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The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz
I received a copy of The Beautiful at BookExpo 2019!
Trigger Warnings: Mentions of rape, graphic depictions of murder victims.
It is time to throw Twilight out the window and forget your grandma'a kind of vampires because Renee bought them back in 2019. I was super excited when I learned about the news about The Beautiful, in the recent years the decline of vampire books has been drastic and it was very rare to see them in YA. So a vampire book by one of my favorite authors? Hell yeah!!! At BookExpo this year I fell and broke my ankle and I sadly wasn't able to meet Renee. Emily was kind enough to get me a signed copy of The Beautiful but also got a recorded message of Renee wishing me a speedy recovery and that she hopes to meet me soon. (My fan girl heart flailed at this!) Alright, alright, back to my review now. The Beautiful is a lush 19th century murder mystery, with a romance worth dying for and characters that will melt your heart.
It is 19th century New Orleans and seventeen year old, Celine Rousseau is seeking refuge in a covenant after fleeing her life in Paris. Celine is enamored by her new home and soon meets Oddette who is looking for a seamstress to create her a beautiful dress for a masquerade ball the marks the start of Mardi Gras. Celine who was a seamstress in Paris takes on the task and soon befriends Oddette. But Odette is part of the dangerous group, La Cour des Lions, that is led by Sébastien (Bastien,) and its clear from the beginning that Celine isn't getting away easy. As people around Celine begin to be grisly murdered and sparks fly between her and Bastien, Celine is immersed in the underworld of New Orleans. Will her heart and herself make it out of this alive?
I think Celine is my favorite character that I have read about in the longest time. In 1872, woman still don't have rights and general don't speak up or speak that minds. Well everyone but Celine. Sharp tongued, full of wit and not ready to take anyone's bullshit Celine is ready to start her life over after the events that made her flee Paris. When she meets Bastien it is clear that their attraction is undeniable but the beautiful boy that she is attracted too also infuriates her with his secrets that he can't share. I really enjoyed seeing Celine's growth through out The Beautiful, and I am super excited to see where Renee is going to take her in the next novel.
This is also just a mini appreciation paragraph for Oddette because she is also a favorite in this book. Though she is a secondary character and doesn't have her on POV chapters she is essential to the plot. If you are looking at someone just as witty as Celine and funny just look at Oddette. I also enjoyed seeing that Oddette is an openly gay woman in the 1800s where is was still frowned upon.
I loved the darkness of this novel and the mystery that surrounded the La Cour des Lions. I was eagerly turning the pages to learn more about them and what they were. Renee doesn't simply introduce the vampires from page one of the book, it takes about half the book before we have the official word that there is vampires. But everything before that is shrouded in mystery that has you guessing who is human, who isn't and left me crossing my fingers that these vampires didn't sparkle. (I am sorry, I had to.) There are so many plot twists and revelations that are going to leave you speechless and not believing what you read, everything was so intricately done and I couldn't have loved it more.
Though I loved The Beautiful I did have a few issues with it. I felt like there could have been more explanation on certain events and things could have been expanded on. Even after the whole book you are left in the dark about a lot of things, which I am hoping the second book is going to answer. The Beautiful is told in three POV but Celine's is the main. I think labeling them would be beneficial, there were a few times I confused myself because I assumed I was reading from Celine's POV and it was actually Bastien's. There is also one cliche when it comes to vampire books and I was hoping that The Beautiful wasn't going to fall too, but it did. It is nothing horrible and I can see how it is going to play into the plot of the next book.
Overall I loved The Beautiful and that ending basically killed me. I can't wait for book two. Renee had me hooked from the start. I recommend this book for fans of vampire books, dark romances and forbidden love. This book is out just in time for the spookiest time of year!
I received a copy of The Beautiful at BookExpo 2019!
Trigger Warnings: Mentions of rape, graphic depictions of murder victims.
It is time to throw Twilight out the window and forget your grandma'a kind of vampires because Renee bought them back in 2019. I was super excited when I learned about the news about The Beautiful, in the recent years the decline of vampire books has been drastic and it was very rare to see them in YA. So a vampire book by one of my favorite authors? Hell yeah!!! At BookExpo this year I fell and broke my ankle and I sadly wasn't able to meet Renee. Emily was kind enough to get me a signed copy of The Beautiful but also got a recorded message of Renee wishing me a speedy recovery and that she hopes to meet me soon. (My fan girl heart flailed at this!) Alright, alright, back to my review now. The Beautiful is a lush 19th century murder mystery, with a romance worth dying for and characters that will melt your heart.
It is 19th century New Orleans and seventeen year old, Celine Rousseau is seeking refuge in a covenant after fleeing her life in Paris. Celine is enamored by her new home and soon meets Oddette who is looking for a seamstress to create her a beautiful dress for a masquerade ball the marks the start of Mardi Gras. Celine who was a seamstress in Paris takes on the task and soon befriends Oddette. But Odette is part of the dangerous group, La Cour des Lions, that is led by Sébastien (Bastien,) and its clear from the beginning that Celine isn't getting away easy. As people around Celine begin to be grisly murdered and sparks fly between her and Bastien, Celine is immersed in the underworld of New Orleans. Will her heart and herself make it out of this alive?
I think Celine is my favorite character that I have read about in the longest time. In 1872, woman still don't have rights and general don't speak up or speak that minds. Well everyone but Celine. Sharp tongued, full of wit and not ready to take anyone's bullshit Celine is ready to start her life over after the events that made her flee Paris. When she meets Bastien it is clear that their attraction is undeniable but the beautiful boy that she is attracted too also infuriates her with his secrets that he can't share. I really enjoyed seeing Celine's growth through out The Beautiful, and I am super excited to see where Renee is going to take her in the next novel.
