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This standalone is perfect for everyone who needs a quick read for in between that doesn't take away too much of your attention or time!
In April, @_ckarys and I picked up Sweet & Bitter Magic for our monthly #BookTalkWithWifey readalong because of three reasons: witches, sapphic romance, hate-to-love.
This story is set in a world where the "Within" - the Witchlands - is seperated from the mortal realms; however, the witches are known and live among the mortals if they choose so. But Tamsin didn't. She was banished from the Within after committing a crime, and cursed to never feel love again. From the very beginning, we meet Tamsin and get to know to what extent this curse follows her. It's not just that she can't fall in love, but love is being viewed in a bigger context here. Tamsin can't really enjoy colors, the sunset, the taste of food, or the warmth of the fireplace. Her only way to get some of it back is by stealing it from others. Love is her payment, and she steals it portions of it. The husband's love for his wife, the mother's love for her child. But no matter how much she steals, it's never enough - and never lasts for long. In the same village, there is one girl whose whole life is being dedicated to the love she has for her father - Wren. As the only caretaker and family of her father, Wren has been guarding her secret her whole life. She is a source. She is made of magic that she can't use herself. However, sources are required to join the coven in the Witchlands to train alongside of witches. Witches that can use the source's powers by touching them. When a plague ravages through the land as a consequence of dark magic, Wren is determined to save her father's life, and give up the one thing she has plenty of: the love for her father. To Tamsin, who might be the only one powerful enough to stop the magic. Together, they go off to find the cause behind all of it. Oh, and don't we love bargains like these?
I must say, the way the characters are incorporated into the worldbuilding and represent the magic system is what I enjoyed the most, right after the characters themselves. The magic system of witches and sources is something I haven't encountered elsewhere, and I really enjoyed the concept of it. Especially since we all know - magic demands a price. Not, however, when you have source nearby that can give you some of theirs. Tamsin and Wren were polar opposites in terms of personality. While Tamsin is cold due to her inability to love, logical, but also followed by grief, Wren is full of love and dreams, determined to see the good in people, and hopeful in any way possible. Very often, I find it hard to see opposites like these interact, but I didn't mind with these two. Something about their banter, their journey felt just right, and I really enjoyed them seperately as well as together.
Tamsin and Wren were the strongest aspect of this story. Their personal development and journey was the main theme, and while the plague was an important motivator, it didn't interest me as much as to see where these two were going. However, there are two reasons why I couldn't enjoy the book as much as I did during the first part of it: the middle and the end. As much as I enjoyed the introduction of the characters and the plot, I found myself quickly inattentive during the middle. Most of this story - just as many others - takes place on the road, which often felt very slow paced, and didn't give me enough content to keep me interested. This changed quickly when we hit the climax of the story, and I found myself again eager to turn the pages - only to be met with an ending that felt more of a very, very long epilogue. The middle part and the ending in combination is what did bother me a lot. It's not that I didn't like ending or middle. I'm more bothered with the placing of certain elemens. Without spoiling much of the story, there were just a few elements from the end that could have been focused on during the middle as nothing spectacular was happening in that time anyways. Instead those felt like an afterthought squeezed in in the ending. This way, the middle might have not felt as bland, and the ending could have been shorter.
This doesn't mean though that it made the book not enjoyable. I think my main problem was that I was reading it in two sittings to prepare for the #BookTalkWithWifey live chat. As we were discussing the book later on, I definitely realized that the issues I had I only noticed because I was binging it, while others who read the book over the span of ten days weren't as bothered by those aspects. So this is very much an opinion based on the circumstances in which I was reading the book.
Nevertheless, the book is a quick and enjoyable read with two strong characters that nicely carry the magic system and the plot on their backs. If you're into witches, sapphic romances, and hate to love, I can recommend you to pick up Sweet & Bitter Magic. However, don't binge it.
In April, @_ckarys and I picked up Sweet & Bitter Magic for our monthly #BookTalkWithWifey readalong because of three reasons: witches, sapphic romance, hate-to-love.
This story is set in a world where the "Within" - the Witchlands - is seperated from the mortal realms; however, the witches are known and live among the mortals if they choose so. But Tamsin didn't. She was banished from the Within after committing a crime, and cursed to never feel love again. From the very beginning, we meet Tamsin and get to know to what extent this curse follows her. It's not just that she can't fall in love, but love is being viewed in a bigger context here. Tamsin can't really enjoy colors, the sunset, the taste of food, or the warmth of the fireplace. Her only way to get some of it back is by stealing it from others. Love is her payment, and she steals it portions of it. The husband's love for his wife, the mother's love for her child. But no matter how much she steals, it's never enough - and never lasts for long. In the same village, there is one girl whose whole life is being dedicated to the love she has for her father - Wren. As the only caretaker and family of her father, Wren has been guarding her secret her whole life. She is a source. She is made of magic that she can't use herself. However, sources are required to join the coven in the Witchlands to train alongside of witches. Witches that can use the source's powers by touching them. When a plague ravages through the land as a consequence of dark magic, Wren is determined to save her father's life, and give up the one thing she has plenty of: the love for her father. To Tamsin, who might be the only one powerful enough to stop the magic. Together, they go off to find the cause behind all of it. Oh, and don't we love bargains like these?
I must say, the way the characters are incorporated into the worldbuilding and represent the magic system is what I enjoyed the most, right after the characters themselves. The magic system of witches and sources is something I haven't encountered elsewhere, and I really enjoyed the concept of it. Especially since we all know - magic demands a price. Not, however, when you have source nearby that can give you some of theirs. Tamsin and Wren were polar opposites in terms of personality. While Tamsin is cold due to her inability to love, logical, but also followed by grief, Wren is full of love and dreams, determined to see the good in people, and hopeful in any way possible. Very often, I find it hard to see opposites like these interact, but I didn't mind with these two. Something about their banter, their journey felt just right, and I really enjoyed them seperately as well as together.
Tamsin and Wren were the strongest aspect of this story. Their personal development and journey was the main theme, and while the plague was an important motivator, it didn't interest me as much as to see where these two were going. However, there are two reasons why I couldn't enjoy the book as much as I did during the first part of it: the middle and the end. As much as I enjoyed the introduction of the characters and the plot, I found myself quickly inattentive during the middle. Most of this story - just as many others - takes place on the road, which often felt very slow paced, and didn't give me enough content to keep me interested. This changed quickly when we hit the climax of the story, and I found myself again eager to turn the pages - only to be met with an ending that felt more of a very, very long epilogue. The middle part and the ending in combination is what did bother me a lot. It's not that I didn't like ending or middle. I'm more bothered with the placing of certain elemens. Without spoiling much of the story, there were just a few elements from the end that could have been focused on during the middle as nothing spectacular was happening in that time anyways. Instead those felt like an afterthought squeezed in in the ending. This way, the middle might have not felt as bland, and the ending could have been shorter.
This doesn't mean though that it made the book not enjoyable. I think my main problem was that I was reading it in two sittings to prepare for the #BookTalkWithWifey live chat. As we were discussing the book later on, I definitely realized that the issues I had I only noticed because I was binging it, while others who read the book over the span of ten days weren't as bothered by those aspects. So this is very much an opinion based on the circumstances in which I was reading the book.
Nevertheless, the book is a quick and enjoyable read with two strong characters that nicely carry the magic system and the plot on their backs. If you're into witches, sapphic romances, and hate to love, I can recommend you to pick up Sweet & Bitter Magic. However, don't binge it.
I had been on a rollercoaster of emotions before I even got to read this book, and the ride didn't end once I've started it ... or finished it.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
This review contains spoilers for the Shadow & Bone trilogy and Six of Crows duology, as well as for King of Scars since this is its sequel
Rule of Wolves definitely managed to do the one thing no other book has and that's putting me in a reading slump before I even read it. Why? Let me tell you. First, I was eager to return to the Grishaverse, and see how the story of [b:King of Scars|36307634|King of Scars (King of Scars, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525110825l/36307634._SY75_.jpg|57978319] continues. But then I've been confronted with spoilers. While this surely hasn't been the first time, it definitely was one that stayed with me and had an impact on me. Reading that spoiler did nothing to fuel my excitement. On the contrary, I somehow felt the need to forget the existence of this book, and instead happily watched the Netflix adaptation Shadow and Bone or any memes dedicated to it. I wasn't even able to focus on any other book, and just felt the need to scream.
