With shades of The Hunger Games, Ender’s Game, and Game of Thrones, debut author Pierce Brown’s genre-defying epic Red Rising hit the ground running and wasted no time becoming a sensation.
Golden Son continues the stunning saga of Darrow, a rebel forged by tragedy, battling to lead his oppressed people to freedom from the overlords of a brutal elitist future built on lies. Now fully embedded among the Gold ruling class, Darrow continues his work to bring down Society from within.
A life-or-death tale of vengeance with an unforgettable hero at its heart, Golden Son guarantees Pierce Brown’s continuing status as one of fiction’s most exciting new voices. 

My Review 

Author: Pierce Brown
Series: Red Rising #2

Pages: 464

Publication Date: January 6, 2015

Source: Library

I’m rusty at this review thing but I’m going to try for Darrow.

With the exception of Harry Potter, Outlander and maybe the Lumatere Trilogy, Red Rising is the absolute epitome of all the books I’ve read.

There is this chill that goes down ones spine when they know they are reading a great book. I felt that with Red Rising and the feeling was intensified in Golden Son, which was so much more complex and dramatic than its predecessor and if you’ve read Red Rising you’d also know that that’s quite a feat in itself. Pierce Brown has outdone himself.

The world is ten folds that of what we saw in Red Rising and so are the friendships, betrayals and action-drama sequences. I took a 3 day break because I couldn’t deal with certain revelations and other possible outcomes. This series has broken my heart so many times thus far and all that’s keeping me going is Darrow’s hope. It takes a moment to realize that his problems aren’t mine and his world is not real, however, Brown’s Martian society very closely resembles our own and its hard to not be fascinated and horrified by this paradigm.

Golden Son begins with a 2 year leap, Darrow begins the novel at age 18 commanding fleets at the Institute fresh and yearning for action, but finishes the novel as a full fledged man of war at age 20. I loved the subtle yet continues passage of time. A war doesn't happen in a month, it takes years and a lot of manpower something Pierce Brown made sure to address.

Darrow is a fantastic character to be inside the head of. His faith in humanity and capacity to love is heartbreaking given what he went through and continues to go through. It does help that he has some wonderful friends like Sevro and Ragnar. Sevro's sailors-mouth was always a welcome reprieve. This midget in wolfs clothes has really grown on me. On the other hand Ragnar was newly introduced in Golden Son and his relationship through not too deeply explored foreshadows to the future Darrrow's been working on and I'm so excited to see more and learn more about Ragnar's sisters and family. Also, special mentions go to the Telemanus's and Lorn of Arcos. Pax was my teddy bear in Red Rising and I'm glad there was more of the Telemanus's in this book.

“Rise so high, in mud you lie.” So many left in the dirt and now I have a sopping month to wait for the conclusion.

-MARI

Today is Leonard Peacock’s birthday. It is also the day he hides a gun in his backpack. Because today is the day he will kill his former best friend, and then himself, with his grandfather’s P-38 pistol.

But first he must say good-bye to the four people who matter most to him: his Humphrey Bogart-obsessed next-door neighbor, Walt; his classmate, Baback, a violin virtuoso; Lauren, the Christian homeschooler he has a crush on; and Herr Silverman, who teaches the high school’s class on the Holocaust. Speaking to each in turn, Leonard slowly reveals his secrets as the hours tick by and the moment of truth approaches.

In this riveting look at a day in the life of a disturbed teenage boy, acclaimed author Matthew Quick unflinchingly examines the impossible choices that must be made—and the light in us all that never goes out.

My Review

Author: Matthew Quick

Pages: 273

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: August 13, 2013

Source: Library

I'm a little scared to write this review because it can go in a lot of different ways, and it's hard to balance what I think needs to be said with what I want to be said and what kind of impression I want to leave of this book. 

Let's make the last part exceptionally clear: This is a phenomenal book and you should read it. 

The strength in Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock is that it's a book that touches on some basic, shared human experiences. I connected so strongly with Leonard in some ways, and that's where the impact of the story came in. It reached my humanity; awakened my compassion. Leonard Peacock is having a bad day, or moreso, he's had a rough few years and he doesn't see the light. He doesn't believe it's going to get better. 

He wants to believe, but he can't. He's caught up in a sea of negativity and it's sucking the life out of him. The world is darker and he can't find any light, and so he's spiralling out of control. I think this is where I became most emotional: Leonard is looking for something better. He's desperately trying to find it, and he can't. All the adults he knows are miserable, and he lacks any friends in his peers. He feels like no one understands him and when he looks at other people, all he sees is misery. 

