Quick Review: A Million Junes by Emily Henry

3.75 stars. I normally don't enjoy magical realism, but A Million Junes lived up to all my hopeful expectations. This book contains one of my favorite commentaries on grief - so many quotes I felt on a soul-deep level. June and Saul are such unique and real-feeling characters, connected by their loss and sharing a sharp sense of humor. I appreciated how June's best friend, Hannah, also feels like her own person. She has her own individual wants and motivations. Basically, she's not a prop character at all, which I feel is a pitfall for a lot of "side" characters.

This was my first book by Emily Henry and I found her writing to be clever, vivid, and insightful. I'll definitely be picking up another one of her novels!

Sidenote: Though they're obviously different stories, if you love Maggie Stiefvater's Raven Cycle, I feel like you'll enjoy this book too.

Goodreads

Spoiler-Free Review: Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

4 stars. Not every book transports you. Plenty are entertaining and well-crafted, but when a story has the power to whisk you away from reality, you know it's special.

Sky in the Deep is one of those novels.

Before I get ahead of myself, this book isn't perfect. The writing is a little clunky in places, and the story took some expected turns. Nevertheless, I stayed up until 4 am finishing it. Adrienne Young really captures the atmosphere of the Norse setting. Eelyn's world feels immediate and real - I could touch the cold of the ice, taste the air coming off the fjord, hear the whizz of an arrow and the cries of warriors in battle. I grew invesested in Eelyn and in her relationships with her brother, her people, and her enemies. If you're looking for a captivating and character-driven adventure that explores the themes of enemies and allies, and recognizing people different from you as complex and multifaceted, then I highly recommend giving this debut a try.

Overall, I am kicking myself for not picking up this book sooner! Sky in the Deep is definitely a stand-out read for me, and I'm doubly excited for the author's new release later this year.

Goodreads

Review: Vengeful by V.E. Schwab

3.75 stars. So I read Vicious back in 2013, and I loved it. In fact, Vicious was my first (and favorite) book by V.E. Schwab. Thinking it a standalone, I was thrilled and slightly anxious when I heard she was writing a sequel. (Hence why I put off reading this until now). Turns out, I had no reason to fear.

Vengeful reminded me why I loved the first book so much. Schwab's writing is crisp and punchy, and utterly engaging. I'd honestly forgotten some of the events and side characters from Vicious, but Vengeful did such a good job of recapturing the atmosphere of the first one that everything soon came rushing back. I forgot how much I missed them all. Especially the family bond between Victor and Sydney. As in Vicious, these two were my favorite to read about. Eli continued to be as complicated as my feelings are for him, if that makes any sense, and the new characters introduced also proved a welcome addition. Although I wasn't as invested in Marcella's storyline, she was a compelling character and a refreshing perspective to read from.

If, like me, you have been hesitating to pick this up, Vengeful is definitely a worthy successor to Vicious. I was completely sucked in, and the final showdown near the end had me clasping my hand over my mouth the entire time.

Overall: I missed my damaged found-family of villains.

Goodreads

Review: The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden

5 stars. How can I possibly review this book? I cried twice. Each word pierced my heart. Katherine Arden's writing and storytelling are so visceral, her words so perfectly crafted, that the story just plays out in your mind like you're watching first-hand. As in the first two books, she tackles faith and religion, freedom and duty, all set against the backdrop of 14th century Russia. You can tell the author did her research, because the history interweaves seamlessly with the folklore and plot.

If you loved the first two books, know that this last installment will not let you down. All the character arcs and plot points that have been slowly building reach their spearhead in this final book, and Vasya really comes into her own. I know it sounds grandiose, but the Winternight trilogy truly is a masterpiece.

On a more personal note, I just...never want to leave Vasya's world. I never want to say goodbye to Morozko, Sasha, Olga, and Solovey. Even Medved and Konstantin - in the end, I couldn't bring myself to hate anyone. I think a part of me will forever ride with Vasya on a dark road through Midnight. Despite the moments of heartbreak, the conclusion of The Winter of the Witch was everything I could've asked for and more.

You probably couldn't tell, but this is one of my favorite series of all time.


Goodreads

Not About the Love Story: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I don't talk about this a lot, but I love romance. Fantasy is my favorite genre to read - but fantasy with a strong angst-ridden romance? My absolute weakness. So, why I am talking about this in relation to The Fault in Our Stars? Let me explain briefly. When this book shot up in the popular charts, many who talked about it focused on the tragic love story of Hazel and Augustus. The sob-inducing, Kleenex-clutching heartbreak of their relationship and its trajectory. Now don't get me wrong - I love Hazel and Augustus's romantic relationship. But what I noticed people didn't talk about as much was the very aspect that made this book one of my favorite books of all time: it's portrayal of illness. How disease affects both your own perception, and the way you're perceived by those around you.

I had a brain tumor when I was 17 years-old, which was accompanied by seizures and staph infections, and I have struggled with severe eczema my whole life. (I've fortunately never had to deal with anything as bad as cancer!) The way John discusses illness in this book gutted me the first time I read it. He was voicing the thoughts and feelings I'd had swirling around my brain my entire life. Things the healthy people around me couldn't always understand.

"Physical illness repulses."

"There is no glory in illness. There is no meaning to it."

"I wanted to not be a malevolent force in the lives of people I loved."

"The physical evidence of disease separates you from other people."

People often talk about physical health and mental health separately, but I think the two chase each other in a vicious circle. Dealing with a chronic illness changes your perception of yourself, and can leave you with long-lasting insecurities about your appearance and your inherent worth as a person, because you cannot do certain things that other people do or look the way that other people look. 