So what happened when I finally picked it up?
Not what I was expecting, and let's thank the saints for that.
Rule of Wolves is probably Leigh Bardugo's strongest book in regards of worldbuilding. While we got glances at certain regions, languages and customs in the previous two series within the Grishaverse, this installement really ties the threads together and gives the readers a bigger picture. Why is Ravka at war with Fjerda? What part play the people from Shu Han? On which side stands Kerch? Who is an ally, who is the enemy? If you've been reading the [b:Shadow and Bone|10194157|Shadow and Bone (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1339533695l/10194157._SX50_.jpg|15093325] and [b:Six of Crows|23437156|Six of Crows (Six of Crows, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1618531219l/23437156._SY75_.jpg|42077459] series, there surely is already an understanding of all the elements that make the world so grand and epic it is. However, we for once get to truly explore the relations between the countries, and most importantly, see them for ourselves. I have always had a particular strong interest in the world of the Grishaverse due to the countries being based on real life places and cultures, and was always eager to see them set in a bigger picture. And especially as someone who is always keen to learn more about the worlds all the books take place in, I simply enjoyed the way the story wasn't limited to one or two places, but really took the time to show us all. The fact that this was possible due to the decision to let Nikolai and Zoya as well as Nina tell the story from two different locations is a major factor.
Just as in [b:King of Scars|36307634|King of Scars (King of Scars, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525110825l/36307634._SY75_.jpg|57978319], I adored the POV chapters of Nikolai and Zoya. As a long-time fan favorite, Nikolai surely had to meet high expectations, and he did. It doesn't suprise me at all that I loved reading his chapters. However, similiar to the first book in this duology, Zoya yet again stole the show. This probably is a result of my very own expectations. Both, Nikolai and Zoya are perfect characters. You laugh with them, you cry with them, you worry for them, and mostly you're rooting for them. And together, you just can't do anything but ship them. The fact that Zoya's character totally took me by suprise back in King of Scars already is what crowns her my favorite. She exceeded my expectations, whereas Nikolai "just" met mine. This shouldn't mean I enjoyed Nikolai any less. In fact, I do think what made each of these two so special is the relationship they find themselves in. The tension, the bickering, the banter, the trust, and hope they convey doesn't give you permission to not love them.
What completely changed in this book as opposed to in King of Scars is my perception of Nina. The heartrender was one of my favorite characters in the [b:The Six of Crows Duology Boxed Set|30327173|The Six of Crows Duology Boxed Set (The Six of Crows, #1-2)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1465540122l/30327173._SX50_.jpg|50821452]; however, I was not at all able to enjoy her chapters in the first installement of this duology. The reasons behind this were that I was not able to understand her, let alone feel with her. The main problem that caused that was simply her quickly overcoming the grief over Matthias, only to seemingly fall in love with a girl that was too similiar to the deceased drüskelle. The pace of the chapters felt odd, I didn't really feel any excitment, nor did I find myself interested in the mission she had in Fjerda. But do I adore it when things turn around. In this book, I couldn't decide which chapters I liked more - Nikolai's, Zoya's or Nina's. I loved the mission Nina set herself onto, and how much more of an insight we got into the workings of Fjerda. Also, Nina's relationship to Hanne took two steps back in terms of pacing, and I felt the time they took to develop the bond between them was realistic and natural this time around. This came even to the point where I actually wanted Nina to find her happy ending with Hanne, and didn't see her anymore as an annoying copy of the past love interest. We actually get to see more sides of Hanne, and overall I really came to love the story, setting and character development in Nina's chapters. From the beginning to the very end, I just adored to follow this storyline, and especially a certain element that was introduced brought me joy.
This is not where the narrative perspectives end, though. Leigh Bardugo introduces more point of views in the sequel, and while I was not happy to see the names on the chapter headers, I very much appreicate the additional storylines after finishing the book. It takes some warming up to them, but in the end, they did not slower the pacing, but really had a purpose in terms of expanding the world and allowing the readers to understand the Grishaverse better. However, there is one particular character I do want to talk about, and it's no other than the Darkling.
Maybe you screamed of joy, maybe you wanted to rip apart the book, maybe you ranted on Twitter, or prayed for a redemption arc. Whatever your reaction was, one thing we all have in common: seeing the Darkling's comeback at the end of King of Scars was emotional, and raised many questions. Bringing back a character that had gained so much popularity and controversy in this universe is a bold move, and one that shouldn't have been decided on lightly. Whether you hated him or loved him, one thing is sure, and that The Darkling's impact on the original trilogy is one not to be messed around with. So why bring him back? I would lie if I didn't say I was very thrilled to see where Bardugo is heading with this decision, as much as I was afraid to see what she could do to a character of such complexity. And there was one thing I knew I wouldn't and couldn't accept: another death. The Darkling's ending in [b:Ruin and Rising|14061957|Ruin and Rising (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #3)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1392398530l/14061957._SX50_.jpg|19699754] is monumental. You can't deny that there is true beauty in the way Alina whispers his name, him being buried alongside someone tailored to look like his soulmate, equal, opponent. To kill him off again was out of question for me because I knew nothing could beat the emotional ending The Darkling meets in the last book of the trilogy. But if not death, what shall await him? As much as I love the Darkling, I can't deny that he is the villain. What kind of redemption would actually justify his actions? And shouldn't a redemption actually involve the one person everything started with - Alina? But then again, this is most of all Nikolai's story, so where is the connection aside that both have a vision of Ravka? My head was filled with theories and questions. And as much as I tried lowering my expectations, I still found myself rather unsatisfied with his storyline. I do think the duology would have worked pretty well without his presence, and felt to some parts his character to be inconsistent. I can see what Leigh was trying to tell, but unfortunately it just didn't work for me. Whereas I appreciate the final moment we see of the Darkling, I just wished it was executed differently. Just as much as I wished that Bardugo took more of her time with him.
Other than that, there are definitely some more moments that will bring fans joy, just as much as heartbreaks. But it wouldn't be a Bardugo book if there weren't any of them. This book really specialized in tying all the lose threats together, and giving means to each character, place, and their position within the Grishaverse.
At this point, it's no secret that there is an untitled third Six of Crows installement on Goodreads as you can see here: [b:Untitled|40228844|Untitled (Six of Crows, #3)|Leigh Bardugo|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|62480640]. And after devouring Rule of Wolves, there is no doubt that I can actually see Leigh Bardugo pulling this off. And let's be honest, who wouldn't want to see more of the crows?
Bardugo achieved something that can't be find elsewhere: a whole universe involving a vast cast of characters that have found their ways to our hearts. In no other world have I ever felt more at home, and I'm eager to see when and how this adventure will continue because this surely hasn't been the last time we've been in the Grishaverse.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
This review contains spoilers for the Shadow & Bone trilogy and Six of Crows duology, as well as for King of Scars since this is its sequel
Rule of Wolves definitely managed to do the one thing no other book has and that's putting me in a reading slump before I even read it. Why? Let me tell you. First, I was eager to return to the Grishaverse, and see how the story of [b:King of Scars|36307634|King of Scars (King of Scars, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525110825l/36307634._SY75_.jpg|57978319] continues. But then I've been confronted with spoilers. While this surely hasn't been the first time, it definitely was one that stayed with me and had an impact on me. Reading that spoiler did nothing to fuel my excitement. On the contrary, I somehow felt the need to forget the existence of this book, and instead happily watched the Netflix adaptation Shadow and Bone or any memes dedicated to it. I wasn't even able to focus on any other book, and just felt the need to scream.
So what happened when I finally picked it up?
Not what I was expecting, and let's thank the saints for that.
