The Selection

Book Review: The Hearts We Sold by Emily Lloyd-Jones

Release Date: August 8th, 2017
Read: August 10th-15th, 2017
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Series: Standalone
Format: ARC, 400 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Description from GoodReads:

   When Dee Moreno makes a deal with a demon—her heart in exchange for an escape from a disastrous home life—she finds the trade may have been more than she bargained for. And becoming “heartless” is only the beginning. What lies ahead is a nightmare far bigger, far more monstrous than anything she could have ever imagined.

   With reality turned on its head, Dee has only a group of other deal-making teens to keep her grounded, including the charming but secretive James Lancer. And as something grows between them amid an otherworldy ordeal, Dee begins to wonder: Can she give someone her heart when it’s no longer hers to give?

Review:

Contains Minor Spoilers:

   Cold hands, cold heart.

   The idea of a world where you can sell limbs and other body parts to demons in order to get wishes fascinated me. The idea really reminded me of the show Supernatural, and its crossroads demons and hell hounds. Since I really enjoyed the first few seasons of the show, I decided to give The Hearts We Sold a try.

   Emily Lloyd-Jones' writing was fairly addicting, the pages just flew by when reading the book. Although as much as the writing was addicting, the story itself was not what I was expecting. I wanted a story about people making wishes and just their lives with their missing limbs and granted wishes. But of course it ended up becoming an alien, save the world book. The storyline we got didn't feel right with the synopsis.

   One thing I enjoyed about the little heartless group was that they all had their reasons for selling their hearts. It was neat to get little breaks from the main plot line to get a quick chapter from each of the characters. In particular I really loved Cal's story, the brainiac kid who traded his heart so that his grandfather could have one. Being a huge supporter of organ donation, I couldn't help but love his story.

   Overal The Hearts We Sold was a quick, sweet read that I'd recommend to anyone looking for something fast, with no commitment and is craving a good old fashion YA paranormal read.

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

"Stars die, worlds die with them."

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Paranormal, Science Fiction, Demons, Aliens

Book Review: Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows

Release Date: September 12th, 2017
Read: August 27th-30th, 2017
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Series: Fallen Isles Trilogy, #1
Format: ARC, 485 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for honest review

Description from GoodReads:

   Before

   Mira Minkoba is the Hopebearer. Since the day she was born, she’s been told she’s special. Important. Perfect. She’s known across the Fallen Isles not just for her beauty, but for the peace treaty named after her, an agreement which united the seven islands against their enemies on the mainland.

   But Mira never felt perfect. She counts compulsively. She struggles with crippling anxiety. And she’s far too interested in dragons for a girl of her station.

   After

   Then Mira discovers an explosive secret that challenges everything she and the treaty stand for. Betrayed by the very people she spent her life serving, Mira is sentenced to the Pit—the deadliest prison in the Fallen Isles. There, a cruel guard would do anything to discover the secret she would die to protect.

   No longer beholden to those who betrayed her, Mira must learn to survive on her own and unearth the dark truths about the Fallen Isles—and herself—before her very world begins to collapse.

Review:

   I was a girl again. Shivering. In the dark. In the soundless void. Alone. 

   I never finished Jodi Meadow's first series, Newsoul. There was something about it that in the end, that just did not hook my attention enough to go out and pick up that last book. But then I gave My Lady Jane a try, a book cowritten by Jodi Meadows, and I completely adored it. Thus, obviously proving that I needed to give Jodi Meadows another try, this time with Before She Ignites.

   Before starting the book, I thought I was getting into a book solely focused on dragons and magic. In the end that is what I got, although not in the way I imagined it. Before She Ignites is a fantasy novel that is focused on politics. The book referred a lot to how the 7 islands were ruled, and how the people lived their lives. With saying this, the story took great care in showing us the political corruption of the islands. I couldn't help but compare Before She Ignites' political mentions to the problems with politics that the US is facing today. I also couldn't help but think that this aspect became such an important part of the book, in hope of having readers question the designs happening around them, and try to make a change.

   For most of the book, our protagonist was locked up in a cell, because of this it felt as if a whole lot of pointless things happened. The book itself was fairly large, but with all that occurred in the novel, it's almost as if the book could have been cut in half, cutting out all the pointlessness. I understand why Mira was locked up, and the role that the prison played in furthering the plot but I feel as if the prison could have been a part of the novel rather than the whole thing. I hope that in the upcoming novels more things happen rather than being stuck in one spot again.

