Quick Review: All the Wandering Light by Heather Fawcett

4.25 stars. I loved last year's Even the Darkest Stars, much more than I ever anticipated, and this sequel was just as beautiful and atmospheric. A lot of plot happened in All the Wandering Light, and the story might've felt crammed if Heather Fawcett's writing weren't so clear and engaging. She is an incredibly gifted storyteller and knows how to draw a reader into a scene. My heart already aches knowing I won't be able to read more about Kamzin and River (I guess that's what rereading is for!). 

This book explores deeper into the dark magic of the Nightwood and the brewing war between witches and shamans. You learn more about the politics both at the royal court and within the witch community. Even though you're thrown a lot of new information about Kamzin's world, the story remains very character-driven and action-packed. Heather Fawcett has risen into my list of favorite authors, and I know I will enjoy anything she writes. I highly recommend picking up this duology if you love wintery fantasies like The Bear & the Nightingale by Katherine Arden.

Goodreads

Non-Spoiler Review: Wicked Saints by Emily Duncan

How many times can I whisper "Malachiaz you @#$%!" while reading this book? 

4.5 stars. This was one of my most-anticipated reads of 2019 and it did not disappoint in the slightest. Wicked Saints is full of everything I love - monster boys, bloody spell books, and blade-wielding clerics. Though dark, the story is also surprisingly humorous at times, and I immediately latched onto each of our protagonists. In summation: Malachiasz made me scream in frustration, Serefin made me cry, and Nadya became my new favorite role model. One of the elements I loved in this story was the found-family relationship that begins to develop between certain characters. Put that trope into any fantasy book and I'm sold.

My only tiny complaint - tiny! - is that during certain scenes I was so eager to find out what happened next that I literally read too fast and had to revisit some paragraphs to understand what was going on. But, hilariously, that's it. The story was so engrossing that I flew through the pages too quickly. I have no idea how I'm going to survive the wait for the sequel. If you're a fantasy lover like me, you want this book!

Clarifying Note: I say that first line with love. Malachiasz is wonderful and awful and must be protected.

TW: blood, self-harm

Release Date: April 2, 2019
Goodreads

Review: Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor

3.75 stars. Like Strange the Dreamer, this book is hard for me to rate. Objectively, the writing and scope of the story deserve at least 4 stars, but I have to dock off a bit in terms of enjoyment.

Strange the Dreamer left off with the plot running in full gear. Our characters were ambushed with shocking revelations and seemingly insurmountable odds. Strange's introduction had started slow, but now things were finally moving. Going in to Muse of Nightmares, I expected the plot to keep that same momentum we left off on. Unfortunately, while this installment moved at a quicker pace than its predecessor, I had to wade through nearly half the book before the story really held my attention.

Weirdly enough, I enjoyed the secondary plots in this novel more than the main one. While I love our two main protagonists, the romantic part of their relationship had me gagging a few times. Their dialogue was just a little too saccharine for my tastes. There is also a fair bit of waiting around that happens in this story, where you feel as if you're watching a timer slowly run down. Fortunately, Laini Taylor's writing is so evocative and lyrical that you enjoy the wait enough to see what happens.

Events do get a little crunched in the last third or so of the story, but I ended up happy with the turnout of the novel, and in awe of how beautifully and accurately Laini conveyed themes of revenge, hope, and forgiveness. If you're struggling to get into Muse of Nightmares, I encourage you to push through. This story is so rich and intricately woven that it's worth the effort.

Goodreads

Sequels that Slay the Sophomore Slump

It's no secret that sequels, particularly in trilogies, often suffer from what I call sophomore slump. The middle book has the daunting task of connecting a story's kickoff with its climax. Keeping up that momentum can be tough, and as a result, sequels can easily end up as filler books, lacking interest and a clear purpose. Here are some sequels I think totally slay that pitfall!

The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon

The Mime Order definitely differs from The Bone Season in terms of setting and plot, but the story is equally epic. You get to know characters who were only briefly introduced in book one, and the scope of the world expands significantly. It's hard to say which installment I enjoyed more, because I fell in love with the atmospheric shift in The Mime Order.

The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden

The Bear & the Nightingale won my heart the second I opened it, so I had pretty high expectations for its sequel. Normally that spells disaster, but The Girl in the Tower only deepened my love for this series. I don't want to spoil anything, but if you loved the first book, you only have good things ahead of you. And if you haven't picked up this series, and you love all things wintery and folklore, what are you doing? Run! Run to the nearest bookstore!

A Poison Dark and Drowning by Jessica Cluess

Oh my gosh, this book. I enjoyed the first book in this trilogy, A Shadow Bright and Burning, but this sequel was everything I wanted and more. I remember dancing around (internally) at the character revelations and then gripping the pages so hard my fingers ached. A Poison Dark and Drowning is probably my favorite book of this trilogy. You know when a story takes a surprising turn, one that you scarcely dared to hope for, and you're left feeling elated and giddy? That was me reading this book. 

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Do I even have to explain this one? I was assigned to read Cinder by Marissa Meyer for a literature course during freshman year of college. I had seen the series at the bookstore, but sci-fi fairytale retellings were not my thing, so I never picked them up. Even after reading Cinder, I wasn't terribly impressed. It was only when I found a signed copy of Scarlet at an independent bookstore that I decided to give the sequel a go. And...I promptly fell in love. Scarlet takes all the credit for my now boundless obsession with Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles. This sequel is what made me fall for the characters and the story. If you're hesitating to give this series a go, please take this as a sign. Scarlet will hook your heart and not let go.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

It's very difficult for me to talk about this one. This book means the world to me. Some stories pass through our lives like a beautiful autumn breeze, and others hit us like a hurricane, toppling down our whole foundation and leaving us at a loss for words, because everything has changed. I know that sounds melodramatic, but it's true. This sequel was the latter for me. It changed everything. A Court of Mist and Fury will always, always, be my ultimate sequel.