Rule of Wolves is probably Leigh Bardugo's strongest book in regards of worldbuilding. While we got glances at certain regions, languages and customs in the previous two series within the Grishaverse, this installement really ties the threads together and gives the readers a bigger picture. Why is Ravka at war with Fjerda? What part play the people from Shu Han? On which side stands Kerch? Who is an ally, who is the enemy? If you've been reading the [b:Shadow and Bone|10194157|Shadow and Bone (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1339533695l/10194157._SX50_.jpg|15093325] and [b:Six of Crows|23437156|Six of Crows (Six of Crows, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1618531219l/23437156._SY75_.jpg|42077459] series, there surely is already an understanding of all the elements that make the world so grand and epic it is. However, we for once get to truly explore the relations between the countries, and most importantly, see them for ourselves. I have always had a particular strong interest in the world of the Grishaverse due to the countries being based on real life places and cultures, and was always eager to see them set in a bigger picture. And especially as someone who is always keen to learn more about the worlds all the books take place in, I simply enjoyed the way the story wasn't limited to one or two places, but really took the time to show us all. The fact that this was possible due to the decision to let Nikolai and Zoya as well as Nina tell the story from two different locations is a major factor.
Just as in [b:King of Scars|36307634|King of Scars (King of Scars, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525110825l/36307634._SY75_.jpg|57978319], I adored the POV chapters of Nikolai and Zoya. As a long-time fan favorite, Nikolai surely had to meet high expectations, and he did. It doesn't suprise me at all that I loved reading his chapters. However, similiar to the first book in this duology, Zoya yet again stole the show. This probably is a result of my very own expectations. Both, Nikolai and Zoya are perfect characters. You laugh with them, you cry with them, you worry for them, and mostly you're rooting for them. And together, you just can't do anything but ship them. The fact that Zoya's character totally took me by suprise back in King of Scars already is what crowns her my favorite. She exceeded my expectations, whereas Nikolai "just" met mine. This shouldn't mean I enjoyed Nikolai any less. In fact, I do think what made each of these two so special is the relationship they find themselves in. The tension, the bickering, the banter, the trust, and hope they convey doesn't give you permission to not love them.
What completely changed in this book as opposed to in King of Scars is my perception of Nina. The heartrender was one of my favorite characters in the [b:The Six of Crows Duology Boxed Set|30327173|The Six of Crows Duology Boxed Set (The Six of Crows, #1-2)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1465540122l/30327173._SX50_.jpg|50821452]; however, I was not at all able to enjoy her chapters in the first installement of this duology. The reasons behind this were that I was not able to understand her, let alone feel with her. The main problem that caused that was simply her quickly overcoming the grief over Matthias, only to seemingly fall in love with a girl that was too similiar to the deceased drüskelle. The pace of the chapters felt odd, I didn't really feel any excitment, nor did I find myself interested in the mission she had in Fjerda. But do I adore it when things turn around. In this book, I couldn't decide which chapters I liked more - Nikolai's, Zoya's or Nina's. I loved the mission Nina set herself onto, and how much more of an insight we got into the workings of Fjerda. Also, Nina's relationship to Hanne took two steps back in terms of pacing, and I felt the time they took to develop the bond between them was realistic and natural this time around. This came even to the point where I actually wanted Nina to find her happy ending with Hanne, and didn't see her anymore as an annoying copy of the past love interest. We actually get to see more sides of Hanne, and overall I really came to love the story, setting and character development in Nina's chapters. From the beginning to the very end, I just adored to follow this storyline, and especially a certain element that was introduced brought me joy.
This is not where the narrative perspectives end, though. Leigh Bardugo introduces more point of views in the sequel, and while I was not happy to see the names on the chapter headers, I very much appreicate the additional storylines after finishing the book. It takes some warming up to them, but in the end, they did not slower the pacing, but really had a purpose in terms of expanding the world and allowing the readers to understand the Grishaverse better. However, there is one particular character I do want to talk about, and it's no other than the Darkling.
Maybe you screamed of joy, maybe you wanted to rip apart the book, maybe you ranted on Twitter, or prayed for a redemption arc. Whatever your reaction was, one thing we all have in common: seeing the Darkling's comeback at the end of King of Scars was emotional, and raised many questions. Bringing back a character that had gained so much popularity and controversy in this universe is a bold move, and one that shouldn't have been decided on lightly. Whether you hated him or loved him, one thing is sure, and that The Darkling's impact on the original trilogy is one not to be messed around with. So why bring him back? I would lie if I didn't say I was very thrilled to see where Bardugo is heading with this decision, as much as I was afraid to see what she could do to a character of such complexity. And there was one thing I knew I wouldn't and couldn't accept: another death. The Darkling's ending in [b:Ruin and Rising|14061957|Ruin and Rising (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #3)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1392398530l/14061957._SX50_.jpg|19699754] is monumental. You can't deny that there is true beauty in the way Alina whispers his name, him being buried alongside someone tailored to look like his soulmate, equal, opponent. To kill him off again was out of question for me because I knew nothing could beat the emotional ending The Darkling meets in the last book of the trilogy. But if not death, what shall await him? As much as I love the Darkling, I can't deny that he is the villain. What kind of redemption would actually justify his actions? And shouldn't a redemption actually involve the one person everything started with - Alina? But then again, this is most of all Nikolai's story, so where is the connection aside that both have a vision of Ravka? My head was filled with theories and questions. And as much as I tried lowering my expectations, I still found myself rather unsatisfied with his storyline. I do think the duology would have worked pretty well without his presence, and felt to some parts his character to be inconsistent. I can see what Leigh was trying to tell, but unfortunately it just didn't work for me. Whereas I appreciate the final moment we see of the Darkling, I just wished it was executed differently. Just as much as I wished that Bardugo took more of her time with him.
Other than that, there are definitely some more moments that will bring fans joy, just as much as heartbreaks. But it wouldn't be a Bardugo book if there weren't any of them. This book really specialized in tying all the lose threats together, and giving means to each character, place, and their position within the Grishaverse.
At this point, it's no secret that there is an untitled third Six of Crows installement on Goodreads as you can see here: [b:Untitled|40228844|Untitled (Six of Crows, #3)|Leigh Bardugo|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|62480640]. And after devouring Rule of Wolves, there is no doubt that I can actually see Leigh Bardugo pulling this off. And let's be honest, who wouldn't want to see more of the crows?
Bardugo achieved something that can't be find elsewhere: a whole universe involving a vast cast of characters that have found their ways to our hearts. In no other world have I ever felt more at home, and I'm eager to see when and how this adventure will continue because this surely hasn't been the last time we've been in the Grishaverse.
Not many seem to be familiar with the Brothers Grimm‘s fairytale „The Twelve Dancing Princess“, which is also known as „The Worn-Out Dancing Shoes“ or „The Shoes that were Danced to Pieces“, but maybe you came across the popular movie adaptation „Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses“ that definitely has been a favorite of mine during my childhood years. Finding out about this retelling of the story of twelve sisters that spend their nights dancing in secret with a creepy twist, I knew I had to read it, and picked it up right away.
House of Salt and Sorrows takes the original fairytale and sets it in a darker setting, filled with mysteries, tragedies, and ghostly visions. Once, there were 12 princesses, but a curse responsible for the death of four of them, haunts the remaining daughters. But is it a curse? Or is it murder? As Annaleigh tries to find answers, she also is faced with the temptation to dance away the nights with her sisters.
As much as the Barbie adaptation is filled with laughter, music and joy, this retelling by Erin A. Craig created a dark, creepy and gripping atmosephere that will keep you up all night, and maybe sometimes make you wish you weren‘t reading this during nighttime at all. I, for instance, had a couple of sleepless nights thanks to some scenes. Not that it made me enjoy this any less.
I truly loved the twist this retelling had, and am craving a reread soon!
Watch Chiara from @_ckarys and I talk about this thrilling 12 dancing princesses retelling that gave us all the goosebumps for our September #BookTalkWithWifey at https://www.instagram.com/tv/B34sS6CABvz/
House of Salt and Sorrows takes the original fairytale and sets it in a darker setting, filled with mysteries, tragedies, and ghostly visions. Once, there were 12 princesses, but a curse responsible for the death of four of them, haunts the remaining daughters. But is it a curse? Or is it murder? As Annaleigh tries to find answers, she also is faced with the temptation to dance away the nights with her sisters.
As much as the Barbie adaptation is filled with laughter, music and joy, this retelling by Erin A. Craig created a dark, creepy and gripping atmosephere that will keep you up all night, and maybe sometimes make you wish you weren‘t reading this during nighttime at all. I, for instance, had a couple of sleepless nights thanks to some scenes. Not that it made me enjoy this any less.