Gus's commentary on how you never see people dying heroically of illness in museums, and Hazel's casual references to hospital talk (rating your pain on a scale of 1-10), made me feel so seen. And as much as I love their love story, the reason The Fault in Our Stars shattered my heart is due to how well John understands and portrays the thoughts and feelings of someone dealing with serious illness. I could probably write an entire thesis on this topic...but hopefully this post/discussion made some sense!

Like That Movie/TV-Show? Read These Books!

If you're like me, then you enjoy getting book recommendations based on other media. Sometimes I feel like these kinds of comparisons are put together on merely a surface level, so I made sure to think long and hard about the following suggestions. Please let me know if any turn out accurate! Edit: I later realized that a lot of the "media" I chose are adaptations of other books. Not sure what that says about me. But alas!

1. Howl's Moving Castle/Even the Darkest Stars by Heather Fawcett

If you like the film adaptation of Howl's Moving Castle, then I think you'll also enjoy Heather Fawcett's Even the Darkest Stars. Not only do both stories deal with wizards and witches, but the magic systems share a similar atmospheric quality. Both stories also feature a curse that needs breaking and a fire demon who likes to strike bargains. I highly recommend both of these magical stories.

Bonus: If you love Howl's Moving Castle, book or film, I would also recommend Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White. Its two main characters strongly remind me of Sophie and Howl.

2. The Lord of the Rings/Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

 

This comparison may not seem as obvious, but while I was reading Strange the Dreamer, something about the epicness of the story's scale reminded me of Lord of the Rings. In both, you've got a group of travelers who bond on a journey and face danger together. War plays an important role in both stories, and the authors place an emphasis on magical locations. Now, I am by no means a Lord of the Rings expert. (Like at all.) So some of you LotR fans may disagree with me on this one. But I definitely think you get the same vibe from both. I would also, of course, recommend you read the LotR books too if you enjoyed Strange. They're fantastic.

3. Game of Thrones/Falling Kingdoms series by Morgan Rhodes

 

To me, Falling Kingdoms feels like a lite Game of Thrones. And I don't mean that in a demeaning way - there are just as many (if not more) betrayals in Falling Kingdoms as there are in Game of Thrones. Both are fantasies with a large cast of characters and perspectives - some who are good, some who are bad, and many who are gray. Broken princes, political schemers, rebels, and avenging princesses all play a role in these war-waging kingdoms. Sidenote: The main ship in this series is slow-burn and GLORIOUS, and also reminds me of a certain pairing in GoT. If you're looking for a YA version of Game of Thrones, I highly recommend picking up Falling Kingdoms.

Bonus: I'd also recommend The Cruel Prince and The Wicked King by Holly Black if you dig bloody political vies for the crown and ruthless characters.

4. Hick/Sadie by Courtney Summers

I recently watched Hick (not just because it stars Eddie Redmayne...*cough*...) and it instantly reminded me of Sadie. Quick trigger warning that both stories involve pedophilia. Hick also includes an implied rape scene. If you like tough hitchhiking heroines, backroad country settings, and gritty topics, I think you'll enjoy both this movie and this book.

5. The Raven Cycle/The Wren Hunt by Mary Watson

Before you complain, I know this is cheating. Maggie Stiefvater's Raven Cycle is slated to become a tv show on SyFy, though, and the stories give off such similar vibes that I had to include it, okay? I had to. So I cheated a little. Just let me explain. The Wren Hunt opens with a girl named Wren being "hunted" by a group of boys in a deadly game played on St. Stephen's Day. Wren is secretly an Augur, a magic-user whose power is slowly being stolen by enemy magic-users called the Judges. Wren has to go undercover amongst the Judges to try and steal back her people's magic. Drama ensues.

The whole story takes place in Ireland and is infused with Irish mythology and history. The way Mary Watson interweaves folklore into the story feels strikingly similar to how Maggie interweaves Welsh folklore into The Raven Cycle. Both stories have a mix of fantasy and contemporary, with a underlying current of magical realism. Both also feature a group of prep school magic boys (though I'd say The Wren Hunt boys have a darker bent to them). Overall, I 100% see these stories attracting the same audience. If you love Blue, Gansey, Adam, Ronan, and Noah, then I highly recommend picking up The Wren Hunt.

Non-Spoiler Review: The Wicked King by Holly Black

4 stars. The Wicked King was a lot shorter than I anticipated, but boy did it pack a punch. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an advance copy of this long-awaited sequel, and let me just say that I was completely unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster awaiting me.

The Wicked King kicks off not long after where The Cruel Prince left off and keeps a heart-pounding pace right up to the finish. I would say that you see a softer side of Cardan in this sequel, and I think readers who felt lukewarm about the first book will appreciate the turn Jude and Cardan's relationship takes. (Full Disclosure: I floated somewhere between lukewarm and obsessed.) Jude is just as stabby and conflicted, and I loved her even more in this book. The tension ramps up between Jude and Cardan, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing moody Cardan rule as king while Jude pulls all the strings. I will say, there's a section in the book where the setting shifts briefly and I found myself itching to skim a few pages. I'm not sure if it's due to a lack of world development, but that's my worst complaint.

For some reason the plot took a lot of turns I didn't see coming, and I had to reexamine my idea of what the story is. But, to be honest, I sort of enjoyed being blindsided by the twists. My absolute favorite part of The Wicked King was the ending. No spoilers, but let's just say it was as jaw-dropping/no-way-inducing/are-you-frickin'-kidding-me as the ending of The Cruel Prince. Perhaps even more so. I...still think about that ending months after finishing. I recommend this truly wicked sequel to both fans and skeptics. The wait for Queen of Nothing is going to be a long one.


Goodreads

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.

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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