5 MORE Most-Anticipated Reads of 2019

Here it is: Part 2 of my most anticipated 2019 releases! I know barely any time’s passed since I posted the first part of this series, but so many good books are coming out next year. This blog would turn into a dissertation if I tried to include them all! Anyway, keep your eyes out for these future releases, because they're sure to be blow-your-mind, steal-your-breath good.
Without further ado:

6. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Sorcery of Thorns doesn't have a cover, or a detailed synopsis, but I can tell you this book will be damn good. I read Margaret Rogerson's 2017 debut, An Enchantment of Ravens, and fell absolutely in love. Few people can seamlessly craft character, world-building, and atmosphere the way she does. It doesn't help that her subject matter revolves around faeries, libraries, and sorcerers. I mean, it's like she reached inside my mind and plucked out three of my favorite things! Margaret Rogerson is just a gifted writer. You'll recognize that by the third page of Enchantment, if not sooner. I expect Sorcery will also don a beautiful cover, since the talented Charlie Bowater - who designed Enchantment's cover - is illustrating this release as well. Margaret Rogerson is one of my newest auto-buy authors, so it's no understatement to say I am dying for this book. And if Sorcery of Thorns isn't the coolest title ever, you can pinch my arm (okay not really, that hurts).

Release Date: May 14, 2019
Goodreads

7. The Wicked King by Holly Black

Honestly, how did I forget to include The Wicked King in the last round? I know the first book in this trilogy, The Cruel Prince, met with divided opinions when it released early in 2018, but I for one cannot get enough of this world's tricky fae politics. Not to mention the ungodly Jude-Cardan angst. I just finished reading an arc of this sequel, and trust me: IT DELIVERS. And, nonspoiler hint, Wicked King leaves off on another ending that will have you dying for more. I would blather on about how you should pick this book up when it comes out, but I'm pretty sure you don't need me to tell you that.

Release Date: January 8, 2019
Goodreads

8. Through the White Wood by Jessica Leake

The comp for this book is Katherine Arden's The Bear & the Nightingale meets Elly Blake's Frostblood. And seriously, say no more. I flew through Leake's YA fantasy, Beyond a Darkened Shore, but this book sounds hand-crafted just for me. Through the White Wood takes place in a fantasy Kiev, where Katya, a girl whose touch can freeze, must team up with an ill-rumored prince against an army of enemy magic users. I know that synopsis sounds super vague, but I only glanced at the official summary - I don't want to know too much going in. I'm already certain I'll be picking this book up as soon as it releases.

Release Date: April 9, 2019
Goodreads

[cover yet to be revealed]

9. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Secret societies? A criminal student falling into occult activities? More importantly, Leigh Bardugo? I've waited for this book for what feels like decades. The premise of Ninth House definitely gives me The Secret History vibes, with its sinister ivy school setting. Beyond that, I know this is Leigh's first adult book, and that the protagonist's name is Alex Stern. I'm not complaining, though, because I know this story will be brilliant. If you've ever read any of Leigh Bardugo's books, I probably don't have to sell you on that.


Release Date: June 4, 2019
Goodreads

10. Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare

Chain of Gold is the long-awaited first book in Cassandra Clare's forthcoming series called The Last Hours. Set in 1903, these books follow Tessa, Will, Jem, and the generation that comes after them. Cassandra Clare has also admitted that The Last Hours series will be a retelling of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. While Goodreads has this first book listed as releasing in 2019, a solid date has yet to be given. The Infernal Devices trilogy is my absolute favorite of Clare's work, though, so I couldn't leave out this next installment.

Release Date: November 19, 2019
Goodreads



And that's 10! Honestly, I could list dozens of books coming out in 2019 that I'm counting down the seconds for. Maybe I'll do a Part 3 sometime (lol)? But for now, I hope you've enjoyed my most anticipated reads, and I hope you've found a few titles to add to your probably ever-growing tbr.

Top 5 Anticipated Reads of 2019

I debated making this a Top 10 post, just because there are so many amazing books coming out in 2019! But I'll narrow it down and post a Part 2 later, if needed. For now, get your Goodreads tab ready, because here are - in no particular order - five of what I think are the best books releasing next year:

1. Wicked Saints by Emily Duncan

Originally titled Something Dark and Holy, this book has been on my radar since early 2018. From how it's described, Wicked Saints ticks all my boxes:

• a Russian-esque fantasy (with Polish influences)
• tantalizing love-to-hate relationship that's been compared to Darklina and Reylo (say no more)
• dark blood magic, priests, girls with knives, broken princes, and monster boys

Honestly, this one's #1 on my tbr. I'm fortunate enough to have received an early manuscript that I'm planning to review here closer to release date. Also, aren't those covers absolutely stunning?!

Release Date: April 2, 2019
Goodreads

2. The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala

The Tiger at Midnight is about an assassin and a soldier who get caught up in a game of cat-and-mouse. Not only do I love the cat-and-mouse trope, but I've heard that this book has a fantastic enemies-to-lovers relationship (do you sense a trend?). Rebels, political fantasy, Hindu mythology - I'm here for it all. And what's that, another gorgeous cover?

