The Hidden Book Nook

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

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

Saturday, November 17, 2018

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.

Friday, October 19, 2018

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.

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Monday, September 10, 2018

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...

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

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

Sunday, July 29, 2018

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