   I couldn't help but love the dragons in the book, I found it fascinating how many dragon types there were and how the society honoured them. This aspect of the novel really reminded me of the movie How to Train your Dragon. I really look forward to seeing what Jodi Meadows does with the dragons in the next book of the series.

   Before She Ignites was not what I was expecting, and it really surprised me how the story turned out. I did not end up loving the story, but I do intend on reading the sequel in the future. 

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

"I wanted freedom in the same way I wanted my next breath: an unspoken but constant desire."

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Fantasy, Dragons, Politics, Magic, Chosen Ones

Book Review: They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Release Date: September 5th, 2017
Read: October 9th-16th, 2017
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: Standalone
Format: ARC, 384 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Description from GoodReads:

   On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They're going to die today. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they're both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There's an app for that. It's called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure and to live a lifetime in a single day.

Review:

   Do it up

   My friends were the ones to convince me to give Adam Silvera another chance. Back in January I had picked up History is All You Left Me, and it was one of the most depressing things I had ever read, and so I DNF'd it at 40% through the book. I had heard that his previous book had also been the same way, and that this one was guaranteed to be the same. So I put the thought of reading They Both Die at the End away, and continued on. That is until my friends promised that this would be the one I enjoyed, and so I gave Adam another try.

   After basically having read two Adam Silvera books, I've determined that his books usually contain two things; lost of death and grief, and a LGBTQ+ character/romance.

   Adam's stories are not for the faint of heart, they really get you hard with your emotions and make you think of what would happen to you and those you love when you die. That's basically the state I was in for the entirety of the book, I could not stop thinking about what would happen to everything when I died. It even got to the point where I brought it up as a dinner time conversation. I think the book was really important lesson when it comes to living your best life. Throughout the book we saw through the perspective of a bunch of different characters and the state that they were in before they died, they either went out with a bang or with regret. Unlike the people in the novel, we don't get to know when we die. Because of this, we never know if the day could be our last or not. I think the lesson of the book is to try and make every day count, and I'm hoping that lesson sticks with me.

   From the two books I've read, LGBTQ+ characters are the second piece that continues to make an appearance. In books now a days, throwing in a LGBTQ+ character or two is becoming a common thing. I love how it's becoming a norm, that we don't even think twice about it anymore. I love how it's become a constant in his books, and so I want to thank Adam for doing so. The world needs more LGBTQ+ books for people to finally have characters that they can relate to.

   They Both Die at the End was an emotional rollercoaster, filled with french toast, skydiving and so much more. I'm glad I gave this one a chance, I really did enjoy different aspects of the book. So I look forward to seeing what Adam Silvera publishes next. 

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

"You may be born into a family, but you walk into friendships. Some you'll discover you should put behind you. Others are worth the risk."

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Contemporary, Dealing with grief, Dealing with death, Bucket Lists

Book Review: The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Release Date: June 27th, 2017
Read: June 4th-7th, 2017
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Series: Standalone
Format: ARC, 528 pages
Source: McNally Robinson/ Be First Book Club

Description from GoodReads:

   An unforgettable tale of two friends on their Grand Tour of 18th-century Europe who stumble upon a magical artifact that leads them from Paris to Venice in a dangerous manhunt, fighting pirates, highwaymen, and their feelings for each other along the way.

   Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.

   But as Monty embarks on his grand tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

   Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

Review:

   Wait until you fall for the boy who can't love you back.

   Last year I had picked up My Lady Jane to read, after receiving it in the June 2016 OwlCrate, and I fell in love with the historical and comical aspects of the book. Since then, I've kept an eye out for that particular kind of book, and that's how The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue came into my radar. I was also lucky enough to have picked up a copy for McNally's Be First Book Club.

   Even though the book was from a completely different author than My Lady Jane, I couldn't help but compare TGGtVaV to My Lady Jane for the entirety of the book.  My Lady Jane contained magical aspects to the book, aspects that I couldn't help but feel like were needed in TGGtVaV, and thus I just couldn't help but not feel a big pull of interest to the book. In this case I blame myself for not being a big fan of contemporary novels, as well building the book up to be something completely different in my head.

   Although I had ruined the book for myself, I was still able to enjoy different aspects of the book, the characters and relationships in particular. The main character, Monty, is a bisexual who lives sometime in the 18th century, and life in the 18th century certainly isn't easy for a bisexual. Along with being a bisexual, being a person of colour or even a woman, aren't any easier when it comes to that time period. The three main characters that we encounter in the book happen to fit one or more of these categories. Although the novel pays more attention to the bisexual aspects of the book, and how the people of the time period don't support it or even view it as appriotate, Lee does a terrific job of also drawing attention to the way people of colour were/are treated poorly, and how the women of the time had to fit the mold that was created for them. Lee would throw in little facts throughout the book that made you pause and consider the truth in what was being said, instances like, "There is nothing good about watching another man claim your ship because your skin is too dark to do it yourself" and "Ladies haven't the luxury of being squeamish about blood.". Lee would never tiptoe around the truth, and would give you the facts as they were, you couldn't help but love the book because of this.

