Binging a book series/trilogy isn't something I do often and I haven't done it in so long, until this trilogy came along. The first book was my book cBinging a book series/trilogy isn't something I do often and I haven't done it in so long, until this trilogy came along. The first book was my book club's pick for July and within a few days of finishing it I started this one. You better be ready for a review full of rants because that's what you're about to get.
I wasn't ready for the emotional turmoil that I went through because of this book. The City of Brass left my mind whirling with thoughts and I just couldn't put off reading this one for too long. I was hooked from the very first page. Within the first few chapters I was sucked right back into the world. The characters and their stories have come to mean so much to me. It isn't just because the story is fantastic, it's also because of the heavy cultural references. There's so much in this that just makes it feel like home. The mentions of some dishes, the Arabic that's mixed in, and there are so many cultures mixed in and it just made me feel so seen. It reminded me that it was possible to draw so much from these cultures and the story would just become richer.
The writing was enchanting and it was so easy to get lost in it for hours without really realizing it. We got a deeper look at the characters in this one too. We got to read from Nahri, Ali, and Dara's perspectives. It made reading so much more interesting. I loved seeing things from their eyes because it showed you their thought process and a deeper understanding about their beliefs even if it isn't something you agree with, it's still interesting to read about. What I find the most interesting is the political intrigue. I personally didn't find myself siding with any of the groups. They all held century old prejudices that they just wouldn't let go of. Everyone wanted to wage war against the other. No one wanted to find some kind of compromise, and even the ones who insisted that there was one were extremely prejudiced and did nothing to stop the injustices being committed.
When it comes to characters I couldn't stop myself from loving Nahri. She's strong and determined. She has had to put up with so much and has had to do things she doesn't want to do. I admired her strength and I just loved how she refused to let anyone control her, especially when it came to other people suffering. She's also kind hearted and you can tell she's trying her best to do what's right for her people and everyone else. Moving on to Ali. He happens to be another favorite. I was a bit conflicted in the first book when it came to his chapters but when starting book two I found myself looking forward to them. Ali is one of the most kind hearted people out there. I keeps trying to help people and everytime he does it just backfires on him. I warmed up to him so much in this book. He's strong in such a different way from the other characters. I don't really know what else to say because I don't really have the right words to describe him. I just loved him in this one. Now, we also got to read from Dara's point of view. If you've read my review of The City of Brass then you know how I felt about him. Reading his chapters added so much more to the feelings that already existed. Being in his head was dark but also full of hope. He doesn't seem to ever catch a break. He has suffered and has made others suffer as well, regardless of the way he feels about it. He's constantly being manipulated and even when he tries to pull back something else is held over him to make him yield. I don't agree with the things that he has done or has been made to do more accurately but I also want him to be happy. I think they've all gone through enough. We also had Manizeh who in a way I could understand why she was doing the things she did but I still just hated her.
Most of the book was slow going. I've never had a problem with slow books to be honest unless I'm really not invested. Even though the story took some time I didn't mind. I was really looking forward to some action though, especially since I knew what was coming from reading the other character chapters. The last 100 or so pages where a whirlwind of action. There was so much going on and I just felt like I couldn't read fast enough! The things that unfolded in those pages had me panicking for multiple different reasons. I'm so excited (and also scared) to read the final book. I don't know where anything is going but I'm ready! (I think?)
Overall, this trilogy has started to mean so much to me. I'm sad to be nearing the end but I'm really hoping this won't be the last we see from the characters. Also this trilogy is officially my brand and I don't think I'll ever stop talking about it....more
I wasn't entirely sure what I was getting into when I picked up this book. I haven't seen many people talk about it but I did notice a few Twitter friI wasn't entirely sure what I was getting into when I picked up this book. I haven't seen many people talk about it but I did notice a few Twitter friends praising it and what can I say? I had to read it. Let me just tell you that this was unlike anything I've ever read! (I've been saying that a lot lately) but I mean it.
