Author: Morgan Rhodes Publisher: Razorbill Series: Falling Kingdoms #6 Pages: Hardcover, 391 pages Genre: Fantasy Release Date: February 6th 2018
Summary:
As two lethal elemental gods set out to destroy Mytica, sworn enemies must become allies in the final fight to save the kingdoms.
Jonas continues to willfully defy his destiny, but the consequences of plotting his own course are drastic. As the fight for Mytica rages on, he must decide just how much more he's willing to sacrifice.
Lucia knows there's something special about her daughter and she'll do anything to protect her, even if that means facing Kyan alone.
Amara is called back home to Kraeshia. Grandma Cortas has her own plans for Mytica's future. She promises Amara power, revenge, and dominance if she agrees to be part of her scheme.
Magnus and Cleo's love will be put to the ultimate test. Dark magic is causing widespread destruction throughout the kingdom. Enemies across the sea are advancing. And unrest is stirring throughout the land. Is their love strong enough to withstand the outside forces tearing them apart?
Review:
Meh. I guess it had more of a dramatic flare than real substance to it? I mean, it's the end of the world and the elementals will be free and would end the human race in Mytica and yada yada yada but there wasn't a single moment when I felt like a character was in peril ya'know? I was anxious for the Magnus and Cleo reunion at first but as soon as that was out of the way there just wasn't anything that made me even want to grab the edge of my seat. It wasn't predictable or slow, it just wasn't intense enough for a finale. The multiple POVs weren't a problem for me (even though they were cumbersome) which is a shocker cause I'm not usually a fan (and there were soo many *rolls eyes*) but I think Rhodes handled it well enough.
I suppose what I'm trying to say is that it's not a bad book but it's definitely not a great finale. I expect the last book in a series to be the best and this one tried to stand out, had the plot set right, the whole "world's ending" storyline in place..but..it just doesn't manage to deliver what it promised.
Author: Veronica Roth Publisher: HarperCollins Series: (Carve the Mark #1) Pages: Paperback, 468 pages Genre: Fantasy Release Date: January 18th 2017
Summary:
In a galaxy powered by the current, everyone has a gift.
Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power — something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.
Akos is the son of a farmer and an oracle from the frozen nation-planet of Thuvhe. Protected by his unusual currentgift, Akos is generous in spirit, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get this brother out alive — no matter what the cost.
The Akos is thrust into Cyra's world, and the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. Will they help each other to survive, or will they destroy one another?
Carve the Mark is Veronica Roth's stunning portrayal of the power of friendship — and love — in a galaxy filled with unexpected gifts.
Review:
When I was initially excited about reading this book, it was because I had confused Veronica Roth with Victoria Schwab in my head. Stupid, I know. But by the time that I actually came around to reading this, I didn't really care about who the author was. I didn't even read the blurb to refresh my memory and just went straight in. I think the element of surprise really worked well for me this time.
This book has a nice mixture of fantasy and sci-fi elements that kinda blend well together in some places but lack the finesse I'm used to in my fantasy and sci-fi novels at others. I'll start with the things that I like and then talk more about some things that could have been handled better.
So. Things I liked:
The characters
It's no surprise that I'm a sucker for good characterization. It's one of those factors that can make or break a book for me. Fortunately, Carve the Mark, got that right. I liked how every character was portrayed in this novel and I liked all their quirky characteristics that made them who they were. Cyra steals the show for me though. She hates herself for a lot of things and considers herself a monster but the way she handles herself and tries to be a better person even when doing the wrong thing would be somewhat easier for her, just makes her character such an intriguing one. As a reader, I understood her choices, I sympathized with her situation but I also remarked at her strength, willpower and sensibility throughout the book. She might have made some stupid decisions and she might not have a diplomatic bone in her body but she feels real. Her emotions are sometimes too much and she tries to deal with them on her own cause that's all she's know but you see her inhibitions fall away slowly and see her unfurl into this beautiful, strong woman by the end of the book. It's great! She's just a really good character, okay? As for Akos, he is a likable enough guy but he's mostly in the background for me. He is dedicated, humble, sensitive, brilliant with his potions and kind of a prejudiced fellow but overall, a good fit for Cyra. I would have loved to get more insight on Vas' character and I'm sure there will be more on Isae in the future books but I really appreciated every character's presence in the book. Although, Ryzek could be made a better villain..but that's not a complaint. I'm hoping to see more depth to his character in the sequels.
