Book

Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath

Leave a Comment / Book / By

I was honestly scared going into this book because I knew where it ended…just not how it got to that point. It took me a while to get through, partially because of my own fear, but also because of simultaneously how much and how little was happening. Starting off you hope that Bryce, Hunt and Ruhn can have some sense of normal after all that happened in the first book..but this is Maas fantasy and things never stay normal for long. It made me happy to see Bryce trying to learn more about her abilities after fully accepting them, and especially how even after all that happened before she hasn’t lost the fire that made me love her so much. Seeing her relationships grow was also welcoming, especially in the make-up with Ruhn where they can finally have the sibling relationship they missed out on for so long. There are so many different aspects to this story that the switches in POV were nice to be able to have a more complete picture. Especially adding in Tharion and Ithan. As it always seems to happen, the last 200 pages were non-stop bomb drops and plot altering realizations. The world SJM has made, not just in Midgard, but her other works are coming together and I’m both terrified and impatient to see what happens next. Overall, this book was a masterpiece and left me needing more.

Cruel Seduction

Leave a Comment / Book / By

It’s always exciting when a new book in the Dark Olympus series comes out. I love the world Katee Robert has built and the different characters and motivations that mix together and drive them. This 5th installment was the first one where I’d say full polygamy was at play. Not every one of the main narrators had attraction for the others. But they still all worked together in a very cohesive unit. While Aphrodite (Eris) and Hephaestus (Theseus) were the main two, I found myself more intrigued by the Pandora and Adonis POVs. Altogether it worked to show how much of an uproar the events from ‘Radiant Sin’ are now affecting Olympus, and even more how dangerous these political games are. I would’ve loved to see more into the minds and backgrounds of the 4 characters. We saw a little, but some things felt unanswered when the story came to a close. I’m intrigued to see where these characters end up next in the story, especially now that they’ve all given up any major hand in the politics of Olympus. Overall, I’d say this book was very good. The plot development was nice and the spice was even nicer.

Iron Flame

Leave a Comment / Book / By

This book had me impatiently waiting for months and it both satisfied the hunger for more and also increased it. All six-hundred pages of this book were filled with non-stop action heartache and bombshells. I did not know what to fully expect in this sequel, especially after the world we knew in ‘Fourth Wing’ came crashing down with so many truths being revealed. Meeting Brennan and the rest of the revolution was something I wasn’t expecting, but it was so welcome. Getting to see the world from the lens of truth and knowing what is actually beyond the wards had me reeling. Another thing that had me going crazy was the on-and-off between Xaden and Violet. These two had me yelling in frustration and delight at the pages as they kept trying (and mostly failing) to work on their communication. I’ll admit, I did not expect the rest of Basgiath to learn the truth of the venin so soon. It terrifies me to think that there are still 3 books left in the series and so much has already occurred…I don’t know what could possibly happen next. However, I liked seeing Violet get to be herself once more as she was fully honest with the rest of the squad. Once again, Rebecca Yarros throws us entirely in a tailspin within the last 100 pages with so much occurring and so much being revealed. I’ll admit I was a bit saddened when General Sorrengail passed, but understood it had to happen at some point. Overall, this book was a masterpiece. It had my emotions on another rollercoaster and I wouldn’t have asked for it any other way.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods

Leave a Comment / Book / By

Knowing there was a Percy Jackson TV show coming was one thing..but finding out that ‘Uncle Rick’ had decided to release a new book too? That’s a fan’s dream come true. It was so great getting to return to Percy’s whole POV and getting to go on an adventure with the Celestial Trio once more. Although, the circumstances make you feel bad for him..I mean c’mon! The boy helped save the world twice within only a few years of each other, he deserves entrance into a college for demigods. I won’t lie though and say it doesn’t make me immensely happy seeing him back on adventures. I know he’s been through a lot, but I think as readers we have this weird desire to see our faves suffer a bit because it means more content. This book had the same energy as the original series, and Percy has not lost his sarcasm or selflessness even with all he’s been through. Getting to see Percy, Annabeth, and Grover on a quest together was amazing. The three of them just work so well together, and they always have since the beginning. Some of the best parts of this book were getting to see them not having to worry about anything life-threatening and just enjoy being in each other’s presence. Overall, I thought this book was great and hit back at the heart of what made these characters and original series so beloved. I just wish it had been longer…but I can’t complain too much now knowing that there will be another adventure coming within the next year.

Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood

Leave a Comment / Book / By

Back into the Maasverse I went, finally diving into the Crescent City world. I won’t lie, this book was hard to get into at first. The world felt so similar but also so different to what I know of fae worlds SJM has written. Not to mention how quickly things started out and all the info-dumping that seemed to happen. I was glad when things began to finally slow down after the time-skip from Danika’s death. That’s when I really started to get into this book. The world and story of Crescent City is both beautiful and interesting. The modern technology mixed in with mythology, fantasy and a mystery, makes Pangera a world I want to know more about Not to mention, the characters all feel very flushed out…even if they still have growth. I love Bryce, Hunt and Ruhn and seeing inside their minds and how things changed for them throughout the book was both emotional and enjoyable. All three of them have their own complexities and goals, and now that some of those have been achieved, I wonder what comes next. Now that Hunt is free, what is he going to do? Now that the world knows about Bryce and Ruhn  being siblings what is going to change? I can only imagine what sort of BS the Asteri might throw at these three in the next book. Overall, I thought the first Crescent City book was very good. While it was rough at first, I genuinely enjoyed reading it and the emotional turbulence it caused along the way.