I'm so happy I gave this book a chance. It was definitely an adult fantasy. I haven't read that many books in this genre but I adored this one so much! I got through it 3 days mostly because I wanted to take my time with it. There's a lot of political intrigue which I actually really enjoyed. I loved following the story through Queen Talyien's perspective. She wasn't a perfect character. She often got stuck and had no one beside her that she could trust but she always used her head no matter how overwhelming. I loved seeing her become a bit more sure of herself as the story went on. I was exasperated at times with what she was going through but I rooted for her so hard. She was determined and only wanted what was best for her kingdom and her family.
There were some side characters and although I didn't really feel much for any of them I definitely loved Khine. He was such a sweetheart and I just loved their banter and shared moments. There was a lot of second guessing on my part when it came to the characters. You couldn't be too sure who to trust. Characters aside, I'm not Asian and can't comment on the representation but I do know that a lot of Asian friends really loved this one and they would definitely know better.
As for the information I thought it was flushed out really well. There was a lot of talk about Queen Talyien's life and what happened during her fathers time and between the kingdoms. I liked that it wasn't heaped all in one go and overwhelming. The author put the information in just the right places so everything came slowly and right when it needed to be known. The plot was a bit slow but I found myself already sucked in so there wasn't anything to do but continue.
I hadn't realized that I reached the end of the book because of how absorbed I was into the story. I flipped the page and found out I was already done. Book two comes out this year and I'm so excited to see what happens next! This is definitely one I would recommend you to read....more
Absolutely in love with this book! Victoria Schwab continues to bring us the most interesting and atmoThank you Scholastic for the gifted review copy!
Absolutely in love with this book! Victoria Schwab continues to bring us the most interesting and atmospheric stories. I've never been to New Orleans but the descriptions made me fall in love. I looked up every building mentioned and haunted story told. These books never fail to bring the creepy and haunted atmosphere to life. I adore these characters too! Cassidy, Jacob and Lara are so easy to love and the banter is always fun. I just love their adventures so much. The stakes were definitely high in this one and I was a little worried about how this would end. Everything wrapped up nicely and I got a good dose of fuzzy feeling from the friendship between these three friends.
I think these are definitely books that everyone can appreciate regardless of age!...more
I wanted this to be a five star read so bad but alas, we can’t have everything. I definitely still enjoyed this. I didn’t realize how much I missed thI wanted this to be a five star read so bad but alas, we can’t have everything. I definitely still enjoyed this. I didn’t realize how much I missed the characters until I started reading. I think my expectations were way too high but it was still a fun adventure to follow. Also that ending was truly painful and I did not need that....more
Thank you to Tor.com Publishing for the gifted review copy!
I've been told multiple times that Tor publish the best novellas and I was eyeing this one Thank you to Tor.com Publishing for the gifted review copy!
I've been told multiple times that Tor publish the best novellas and I was eyeing this one for quite some time. The story sounded really intriguing and honestly that cover is so beautiful! I guess you could say it's a cover read in some way. I didn't really have expectations but I thought the book would be different. I was hoping for more action scenes but the book was still pretty good! It was more about found family. There was a lot of bickering and snark comments which I really liked. The dialogues were also really funny at times.
The book is around 160 pages but I flew through it so fast. It was really easy to read despite it also explaining some things about war, religion, and politics. I don't want to explain too much because then I'll be spoiling it so definitely give this book a read.
Okay, this was my first book by P. Djèlí Clark and gosh was this something! This novella was fast paced aThank you Tor.com for the gifted review copy!