The romance
It's always such a breath of fresh air when there isn't instant attraction or feelings of lust (confused with lurvvv) in YA these days. Cyra and Akos were perfect together! I loved the budding romance. If the MC wasn't Cyra, I would have thought that the girl needed to calm down and not give away her life for the first guy she could literally touch, but it was her and the reasons she decided to do the things she did for Akos just made her so much more special for me. It took a while for Akos to really appreciate how amazing Cyra was, but he got around to it. I was pretty happy with the slow pacing of their romance and their eventual confession of feelings. Akos understood when Cyra needed space and Cyra knew just the right to do or not say when Akos needed his space. It was a lovely dynamic to read about and I loved it.
So. Things I didn't like/think could have been done better:
The world building
Even though I understand that the story is set up in another solar system, where intergalactic? interplanetary? travel is possible, where the politics encompasses all the planets that an Assembly approves? adds? to the list of "valid" nations/planets, I can't quite picture the constitution of it all? I mean, I get that the Shotet are pissed at the Assembly for not considering them as "nationals" so to speak. But why? Because their people don't get the "government" benefits? Because they don't get recognition and get treated as pirates? I'm speculating because at this point, even after recently finishing the book, I don't get it. Maybe I'm just daft or maybe Ms. Roth needs to work a little better on her world building.
I do like the idea of the current that flows through their world and its symbolic, physical and spiritual impact on different people. It's an interesting concept but the notion of it is still pretty vague to me. What I understand is that it affects everyone in a certain way but the engrossing why or how questions are never touched upon. If this was supposed to be a romance novel, it wouldn't have mattered. But it's not and the world building is a crucial step. There is always a balance an author needs to find but I think Ms. Roth skipped it all together.
The beginning
I'm all for changing POVs and alternating timelines if they are executed seamlessly and are necessary to the plot machinations but somehow the introductory choppy, rushed events of Akos and Cyra's childhood didn't really feel seamless or well executed to me. I feel like the extra page time that was devoted separately for their childhood could have been covered as flashback scenes and would have made the story feel more present.
The pacing
This is starting to look like a theme and I feel like I'm complaining a lot but believe you me, I did enjoy the story! The pacing though..
The book is slow. Most of it is. I didn't mind reading about Cyra and Akos so it didn't botch the story for me but if someone can't get into the characters, I'm sorry but this book might be a drag for you. Pacing and plot-wise, the book does need refinement.
However, that being said, I still enjoyed reading the book quite a lot. I would definitely come back for more. Mostly because all the flaws I mentioned didn't bother me too much. It's the characters, I tell ya.
From New York Times bestselling author Cora Carmack comes her debut young adult fantasy, ROAR! Releasing June 13, 2017, ROAR takes readers on an adventure filled with charismatic characters in an enthralling world sure to keep them turning the pages. Order your copy today!
Roar
Author: Cora Carmack Publisher: Tor Teen Series: Stormheart #1 Pages: Hardcover, 380 pages Genre: Fantasy, YA Release Date: June 13th 2017
Summary:
In a land ruled and shaped by violent magical storms, power lies with those who control them.
Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. Long ago, the ungifted pledged fealty and service to her family in exchange for safe haven, and a kingdom was carved out from the wildlands and sustained by magic capable of repelling the world’s deadliest foes. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora’s been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honorable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.
To keep her secret and save her crown, Aurora’s mother arranges for her to marry a dark and brooding Stormling prince from another kingdom. At first, the prince seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. He’ll guarantee her spot as the next queen and be the champion her people need to remain safe. But the more secrets Aurora uncovers about him, the more a future with him frightens her. When she dons a disguise and sneaks out of the palace one night to spy on him, she stumbles upon a black market dealing in the very thing she lacks—storm magic. And the people selling it? They’re not Stormlings. They’re storm hunters.
Legend says that her ancestors first gained their magic by facing a storm and stealing part of its essence. And when a handsome young storm hunter reveals he was born without magic, but possesses it now, Aurora realizes there’s a third option for her future besides ruin or marriage.