Release Date: April 23, 2019
Goodreads

3. The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden

The Winter of the Witch is the third and final installment in Katherine Arden's Winternight trilogy. If you haven't read The Bear & the Nightingale yet, drop everything and read it immediately. Russian mythology, fantasy, historical fiction - this series contains everything I love. Not only are the setting and writing beautiful, but the characters are so real, and I love them so fiercely, I could immerse myself in this world forever and never return to reality. Dangerous priests, frost gods, magical horses...I cannot recommend this trilogy highly enough. This is one of my favorite series of all time.

Release Date: January 9, 2019
Goodreads

4. Defy Me by Tahereh Mafi

I'm sure you all know about this book. Defy Me is the latest installment in Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me series, which follows Juliette as she struggles with her power, her identity, and who to trust in a world of ever-shifting politics. While I wasn't a huge fan of Restore Me, the first book in Tahereh's continuation of the once-trilogy, I am of course still looking forward to seeing where the story goes in this next book. The main relationship in this series is also top-notch in terms of angst and tension. A must-read series for sure.

Release Date: April 2, 2019
Goodreads

5. King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo

Nikolai. The Grishaverse. If you've read any of Leigh Bardugo's books, you know that Nikolai is without any doubt one of the greatest characters created, and he definitely deserves his own series. Behold, the first book in that series - King of Scars! Nikolai was arguably the best thing to come from Leigh's Shadow and Bone trilogy, and I can't wait to see where his story will go in this new duology. Honestly, the title doesn't bode well for the beloved prince. I know Stormhund will face some challenges in this new series, but as long as he finds happiness in the end, I'll be good.

Release Date: January 29, 2019
Goodreads


Okay, so I'm definitely making a Part 2 to this! There are just way too many releases to look forward to in 2019. My list is endless! Until then, feel free to let me know in the comments what books you're looking forward to picking up next year. :)

Unpopular Opinions Book Tag

You know this tag. It's fun, it's divisive, and it really speaks volumes about a person's reading tastes. Without further ado, here are my controversial bookish opinions. *curtain drop*

1. A Popular Book or Series You Didn't Like

Starting out with a bang: The Darkest Minds trilogy by Alexandra Bracken. I hate saying this, because Alexandra seems like such a lovely person, but the plot of the first book felt a little bland and the writing didn't engage me at all. Sadly, I ended up DNFing.

Runners Up: The Legend trilogy by Marie Lu, Caraval by Stephanie Garber, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs, and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (I know, I know, blasphemy!)

2. A Popular Book or Series that Everyone Else Seems to Hate but You Love

The Falling Kingdoms series by Morgan Rhodes. This series isn't hated necessarily, but it certainly attracts divided opinions! I understand why some people have issues with these books. The story isn't rich, per say, but if you take it for what it is - a lite Game of Thrones type fantasy series - then I think these books are just fun and twisty and fast-paced. Also, there's an enemies-to-lovers relationship that is spot. on. The first four books are especially excellent.

3. A Love Triangle Where the Main Character Ended Up with the Person You Did NOT Want Them To OR an OTP You Don't Like

I have a few for this one, but I'm gonna go with Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series. *spoilers ahead* I enjoyed this trilogy overall, but I found Ash to be the flattest, most uninteresting character ever. Which is strange, because dark broody fey princes are completely my thing! But Ash lacked any personality and I groaned when Meghan and him ended up together. Especially because I loved her relationship with Puck, her sarcastic best friend. Their precious few scenes of romantic tension just about killed me. Why Julie, why?? *end spoilers*

Runners Up: (No spoilers here - just pairings I don't love!) Elias/Laia, Yael/Luka, Alina/Mal

4. A Popular Book Genre You Don't Usually Reach For

Probably New Adult?

5. A Popular or Beloved Character that You Do Not Like

Oh man - Lila Bard from V.E. Schwab's A Darker Shade of Magic. It's been a while since I read the book, but I remember thinking she was so full of herself, and mouthy, and irritating for no actual purpose other than to show off in front other people. She was completely uncaring about what those around her were going through. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but I couldn't stand her character at all!

6. A Popular Author that You Can't Seem to Get Into

Hmm, I would say Marie Lu. I've tried reading two of her series and have failed to continue on. Her writing just isn't for me!

7. A Popular Book Trope that You're Tired of Seeing

Honestly, I think most tropes can be made new with the right perspective and story-telling. But I'm getting a little sick of hearing "fierce" or "kick-ass" female character when a book is being pitched to me, particularly in fantasy. It always comes off like that's the protagonist's defining quality, and I'm even more disappointed when the character turns out to be a carbon copy of other popular female protagonists. When calling girls "strong," I think it's important to remember that strength comes in many forms.

8. A Popular Series You Have No Interest in Reading

The Monsters of Verity duology by Victoria Schwab. (I don't hate all her books, I swear. Vicious is one of my favorite stand-alones!) Other than that, probably the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard. I've been vaguely spoiled for where things go in those books, and I don't think they're for me.

9. The saying goes the book is always better than the movie. But what movie or tv show do you prefer more than the book?

This is so hard! Maybe Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen? I love the book, but the film with Kiera Knightley won my soul the minute I watched it. The music, the costumes, the atmosphere...it's just perfect. I also really enjoyed the recent Netflix adaptation of To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han, but I feel like that's cheating since I haven't read the books!


FIN.
Thanks for reading! I hope I didn't hate on too many of your faves...