Okay, this was my first book by P. Djèlí Clark and gosh was this something! This novella was fast paced and it captures your attention from the very beginning. The book discussed racism and injustice combines with magical elements and a paranormal twist. I loved reading from Maryse's point of view and I loved her friends as well. Such strong characters with a whole lot of humor. This was equal parts fascinating and horrifying and for such a little book it really can blow your mind. It's so hard to forget about this book, and although this review is very mini I really hope you'll be picking this up!...more
And I’ve found another favorite book! When I first read the synopsis I knew this was a book that I needed in my life. I’m happy that I actually took mAnd I’ve found another favorite book! When I first read the synopsis I knew this was a book that I needed in my life. I’m happy that I actually took my time with it because the world building was something to behold. It was so much more complex than I thought. Every minute was riddled with stories and folklore and it was all just so magnificent that I couldn’t really put the book down (had to force myself to most of the time). It wasn’t in an info dumping way but everything was told when it needed to be. You never got to know something unless it was the absolute perfect moment for it.
The story was told from two point of view, Karina and Malik. I finished this book loving both of them and you can bet I would do anything for these two. Karina had this presence that was always so interesting to follow. Her thoughts and feelings always felt so real and it was so easy to lose yourself in them. I loved Karina as a protagonist! She was always so sassy and determined but she also had that side of her that no one really knew about. Then of course we have Malik. This will possible become a bit too long. Malik was a complete surprise. I’m so used to seeing strong and macho main male characters that when we first met Malik I was giddy with excitement. Malik is unlike any main character you’ve ever met. He was very soft spoken but determined in every way if it came down to saving his family. He had anxiety and reading that resonated with me so much. The way it was written was done so perfectly, and as someone with anxiety and who has had panic attacks before this meant the whole world to me. Malik is by far one of my absolute favorite characters because he wasn’t strong in the ways that people expected him to be, but in his own way and that’s what mattered the most. The definition of a soft boy and I loved it.
I really enjoyed the story too! It was really interesting. It’s inspired by West African folklore and that added so much depth to the story. There were quite a few plot twists. Some I had guessed while others just had me screaming. Those last couple of pages were such a wild ride. The book ended too soon! I can’t wait for the second book. I have so many questions and I’m looking forward to it so so much.
This is a book that I recommend with my whole heart. I’ve recommended quite a few books this year but please do consider this one too! I can’t express enough how much I loved it. I just need you all to pick it up as soon as possible.
Holly Black has been a favorite of mine for a few years now. Whenever I'm looking to read a weird book I know she's my go to. I love her books for thaHolly Black has been a favorite of mine for a few years now. Whenever I'm looking to read a weird book I know she's my go to. I love her books for that reason. But I also always say the same thing when reading her books, and that's that they're too short. The same applies to How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories.
I've been looking forward to reading this since Holly announced it. The Folk of the Air series is one of my favorites, and getting a story about Cardan was everything I wanted. Not to mention the illustrations are to die for! The illustrations really captured Cardan perfectly and they added so much to the book. So much praise to Rovina Cai! Hr artwork made the whole book feel so much like a fairy tale.
I loved seeing a little bit of Cardan's past here. We also got a glimpse of what some scenes from The Cruel Prince were like from his point of view. I enjoyed getting to know Cardan better and to understand why he was the way he was. The things that contributed to his personality. What he was like before and after Jude came along. As well as what life is like after the events of Queen of Nothing.
I absolutely loved coming back to this world as twisted as it sometimes can be. I loved the stories we were given and I'm really hoping that in the future Holly will give us more. I'm truly not ready to part with these characters just yet, especially after reading this one. --- Holly Black bringing us much needed content!...more
Now I've seen this one compared to Twilight, Vampire Academy, and The Vampire Diaries. While I enjoyed all of those, I can't say the same about this oNow I've seen this one compared to Twilight, Vampire Academy, and The Vampire Diaries. While I enjoyed all of those, I can't say the same about this one.
I can't even explain what it is (or maybe I can) but it was agonising to read. I just didn't like it. I'm glad that so many people did but this was not for me. The fact that the main character was given a copy of Twilight is another thing all together....more
Thank you Penguin International for the gifted copy of The Kingdom of Back!