I've wondered that before. Hell, I think I'll wonder that again. I hate when adults around me are constantly tired from work, constantly exhausted doing mundane things. When all they want to do is forget and self-medicate. I hate when people aren't being real, they're caught up in status and whatever. Sometimes, I'm caught up in that too and I'm scared because my goal is only to be happy, and it should be something very simple but sometimes it's not and sometimes it is. I think this disenchantment was the pulse of the story. Except Leonard has a hard time getting out of it. I think it's fair to say that world is not as terrible as Leonard believes it is, but he's trying to believe and no one is pulling him out of that. 

I remember thinking, at some point throughout the story, about what Leonard would think of me, if we ever met. I hope I could be kinder to him. I wouldn't say he's weird, because I don't do that to people, although I know that I'm not exactly approachable. I'd like to think that I try to enjoy small things. I bop to the music, I smile at random things I see, and I try to have fun. I was trying to figure out what Leonard would think of me-- and what I would think of him. Would I help him out? Would I realize what kind of person he is? And I guess I felt a little self-conscious because I like Leonard. I think he's an interesting person that sees the world differently, and sometimes I connect with that. But then I realized that Leonard sees the humanity of the situation, and that's too much for him sometimes. Leonard is understanding, but is tired of being abused. I don't need to care about what Leonard would think of me. We're both human. 

Basically, I think Leonard would understand. And this is fundamentally why Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock is so great. I just wrote about Leonard like he's a real person because the story is so real. It's full of little and big moments and it doesn't really end conclusively except that there's this odd hope that the next day can be a little better, and maybe there is something greater to reach for. Maybe it is possible to find happiness. 

-P.E. 

Game of Thrones meets the Grimm's fairy tales in this twisted, fast-paced romantic fantasy-adventure about Sleeping Beauty's daughter, a warrior princess who must fight to reclaim her throne.

Though she looks like a mere mortal, Princess Aurora is a fairy blessed with enhanced strength, bravery, and mercy yet cursed to destroy the free will of any male who kisses her. Disguised as a boy, she enlists the help of the handsome but also cursed Prince Niklaas to fight legions of evil and free her brother from the ogre queen who stole Aurora's throne ten years ago.

Will Aurora triumph over evil and reach her brother before it's too late? Can Aurora and Niklaas break the curses that will otherwise forever keep them from finding their one true love?

My Review 

Author: Stacey Jay

Pages: 400

Publication Date: December 9 2014

Source: Library

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Dear Princess of Thorns, 

I love you beyond words. However, seeing as humanity is not yet capable of communicating the depths of our feelings without some verbal cues, I am forced to use words to convey my utter appreciation for you. 

I luh you. 

Aurora, is awesome. She is loud, proud, and stubborn as hell. She has a destiny and refuses to back down from it. She is willing to do the most ridiculous things to get what she wants, and her go-getter attitude is the fucking bomb. I wish she could be real so we could be BFFs and tbh I've always loved squirrels. She never takes shit from anyone, and she made mistakes, but she was so passionately herself, so loud and free and wild in the most gloriously Aurora-way ever, and I love her for it.

Niklaas... his character development was ON FLEEK. He started out gorgeously quippy, (I mean, a freaking sun god? What's not to like?) yet I could not appreciate his casual, much manly man misogyny. But he learned grew through deeply analyzing his feelings and finally, he saw women as people. I love that. I love Stacey Jay for the extremely delicate way this was covered. Niklaas was an asshole, but other parts of him were lovable, like his wit, his sense of duty, and his stubborness too. Damnit, Niklaas and Aurora are the most stubborn couple that ever was and that will ever be.

I ship it.

The best part was that Jay wrote about Niklaas' past and why he had grown up, socialized to believe in certain things, and how he finally overcame it. #feminism #geteducated

And then, Princess of Thorns, there is the lovely spirit of destiny. All the lovely components of Sleeping Beauty are twisted into something new while maintaining the spirit of the original fairy tale. This was done through the writing. I always thought Stacey Jay was a great writer, but it was not until Princess of Thorns that I truly appreciated the poetry of her words. Stacey Jay incorporates mystique into every word, and her creative use of perspectives elevates Princess of Thorns. Different characters with complex motivations are revealed, and the story has a few moving parts that converge in a satisfying climax and resolution.