Review: A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

4.5 stars. There are few series that get progressively better with each book. Usually sequels stumble along the way, at least a little. That is not the case with this series - from Ember to Reaper, each book has outshone the last by jaw-dropping proportions. And that’s not to say that An Ember in the Ashes was a bad first book. The world was unique, the characters well-constructed, and I knew I wanted to continue on with the story. But I was taken aback by how much I loved A Torch Against the Night, and now...A Reaper at the Gates. A Reaper at the Gates is a masterpiece, and to call it anything short of that would be an insult.

Each of the four perspectives were fully engaging (though I had my favorites), and we get so much plot and character growth. The reveals left me shell-shocked and the writing. Sabaa Tahir is a born writer. She puts you in every scene. You feel every emotion, witnessing every event as if you’re there with the characters. I cannot praise this book highly enough. If I wasn’t so stingy with my 5-star ratings, Reaper would be first in line to get one. Just wow.

If you’re iffy about picking up or continuing on with this series, please do it. I promise you won't regret your choice.

P.S. - I know he’s the “villain”, but I absolutely love the Nightbringer.

Goodreads

Review: Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White

4 stars. This book is so severely underrated that it makes me want to toss copies down from rooftops. Illusions of Fate is possibly the best standalone fantasy I have ever read. It has a Howl's Moving Castle vibe, complete with quirky magic and warring wizards. The story follows a girl named Jessa, who is studying in a foreign country somewhat reminiscent to England. She sticks out due to the fact that she's from an island country and has darker skin. The prejudice and racial stereotyping she faces was handled so well, I thought, and realistically. Along with "fate", the theme of stereotypes actually plays a prominent role in the main plot, which was refreshing to read in a fantasy. 

The story kicks off when Jessa runs into a magician and gets tangled up in magical and political warfare. First off, I loved Jessa as a protagonist. She's witty and level-headed, and I immediately grew attached to her. The magician she encounters is charming and mysterious, and I just love him to death. There's also a magical blackbird, who Jessa names Sir Bird and who completely stole my heart. He is the purest soul. 

The only qualm I had with Illusions of Fate was with the villain, who was interesting but lacking in cohesiveness. He is dang scary though - let's just say there's a scene involving fingers and a hammer that scarred me a bit. In comparison to Kiersten White's other books, I thought this novel was leagues above her Paranormalcy trilogy, which I enjoyed enough when I was younger but did not love. I was especially impressed with her writing and characterization this time around.

To wrap up, Illusions of Fate is now an instant favorite that I'll be revisiting for sure. Though the story felt complete, I almost wish there were a sequel.

Goodreads

Quick Review: Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

A ballpark three stars. Jenna Welch's writing is as humorous, clever, and insightful as ever in this follow-up. Love & Luck follows Addie, the best friend of Lina from Love & Gelato, as she's on vacation in Ireland after undergoing a heartbreak back home. She's fighting with her brother, Ian, and decides to follow the instructions of an Irish guidebook on how to heal a broken heart. The author's descriptions of Ireland are vivid and beautiful, and I ended up enjoying Addie's character a lot more than I thought I would. 

The story is a road-trip adventure of sorts, which I always have fun reading. I will say, though, that I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one. The plot wasn't as solid, and some things that happened felt rushed and were beyond my bandwidth of belief. We do get to hear from Lina and Ren again, which I loved, but even their appearances felt a little shoved in. Overall, I'm still glad I read Love & Luck, even if it didn't quite live up to its predecessor.

Goodreads

Rapid Fire Book Tag

Hi guys! To switch things up, I thought I'd try a book tag. (No one's tagged me...but I've seen people tag "whoever's watching" on Youtube, so I'm running with that. 🤷) This is called the Rapid Fire Book Tag. The speed element is obviously a tad difficult to translate into writing, so I'm just going to be as concise with my answers as possible. Hopefully you'll get to know my reading tastes better this way, and you can see how much we have in common! But enough with all the chatter, let's get to the questions.

1. E-book or physical book?

Physical book all the way. I'm a tangible reader - I need to hold the story in my hands.

2. Paperback or hardback?

I'm a sentimental creature, so whichever copy I read first. But I prefer hardcovers.

3. Online or in-store book shopping?

Gah. I prefer the in-store shopping experience, but pre-order incentives have really pushed me toward online shopping lately. (Sorry, B&N.)

4. Trilogies or series?

BOTH. But I like the neatness of trilogies, as it keeps the story from running off-pace. I would say trilogies, because they leave room for the author to continue with a prequel/spin-off series, that's maybe set in the same world but following different characters.

5. Heroes or villains?

Look, I'm both Team Peeta (from THG) and Team Darkling (from S&B), so I'm split halfway. If I were to conduct a poll, though, I think more villains have stolen my heart. I'm one of those suckers for the antagonist with a tragic backstory, who has the potential to be redeemed. Kylo Ren/Ben Solo owns my entire soul. And as a kid, I rooted for the predator in every wildlife documentary (Yes, I know, I'm horrible).

6. A book you want everyone to read?

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It's beautiful and tragic, and will change your life. But it's also pretty well-known, so I'll offer two more recommendations: Maus by Art Spiegelman, a nonfiction graphic memoir about the Holocaust, and 1984 by George Orwell, which is bleak but incredibly timely. Both offer important insights that I think everyone needs to reflect on.

7. Recommend an underrated book?

Going with a contemporary, which is not my preferred genre. Fracture by Megan Miranda. It's where I was first introduced to Les Miserables. The story follows a girl struggling with grief, death, meaning, and love, after she suffers a traumatic brain injury. Just, please look up the synopsis. You won't be sorry.