She might not have magic now, but she can steal it if she’s brave enough.
Challenge a tempest. Survive it. And you become its master.
Cora Carmack is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Since she was a teenager, her favorite genre to read has been fantasy, and now she’s thrilled to bring her usual compelling characters and swoon-worthy romance into worlds of magic and intrigue with her debut YA fantasy, Roar. Her previous adult romance titles include the Losing It, Rusk University, and Muse series. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages around the world. Cora splits her time between Austin, TX and New York City, and on any given day you might find her typing away at her computer, flying to various cities around the world, or just watching Netflix with her kitty Katniss. But she can always be found on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and her website www.coracarmack.com.
Okay, let me just mention this first: How gorgeous is the cover?!
Now that we have that out of the way, let's get to what's between the prettiness:
Roar is Carmack's first fantasy and her first YA book as well. I adore her NA romances so I was amped to read this. I also had high expectations mind you!
The writing style is totally Carmack, and as I said, I love her stuff so it's just as expected to my liking.
The world building was interesting. I love the idea, love the details she added. Though I had loads of questions and in fact, I would have liked some more world building. It is however elegantly done, it's interesting and rather unique. Quite a few questions were answered and I anticipate to get more answers in the book... Well, done indeed
The character building, which is usually my favorite when it comes to Carmack books, was done well.
This has quite a big cast and is told from multiple POV. And here lies one of my issues with the book. I didn't like how the POV's suddenly switched. Sometimes in the middle of the paragraph. It could be a layout thing, I read the ARC after all and I hope they at least will add a return between POVs in the published books.
I didn't like Aurora, in the beginning, she was a whiner to be honest, that went on my nerves.
But she grew on me. A lot. As the story went on, I started to see her insecurities and understood where she was coming from.
In fact, I changed my view on several of the characters and I am quite invested in the crew. Saying that however I also have to mention that I am not a huge fan of the two male MCs. The Stormling prince fell too caricaturistic. And Locke, though I actually liked him, he was a tad too cliche most of the time.
The story line had me a wee bit divided. I enjoyed the book. I liked most of the plot. It was a bit predictable at times. But the romance was rather disappointing. It features not one, but two insta-loves.. And both were painfully cliche. Though I would have been fine with the first one, seeing as it evolved. But the second one kinda ruined it for me. Don't misunderstand me I am all for that development, it just way too cliche and way too predictable. I did like some parts of their relationship, just not the melodramatic overused romance cliches that were thrown in.
When it comes to the Stormling plots however, Cormack shines! I enjoyed all the action and I loved the little details we were given and how the story fell into place. I like the ending, even though it's wide open. I am left anticipating where this will go next!
So a fabulous start to a series: great world building, interesting storyline, interesting characters and a gorgeous cover
I can't wait for the next book!
Rating:
Excerpt:
“No need to burn people from the inside out, Etel. This one is with me.”
A large, masculine form pressed into Rora’s side, and a heavy arm draped over her shoulders. The old woman straightened. She scowled and spit on the ground, and when she spoke, her tone was higher, less raspy, “Ye could have told me that, Locke, before I wasted me time.”
Rora froze. Cassius. He’d found her. She had been so distracted by the woman and her wares that she hadn’t thought to keep watch. He pulled her forward, and her feet dragged like lead. She couldn’t take a deep enough breath, and her eyes began to cloud with tears.
What have I done? How will I explain this? What will he do to me?
“Come on, girl. I’m doing you a favor getting you away from that fraud. You could at least play along.”
Rora lurched to a stop, and jerked her head upward. That wasn’t Cassius. Her hood began to slip backward. She tried to catch it, but her movements lagged behind her mind, and her injured arm had grown stiff and numb. Cool air hit her uncovered cheeks, her nose, then her forehead. Even with the scarf hiding her hair, she might be recognized. And she had a feeling this was a very bad place for a princess to be.
The hood’s descent halted; it wasn’t her fingers that had caught the fabric but his. He was so tall that Rora had to crane her head back to see him. His hair was a dark, wavy brown and hung long enough to brush against his shoulders.