Princess of Thorns is mostly a romance, and Aurora and Niklaas eclipse everything else in the story. There is a great evil that they both fight, but that is very secondary to Aurora learning to use her fairy gifts, and frankly, I enjoyed the banter between the two so much that I did not care about the overall plot as much as I may normally. I was under a spell.

Princess of Thorns, you are no retelling of Sleeping Beauty. Sleeping Beauty is the inspiration, and there are direct links to the original tale, but the story is something completely different, and it is wonderful. It is full of castles and wars, corruption and hate. This is a journey between Niklaas and Ror, and frankly, I wish Stacey Jay's kickstarter was still running because I love these characters and I wish I could read more about them. Alas, it's too late now, and I can only hope that Stacey Jay will one day write another book and I will read it.

Princess of Thorns, to me, is definitely on the level of other brilliant retellings by the likes of Jackson Pearce and Rosamund Hodge. I recommend this for fans of the other two, or fans of gorgeous writing in fantasy.

-P.E. 

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!

GOODREADS

My Review

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Date of Publication: May 5, 2015
Pages: 416
Source: Library

Despite my previous blog being The Book Faerie, I've never been a fan of YA faeries. Until now; until Sarah J. Maas.

I think Maas brings to faerie stories what not many other do; she creates her own mythology or builds on previous ones in a way that sets her story apart. Many books assume that everyone knows about the 'general faerie mythology' like the Unseelie and Seelie courts. I don't, not really, and so I can be easily put off by books like The Iron King by Julie Kagawa which everyone, but I, liked.

Beyond being a book about faeries, ACOTAR is also a retelling of beauty and the beast. Maas took an interesting path with the old tale and spun it to encompass a magical world filled with warring species of humans, fae and a not-so-beastly Tamlin.

Tamlin is not your conventional beast. Sure he has claws and a beast form, but his curse isn't one of such an obvious nature. No, Tamlin was charming to say the least. His and Feyre's gradual friendship or rather courtship was very sweet to read about. My only struggle with Tamlin was that he didn't give away much about himself which makes it harder for me know and understand him.

On the other hand, Feyre was an open book, which probably has a lot to do with her being the narrator... Seriously though, I adored her. She was a strong girl who had to grow up fast in order to take care of her family. But inside, she was still just a girl who wanted enough food and some paint.

The first half of the book was slow winding but enjoyable as we watched Feyre explore the fae world and come to know Tamlin better. However, what blew this book away for me was the second portion which I literally read in one night. One word: Rhys.

Everything up to then was good and interesting but Rhys, he brought something completely different to the table. Otherwise known as Amarantha's whore, Rhys was dark, handsome and cunning. He played the games that faeries are credited with and he played them well. It felt like in the first half I'd been under a glamour and Rhys turned it off. I also like to think of him as the unlikely hero who needs to be given more credit.

Overall, ACOTAR is definitely one of Sarah J. Maas' better books which is saying something as I've enjoyed all of her books. What I am noticing, however, is that she manages to visibly grow as a writer in each book. So while I may have had minimal to zero issues with her previous works, she still manages to increase the quality of her stories and I'm impatient to see how amazing her future works prove to be.

-MARI

Author: Michelle Hodkin
Publication Date: November 4 2014
Pages: 470
Source: Library ebook
Series: Mara Dyer #3

Mara Dyer wants to believe there's more to the lies she’s been told.
There is.

She doesn’t stop to think about where her quest for the truth might lead.
She should.

She never had to imagine how far she would go for vengeance.
She will now.

Loyalties are betrayed, guilt and innocence tangle, and fate and chance collide in this shocking conclusion to Mara Dyer’s story.

Retribution has arrived. 


Once in a while, you read a finale that is so freaking awesome that you die a little because you want more and it's all over. So let's talk about this book.



I read the first Mara Dyer years ago, and this one was the last. Hodkin's books have been unique in the sense that I always enjoy them when reading them, but they seem to fade from my memory and I'm surprised at just how good they are when I eventually do pick them up. In this case, I remember thinking that I could FINALLY finish a series. This isn't something that happens every day because I seem to start more series than I finished. Oh well.

There was a problem, however. I had the faintest recollection of the previous two books. I could remember the very main characters-- Mara and Noah (!!!!!!), and had a vague sense of the others, but I couldn't remember much of the previous plots except that it was all weird and creepy and I didn't know if this was a psychological thriller or a paranormal. The first two books in the series kept the reader in the dark. They were about the intrigue as they built up the story to this book.