I truly loved the twist this retelling had, and am craving a reread soon!
Watch Chiara from @_ckarys and I talk about this thrilling 12 dancing princesses retelling that gave us all the goosebumps for our September #BookTalkWithWifey at https://www.instagram.com/tv/B34sS6CABvz/
If you look for a quick steamy guilty pleasure read, then House of Hearts is just the right book for you.
The story follows Maggie and James. From the moment they meet in a bar, they are incredibly drawn to each other, and quickly find their way to the other‘s heart. While the relationship suprised me in how quickly it progressed, I can’t deny that I was thrilled to get to the spicy parts. And it‘s getting hot. Very hot. Both protagonist are able to explore their sexuality, and the power within it. Jaimee Bell shows how the roles of power and the dynamic can be explored and switched as both of the characters have their fair share of being the dominant and submissive partner in the act. Something I haven‘t really encountered much in other books and was interested in seeing played out.
While I enjoyed the steamy scenes, and loved to see the characters finding to each other through their sexual relationship, there is still lots of room for character development. However, as this is the first book in a series, I can see that this is an issue that could easily be improved on in the upcoming sequel.
House of Hearts is definitely a guilty pleasure read for fans of steamy romances such as Fifty Shades of Grey that focuses on the dynamic of dom/sub relationships, not leaving you craving for spicy scenes.
CW: The book contains very explicit scenes, and darker elements.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
The story follows Maggie and James. From the moment they meet in a bar, they are incredibly drawn to each other, and quickly find their way to the other‘s heart. While the relationship suprised me in how quickly it progressed, I can’t deny that I was thrilled to get to the spicy parts. And it‘s getting hot. Very hot. Both protagonist are able to explore their sexuality, and the power within it. Jaimee Bell shows how the roles of power and the dynamic can be explored and switched as both of the characters have their fair share of being the dominant and submissive partner in the act. Something I haven‘t really encountered much in other books and was interested in seeing played out.
While I enjoyed the steamy scenes, and loved to see the characters finding to each other through their sexual relationship, there is still lots of room for character development. However, as this is the first book in a series, I can see that this is an issue that could easily be improved on in the upcoming sequel.
House of Hearts is definitely a guilty pleasure read for fans of steamy romances such as Fifty Shades of Grey that focuses on the dynamic of dom/sub relationships, not leaving you craving for spicy scenes.
CW: The book contains very explicit scenes, and darker elements.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Actual rating: 2,5
Epic fantasy. Pirates. Assassins. A quest in order to save the word. A band of misfits. One really wouldn't need more than that to lose themselves in an adventure. Unfortunately, Realm Breaker was not holding up to the expectations.
Like most reviewers I as well have a complicated past with Victoria Aveyard. I really liked [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1449778912l/22328546._SY75_.jpg|25037051], but then lost my interest in keeping up with the series after [b:Glass Sword|23174274|Glass Sword (Red Queen, #2)|Victoria Aveyard|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1436460934l/23174274._SX50_.jpg|42720997]. The story didn't captivate me enough, and maybe if all the books were out at that time, I would have finished the books, but the longer I waited for the third book to come out, the more I felt indifferent to the story and its characters. I do think she wrote a solid series, but it was my lack of interest in why I didn't care to continue with the books. Therefore, I didn't have any hard feelings about Aveyard, and was rather excited to see where she will take us with this epic fantasy series. And she did take us to places. Many, many places.
What Aveyard did with Realm Breaker is to step into the footprints of what can be considered the classic fantasy quest type of books, especially in the sense of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. We have the doom of the realm looming over the world, a group of individuals banding together, a relict that is needed to save the world, and of course, the chosen one. Those are tropes and themes that have been used in fantasy plenty of times, and it isn't something I had an issue with to begin with. I can read several books with similiar themes as long as the execution is done well and adds an unique twist to them. This isn't the case with Realm Breaker, and therefore couldn't convince me at all as a story.
Aveyard took care to build this world and think of the tiniest detail, and was able to transport us to the cities and places right through the pages. As a reader, you can see the various places clearly in front of your eyes, understand the geographical and cultural aspects of it, and not mistake one for another. Which is very important as this is a quest story, and the characters cover quite a distance in Realm Breaker. However, this is the strongest and probably only aspect I liked of this book. And as much as I adore worldbuilding, especially since that is what drew me to this genre in the first place, just good worldbuilding doesn't cut it for me.
As a lot of quest adventures, the majority of the book we follow the characters on the run, looking for a way to save the realm. But that's all we do. We follow the characters on their quest to save the world. Nothing else happens. No twists, no turns to keep me on the edge of the seat. Of course, they have to run and hide, as it is expected to happen. But do I feel the risk? Do I ever fear for the characters? Do I ever see the risk ... as a risk? Not in the slightest. Most of the times, I just watch them discuss where they are headed next. Only to watch them just going to that place. Barely any conflicts happen, and if there is something it's some bickering between the characters that I rarely enjoyed. One could argue that that's what quest adventures are about. Moving from one place to another, in search of the item, person or place that will save them all. Normally, I would agree. Just as much as I wouldn't be bothered by it. Even if nothing happens, something happens, right? But that's usually the characters' place to own the stage. Show us more of themselves, throw up some conflict, go through development. In Realm Breaker, when nothing happens, nothing happens.
Which leads to the part that I didn't like the most: the characters. Now that's a harsh way of putting it, because I didn't hate them. I didn't not like them. I just felt very indifferent about each and every single one of them which is worse. Corayne who is our chosen one in this story had an interesting start. As the daughter of an infamous pirate with special skills, I felt we will get a very self-reliant, smart, and strong protagonist. However, as soon as it is known that she is the chose one, she becomes the weak girl who needs protection at all cost and only exists as the remaining hope of the realm. I don't dislike the chosen one trope. What I dislike is that characters lack of any characteristics, of any strength (and I don't necessarily mean physical strength) when they get to be the chosen one. I had high hopes that Corayne would bring in her own expertise to the quest. But unfortunately, she was just a bland character I couldn't care for. She isn't the only character that disappointed me mostly because the characters didn't offer anything deeper than the stereotypes they represent. Dom as the immortal warrior and mortal compass doesn't offer more than that. Andry, the loyal squire with a soft heart, doesn't offer more than this. Even Sorasa who I ended up liking the most towards the end of the novel, is just that badass assassin, but not offering any glimpses that make her stand out. And let me not mention the other characters because those didn't even have a chance to disappoint me because their mere purpose was to exist and make the group bigger. Just as much as I don't have an issue with using the over-used theme of quests in order to save the world when done properly, I don't feel bothered by stereotypical characters. But at least give me more than their stereotypes. What's their story? What struggles do they have beyond the obvious? What passions? The characters don't go beyond their stereotypes, don't go deeper. And unfortunately, don't go through any development as we spend pages after pages following them from one place to another.
Beside Sorasa, who I only liked a little, there was one character who I actually was very interested in: Erida. Yet again, we could be discussing that she serves a stereotype, but not in the sense of the other characters. We are able to see her motivations, the inner conflict, the fight she is going through. We are able to understand her, and she made me feel things. Her storyline seemed to be the only one that was breaking with stereotypes, and put an interesting twist to the story over all. Unfortunately, I was able to see that plottwist coming way ahead, and even if she remained the most interesting character, not much was happening in those chapters either.
If you think, that's it, then I have to tell you that you need to stay a little bit longer with me. We have two more characters. Taristan, the villain, who seems to already be loved by many readers, and Rhida, whose existence is even questioned by many who liked the book. Just as with the other characters, I didn't have any real feelings for them, but I do have to admit I was interested in their storylines. Taristan has a lot of potential to grow to a villain deserving of love by the readers, and I did enjoy parts of him towards the end of the book. Rhida, on the other hand, didn't offer too much, but there is potential in her storyline which is already more than I can say about the main cast of the book.