8. Last book you finished?

The Light Between Worlds by Laura E. Wemouth. It was beautiful and utterly destroyed my life. You can find my review here on my blog.

9. Last book you bought?

It's actually sitting next to me here on the couch as I'm typing, and it's Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch. I was lucky enough to pick up an advance copy of the book's follow-up, Love & Luck, which was recently released, and I wanted to read the first one before diving into the sequel. I believe these books follow a girl and the adventures she has while traveling to different countries (AKA my dream AU life...).

10. Weirdest thing you've used as a bookmark?

Maybe a *clean* piece of laundry? Like a sock? I generally use receipts because they're thin, unobtrusive, and found in abundance.

11. Used books: yes or no?

Heck yes! Unless they're severely damaged/gross/unkempt. I tend to be choosier with my used copies, but I like that they have history.

12. Top three favorite genres?

Fantasy (YA and adult). Historical fiction. Literary fiction.

13. Borrow or buy?

Buy. 😬

14. Characters or plot?

Characters, 100%. If you don't have complex and well-developed characters, I don't care if the plot is as intricate as Pan's Labyrinth. I won't care. I need to be attached to the characters to be invested. Plus, it's my belief that if you have well-written characters, they'll produce good plots on their own.

15. Long or short books?

Uh...don't care? I guess long, assuming the book is good.

16. Long or short chapters?

Without any given context (are there different perspectives?), I would say short.

17. Name the first three books you think of. 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. (<3) Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black.

18. Books that make you laugh or cry?

Cry. I live to suffer.

19. Our world or fictional worlds?

Fictional worlds. Escapism is my primary coping mechanism.

20. Audiobooks: yes or no?

As a kid, my family and I rented audiobooks from the library to listen to during road trips. (Anyone else grow up with Hank the Cowdog?) But we usually owned the physical copy as well. So, sadly, while I have nothing against audiobooks, I rarely ever listen to them. I'm such a visual person that my mind will wander if I just hear the story.

21. Do you ever judge a book by its cover?

Judge? Yes, unfortunately. But I do try to give the blurb a chance if the book is in my favorite genre.

Book-to-movie or book-to-tv adaptations?

I think this is a bit of an unpopular opinion, but...book-to-movie. I think the production costs force higher quality effects/writing/standards in a movie than in a tv show. And if a movie is bad, I can erase it from my mind and just write it off as an unfortunate flop. TV show adaptations, though, generally have lower budgets and can ping-pong around wildly in terms of quality. And I don't like being strung along for moments that look promising and moments of utter disappointment. Not sure if I'm conveying my thoughts effectively, but I just don't like the feeling of being dragged along with tv adaptations that stir up the online wasps and are not a one-occurrence thing. They zap the strength out of me.

Series or standalones?

Overall? Series.


And, that's it! If you made it this far, thanks! And please let me know your answers to these questions in the comments. <3

Credit: I believe the original tag was created by GirlReading on YouTube.

Review: The Light Between Worlds by Laura E. Weymouth

4.25 stars. I'm going to start right off by saying that this book broke my heart, and I am 100% not okay. The Light Between Worlds is about three siblings who cross over into another world called the Woodlands, and then are thrust back into our world a few years later. Specifically, we follow Evelyn, the youngest, and Phillipa, her older sister. This story in many ways feels like a darker Narnia, as it explores all the thoughts and feelings I've always believed I would feel, were I one of the Pevensie children. Laura nails the weight of loss and long-term grief, and how people grapple with those feelings in different ways and in varying degrees. 

While I grew attached to both sisters, I connected most with Evelyn, who takes her exile back to reality the hardest. If you're someone who hasn't experienced or witnessed long-term grief or loss, you may get irritated at how many times Evelyn relapses into depression - but her cycles of brief light and utter darkness struck deep for me. I saw myself in her character so many times. One trigger warning I feel I should mention (which I'll list at the end) is for self-harm. There are a few scenes and references to the fact that Evelyn goes through episodes where she intentionally hurts herself. None of these scenes are graphic, but I do think they could be potentially triggering if you're in a bad place. I think anyone who's suffered any kind of personal trauma will relate to the themes in this book.

One bump I will mention is that it took me a bit of time to feel connected to the story, as the characters and the world-building felt very surface-level at first. As I continued reading, though, I became more invested, and now I'm just left with the bittersweet heartache of witnessing something beautiful and painful, and something that mirrors a part of my own soul.

TW: self-harm

Release Date: October 23, 2018

Goodreads

Quick Review: Smoke in the Sun by Renée Ahdieh

3.75 stars. Once again, Renée Ahdieh totally stole my heart with Smoke in the Sun. I love that we got to see more of Tsuneoki in this sequel, since he was one of my favorite characters in Flame in the Mist. I think I loved Okami even more in this installment (if that's even possible), and I was backing Mariko 100% throughout the entire novel. Her relationship with Prince Raiden in particular kept me on the edge of my seat, as my trust in him kept ping-ponging back and forth. This book also confirmed how seriously messed up Roku - the new boy emperor - is. He's beyond twisted, and the way Renee wrote him was so beautiful and eerie that he really gave me the creeps. I got chills multiple times while curled up in bed, reading. My only qualm with Smoke in the Sun is that the ending wrapped up a little too quickly. Honestly, I think this series could've easily been a trilogy. A third book would've allowed the plot to breathe a bit, and would've given us more time to explore the characters, who I feel like we were just getting attached to. If you enjoyed Flame in the Mist, you have nothing to fear - this sequel does the story justice and will leave you satisfied, if not a little wistful for more.