With the help of Mari and Recaptains, which could be the best thing ever in the history of things ever, I was able to get some sense of what happened in the previous books, Still, I started The Retribution of Mara Dyer very fresh, and I'm surprised at just how much it can stand on its own. That's because the story is so different from the first two books in the series. We could all see this coming, this lovely, eerie brilliance, but it was shocking in the best possible way to see all the potential of a series realized.

This book was wicked. 

I was hooked from the very first page because all throughout the story, there is this pulsing feeling that something is very wrong and I love that, especially with protagonists like Mara. I loved Mara in this. Mara is changing and she likes it. She's not timid or scared. She's very cold and capable, yet still human. Still, you have to wonder how much of that is changing? Mara does her own thing, and I love her for it. She still cares about her friends, but I love how much of a leader she is and she's growing to accept and even love herself, as she is. She still suffers from guilt, but I truly did think she was spectacularly fascinating, and I loved how unapologetic she was. Mara would make Rihanna proud.

The other characters were all just as brilliant. I adored Mara and wish I could read more about her. And there is something I can't tell you because it would be a massive spoiler but it is so fucking awesome and I love it and I feel like I could burst from the excitement of it all. So um, there's that! There's also witty banter between friends (because friendships matter!) and I thought, in general, that Mara's relationships were all fascinating and there were a lot of good people in her life. These characters were all fleshed out and each brought a different dynamic to every scene and I'm pretty sure I adored them all.

I was really happy that there were answers.



There are some answers early on, and then more later. I still think some of the mystery about the origins of the main conflict are a little confusing, but I don't even care because the plot, while fascinating, doesn't drive this story. The characters do, led by Mara Dyer. I also think that Hodkins has the rare ability to make reading an enjoyable experience, so reading her prose was also enjoyable. She is very good at describing odd, creepy things. In horror movies, there is high pitched movie that puts the viewer on edge. Michelle Hodkins writing is that.

Now, the biggest question to any finale is about the ending: does it do the series justice? Does the resolution tie up all the loose ends, leaving the reader breathless, satisfied, yet also dared to dream? Is this a book that can stand on its own? The answer to those questions is: absolutely yes.

The resolution made me so happy. I mean, I don't think I'm that tough to please but I felt pretty bad about the last resolution I read (*glares at Ruin and Rising*) so a part of me was really scared that this one would disappoint me too. Yet it didn't. Everything was tied up and I feel ready to let go of this series, fondly. Still, I would love a spinoff series on Jamie's character (wouldn't that be great?) but I'm completely satisfied with what happens. This is mostly for character related reasons, because I'm not sure the story is exactly rock solid. I'm still extremely confused about some parts, and the climax wasn't as climatic as one might expect a climax to be. I just feel like overall, this was such a solid book with such an interesting concept, and it actually ended really well, and I'm so happy about that that the rest can be forgiven.

Sometimes, a story transcends the sum of its parts. The intrigue, the creepiness, the badassness of Mara and the supporting characters were enough to make me extremely happy with The Retribution of Mara Dyer. If you haven't read this series already, I would recommend you give it a go because all of the suspense and tension and questions you have in the first two books culminate in a really good series finale. Plus, I haven't spoiled anything for you so you can have lots of fun being confused and scared. :)

-P.E.

Author: Nova Ren Suma
Date of Publication: March 24 2015
Pages: 336
Source: NetGalley

“Ori’s dead because of what happened out behind the theater, in the tunnel made out of trees. She’s dead because she got sent to that place upstate, locked up with those monsters. And she got sent there because of me.”

The Walls Around Us is a ghostly story of suspense told in two voices—one still living and one long dead. On the outside, there’s Violet, an eighteen-year-old dancer days away from the life of her dreams when something threatens to expose the shocking truth of her achievement. On the inside, within the walls of a girls’ juvenile detention center, there’s Amber, locked up for so long she can’t imagine freedom. Tying these two worlds together is Orianna, who holds the key to unlocking all the girls’ darkest mysteries.

We hear Amber’s story and Violet’s, and through them Orianna’s, first from one angle, then from another, until gradually we begin to get the whole picture—which is not necessarily the one that either Amber or Violet wants us to see.

Nova Ren Suma tells a supernatural tale of guilt and innocence, and what happens when one is mistaken for the other. 

Review:

Nova Ren Suma and I have a complex relationship. I have read most of her books (this being the third), which is quite the shock because if you read my reviews for Imaginary Girls and 17 & Gone, it would be clear that the books never entirely worked for me. Make no mistake, I enjoyed them, but it was not until this one, The Walls Around Us, that I fully loved Suma's work. And maybe it's because the stories are mature and I'm finally at a point where I can appreciate them, and it's also probably because The Walls Around Us is what I believe to be her best work yet.