The Kingdom of Back is the first book by Marie Lu that I've read. HistoricaThank you Penguin International for the gifted copy of The Kingdom of Back!
The Kingdom of Back is the first book by Marie Lu that I've read. Historical fiction isn't a genre I usually read. My first one was The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi and it's one of my favorite books of all time! So I went into this one with an open mind and I was pretty excited to try it out. The best way to describe this book is historical fiction with a hint of wild magic.
Marie Lu has wonderful writing. Her writing was so lyrical and I loved every moment of it! I also adored the story that she brought to the page. There are plenty of stories about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and hardly any about his sister, Maria Anna Mozart. She contributed in different ways to his music and he looked up to her, but hardly anyone mentions her. Diving into a story about her was wonderful. The book was mostly centered on the siblings and their strong relationship. I've hardly read any books that focus on sibling relationships and I really loved this one!
Nannerl was a tough character in her own way. She definitely grew up in a female oppressive society. I felt like this was highly realistic. It did annoy me all the comments about a woman's place and what's expected from her, especially from her own father. She definitely made sacrifices but I feel like towards the end of the story she did defy those ideas in her own way. Wolfgang although he's a child through most of the book he definitely had emotional intelligence mostly towards his sister. I loved how he always questioned the reasons why his sister couldn't do things. It showed how society shapes us to think the way that we do. He wasn't really aware of the privileges that he had. I did enjoy seeing how supportive he was of his sister. Even though Nannerl felt how unfair things were towards her she still remained by her little brothers side.
Of course there was also the magic aspect. The siblings share The Kingdom of Back. A story they make up that slowly becomes a reality and is a part of their life for years to come. I loved alternating between both worlds and how much magic was in this. The book also gave me intense Peter Pan vibes! There was also all the magic that comes with music and I feel like Marie Lu embodied that need to play especially well. The story was a bit on the slow side. I had wished it was just a tiny bit faster. I enjoyed the second half of the book most because I felt like that was when things started happening.
This story was unique in every way and a retelling unlike anything I've read before! I'm definitely looking forward to reading Marie Lu's other books!...more
A huge thank you to Penguin Random House International for the gifted finished copy!
Wicked Fox was one of my favorite reads of last year. I was so hapA huge thank you to Penguin Random House International for the gifted finished copy!
Wicked Fox was one of my favorite reads of last year. I was so happy and excited to be sent this gifted copy and I finally picked it up a few days ago. At first I was a little worried about continuing the story but from different points of view than the first book. However, I absolutely adored this one!
This book was super addicting! I loved every minute of it. I mostly adore how it played like a k-drama in my head. Every moment reminded me of that and I just can’t help thinking about how these books would be perfect as a k-drama. I did feel like it dragged in some places but I enjoyed reading this one regardless.
I finished this book having loved Somin and Junu. Well, I finished having loved everyone a little more than I already did. Junu was one of my favorite characters in Wicked Fox, and I loved learning about his past and following him more closely in this one. It’s safe to say he’s still a favorite. Somin was fierce and very loyal. She was also always willing to sacrifice so much for the people she cared about. I was hoping she would get what she deserved at the end. It was nice to see Miyoung and Jihoon closer in this one. I also enjoyed reading about everyone’s growth and development as friends. I do wish we had seen more of Hyuk and his story in this one. I’m hoping we learn more about him eventually.
What drew me to these books from the beginning was the mythology. I loved that it was so rich and the book was peppered with Korean words and phrases which added so much to the story. The story continued from where Wicked Fox left off and focused on resolving what happened there. But there was also a huge focus on characters. I felt like it was more character driven and I didn’t mind that one bit. It was one of my favorite aspects of this book.
I personally really enjoyed reading this one. It just made me feel so very cozy and Sumin and Junu’s chapters made me keep reading well into the night. Plus, if you love banter then this book is for you. If you enjoyed Wicked Fox then I highly recommend picking up it’s sequel!...more
Loading...