I understand that Aveyard wanted to create a retelling of a story such as The Lord of the Rings and add a more diverse cast and leading female characters, and I respect that. But the problem with taking books like Tolkien's masterpiece as inspiration is that ... you're not the only one. There have been plenty of others who did it, plenty other quest stories in the style of the Fellowship, plenty other worlds crafted to the tiniest detail. And there's no fault in that. But you need to give the readers something unique. Add some twists. Add something unexpected. Make your story stand out compared to all the other that have done one in similiar style. Convince me why I should stick to your own version of this type of book instead of just going back to the original, or choosing another version. And this is what I just couldn't find in Realm Breaker.
Overall, this book's strength is in the writing and care put into the worldbuilding. Something I truly appreciate, and enjoyed. However, the story lacked of offering an interesting plot and characters that were able to pull me into their adventure (except for one or two). I understand that as the first installement of a series, the book had a lot of ground to cover such as establishing the world, the characters and their roles, and the story. However, when I reached the last page, I wasn't exicted to think of what could come next, I was just happy to be done with it. There is clearly room for improvement, and I can see many issues I had being resolved in the upcoming sequels, but at this point, I just couldn't care less about finding it out.
A little side note: I don't know why the publisher went with marketing this as a YA book. (Okay, I could think of enough reasons as to why, but ... I don't agree with them) The German publisher, on the other hand, clearly stated this to be an Adult Fantasy book which is more fitting for the story and writing. Also, the e-book suprisingly didn't come with a map, but there exists one in the physical copies which I found out later, and it was an enormous help in understanding where the characters are being located.
Epic fantasy. Pirates. Assassins. A quest in order to save the word. A band of misfits. One really wouldn't need more than that to lose themselves in an adventure. Unfortunately, Realm Breaker was not holding up to the expectations.
Like most reviewers I as well have a complicated past with Victoria Aveyard. I really liked [b:Red Queen|22328546|Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)|Victoria Aveyard|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1449778912l/22328546._SY75_.jpg|25037051], but then lost my interest in keeping up with the series after [b:Glass Sword|23174274|Glass Sword (Red Queen, #2)|Victoria Aveyard|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1436460934l/23174274._SX50_.jpg|42720997]. The story didn't captivate me enough, and maybe if all the books were out at that time, I would have finished the books, but the longer I waited for the third book to come out, the more I felt indifferent to the story and its characters. I do think she wrote a solid series, but it was my lack of interest in why I didn't care to continue with the books. Therefore, I didn't have any hard feelings about Aveyard, and was rather excited to see where she will take us with this epic fantasy series. And she did take us to places. Many, many places.
What Aveyard did with Realm Breaker is to step into the footprints of what can be considered the classic fantasy quest type of books, especially in the sense of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. We have the doom of the realm looming over the world, a group of individuals banding together, a relict that is needed to save the world, and of course, the chosen one. Those are tropes and themes that have been used in fantasy plenty of times, and it isn't something I had an issue with to begin with. I can read several books with similiar themes as long as the execution is done well and adds an unique twist to them. This isn't the case with Realm Breaker, and therefore couldn't convince me at all as a story.
Aveyard took care to build this world and think of the tiniest detail, and was able to transport us to the cities and places right through the pages. As a reader, you can see the various places clearly in front of your eyes, understand the geographical and cultural aspects of it, and not mistake one for another. Which is very important as this is a quest story, and the characters cover quite a distance in Realm Breaker. However, this is the strongest and probably only aspect I liked of this book. And as much as I adore worldbuilding, especially since that is what drew me to this genre in the first place, just good worldbuilding doesn't cut it for me.
As a lot of quest adventures, the majority of the book we follow the characters on the run, looking for a way to save the realm. But that's all we do. We follow the characters on their quest to save the world. Nothing else happens. No twists, no turns to keep me on the edge of the seat. Of course, they have to run and hide, as it is expected to happen. But do I feel the risk? Do I ever fear for the characters? Do I ever see the risk ... as a risk? Not in the slightest. Most of the times, I just watch them discuss where they are headed next. Only to watch them just going to that place. Barely any conflicts happen, and if there is something it's some bickering between the characters that I rarely enjoyed. One could argue that that's what quest adventures are about. Moving from one place to another, in search of the item, person or place that will save them all. Normally, I would agree. Just as much as I wouldn't be bothered by it. Even if nothing happens, something happens, right? But that's usually the characters' place to own the stage. Show us more of themselves, throw up some conflict, go through development. In Realm Breaker, when nothing happens, nothing happens.
Which leads to the part that I didn't like the most: the characters. Now that's a harsh way of putting it, because I didn't hate them. I didn't not like them. I just felt very indifferent about each and every single one of them which is worse. Corayne who is our chosen one in this story had an interesting start. As the daughter of an infamous pirate with special skills, I felt we will get a very self-reliant, smart, and strong protagonist. However, as soon as it is known that she is the chose one, she becomes the weak girl who needs protection at all cost and only exists as the remaining hope of the realm. I don't dislike the chosen one trope. What I dislike is that characters lack of any characteristics, of any strength (and I don't necessarily mean physical strength) when they get to be the chosen one. I had high hopes that Corayne would bring in her own expertise to the quest. But unfortunately, she was just a bland character I couldn't care for. She isn't the only character that disappointed me mostly because the characters didn't offer anything deeper than the stereotypes they represent. Dom as the immortal warrior and mortal compass doesn't offer more than that. Andry, the loyal squire with a soft heart, doesn't offer more than this. Even Sorasa who I ended up liking the most towards the end of the novel, is just that badass assassin, but not offering any glimpses that make her stand out. And let me not mention the other characters because those didn't even have a chance to disappoint me because their mere purpose was to exist and make the group bigger. Just as much as I don't have an issue with using the over-used theme of quests in order to save the world when done properly, I don't feel bothered by stereotypical characters. But at least give me more than their stereotypes. What's their story? What struggles do they have beyond the obvious? What passions? The characters don't go beyond their stereotypes, don't go deeper. And unfortunately, don't go through any development as we spend pages after pages following them from one place to another.
Beside Sorasa, who I only liked a little, there was one character who I actually was very interested in: Erida. Yet again, we could be discussing that she serves a stereotype, but not in the sense of the other characters. We are able to see her motivations, the inner conflict, the fight she is going through. We are able to understand her, and she made me feel things. Her storyline seemed to be the only one that was breaking with stereotypes, and put an interesting twist to the story over all. Unfortunately, I was able to see that plottwist coming way ahead, and even if she remained the most interesting character, not much was happening in those chapters either.
If you think, that's it, then I have to tell you that you need to stay a little bit longer with me. We have two more characters. Taristan, the villain, who seems to already be loved by many readers, and Rhida, whose existence is even questioned by many who liked the book. Just as with the other characters, I didn't have any real feelings for them, but I do have to admit I was interested in their storylines. Taristan has a lot of potential to grow to a villain deserving of love by the readers, and I did enjoy parts of him towards the end of the book. Rhida, on the other hand, didn't offer too much, but there is potential in her storyline which is already more than I can say about the main cast of the book.
I understand that Aveyard wanted to create a retelling of a story such as The Lord of the Rings and add a more diverse cast and leading female characters, and I respect that. But the problem with taking books like Tolkien's masterpiece as inspiration is that ... you're not the only one. There have been plenty of others who did it, plenty other quest stories in the style of the Fellowship, plenty other worlds crafted to the tiniest detail. And there's no fault in that. But you need to give the readers something unique. Add some twists. Add something unexpected. Make your story stand out compared to all the other that have done one in similiar style. Convince me why I should stick to your own version of this type of book instead of just going back to the original, or choosing another version. And this is what I just couldn't find in Realm Breaker.
Overall, this book's strength is in the writing and care put into the worldbuilding. Something I truly appreciate, and enjoyed. However, the story lacked of offering an interesting plot and characters that were able to pull me into their adventure (except for one or two). I understand that as the first installement of a series, the book had a lot of ground to cover such as establishing the world, the characters and their roles, and the story. However, when I reached the last page, I wasn't exicted to think of what could come next, I was just happy to be done with it. There is clearly room for improvement, and I can see many issues I had being resolved in the upcoming sequels, but at this point, I just couldn't care less about finding it out.
A little side note: I don't know why the publisher went with marketing this as a YA book. (Okay, I could think of enough reasons as to why, but ... I don't agree with them) The German publisher, on the other hand, clearly stated this to be an Adult Fantasy book which is more fitting for the story and writing. Also, the e-book suprisingly didn't come with a map, but there exists one in the physical copies which I found out later, and it was an enormous help in understanding where the characters are being located.