I notice a trend in Suma's writing: she writes about odd girls. Imperfect girls that have done something horrible or something horrible has been done to. In all her works she weaves innocence and horror together so that the lines between right and wrong blur. I thought she was always too vague in her endings, and The Walls Around Us is a story that is more digestible than Imaginary Girls or 17 & Gone because the reader is not as lost.

The story begins with Violet, a ballerina that readily admits has something horrible inside of her. Violet is a twisted character that is surprisingly humanized. I'm a little frightened to admit it but I have felt jealous like Violet when I see someone effortlessly brilliant, and it's not hard to see where Violet is coming from and how she is pushed over the limit. Even with this ability to understand Violet, there is a cold cruelty to her character that is perfectly written. It's also quite fascinating to be in Violet's head as she contemplates her choices.

Orianna is a beautiful character and her story is heartbreaking. There was one passage near the end that forced me to stop reading because it was so heart-wrenching and sad. Orianna is the type of person I want to be and I adore her. And not just in a, "what a great character!" sort of way. I'm rooting for Orianna just as hard as the other girls in the story.

Amber is perhaps the most complex of the characters. Her storyline has the most ambiguity, and for Amber, there was also one moment that made me have to stop reading: when she mentioned her ten year old sister. Amber is put in an extremely tough situation and although I can't ever condone her choices, I can't help but think that Amber was dealt a tough hand. She is ultimately the link in the story and her story is interesting because it is not directly linked to Violet and Orianna, but it is still greatly important.

Obviously, the characterization was top notch. The plot also deserves acclaim because it is extremely creative and wraps up perfectly. I never expected the ending with all its twists, even though I probably should have, and when I finished I'm not sure a sigh of contentment would have been out of place. This was a really good book.

Nova Ren Suma has always had beautiful, atmospheric writing that has the ability to draw tears from her readers but The Walls Around Us is her best book because finally, I was able to relate to her characters and it had a plot, even if it was not told linearly, that didn't confuse me with a visible end point. The themes, innocence and guilt, were extremely sharp and focused, and there are several phenomenal passages that stuck with me.

Even so, the story is haunting and gorgeous and insert other platitude for poetic writing. There is this glorious sense of fate in a Nova Ren Suma book and the story is always a mystery until the somewhat vague ending. Think Maggie Stiefvater but more ambiguous structurally, which makes me think Suma's possibly even more poetic. The Walls Around Us was less vague (although I did read the last thirty pages twice, which is really a testament to Nova Ren Suma because I rarely read anything twice) and it was engrossing and enjoyable to read the whole time.

This review has been coloured a lot by my thoughts on Suma's previous two books, and obviously it's a matter of personal preference to think this story was outstanding. But that's because Nova Ren Suma has always stood out as someone with extremely cool ideas and writing that never managed to pull it all off for me when it came to the plot. The Walls Around Us finally does that, and it is spectacular. I never really fully got a Nova Ren Suma book until this one. This is the Nova Ren Suma book I have always wanted, and my favourite part is that every time I read a Nova Ren Suma book, it is better than the previous one.  I don't know how it gets better than this, but I have full faith that her next book is going to slay. 

-P.E.

Author: Claire Legrand
Date of Publication: September 30 2014
Pages: 464
Source: Library

New York City, 1899. Clara Stole, the mayor's ever-proper daughter, leads a double life. Since her mother's murder, she has secretly trained in self-defense with the mysterious Drosselmeyer.

Then, on Christmas Eve, disaster strikes.

Her home is destroyed, her father abducted--by beings distinctly not human. To find him, Clara journeys to the war-ravaged land of Cane. Her only companion is the dethroned prince Nicholas, bound by a wicked curse. If they're to survive, Clara has no choice but to trust him, but his haunted eyes burn with secrets--and a need she can't define. With the dangerous, seductive faery queen Anise hunting them, Clara soon realizes she won't leave Cane unscathed--if she leaves at all.


Inspired by The Nutcracker, Winterspell is a dark, timeless fairy tale about love and war, longing and loneliness, and a girl who must learn to live without fear.

Review:

GAH the most major book hangover persisted after I finished Winterspell! I chose Winterspell became known to me after it was picked for Cover Wars. I don't know if this was one of Mari's covers or my covers, but it was a book that seemed to convey the right mood to me. And, after a quick Goodreads rating test, I was it had a 3.75, which is pretty decent.