“Keep that hood up. This is no place for little girls.”
“I’m not a little girl!” She clamped her mouth shut, immediately wishing she could take the declaration back. Not only because it sounded exactly like what a little girl would say but also because she had not tempered her volume. At all. And thought it wasn’t Cassius who caught her, he was here somewhere. She bit her lip in worry, and the stranger’s eyes tracked down to her mouth briefly before darting around her face.
He still held on to her hood, keeping it back enough that he could see her eyes. “So you’re not a little girl. Still doesn’t mean this is any place for you.”
She could not argue with that.
“She called you Locke.”
His eyes narrowed. “Yes. And?”
“As in…Prince Locke?”
He laughed so hard that he released her hood. She rushed to grab it and pull it down to cover her face. She had no doubt people were staring now. He sucked in a breath, and then as if he couldn’t help himself, burst into laughter all over again.
Still chuckling, he said, “I’m about as much a prince, as you are a princess.”
Author: Lexa Hillyer Publisher: HarperCollins Series: Spindle Fire #1 Pages: Kindle Edition, 351 pages Genre: YA, Fantasy Release Date: April 11th 2017
Summary:
Half sisters Isabelle and Aurora are polar opposites: Isabelle is the king's headstrong illegitimate daughter, whose sight was tithed by faeries; Aurora, beautiful and sheltered, was tithed her sense of touch and her voice on the same day. Despite their differences, the sisters have always been extremely close.
And then everything changes, with a single drop of Aurora's blood--and a sleep so deep it cannot be broken.
As the faerie queen and her army of Vultures prepare to march, Isabelle must race to find a prince who can awaken her sister with the kiss of true love and seal their two kingdoms in an alliance against the queen.
Isabelle crosses land and sea; unearthly, thorny vines rise up the palace walls; and whispers of revolt travel in the ashes on the wind. The kingdom falls to ruin under layers of snow. Meanwhile, Aurora wakes up in a strange and enchanted world, where a mysterious hunter may be the secret to her escape . . . or the reason for her to stay.
Spindle Fire is the first book in a duology.
Review:
DNF 30%
I found the idea of this really enticing. But as I started reading I rather quickly realised that I don't particularly like the writing style. Yet again the world building seemed intriguing. I kept going- well to be accurate I kept struggling on. And after days of forcing myself to read and all the while becoming more and more bored I simply gave up.
It's just not for me. Too slow and the writing style is too simplistic for me. Rating:
Author: Tricia Levenseller Publisher: Feiwel & Friends Series: Daughter of the Pirate King #1 Pages: Hardcover, First , 320 pages Genre: Fantasy Release Date: February 28th 2017
Summary:
A 17-year-old pirate captain intentionally allows herself to get captured by enemy pirates in this thrilling YA adventure.
Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.
More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.
Debut author Tricia Levenseller blends action, adventure, romance, and a little bit of magic into a thrilling YA pirate tale.
Review:
After finishing I was baffled as to how to rate this.
It's the same old question though isn't it. Because rating is really completely subjective, though I do try and look at it objectively. In the end rating has a lot to do with how much one enjoys a book.
And here lies my dilemma. I like the idea of the book. I do. In theory this should totally be my favorite book EVER. I mean it's like Pipi Longstocking goes YA, with a splash of Pirates of the Caribbean and a good dose of Greek mythology.
Totally up my alley. Right?
Eh.
I actually struggled heavily reading the first half. In fact would this not have been an ARC I definitely would have DNFed at 25%. But as it was an ARC. I read on.
I am pleased I did, because somehow around 75% I found myself invested in the book and didn't even mind the writing style very much.
The writing style is the first hurdle for me here. I am not a fan. It's not my cup of tea. I found Alos not witty or boisterous. I just found her annoying for pretty much half the book. Then Levenseller changed the storytelling style a tad, less bragging more story telling and I grew to like her more.
The cast was very cliche. I mean VERY. It felt too much like any good old pirate flick I have seen, trust me I saw alot of them as a child. Pipi was my absolute hero for several years. But again, suddenly at the end, I realised though they all are extremely cliche, they did grow on me. Somehow Levenseller did add unique details to them and I found myself caring for them.