   Out of the main characters, I absolutely hated Monty. He was always so ignorant, could only ever care about himself, and not to mention he made so many problems for Percy and Felicity. In the end Lee could have made him perfect, but she made him imperfect which I couldn't help but enjoy, even if he infuriated me. The same went with the other two characters, Lee made them both imperfect as well, like all people are. It was different from most YA novels, and I hope to finally see that become a norm.

   And finally, I know it's only a small piece but I really enjoyed how the cover's little sketches predicted what was to come in the novel. The little sketches seemed like they were just kind of there when I began the novel, but I can't help but love them now.

   The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue was not what I had hoped it to be, but it did have some phenomenal parts to it and I would certainly recommend to to anyone who needs a "Big Gay European Road Trip Novel".  I will probably end up picking up the books companion spin-off, The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy when it releases in 2018.


Rating:

Favourite Quote:

"What we once were, that you are now. What we are now, soon you shall be."

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Contemporary, LGBTQA+ Stories, Fantasy, Romance, Adventure

Book Review: Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Release Date: January 31st, 2017
Read: November 16th-December 7th, 2016
Publisher: Flatrion Books
Series: Caraval, #1
Format: Signed ARC, 401 pages
Source: BEA 2016

Description from GoodReads:

   Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

   But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.


   Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

Review:

   I'm so pleased that you could make it.
   Back at BEA 2016, Caraval was one of the most anticipated YA book drops. The only thing was, they never told anyone when the book was going to be dropped. So in a very Caraval fashion, they dropped it randomly and very mysteriously in bags that the publisher was handing out. The author also happened to be there signing books too. Although I hadn't really heard much about the book, I was willing to give it a try especially it was supposed to be a magical book that was supposed to be focused on the relationship between two sisters.

   It took me a long time to finish Caraval, something about the book never clicked with me, making me feel like I couldn't care less about the characters. My sisters and I have a very close relationship, and so I understood where our protagonist got her drive to partake in Caraval, to save her sister, but in the end I just could never connect with them. Everything about the characters just felt like I was experiencing them through a glass wall.

   Once thing that I could appreciate about Caraval, was the magic that went into the story. I loved that in a way it was a carnival, but at the same time it was something different. The roses, and the carousel were my favourite.

   Caraval didn't end up becoming a favourite of mine, but in the end I think I was still able to enjoy it to a point where I'd still go out of my way to pick up it's sequel when it releases. The sequel to Caraval is set to release in 2018.

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

"The past is only mostly set, and the future is harder to change than you would think."

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure, Magic, Games, Mind Tricks

Book Review: Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

Release Date: January 5th, 2016
Read: May 12th-June 4th, 2017
Publisher: Tor Teen
Series: Witchlands, #1
Format: Paperback, 432 pages
Source: Bought

Description from GoodReads:

   In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands.

   Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.

   Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.

   In a chance encounter at Court, Safi meets Prince Merik and makes him a reluctant ally. However, his help may not slow down the Bloodwitch now hot on the girls' heels. All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom, but danger lies ahead. With war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

Review:

   Sometimes justice was all about the small victories

   I've wanted to read Truthwitch since it released in early 2016, but of course my busy schedule always keeps me from all the books that I want to read. It was when I received an ARC of it's sequel, Windwitch, that I finally when out and bought a copy.

   Truthwitch wasn't what I was expecting, not at all. In a bunch of ways it reminded me of a bunch of other books mixed together, and could be confusing at times.  Throughout the book, I constantly felt Throne of Glass and The Infernal Devices vibes. From the two chosen ones, and kingdoms fighting, I couldn't help but always compare the storyline of Truthwitch to ToG. Then when it came to the characters, I always pictured Merik and Kullen as Will and Jem from TID.

   Overall, I did enjoy the witch powers that the kingdoms had, and their tattoos that marked who they were. I think the different levels to the powers, and the different powers themselves were fascinating. It made me curious as to all the different levels and kinds of powers that could be seen throughout the series.

   One thing stood constant throughout the book for me, I hardcore shipped Safiya and Iseult. With the connection they have as friends, it just felt like it could be something more in the end. So with the direction that the book went, I was a little disappointed but I still have hope for it to happen in the next two books or so.