I didn't read the synopsis for Winterspell. I went into the story knowing it was about the Nutcracker, a story I know mostly from that Barbie special movie, and this allowed me to be relatively familiar with the premise without feeling the urge to compare the retelling too strongly. But first, let me set the mood for this review.

You see, some books work for me, and some books don't. This book most certainly worked, and I admit, I really like this book and it's hard to formulate thoughts beyond this excitement. But I'll try anyway.

I think Winterspell's greatest strength is Clara. Clara goes through some phenomenal character growth. This is totally a coming of age story because Clara grows up, slowly, with some steps backwards, but surely. She starts as a girl that is trapped in her life. Clara's situation is harsh. Her mother died, her father is a pawn to some very important people, and Clara is helpless. She is desperate to look for a way out that does not involve sacrificing herself for her family and I think Legrand sets up Clara as a trapped girl extremely well. This makes Clara's impulsive decision to foray into the world of Cane a little more realistic.

Clara is a fascinating character to study psychologically. She represses all of her fears and is constantly berating herself for not being the kind of girl she 'should' be. She internalizes external expectations. The sad part is that her environment is toxic, and so Clara is constantly being told she is helpless, she is a pawn, she is of no use. She does rebel against it. Clara's visits to Godfather are her version of rebellion and she learns how to fight and sneak. But in the beginning of Winterspell, Clara's character and her predicament are the focus.

I don't mind this sort of storytelling because Legrand is creating a foundation for Clara's character. The reader understands Clara, and from there we see Clara's changes.

What was particularly interesting to me is that a lot of the development is in concerning Clara's sexuality and owning her body. Women, especially historically, have often lacked control over their own bodies and I loved that Legrand tackled this subject so well. Clara starts as a girl scandalized by her own desires and her body does not completely belong to her. She does not want to allow men to do what they want with her but again, she feels helpless, like this is all she can do, and all she is worth. Clara grows spectacularly from this and although this journey of self-exploration could be quite dark, and I would say there is definitely a trigger warning for certain passages, I loved that this undercurrent existed.

Winterspell is dark story that picks up speed. I loved the details and the world building was always strong. I think all this can be explained by good writing. Claire Legrand set the story up beautifully, and I suppose while the plot wasn't moving at a breakneck pace, it was great because it had all the necessary details without dragging. Everything was well developed, and I thought the story was quite compelling. The only part that I think could have been better was climax and the final showdown, which went a little too fast for me considering the insanely good buildup. I ended up being so fascinated by the characters in Winterspell that the plot was almost eclipsed by my curiosity for the characters. I liked that every character had their own personal struggle and moral questions always fascinate me.

And, okay, I loved the magic parts. The magic was kickass. The legends and the price of the magic, as well as the details were so fascinating to me. I can't say more on that, except that I absolutely adored the villain's characterization too.

So, maybe I've done a poor, rambly job of expressing my delight for Winterspell, but I seriously enjoyed it. I remember starting it at 10, thinking I would read just a few hours, and then reading on until 3 am and finishing it the next morning. Winterspell has it, that addictive quality that all my favourite books possess. I know this by the horrible book hangover I experienced after Winterspell where all I wanted was to read another book exactly like Winterspell. Guys, read this book. It is so deliciously divine.

Outlander- Diana Gabaldon (Outlander #1)

Release Date: July 26, 2005

Age Group: Adult

Pages: 627

The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of Our Lord...1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life, and shatter her heart. For here James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire—and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

 Goodreads.  

Hehe!!

• -Time travel done right: I am very cautious to time travel because albite liking history, I don't much like the integration of the modern with the old. But with this book both periods are history at this point. Makes for a fantastic read. 
• 
  
• -Scotland. The visuals, the brilliance, the gallantry, the rudimentary stable talk, and the kilts... Who can forget the kilts. 
• 
  
• -Scottish men. "You are safe," he said firmly. "You have my name and my family, my clan, and if necessary, the protection of my body as well. " 
• 
  
• -Political Intrigue. The story moves from post-WW2 to 1740s Scotland in the middle of the battle for Scotland. 
• 
  
• -Jamie Fraser -- "Je Suis Pres!" --- Swoon
• 
  
• -Phenomenal leading lady, Clare Randall. 
• 
  
• -Because I say so? 
• 
  
• -Because you are missing out on life without having read it. 
• 
  
• -Because I'm dying to share it with people. 
• 
  
• -Because... please? 
• 
  
• -Ohh also Sam Hueghen is hot.. there that should do it. Should've started with that.