Goodreads

Underrated Fantasy Recommendations

Hi guys! Today I'll be recommending some fantasy books that stole my heart, but flew under the popular radar. I almost revel in these kinds of books - the ones that don't get too much attention - because I feel like I've stumbled across a hidden gem. However, I want the author to get all the snaps they deserve. So, if you're looking for amazing fantasies that you might've missed out on, here are my recommendations.

1. The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman

I know this book got a lot of publicity when it first came out, but I feel like The Dark Days Club didn't get as much praise as it deserves. Being drawn to anything fantasy and anything Regency era, I decided to take a chance and pick up this new release that everyone had been hauling. And boy, am I glad I did. The Dark Days Club completely caught me off-guard with how much I loved it. If you like immersive world-building and character-driven narratives, I highly recommend you read this series. The romance is of the holy-crap-the-slow-burning-tension-will-kill-me variety, and the author includes actual events and people from the early 1800s that really ground the story. The magic element is interwoven seamlessly into the historical setting. If you enjoy any of Cassandra Clare's series, you'll like this book. Though the cast is smaller, in my opinion, the execution is on the same level. If you love complex characters and historical fantasies, please check out the synopsis here to see if you're interested!

2. A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess

Similar to the previous book, A Shadow Bright and Burning got a fair amount of exposure when it was first released. But soon-after, I feel like it fell into the theoretical "average fantasy" pile, and it took me more than a year to finally yield to my curiosity and give it a try. Like The Dark Days Club, I was immediately hooked and ran out to buy the sequel. Honestly, I was plagued by the thought that I almost missed out on this amazing book. This is a sorcerer story following a girl named Henrietta Howel, who has to battle otherworldly monsters in early Victorian England. The characters just took hold of me and didn't let go, and the plot is incredibly well-paced and filled with action. While not overly concerned with romance, the romantic threads that are in this series may actually be the end of me (*cough* Team Blackwood *cough*). A Shadow Bright and Burning deserves way more recognition than it gets, and I highly recommend you check it out if you like magic, compelling character relationships, and a flip on the whole "chosen-one" trope.

3. Web of Frost by Lindsay Smith

I'm still surprised this book flew under the radar, because it has so many amazing elements. Web of Frost is a Russian-inspired fantasy following a royal girl with magical gifts, a beautiful saint boy with questionable motives, and a foreign prince who begins interfering in the politics of Russalka, Katza's kingdom. If you enjoyed Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone trilogy, then trust me, this book is for you. Particularly if you loved the Darkling. While Web of Frost didn't totally grip me, I definitely plan to continue on with the series. For a more in-depth synopsis, look here.

4. An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

This book is difficult for me to talk about, because I loved it so much. In John Green's The Fault in Our Stars, Hazel ruminates on how some books are so special to you that advertising your affection feels like a betrayal. That's how I feel about An Enchantment of Ravens. If you love faeries, rich and complex characterization, and beautiful crisp writing, this book is for you. Margaret Rogerson is a born writer. Enough said. Read the full synopsis here.

5. Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne

Last but not least. Not to be dramatic, but I will yell praises about this duology until the day I die. That's how under-appreciated I think Midnight Thief is. The story follows two protagonists: a thief named Kyra, who gets recruited by an assassin's guild, and a skilled knight named Tristam, who is bent on revenge for the death of his best friend. I'm not usually a fan of dual narrators, but Livia Blackburne did a great job of making me care about both characters. For once, I was actually excited for the two of them to meet! Aspects of this story reminded me a little of Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson, particularly the group dynamics of the guild. There are also giant panthers in the story. You heard me right. Giant. Panthers. I think fans of Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder will love this duology. If you like twisty loyalties and original-feeling fantasies, I highly recommend you pick up Midnight Thief.

Review: Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa

4.5 stars. Look, I don’t normally do a lot of gushing, so just brace yourself for this review. Because this book was amazing. I knew exactly 62 pages in that I was going to love this story. Shadow of the Fox is one of those rare books where you completely forget that you're reading, because you're so immersed in what's happening.

My History with Julie Kagawa's Books:

I enjoyed the first three books in Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series, despite some flat characterization and the romance not going the way I wanted. I'd also read the first two books in Julie's Immortal Rules series, and had the same reaction - enjoyed the books, wasn't really there for the romance. (She wrote a series about dragons too, which I never picked up because I’m not huge on dragons.) Despite having a positive experience with most of her series, none of them hold a candle to this new book. The development of the world, the intricacy of the plot, and most of all, the strength of the characterization, blew my mind. Shadow of the Fox is in a field all on its own.

The Characters:

Yumeko is our tricksy but well-intentending kitsune protagonist, and I absolutely loved her. She always gave people a chance no matter their reputation, and she was reluctant to provoke animosity with anyone. While some may view this as naive, I think it made her brave. To always see or hope for the best in people is an act of courage unto itself.

And then there's Tatsumi. Poor demon-possesed Tatsumi, who stole my heart and made me want to weep. If you’ve read Julie's Iron Fey series, Tatsumi is the character I wished Ash could have been. He’s dark and quiet and broody, and *cough* slightly evil, but he’s his own unique character and I loved getting to see inside his head. He’s one of those protagonists(?) who immediately feels like a real person, like someone you’re meeting and not just reading about.