The plot is quite entertaining. Again very piratey and reminiscent of many pirate flicks I have seen.
At the end however, I found myself wondering where the story goes and I am planning to read the next installment.
That's why I ended up rounding 2.5 Stars up to 3.
To be honest I think I would have loved this a movie. I think someone should make a movie out of this! It reminds me of some childhood favorites and I think it would be simply a good pirate romp!
Rating:
ARC was provided by Publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Author: Bethany Wiggins Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers Series: Transference #1 Pages: Hardcover, 304 pages Genre: Fantasy Release Date: February 21st 2017
Summary:
Fans of Julie Kagawa’s Talon and Renee Ahdieh’s The Wrath and the Dawn will devour this action-packed fantasy adventure about a girl who chooses to surrender herself to a deadly dragon rather than marry an enemy prince.
When two warring kingdoms unified against a deadly menace laying waste to both their lands, they had to make a choice: vow to marry their heirs to one another, or forfeit their lives to the dragon.
Centuries later, everyone expects the sheltered princess Sorrowlynn to choose the barbarian prince over the fire-breathing beast—everyone, that is, except Sorrow, who is determined to control her own destiny or die trying.
As she is lowered into the dragon’s chamber, she assumes her life is over until Golmarr, the young prince she just spurned, follows her with the hopes of being her hero and slaying the dragon. But the dragon has a different plan. . . .
If the dragon wins, it will be freed from the spell that has bound it to the cave for centuries. If Sorrow or Golmarr vanquish the dragon, the victor will gain its treasure and escape the cave beneath the mountain. But what exactly is the dragon hiding?
There are no safe havens for Sorrow or Golmarr—not even with each other—and the stakes couldn’t be higher as they risk everything to protect their kingdom.
Review:
Let's look at the cover.. *looks at it* ... or rather let's not!
It's - well kindly put- not exactly going to draw all the cover sluts out there.
BUT please simply ignore it. Because the book is much better than the cover leads to believe (or at least a cover slut like me anyway)
I can proudly and rather smugly say, that I chose this book, due to the summary.
I've never read anything by Wiggins so I wasn't sure what to expect.
The entire book is told from Sorrowlynn's POV in first person. And at the beginning I wasn't sure if I am going to enjoy it, because I wasn't quite sure about the writing style. But very soon I was pulled in by the story and totally captivated. I am not quite sure how I feel about the writing style. I can't say I adore it but neither do I dislike it. I am however not able to put my finger on what exactly doesn't quite work for me. I am admittedly fussy about writing style, so I am guess in it is a case of it wasn't you, it's me...
But this is the only thing, I can say that is not quite fantastic!
Because the storyline is great. It's fast paced, has quite a few nice twists and is surprising, in that it strays from the usual usual, when you least expect it. The romance as example. I thought: here we go, a full on insta-everything coming our way... But that doesn't happen. Rather, from attraction comes companionship, friendship and love. I couldn't wait for the first kiss!!
The character building absolutely shines. I think I love this book so much because of it. In my mind it is completely character driven. Yet in fact it really isn't. We get to know the two MCs pretty well. And I changed my mind about them both - at first in fact I was not a fan of Sorrow to say the least. But somehow, she endeared herself to me. In fact I very quickly sympathised with her. I liked Golmarr way better from the beginning, but I didn't expect the depth of his characters we got to see so fast.
I am totally in love with both of them and I am desperate to see what happens for them next.
But my biggest surprise was the dragons and their character building. It's so brilliant. They feel like alien beings and yet I get them! So well done.
I feel like I understand and know the support cast, which is extensive. Another proof of how well the characters are written.
Which brings me to the world building. I simply adore it! It's brilliant. I love the different kingdom's, how we discover their histories. I love their different cultures and enjoyed the different realms.
As the story unfolds we get to discover past reasons, the truth about dragons and more. It's so well done. I ended putting the book aside for a day before reading the last chapters. I simply didn't want it to end!
The idea of the transference is simply genius. Add all the little details Wiggins carefully constructed and we have this amazing and intriguing world! Just brilliant.
So for me this is a MUST read fantasy. Good storyline, great character building and fabulous world building make this a wonderful start of the series.
Can't wait for the next book!!!!!
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