Similar Titles: (Adult historical romances I enjoyed)

• The Bronze Horseman -  Paullina Simmons
• Mistress of Rome - Kate Quinn
• Outlander Tv Show!

Book Trailer:

-MARI

Author: Julie Cross
Date of Publication: October 7, 2014
Pages: 320
Source: Bought
Life loves a good curveball…

Seventeen-year-old Annie Lucas's life is completely upended the moment her dad returns to the major leagues as the new pitching coach for the Kansas City Royals. Now she's living in Missouri (too cold), attending an all-girls school (no boys), and navigating the strange world of professional sports. But Annie has dreams of her own—most of which involve placing first at every track meet…and one starring the Royals' super-hot rookie pitcher.

But nineteen-year-old Jason Brody is completely, utterly, and totally off-limits. Besides, her dad would kill them both several times over. Not to mention Brody has something of a past, and his fan club is filled with C-cupped models, not smart-mouthed high school “brats” who can run the pants off every player on the team. Annie has enough on her plate without taking their friendship to the next level. The last thing she should be doing is falling in love.

But baseball isn't just a game. It's life. And sometimes, it can break your heart… 

GOODREADS

Review:

Some might describe me as the farthest thing from athletic but I stand by my 6th-grade fame as the captain of the girls silver medal soccer and volleyball teams. I’m also a fan of hockey and a tennis coach though I can’t say that I’m that good at any of those… Either way, sports have been a part of my life despite my body’s inclination at being bad at it (yes I’m diverting blame) hence, sports books are some of my favourites.

I love the characters in sports books. They are always so determined, so hungry for the win, so dedicated and these are all qualities I value. I’m also a little starstruck by people who have the skill and luck to make it into the major leagues. Whatever Life Throws at You has a nice combination of all of this. I get my peek into a Major League Baseball life and I get my driven characters.

Annie starts out as a fun character. Within the first few chapters she has already been caught red-handed in the team locker room and hilarity ensues. She is charming and the charm appeals to other characters and readers. Annie is a long distance runner, one of the best, and it is obvious that she is very intent on winning. Sometimes the win is all she wants which is relatable. But Annie soon also realizes that winning the race might not the most important thing.

Annie's obvious other half is Brody, an up-and-coming, off limits MLB player with a rough past. He starts out as a cliché, but he proves to be otherwise. He is smart, dedicated and caring. I enjoyed his relationship with Annie’s dad, his pitching coach. I can see young players bonding with their coaches who are their to help them and who believe in them.

Whatever Life Throws At You does have its weaknesses. It’s not high literature, it just good fiction, it’s amusing. There are rough patches with some under developed characters and plots of convenience but they don’t take too much away from the enjoyment of the book. 

One thing that did bother be is the huge taboo and over analysis of Annie and Brody’s age difference of a whopping 2 years… I realize the 2 years was the difference between legal and illegal but it could have been handled more maturely especially on Annie’s behalf who at some point acted quite immaturely. 

I picked this book up on a whim, I read the synopsis and was engrossed. My gut seemed to be right because I devoured this book in a couple of sittings and despite the problems I noted in this book. They might bother other readers but for me they didn’t pose an issue. I noticed their existence but my enjoyment of the story was far greater than any annoyance. 

Whatever Life Throws At You is fun. I’m a fan of sport literature and Miranda Kenneally, anyone who identifies with one of those two might want to give this one a go. I’ll be adding Julie Cross to my authors list.

-MARI

Author: Stephanie Perkins
Date of Publication: August 14, 2014
Pages: 352
Source: Library Ebook

Love ignites in the City That Never Sleeps, but can it last?

Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart.

Featuring cameos from fan-favorites Anna, Étienne, Lola, and Cricket, this sweet and sexy story of true love—set against the stunning backdrops of New York City, Paris, and Barcelona—is a swoonworthy conclusion to Stephanie Perkins’s beloved series. 

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Review:
It feels like I'm revealing a part of my soul when I say that I relate to Isla. The good, the bad, the ugly; I have asked many of the same questions over the years. This book really hit the nail on the head for me. That's probably why I'm still reeling.

In this companion series, Stephanie has brought forth three very different stories. Anna and St. Clair were two quirky and charming individuals who became compatible friends and then lovers. Lola and Cricket presented us with the childhood friends and boy next door story paired up against the backdrop of Lola's eccentric style and personality. In Isla and Josh, we get youthful passion, innocence, confusion and that beautiful nerdy love for reading that I'm sure we can all relate to.