The side characters were also awesome. I won't name all of them, but halfway through we’re introduced to a character named Okame who made me laugh in almost every scene he was in. The story also introduces many different kinds of villains, who were all great in that I absolutely hated the lot of them. If you like reading about terrible female villains, this book has what you're looking for.

Lastly, the romance was just...perfect. And agonizing. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, and to say I’m dying for the sequel would be an understatement. Whether or not you’ve read Julie’s books before, let me help sway you now. YOU WANT THIS BOOK.

Goodreads
Release Date: October 2, 2018

Quick Review: The Bird and the Blade by Megan Bannen

Rounding up to 3 stars. Despite being a little torn about this book, I would overall give it a thumbs up. There is a lot about The Bird and the Blade that feels different from your average fantasy novel, and I really enjoyed that. This is a standalone historical-fantasy set in the Mongol Empire. We follow a slave girl named Jinghua who sets off an a journey with Prince Khalaf, a descendent of Genghis Khan, to help save his kingdom.

There is a nice balance of character focus and action, and Bannen's writing has a romantic quality to it that reminded me a bit of Renee Ahdieh's prose. Despite the romance lacking some of the angst that I so dearly love to revel in, I ended up really liking the characters, especially Junghua, Khalaf, and Khalaf's father Timur. Timur especially is like that dry-humored old curmudgeon who slowly starts to grow on you as the plot progresses. There is a riddle aspect to this story that is riveting to watch play out, and I thought the ending was, dare I say it, a truly refreshing one. My only real qualm about this book is that the beginning throws you into a first-hand narrative without a lot of context. Once I figured out that the book jumps back-and-forth in time, and switches perspectives, I finally put together what was going on and was able to fully concentrate on the story.

While I enjoyed reading this, I don't know how long the story will stay with me. Even if it wasn't my favorite fantasy in the world, I am glad I picked it up. Overall, if you enjoy ghosts, slow-burn romance, and unique historical fantasies, then The Bird and the Blade is definitely calling your name.

Goodreads Description 
Release Date: June 5, 2018

Quick Review: Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake

3.25 stars. Beyond a Darkened Shore was a slow start for me, but I ended up really enjoying it. I loved how the author blended together Norse and Celtic mythology and used those elements to not only shape the world, but also to define the two main characters, Ciara and Lief. Ciara is a Celtic princess who may or may not possess a little mind-control magic, and Lief is a Northman warrior who invades her kingdom. It was fun to watch the two of them clash and grow together, and I immensely enjoyed the journey they wind up going on, filled with kelpies, fae, and ancient gods.

Some scenes I thought were a little overwritten, and dragged on longer than necessary, but I only found myself skimming a few times. After three or four chapters, I found myself totally engrossed in the story. If you like fantasy, especially Norse and Celtic-inspired fantasy, with a hate-to-love romance, then I do seriously recommend picking up Beyond a Darkened Shore. While perhaps not on the level of Cassandra Clare or Holly Black, it's a worthwhile read.

Goodreads Description

Quick Review: Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian

3 stars. I've never read anything by Siobhan Vivian before, but I thought this was really cute. The story really pulled me in, and it was cool how ice cream was almost like its own character in the book. I also enjoyed the flashback diary entries written by the shop's original owner, Molly. Some may see the main character, Amelia, as a "weak" character, but I actually related to her in a lot of ways (not sure what that says about me). She was more job-focused and understanding of others than Cate, her fun-loving best friend, and I identified with her struggle to balance her drive to be a good worker and her desire to have fun with her friends. 

Overall, this was a perfect contemporary to pick up for the summer - especially for us fantasy lovers who occasionally need to dip back into the real world.

Goodreads Description

Quick Review: Seafire by Natalie C. Parker

3.5 stars. As a general rule, I'm not a fan of pirate stories. I've never watched the Pirates of the Caribbean movies (gasp!), and I usually lose interest whenever I see a book pitched as anything "pirate"-esque. It's just not a sub-genre that calls to me. Seafire, however, totally caught me off guard. I started it late at night and found, to my dawning horror, that I could not put it down. Natalie C. Parker's writing is vivid and absolutely captivating, without being flowery. The main character, Caledonia, is flawed, and frustrated me at numerous points, but not in a way that put me off. She was level-headed and her prejudice toward the Bullets was grounded, which only left me more eager to see her perspective grow.

Female friendship and girl power was a crucial element in this book, but it was done in a way I really appreciated. Instead of feeling preachy, or just consisting of "rah-rah" lines with little substance, Seafire actually introduced me to girls who stood by each other and showed strength, instead of just telling me they were strong. I feel like the girl who charges into situations with a tough-girl attitude and no regret is an often mis-construed character trope. Caledonia is certainly tough, but this book doesn't gloss over or idealize the less admirable sides of her personality. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated this, because it made her moments of vulnerability even more powerful.

Plot-wise, I could picture everything that was happening in my mind. The world and the "sailor talk" was well-constructed, and the relationship in this book. I am so here for it. It was subtle and angst-ridden and I'm just 100% on-board. So congratulations to Natalie for writing the pirate book that hooked my attention and finally changed my mind!

Goodreads Description
Release Date: August 28, 2018

Combo Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern & Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Magical circuses. On paper, they sound right up my alley - who doesn't like mysterious magicians, mind-twisting games, and beautiful settings? Sadly, me. And here's why:

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

2.25 stars

Look, the writing is gorgeous. But I was just so...bored? The Night Circus is like an exquisitely wrapped present with nothing inside. If you love beautiful imagery and lush descriptions - just for the sake of their beauty and lushness - then you'll probably like this book. The writing is certainly a work of art, but I found the actual story itself to be incredibly lacking. The characters are like people you watch through a window - flat and always kept at a distance. I never truly cared about them. 