The Sun and The Star

Leave a Comment / Book / By

Having recently finished re-reads and first readings of all the Greek Pantheon side of Rick Riordan’s books I was beyond excited for this new story. Since Nico was introduced in ‘The Titan’s Curse’ I’ve had a soft spot for him. He’s been thrust into so much turmoil from such a young age…not to discredit any other character’s turmoil because let’s be honest, everyone in this series has TRAUMA. Anyways, I really enjoyed getting to see more into Nico’s mind throughout this story. There were so many things that while it hurt to read, were important to finally see written. Especially his insecurities in being in a relationship. We all know Solangelo is the epitome of an opposites attract couple, but I don’t always see these types of couples being fully explored. Rick and Mark did these two justice. Most importantly in the aspect that this relationship is the first gay relationship for Nico and Will, and there’s different experiences for them to learn from. Overall, I thought this book was very good. It allowed the fans to dive deeper into two beloved characters as they traversed the depths of not only Tarturus, but their own fears and insecurities.

A Court of Silver Flames

Leave a Comment / Book / By

WOW.. I really don’t know how else to begin this review. This book was simply beautiful. I knew there would be a lot to handle in this story, and I was ready for it all. To be honest, Nesta hasn’t always been my favorite… but this really made me see her in a different light. Being able to see inside her head and get a better understanding of her actions due to her pain and trauma.. while at times hard to read.. really showed how complex she is. Cassian, our wonderful General, was no different. I already knew I liked him, and getting the taste of his POV in ACOFAS made me want more. The way he truly saw Nesta, even through all her bad habits and trauma, saw all that she was and by stuck by her side? Cauldron, this man is so damn perfect. Also, don’t get me started on our Valkyries, I could talk for hours. I didn’t realize how much I needed to see a badass trio of women altogether until we saw Nesta, Emerie, and Gwyn kicking ass. I also really enjoyed how from Nesta’s POV we got a closer look at outright battle and the techniques, which made me even more awed at SAM’S detail. Overall, I’d rate this book as a masterpiece. The raw emotion and intensity of it all were so perfect. I couldn’t put the book down. I know it’ll be a while before the next book, but I’m really anticipating it. To see how the outcomes of this book play out further..for better or worse.

A Court of Frost and Starlight

Leave a Comment / Book / By

This book was exactly what was needed after the intensity of the war. I think my favorite part was seeing the multiple POVs, not just Feyre, this time around. Everyone was impacted by the war and by things even before that, so getting a glance into those minds felt nice. The entire vibe of this book was downright cozy. Seeing a bit into the culture more of Prythian, and more closely of the Night Court, as they celebrate the Winter Solstice. Partnered with the bonds of friendship and the healing we can see beginning with the characters. One of my favorite moments had to be during the actual Solstice festivities, seeing the family relaxed and enjoying each other’s company. This book also makes a great segway of the problems I’m sure will be addressed more in the following books. The healing Nesta NEEDS to find… the unspoken connection between Nesta and Cassian… the treaties that need to be reformed between all of Prythian… Tamlin (hopefully) is getting some sort of redemption or healing that he REALLY needs… Feyre and Rhysand’s hopeful future child… All of it I hope to see talked about or play out soon. Overall, this book was great! It was comforting and a nice look into normalcy with a break from the drama.

A Court of Wings and Ruin

Leave a Comment / Book / By

Oh. My. Cauldron. This book…holy crap. It had everything. Suspense, drama, romance, action, pain…all in one perfect package. I knew this book was going to hurt since it’s the culmination of what’s been building in the first two books, but OUCH! I have not cried so much from a book in a long time. All the twists and reveals and growth that occurred still have my mind reeling. Feyre..she has to be one of my favorite main characters ever. She is such a complex person that I absolutely adore. Her growth has been amazing as she comes even more into herself and her powers, especially now being High Lady. Every character, not just Feyre, has such intricacies hidden within. The cast in these books just keeps getting better as the world of Prythian becomes wider to the readers’ eyes. I only hope to see even more in the following books. Writing battle scenes, I know, can be hard, but SJM is so vivid in her descriptions that I could easily see the war in my mind. Feel the pain and anxiety the characters felt..and ultimately the relief too. This book is a masterpiece in my eyes, and while I was almost ready to throw my book at the end… I’m also thankful and relieved of the true outcomes. Now onto some much needed peace of mind (hopefully) in the next book.

Radiant Sin

Leave a Comment / Book / By

I have been waiting months for this book to come out! Katee Robert’s ‘Dark Olympus’ series has easily got me hooked…combining my love of mythology and some good, steamy romance. This book takes the story of Cassandra and Apollo to the dark politics of Olympus within this 4th book. While it’s overall more slow paced than the first 3 books, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Some of the drama that’s been hinted at before starts to take deeper effect here. I now fully understand the authors point that to continue the rest of the series, this book needs to be read first. It sets up so much of what is sure to come. Of course, though, knowing Katee Robert, plenty of twists will still come.. even if you think you know what will happen. Now for the characters… Cassandra is definitely up there in the ranking of my favorite female characters in this series. Her dedication to her sister and willingness to sacrifice her own happiness is beyond relatable. Her co-star in this story, Apollo, is just as loveable as I expected. He’s charming and strong willed..and had the PERFECT dichotomy of ‘good boy in the streets and dominate in the sheets’. But even with that, he deeply shows he cares for Cassandra, always pushing her to stand up for her own needs and desires. Making sure she chooses herself in some of the decisions she makes, which eventually she does. Overall, this book is very good! It got me surprised at certain twists, even if I thought I had an idea of what was coming. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this story.