As a bookseller, I often come across books that hold treasured advice for one's love life, and my colleagues and I have created a fun game whenever we get our hands on books like this. We would blindly open the book on any page, and read it out loud to each other in order to discuss the content afterwards. Needless to say, we often find ourselves laughing about some answers because they don't seem realistic or are very one-sided. Especially when the authors are male, most advices are rather sexist and don't satisfy our own curiosity. But this is where Love Like the French hits different.
It's no secret that the French have a certain atmosphere and flair to them that makes people around the globe admire their lifestyle. The bestselling numbers of the book [b:How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits|19288260|How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are Love, Style, and Bad Habits|Anne Berest|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1431795258l/19288260._SX50_.jpg|27336531] can be viewed as proof of just that. I, myself, have skimmed through that book and taken one or two advices to heart, while the rest didn't seem adaptable for me. However, it didn't stop me from staying interested in knowing more about the lifestyle of the French, especially in regards of their love life. (I mean Paris is known as the city of love, isn't it?)
Love Like the French is a collection of letters the author received from readers in response to his previous book Vive la Différence: A Frenchman's Perspective on American Women, Love, Respect and Relationships. The content of the questions posed vary from lovemaking to maintaining a relationship. Similiar questions can be found in other books as I've mentioned above, but it's the way Guy Blaise approaches these questions that made this book a gamechanger compared to other books of the same genre. I appreciate how much thought was put into the answers Blaise wrote, and how he often shared his own personal struggles and stories in order to emphasize his advice. As the author claims he is no expert or spokesman in such things, but it's his experience as a French man living in the US, as well as growing up in a household full of women, that showcase a sense for the different lifestyles of Americans and French.
Despite the fact that I planned on reading a couple of letters a day, I ended up finishing the book in one sitting, and really enjoyed it. Sometimes I had to laugh out loud, some letters had me reflect on things myself. Whether or not you have questions on your own, this book shares some insights that will make you think. Overall, this is a quick and entertaining read for anyone who is fascinated by the French lifestyle, seeks some insight in the French way of love, or just wants some advice in regards of romance and relationships.
Thank you to the author for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
It's no secret that the French have a certain atmosphere and flair to them that makes people around the globe admire their lifestyle. The bestselling numbers of the book [b:How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits|19288260|How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are Love, Style, and Bad Habits|Anne Berest|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1431795258l/19288260._SX50_.jpg|27336531] can be viewed as proof of just that. I, myself, have skimmed through that book and taken one or two advices to heart, while the rest didn't seem adaptable for me. However, it didn't stop me from staying interested in knowing more about the lifestyle of the French, especially in regards of their love life. (I mean Paris is known as the city of love, isn't it?)
Love Like the French is a collection of letters the author received from readers in response to his previous book Vive la Différence: A Frenchman's Perspective on American Women, Love, Respect and Relationships. The content of the questions posed vary from lovemaking to maintaining a relationship. Similiar questions can be found in other books as I've mentioned above, but it's the way Guy Blaise approaches these questions that made this book a gamechanger compared to other books of the same genre. I appreciate how much thought was put into the answers Blaise wrote, and how he often shared his own personal struggles and stories in order to emphasize his advice. As the author claims he is no expert or spokesman in such things, but it's his experience as a French man living in the US, as well as growing up in a household full of women, that showcase a sense for the different lifestyles of Americans and French.
Despite the fact that I planned on reading a couple of letters a day, I ended up finishing the book in one sitting, and really enjoyed it. Sometimes I had to laugh out loud, some letters had me reflect on things myself. Whether or not you have questions on your own, this book shares some insights that will make you think. Overall, this is a quick and entertaining read for anyone who is fascinated by the French lifestyle, seeks some insight in the French way of love, or just wants some advice in regards of romance and relationships.
Thank you to the author for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
In my teens, I used to devour dystopian books. Though in recent years I’ve often been consumed by
fantasy reads, I still enjoy reading a high-stakes dystopian, and books like Skid Kids are
exactly the reason why I do.
The mutant plight is one that immediately drew me into the story. The main protagonists are Kensy
and Zander, who are born mutants but suffer the consequences of the government cleansing that
created mutants in the first place. Mutants live separately from the rest of the Westport population
in the Wastelands, where it’s survival of the fittest to stay alive. The only opportunity to live a life
of safety and freedom within the city of Wesport is for the mutants to join the Skid Kids games
against other mutants. Kensy, Zander and their friends try to grasp this opportunity, but soon end up becoming a part of a much bigger movement that may see them fighting not just for themselves, but all the mutants of the Wastelands.
Once I started reading this book, I had a hard time putting it down. The post-apocalyptic setting, the competition and the revolution reminded me of classics of this genre that I love, and the high-stakes narration made me want to continue reading even when responsibility called. “What comes next?” is a question you’ll find yourself asking often when reading this book. It was full to the brim with action and exciting plot twists, but also moments of great character development. I do love a good romance sub-plot, but I can enjoy a more friendship-focused narrative even more when done right, and I adored the bonds within this book. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this series!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
fantasy reads, I still enjoy reading a high-stakes dystopian, and books like Skid Kids are
exactly the reason why I do.
The mutant plight is one that immediately drew me into the story. The main protagonists are Kensy
and Zander, who are born mutants but suffer the consequences of the government cleansing that
created mutants in the first place. Mutants live separately from the rest of the Westport population
in the Wastelands, where it’s survival of the fittest to stay alive. The only opportunity to live a life
of safety and freedom within the city of Wesport is for the mutants to join the Skid Kids games
against other mutants. Kensy, Zander and their friends try to grasp this opportunity, but soon end up becoming a part of a much bigger movement that may see them fighting not just for themselves, but all the mutants of the Wastelands.
Once I started reading this book, I had a hard time putting it down. The post-apocalyptic setting, the competition and the revolution reminded me of classics of this genre that I love, and the high-stakes narration made me want to continue reading even when responsibility called. “What comes next?” is a question you’ll find yourself asking often when reading this book. It was full to the brim with action and exciting plot twists, but also moments of great character development. I do love a good romance sub-plot, but I can enjoy a more friendship-focused narrative even more when done right, and I adored the bonds within this book. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this series!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Some years ago, with books such as [b:The Hunger Games|2767052|The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)|Suzanne Collins|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1586722975l/2767052._SY75_.jpg|2792775] or [b:Divergent|13335037|Divergent (Divergent, #1)|Veronica Roth|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1618526890l/13335037._SY75_.jpg|13155899] a younger Aleksandra couldn't imagine reading anything but Dystopian. So when she went on a hunt for more books, she stumbled upon 1984, and felt immediately the need to read that Dystopian classic.
Many years have passed since I first entered the world of Big Brother, and this story still is with me. I love recommending that book to friends and customers who come to the store, I love seeing references and I surely had the desire to reread it multiple times. However, I'm not much of a rereader simply because the truth is there are "too many books, [and] too little time". So when I discovered this Graphic Novel adaptation, and had some free time on my hands during lunch break, I decided it's worth a try.
I love Graphic Novels. I'm just as much a fan of visual art as I'm of words. Whenever I see a graphic novel that spikes my interest, I love to get lost in it. There is just something magical about the craft of telling stories through words and art, and it was an unique experience to return to a story that had an impact on me through this medium.
There were various different graphic novel adaptation of Orwell's 1984 that I have came across, but none of the previous ones had grabbed my attention as much as this one.
Now, I'm no expert in reviewing artstyles, but what I loved about this one was indeed the style. The drawings did transport you into the world of the fictional year 1984, and the use of color in the overly black and white illustrations whenever the characters felt an ounce of freedom was captivating in its own way.
Obviously, the graphic novel wasn't able to tell the original story to its full capacity. But that's always the nature of adaptation, as it seems. Nevertheless, I enjoyed being able to refresh my memory of this Dystopian classic while discovering something new.
Many years have passed since I first entered the world of Big Brother, and this story still is with me. I love recommending that book to friends and customers who come to the store, I love seeing references and I surely had the desire to reread it multiple times. However, I'm not much of a rereader simply because the truth is there are "too many books, [and] too little time". So when I discovered this Graphic Novel adaptation, and had some free time on my hands during lunch break, I decided it's worth a try.