It also didn't help that the plot was mind-numbingly slow. While reading, I would pick up this book, only to set it down 20 minutes later after I realized that nothing really was happening. The story was all description. Don't get me wrong - I love slower-paced books. In fact, it's one of my buzzwords that actually gets me interested in a novel. But there's a difference between "slower-paced" and "literally nothing of note is happening". Usually, slow-paced books concentrate on character development. In the case of The Night Circus, slow-paced means: 10 pages of sensory description -> characters go on walk/eat dinner -> 10 more pages of sensory description. Which may be some readers' cup of tea, but it ain't mine.

If this book hadn't been so hyped, I may not feel as let-down as I do. And I certainly recognize that, objectively, The Night Circus is a masterful piece of work. It just wasn't the type of novel that worked for me.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

2.25 stars

Caraval also suffers from a lack of character depth. Our protagonist, Scarlet, comes off as whiny a lot of the time, not to mention the fact that she develops a serious case of insta-love. She and the love-interest spend way too much time making eyes at one another, and their set-up is so obvious and sickly sweet it almost made me sick. Maybe I've become jaded, and only want angst and tension in my couples, but this book just didn't deliver for me romance-wise. I might've been able to forgive Scarlet's sudden infatuation if it was with an interesting character with a layered personality. Julian, however, has about as many layers as a British pancake. I found the world-building also lacking, with empty filler descriptions that seemed intended to just sound flowery. The only intriguing element of the novel was Caraval's secret master, Legend. Unfortunately, even he could not salvage my enjoyment of the story.

Overall 

For various reasons, neither of these books worked for me. While The Night Circus definitely deserves snaps for its writing and atmosphere, Caraval was a quicker read that didn't get as bogged down in description. Both novels seriously struggled in the character department, and sadly were not for me. However, I'm not writing off magical circuses completely! I'm holding out hope that one day I'll stumble across a circus-fantasy that satisfies my character-driven bookish needs.

Quick Review: Storm-Wake by Lucy Christopher

A tentative 3 stars. Lucy Christopher's Stolen is one of my favorite books of all time. It's incredible. You will not be the same after reading it. (If you don't believe me, it won the Prinz award!) However, her other books have been a bit hit-or-miss for me. None of them have lived up to Stolen. Flyaway was soft and beautiful and sad. The Killing Woods was intriguing and enjoyable enough, but ultimately nothing too special.

Her new book, Storm-Wake, is different from anything she's ever written, at least style-wise. It reflects the otherworldly nature of the novel's island setting. You could trace some similar themes that run throughout both Stolen and Storm-Wake, such as beauty, dreams, and magical places. This book, though, more than any of her others, felt like it fits into the magical realism genre.

Storm-Wake is about a girl named Moss who lives with her Pa on a magical island. They both believe the rest of the world has been swallowed by floods, and it's only when a few boys wash ashore that you start to figure out the truth. I have to say, it took me a little while to get into the unique style of this book, as you're just sort of thrown into Moss's world. But I ended up enjoying the story and the somewhat bizarre relationships Moss forms with the boys and the island. And honestly, I wanted to figure out the truth about the island.

I didn't enjoy Storm-Wake as much as Stolen, but the story was still unique and gripped me throughout. Lucy Christopher's style differs with each book, but her writing is consistently lyrical and immersive. Overall, a lovely dreamlike tale.

Goodreads Description
Release Date: July 31, 2018

Quick Review: Even the Darkest Stars by Heather Fawcett

A solid caught-me-off-guard 4 stars. Boy am I so glad I read this book! I had been on the fence for a while, but the story and characters ended up being so rich and compelling. I love River and Kamzin, and the plot itself was absolutely stellar. The pacing, the immersiveness of the wintery mountain setting, the shocking reveals - everything was a solid A+. As a reader, I was immediately grounded in both the story and the setting. 

I have no complaints about Even the Darkest Stars. And that ending?! Honestly, those were probably the most epic last few chapters I've ever read. I absolutely cannot wait for All the Wandering Light. If you love dangerous mountain adventures, characters that feel volatile and real, and a sprinkle of fantasy thrown in, then I highly recommend this book. (Honestly, I'd recommend Even the Darkest Stars to anyone.)

Goodreads

Quick Review: An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

A beautiful 4 - nearly 5! - stars. This book is not only stunningly beautiful, but it is by far one of the most unique fae stories I've ever read. Every single word captures your imagination, painting Isobel's story into your mind with such vivid detail and clarity that you can practically feel the crunch of leaves under your feet. 

Not only is the writing itself bewitching, but the characters all feel complex and strikingly real. This is no small feat. Oftentimes, as I found with Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus, character depth is tossed aside in favor of elaborate lyrical descriptions. And sure, in the end, the stage looks exquisite - but the actors are all puppets. This was not the case with An Enchantment of Ravens. Rogerson managed to transport me into an autumnal forest filled with fae, while still giving me fully fleshed out travel companions. You can feel the weight of Rook and Isobel's personal histories, and this rings true even with the side characters (though perhaps to a lesser extent).

Overall, I would recommend this unique and beautiful book to everyone, but especially those who love the fae. An Enchantment of Ravens captures that rare magical feeling we all search for.

Release Date: September 26, 2017
Goodreads