The story began with a cute scene in which we were introduced to our narrator and her long time crush, Josh, St.Clair's artist best friend. For me the beginning was a little choppy and it took a bit for me to adjust but before long we were in Paris and things were starting to heat up between Josh and Isla.

One of the best things about this book was the characters' romantic history. Neither were the stereotypical "romance virgins" that are so popular in YA. Quite the opposite, Isla and Josh have both been in passionate relationships before. The relationship between the two of them actually grew from physical attraction to companionship and finally love, with some bumps along the way. It was quite nice to see a youthful relationship in the way it would occur in real life. Yes, teens can and are sexually and romantically active but no, this does not mean that they are any less serious about their relationships. I felt that Isla and Josh were very mature for their age which I loved.

This book also addresses some issues that the characters faced, from coming to terms with a distant family and trying to understand oneself and what you are meant to do in this world. The latter I have a lot of experience with and like Isla I still don't have the answers.

Isla was this amazingly intelligent introvert and Josh was this talented artist and resident cool kid. How could I not fall for their heartfelt story of youth, family, friends and love? They broke my heart with some of their insecurities but instead of being mad at them and not understanding their actions I rolled right along with them, completely engrossed.

The book was set in three places: Manhattan, Paris and a little glimpse of Barcelona. Perkins brought each location to life with actual destinations along with great facts and descriptions that makes the reader want to pull out a map and find their own Right Way! 

Speaking of the Right Way, Isla's best friend Kurt was amazing. I loved reading about their relationship and his obsessions for mapping. Also, it's aways great to see disabilities incorporated into books with no judgement. Isla's two sisters Gen and Hattie were great additions as well. Hattie started out as a brat but I enjoyed the growth of their relationship by the end. Finally, this wouldn't be a Perkins book without a glimpse of the fantastic Anna and St. Clair, wow. They were there for only a little bit but their essence was there in Josh, in his loneliness and his art. 

To those waiting to pick this one up and those who may not have enjoyed Lola, give this one a go. If anything I've described sounds like something you would enjoy then rest assured that I wasn't able to capture enough of this book to really give you a feel of exactly how amazing it is. It is incredible. I am heartbroken to know that there is no more. 

-MARI

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Date of Publication: September 2, 2014
Pages: 562
Source: Library

Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy. 

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

GOODREADS

Review:

Exactly how many ways can one explain their undying love and still sound original, because I can't find any words to write this review. Can we please just bow down to Sarah J Maas and her epic story telling? This book took a story set in a small place, Adarlan, and expanded it seamlessly. I think I just witnessed the Big Bang.

Wendelyn wasn’t the show-stopper. Instead, it was the characters we met in this magical land. The little folks, the demi-fae and the greatest of all, the fae prince, Rowan!!! There was also a cameo from the frosty Maeve... she was very cold… Back to Rowan! I can’t say his name without adding exclamations. Will I anger many if I say that I kind of wished for a romantic plot between Celaena and Rowan? Either way, these two are probably the most compatible pair in history. Their relationship was one of camaraderie at its best.

Heir of Fire is a connective book. A lot happens but it’s evident that the real plot lies in Adarlan, where things are being set up for Celaena’s return. 

This is where Celaena grows the most. She comes to Rowan a heartbroken brat but leaves a Warrior Queen who has challenged her demons and come out on top. Finally getting to see the depth of what haunted her brought me so much closer to understanding her. I finally think I know Celaena; I know what makes her tick.

There are so many fantastic new characters introduced in this book. Prince Rowan of Maeve’s Court is a shining star. He was this cold brute of a fae warrior who I didn't even blink over until I realized the guy was here to stay and how happy am I that he did. Rowan is ruthless and uncouth but he is soft and scarred from a long life filled with battle scars.

Another worthy mention is Aedion, The Wolf of the North, Celaena’s childhood betrothed and the current Kind of Adarlan’s pawn. I wish I learned more about him, but from what I did see, I respect the man; especially with what he did in the end.

I don’t have many complaints, but I wish Chaol did more in this one. Obviously this was a bridge book for Celaena and there was progress in Chaol’s side of the story as well but I guess it’s just not the same without having both of them in the same place. 

I cannot wait for the next book. It hurts my heart to think that I’ve waited 3 year to get to the third book and have to wait another 3 to finally finish this series, but I’ll do what I have to do to get to the bottom of this epic tale. 

-MARI