I love Graphic Novels. I'm just as much a fan of visual art as I'm of words. Whenever I see a graphic novel that spikes my interest, I love to get lost in it. There is just something magical about the craft of telling stories through words and art, and it was an unique experience to return to a story that had an impact on me through this medium.
There were various different graphic novel adaptation of Orwell's 1984 that I have came across, but none of the previous ones had grabbed my attention as much as this one.
Now, I'm no expert in reviewing artstyles, but what I loved about this one was indeed the style. The drawings did transport you into the world of the fictional year 1984, and the use of color in the overly black and white illustrations whenever the characters felt an ounce of freedom was captivating in its own way.
Obviously, the graphic novel wasn't able to tell the original story to its full capacity. But that's always the nature of adaptation, as it seems. Nevertheless, I enjoyed being able to refresh my memory of this Dystopian classic while discovering something new.
Have you ever come across a book that seems to be the perfect fit for you, and as you were drawn to it, you were already sweating, afraid of the possibilty that it could be a disappointment? I love fairytale retellings. This might have to do with the fact that I grew up with fairytales, and there were two that stuck with me more than any others ever could: Beauty and the Beast and Red Riding Hood. Naturally, I have always been more drawn to retellings of those, and while I have read and loved many of the first, I rarely was able to find any of the second. For the Wolf does something that I didn't know I needed until I saw the cover for the first time: taking elements of both, and creating a whole new story out of them. So I guess it's understandable, why I was hesitant in picking it up, afraid that this story will disappoint me. But it didn't. On the contrary, I was totally enthralled with this unique take on my most favorite fairytales, and I ended up loving it.
Very often as I was reading this I found myself wondering of which side I'm on. Do I like the forest? Do I have to fear it? Is it good a place? Or a bad one? And this is the simple reason why I love the setting of it. We aren't dealing with a setting that is clearly a great place to be, as much as it doesn't seem to be worst either. The whole atmosphere of this retelling is rather dark, and I have to say it, I love it this way. After all, fairytales aren't really the sparkly, fun stories Disney makes us believe, but have a rather dark air around them too. To see how this was brought into For the Wolf was a delight, and I truly wish for more darker fairytale retellings now.
As much as I want to name the forest its very own character that loves to steal everyone's show, the heart of the story are the sisters Red and Neve. While Red is ready to be given up as a sacrifice to the woods, Neve can't bear the burden to lose her sister to the wolf. I loved seeing their relationship in the beginning of the book, as well as how it progressed as both of them had to spend their time apart from each other. As for Red, I immediately was able to connect to her character, much easier than Neve's which is partly due to the fact that we get to see more of Red as this is above all her story. Red knows her way, but only because she doesn't fight a century-old tradition and offers herself to a monster, she doesn't lack any autonomy. She knows what she has to do, and she would do everything to make the world a better place, even if it could cost her own life.
The same determination we find in Eammon, the wolf of the Wilderwood. From the very first moment he appears, I knew I would either hate him or become totally obsessed with him. Fortunately, it became the latter. Eammon is the kind of character that you need on your book boyfriend list.
Which leads me to the romance of the story. As one can expect of a Beauty and the Beast retelling, romance is part of the story. But with For the Wolf, it never felt like something that has to happen because we expect it to happen anyways. I loved how Eammon and Red slowly became friends, putting their trust into each other, and how their focus was on their goals, on helping each other, and trying to understand what is happening to their surroundings. But let me tell you when the romance hit, it wasn't just a spark, it could have easily ignited the whole forest. And yes, you want to read this.
The only reason I am not giving this a full five-star rating, but instead like to stick to 4.5 stars is because there happens to be a few issues that mostly involve the pacing sometimes. Which, however, I do not see as much of a problem now as I might have as I was reading, because the last third of the book made everything worth it.
Overall, I can highly recommend this book to everyone who loves darker fairytales retellings that have their very own twist to them, as well as a well-written slow-burn romance, and a strong sisterly bond. This book will keep you up, as it was hard to put it down at times, and the ending will make you crave for the sequel, [b:For the Throne|56860527|For the Throne (Wilderwood, #2)|Hannah F. Whitten|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|88893477] as that one promises endless new possibilites, and let me tell you my mind is boiling with theories.
Very often as I was reading this I found myself wondering of which side I'm on. Do I like the forest? Do I have to fear it? Is it good a place? Or a bad one? And this is the simple reason why I love the setting of it. We aren't dealing with a setting that is clearly a great place to be, as much as it doesn't seem to be worst either. The whole atmosphere of this retelling is rather dark, and I have to say it, I love it this way. After all, fairytales aren't really the sparkly, fun stories Disney makes us believe, but have a rather dark air around them too. To see how this was brought into For the Wolf was a delight, and I truly wish for more darker fairytale retellings now.
As much as I want to name the forest its very own character that loves to steal everyone's show, the heart of the story are the sisters Red and Neve. While Red is ready to be given up as a sacrifice to the woods, Neve can't bear the burden to lose her sister to the wolf. I loved seeing their relationship in the beginning of the book, as well as how it progressed as both of them had to spend their time apart from each other. As for Red, I immediately was able to connect to her character, much easier than Neve's which is partly due to the fact that we get to see more of Red as this is above all her story. Red knows her way, but only because she doesn't fight a century-old tradition and offers herself to a monster, she doesn't lack any autonomy. She knows what she has to do, and she would do everything to make the world a better place, even if it could cost her own life.
The same determination we find in Eammon, the wolf of the Wilderwood. From the very first moment he appears, I knew I would either hate him or become totally obsessed with him. Fortunately, it became the latter. Eammon is the kind of character that you need on your book boyfriend list.
Which leads me to the romance of the story. As one can expect of a Beauty and the Beast retelling, romance is part of the story. But with For the Wolf, it never felt like something that has to happen because we expect it to happen anyways. I loved how Eammon and Red slowly became friends, putting their trust into each other, and how their focus was on their goals, on helping each other, and trying to understand what is happening to their surroundings. But let me tell you when the romance hit, it wasn't just a spark, it could have easily ignited the whole forest. And yes, you want to read this.
The only reason I am not giving this a full five-star rating, but instead like to stick to 4.5 stars is because there happens to be a few issues that mostly involve the pacing sometimes. Which, however, I do not see as much of a problem now as I might have as I was reading, because the last third of the book made everything worth it.
Overall, I can highly recommend this book to everyone who loves darker fairytales retellings that have their very own twist to them, as well as a well-written slow-burn romance, and a strong sisterly bond. This book will keep you up, as it was hard to put it down at times, and the ending will make you crave for the sequel, [b:For the Throne|56860527|For the Throne (Wilderwood, #2)|Hannah F. Whitten|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|88893477] as that one promises endless new possibilites, and let me tell you my mind is boiling with theories.
THIS. WAS. SCUDDING. FANTASTIC!
Although I enjoy a sci-fi read every once and awhile, I can't remember the last time I was so captivated by the world and story of one. I usually enjoy the rides, get confused by the technology and science behind all of it, still continue to enjoy the story, and say quickly good-bye to the characters who'll always stay partly alien to me. Skyward hit different though, and I can safely say I'm utterly obsessed with everything about this book. So don't mind me as I'm trying to find the right words to express my love for this book, and if you happen to find any typos or sentences that don't make sense, blame it on the fact that I got no hilarious AI with brilliant programming that helps me locate any mistakes by my side.
It's no secret that Brandon Sanderson's inspiration is found in the trope of the "boy and the dragon" which is considered a classic but can still be found in various variants until today. However, he managed to create something utterly new and refreshing out of it that doesn't lose any of the magic of the original trope while still providing the readers with a new addicting story that makes it impossible to put the book aside.
From the very beginning, I was intrigued with Spensa as the protagonist who is a strongwilled, determined, stubborn warrior - or at least wants to be one. Watching her on her journey was easy and hard because it was no trouble to connect to her at all. Her past is a burden to her, but yet she finds the will to fight and move on, and no matter how many stones are set onto her path, she finds a way. I loved seeing her grow as a character as she was facing the ups and downs during flight school, longing to become a pilot and roaming the sky, trying to answer the always recurring questions of what might be the truth and what not, and finding the balance between cowardice and bravery.