   It took me a good while to get into Truthwitch, but in the end I'm happy to have picked it up. I look forward to seeing what happens to our characters in Windwitch.

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

"I’ll always follow you, Safi, and you’ll always follow me. Threadsisters to the end."

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Fantasy, Witches, Magic, Chosen Ones, Sisters

Blog Tour: But Then I Came Back by Estelle Laure

   Hello and welcome to the But Then I Came Back Blog Tour hosted by Raincoat Books! Today I have for you my review of the book, as well as a brief interview from the author. I hope that you enjoy!

But Then I Came Back by Estelle Laure

Release Date: April 4th, 2017

Read: March 19th-27th, 2017

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers

Series: Standalone

Format: ARC, 320 pages

Source: Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review

Description from GoodReads:

   “Something does exist. I saw. It’s a place. Like this but different.”

   “Okay, so let’s say we do reach her, that something like that is even possible. Then what?”

   “Then we ask her to come back.”

   Eden: As far as coma patients go, Eden’s lucky. She woke up. But still, she can’t shake the feeling that she might have dragged something back from the near-afterlife.

   Joe: Joe visits the hospital every day, hoping that Jaz, his lifelong friend, will wake up. More than anything, he wants to hear her voice again. But he’s not sure anyone can reach her.

   Eden & Joe: Even though she knows it sounds crazy, Eden tells Joe that they might be able to talk to Jaz. Opening themselves up to the great unknown—and each other—Eden and Joe experience life: mysterious and scary, beautiful and bright.

Review:

   Time is speeding, speeding while I stand perfectly still.

   By now most of you know that I personally don't enjoy Contemporary novels all that often, but on occasion, like this one, I do put in an effort to pick one up. When I first heard the synopsis for But Then I Came Back I was intrigued, the book sounded to me as a new story from all the other contemporary novels that I'd read. When Raincoast Books announced that they'd be hosting a tour for But Then I Came Back, I hopped on the chance.

   But Then I Came Back was a unique read, I've read novels where characters go into comas or where the story takes place while the character is in a coma. But I haven't read a story where the character wakes up from one and is recovering. That was my favourite thing about the story, I liked how we went on a journey of recovery with Eden, the protagonist. Laure showed the recovery process of coma patients from after they wake up, showing how smoothies are the only thing that they can swallow for a while because the patient hasn't been able to swallow food or drinks for as long as they've been out, and it damages their throats. Facts like this show up in the novel, facts that you probably wouldn't have thought of.

   Although But Then I Came Back is considered a standalone, there was the odd time where I didn't completely understand what role a specific character played or who they were. I feel like these characters were explained in the first novel that Estelle Laure wrote, This Raging Light, where this novel takes place in the same world but with different characters.

   And finally I felt that I could relate to Eden on a personal level when it came to her brother and best friend dating, I'm currently in a somewhat similar situation and I still don't know how I feel about it or how to deal with it. I also felt like the relationship between the brother and best friend could have been explained a bit more, but it's understandable why it wasn't considering This Raging Light is based off of that story.

   But Then I Came Back was a little slow at times, but a very intriguing read. I enjoyed hearing the stories of the characters in But Then I Came Back, so I can not wait to pick up This Raging Light. 

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

"It’s so damn sweet to be nothing but a riversong."

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Romance, Death, Afterlife, Coma Stories

But Then I Came Back is your second book to be published, it’s been said that this book also takes place in the same world as your first book This Raging Light. For people who’ve read This Raging Light, what are they to expect in But Then I Came Back that is similar to your first book? And for people who haven’t read This Raging Light, would you recommend that they read that one first before reading But Then I Came Back?

   People who read This Raging Light can expect to see some familiar faces and get further into that story, maybe get some answers about things I left open in the first book. Also, and for me this was the most interesting part, they will see that no one is how they seem on the outside. Eden seems like she has it all together from Lucille’s perspective, but once you’re in Eden’s head you’ll see everyone is grappling with their own difficulties and insecurities. But no, I don’t think you have to have read This Raging Light at all. If you have, it will have an extra layer, but it’s not like you won’t understand what’s going on.

   Estelle Laure is a Vonnegut worshipper who believes in love and magic and the power of facing hard truths. She has a BA in Theater Arts from New Mexico State University and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and thinks everyone should have to wait tables or work in a kitchen at least once in their lives. She lives in Taos, New Mexico with her children.

   Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope you enjoy the rest of the tour!