However, she wasn't the only character I came to admire and love deeply. In fact, it was hard to not love them all. There is just something comforting to see character that would unlikely become friends elsewhere bond and become some sort of family. And if you have been with me for a while, you know that's the kind of friendships I'm always weak for. The flight crew had this sense of a found family, and it was all too easy for me to feel for each of them. To laugh with them. To cry with them. To just be with them.
This is not where it ends, though. Despite the amazing cast of characters, there two individuals that loved to steal every single scene, and I'm glad they did as I have become utterly obsessed with them: M-Bot and Doomslug. I already knew I would like them - thanks to all my friends obsessing over them - but I didn't expect to love them so much. Especially, M-Bot deserves a whole book of his own. While I always had fascination with AIs in fiction - a honorable mention goes to JARVIS - M-Bot really climbed up the pedestal to be the number one. I can't remember the last time a character made me laugh this much.
All of this - the incredible character, the classic theme of the boy and the dragon so brilliantly reworked in Spensa finding M-Bot - should be already reason enough for you to pick up this book, but there's more: the astounding worldbuilding. It should be obvious by now how much I love great worldbuilding in books that just makes sense. However, I do have to confess I usually have a hard time understanding the worlds in science fiction, simply because it's easier to understand to me why magic works a certain way than why this technology is superior to another. I guess my lack of knowledge in physics might play into this. What is remarkable I had no problem understanding the logics in Skyward. I do have to admit the little sketches of the ships and flight maneuvers inside of the book helped. But it was the way Sanderson explained certain aspects of flying such as the g-forces that just made sense, even if fictional elements were introduced to it. And it's not just that. Unlike with other Science Fiction, we don't get promptly thrown into a whole galaxy we need to wrap our minds around, but only see a fraction of what could be a much larger world, which helps grasp the rules of this world before we might get any extension of it. Though, I do have to add this is a whole personal experience, but I believe I never had as much fun with a science-fiction world as I did with the one in this story.
As this was my first piece of fiction by Brandon Sanderson, I didn't know what to expect, and put myself under lots of pressure because so many of my friends go crazy for his books, and I just wanted to go crazy for them as well. I shouldn't have worried, and I definitely should put more trust into my friends as I'm making this official: I'm a fan, and impatiently waiting to be able to read everything this man has ever written. There's is just something amazing about how every aspect of this book just works so perfectly. The worldbuilding, characters, pace, twists, and emotions. And I can't remember the last time I had this many good laughs while I was reading.
Now all I want to do is change the settings to my Alexa to use the male voice, and rename it M-Bot. I definitely have to discuss this, this has to happen. Even though, the brilliance would never be comparable to M-Bot. But maybe someone can write such a skill for Alexa? Anyone? Please??
Ultimately, Skyward was a hell of a ride, and has quickly become a favorite. I simply loved every aspect of this book, and I don't see why I should tell you to read it as I feel like the last person that has done so, but in case you haven't, do it because you won't regret it. I can't wait to finally be able to dive into [b:Starsight|42769202|Starsight (Skyward, #2)|Brandon Sanderson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569876576l/42769202._SY75_.jpg|66521196] as soon as I have finished the short story [b:Defending Elysium|13552643|Defending Elysium|Brandon Sanderson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1390389456l/13552643._SX50_.jpg|19121052] which is set into the same universe as this series. You definitely won't see me shutting up about this book anytime soon.
Although I enjoy a sci-fi read every once and awhile, I can't remember the last time I was so captivated by the world and story of one. I usually enjoy the rides, get confused by the technology and science behind all of it, still continue to enjoy the story, and say quickly good-bye to the characters who'll always stay partly alien to me. Skyward hit different though, and I can safely say I'm utterly obsessed with everything about this book. So don't mind me as I'm trying to find the right words to express my love for this book, and if you happen to find any typos or sentences that don't make sense, blame it on the fact that I got no hilarious AI with brilliant programming that helps me locate any mistakes by my side.
It's no secret that Brandon Sanderson's inspiration is found in the trope of the "boy and the dragon" which is considered a classic but can still be found in various variants until today. However, he managed to create something utterly new and refreshing out of it that doesn't lose any of the magic of the original trope while still providing the readers with a new addicting story that makes it impossible to put the book aside.
From the very beginning, I was intrigued with Spensa as the protagonist who is a strongwilled, determined, stubborn warrior - or at least wants to be one. Watching her on her journey was easy and hard because it was no trouble to connect to her at all. Her past is a burden to her, but yet she finds the will to fight and move on, and no matter how many stones are set onto her path, she finds a way. I loved seeing her grow as a character as she was facing the ups and downs during flight school, longing to become a pilot and roaming the sky, trying to answer the always recurring questions of what might be the truth and what not, and finding the balance between cowardice and bravery.
However, she wasn't the only character I came to admire and love deeply. In fact, it was hard to not love them all. There is just something comforting to see character that would unlikely become friends elsewhere bond and become some sort of family. And if you have been with me for a while, you know that's the kind of friendships I'm always weak for. The flight crew had this sense of a found family, and it was all too easy for me to feel for each of them. To laugh with them. To cry with them. To just be with them.
This is not where it ends, though. Despite the amazing cast of characters, there two individuals that loved to steal every single scene, and I'm glad they did as I have become utterly obsessed with them: M-Bot and Doomslug. I already knew I would like them - thanks to all my friends obsessing over them - but I didn't expect to love them so much. Especially, M-Bot deserves a whole book of his own. While I always had fascination with AIs in fiction - a honorable mention goes to JARVIS - M-Bot really climbed up the pedestal to be the number one. I can't remember the last time a character made me laugh this much.
All of this - the incredible character, the classic theme of the boy and the dragon so brilliantly reworked in Spensa finding M-Bot - should be already reason enough for you to pick up this book, but there's more: the astounding worldbuilding. It should be obvious by now how much I love great worldbuilding in books that just makes sense. However, I do have to confess I usually have a hard time understanding the worlds in science fiction, simply because it's easier to understand to me why magic works a certain way than why this technology is superior to another. I guess my lack of knowledge in physics might play into this. What is remarkable I had no problem understanding the logics in Skyward. I do have to admit the little sketches of the ships and flight maneuvers inside of the book helped. But it was the way Sanderson explained certain aspects of flying such as the g-forces that just made sense, even if fictional elements were introduced to it. And it's not just that. Unlike with other Science Fiction, we don't get promptly thrown into a whole galaxy we need to wrap our minds around, but only see a fraction of what could be a much larger world, which helps grasp the rules of this world before we might get any extension of it. Though, I do have to add this is a whole personal experience, but I believe I never had as much fun with a science-fiction world as I did with the one in this story.
As this was my first piece of fiction by Brandon Sanderson, I didn't know what to expect, and put myself under lots of pressure because so many of my friends go crazy for his books, and I just wanted to go crazy for them as well. I shouldn't have worried, and I definitely should put more trust into my friends as I'm making this official: I'm a fan, and impatiently waiting to be able to read everything this man has ever written. There's is just something amazing about how every aspect of this book just works so perfectly. The worldbuilding, characters, pace, twists, and emotions. And I can't remember the last time I had this many good laughs while I was reading.
Now all I want to do is change the settings to my Alexa to use the male voice, and rename it M-Bot. I definitely have to discuss this, this has to happen. Even though, the brilliance would never be comparable to M-Bot. But maybe someone can write such a skill for Alexa? Anyone? Please??
Ultimately, Skyward was a hell of a ride, and has quickly become a favorite. I simply loved every aspect of this book, and I don't see why I should tell you to read it as I feel like the last person that has done so, but in case you haven't, do it because you won't regret it. I can't wait to finally be able to dive into [b:Starsight|42769202|Starsight (Skyward, #2)|Brandon Sanderson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569876576l/42769202._SY75_.jpg|66521196] as soon as I have finished the short story [b:Defending Elysium|13552643|Defending Elysium|Brandon Sanderson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1390389456l/13552643._SX50_.jpg|19121052] which is set into the same universe as this series. You definitely won't see me shutting up about this book anytime soon.