This is also just a mini appreciation paragraph for Oddette because she is also a favorite in this book. Though she is a secondary character and doesn't have her on POV chapters she is essential to the plot. If you are looking at someone just as witty as Celine and funny just look at Oddette. I also enjoyed seeing that Oddette is an openly gay woman in the 1800s where is was still frowned upon.
I loved the darkness of this novel and the mystery that surrounded the La Cour des Lions. I was eagerly turning the pages to learn more about them and what they were. Renee doesn't simply introduce the vampires from page one of the book, it takes about half the book before we have the official word that there is vampires. But everything before that is shrouded in mystery that has you guessing who is human, who isn't and left me crossing my fingers that these vampires didn't sparkle. (I am sorry, I had to.) There are so many plot twists and revelations that are going to leave you speechless and not believing what you read, everything was so intricately done and I couldn't have loved it more.
Though I loved The Beautiful I did have a few issues with it. I felt like there could have been more explanation on certain events and things could have been expanded on. Even after the whole book you are left in the dark about a lot of things, which I am hoping the second book is going to answer. The Beautiful is told in three POV but Celine's is the main. I think labeling them would be beneficial, there were a few times I confused myself because I assumed I was reading from Celine's POV and it was actually Bastien's. There is also one cliche when it comes to vampire books and I was hoping that The Beautiful wasn't going to fall too, but it did. It is nothing horrible and I can see how it is going to play into the plot of the next book.
Overall I loved The Beautiful and that ending basically killed me. I can't wait for book two. Renee had me hooked from the start. I recommend this book for fans of vampire books, dark romances and forbidden love. This book is out just in time for the spookiest time of year!
The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz
Laura always has the best book covers, hands down. This one is absolutely stunning, the colors, detailing, it draws your eyes and leaves you starstruck. A Treason of Thorns is hands down one of the most unique books that I have read in a long time, dark, mysterious and utterly unique A Treason of Thorns will have you entranced until the very last page.
When Violet was a child her father, the caretaker of Burleigh house was accused of high treason and sentenced to spend the rest of his days in Burleigh house, without his key that helps him channel the house magic forcing himself to channel house magic through himself. Burleigh is one of the six Great Houses in the country and it's magic keeps the land healthy and prosperous. Violet and the house servants are exiled, but Wyn, Violet's childhood friend is forced the face the sentence with her father. Ripped from everything she has ever known Violet must learn a new way of life. In the years leading up to this Violet's father taught her the ways of the house, so when he passed on she would become Burleigh's caretaker. Only Burleigh house is failing and Violet only has the summer to prove that she can save her beloved house before it is destroyed by her Godfather, the King. Full of mystery, a determined girl and a bitter sweet romance A Treason of Thorns is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it.
The magic system and the Houses in this book is amazing.The complexity of it, but described in ways that doesn't make it confusing at all, Weymouth did an amazing job in keeping me intrigued and wanting to know more about Burleigh House and the magic surrounding it. Burleigh's personality is one that is quite unique. The House does respond to its surroundings and does what it can to help Violet and keep her safe. It's temperamental and its moods change in the flash of an eye. I think Weymouth did a great job giving something as inanimate as a house its only personality and characterization, especially when it is the main focus of this book.
I really enjoyed Violet's character. From page one she shows her dedication to her Burleigh. Nothing comes before the House, not even family. Upon returning to her beloved home it is in shambles and Violet is determined to save it before it is too late. As she works on repairing her relationship with Wyn, she teams up with the most unlikeliness of partners to do what needs to be done. The only way to save Burleigh house is to find it's deed, the very crime that her father was punished for.
Overall I really enjoyed A Treason of Thorns. This book lived up to every expectation I had and more. Weymouth's prose is beautiful and will suck her readers in. I can't recommend this book enough. So please, pick it up and read it!
Laura always has the best book covers, hands down. This one is absolutely stunning, the colors, detailing, it draws your eyes and leaves you starstruck. A Treason of Thorns is hands down one of the most unique books that I have read in a long time, dark, mysterious and utterly unique A Treason of Thorns will have you entranced until the very last page.
When Violet was a child her father, the caretaker of Burleigh house was accused of high treason and sentenced to spend the rest of his days in Burleigh house, without his key that helps him channel the house magic forcing himself to channel house magic through himself. Burleigh is one of the six Great Houses in the country and it's magic keeps the land healthy and prosperous. Violet and the house servants are exiled, but Wyn, Violet's childhood friend is forced the face the sentence with her father. Ripped from everything she has ever known Violet must learn a new way of life. In the years leading up to this Violet's father taught her the ways of the house, so when he passed on she would become Burleigh's caretaker. Only Burleigh house is failing and Violet only has the summer to prove that she can save her beloved house before it is destroyed by her Godfather, the King. Full of mystery, a determined girl and a bitter sweet romance A Treason of Thorns is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it.
The magic system and the Houses in this book is amazing.The complexity of it, but described in ways that doesn't make it confusing at all, Weymouth did an amazing job in keeping me intrigued and wanting to know more about Burleigh House and the magic surrounding it. Burleigh's personality is one that is quite unique. The House does respond to its surroundings and does what it can to help Violet and keep her safe. It's temperamental and its moods change in the flash of an eye. I think Weymouth did a great job giving something as inanimate as a house its only personality and characterization, especially when it is the main focus of this book.
I really enjoyed Violet's character. From page one she shows her dedication to her Burleigh. Nothing comes before the House, not even family. Upon returning to her beloved home it is in shambles and Violet is determined to save it before it is too late. As she works on repairing her relationship with Wyn, she teams up with the most unlikeliness of partners to do what needs to be done. The only way to save Burleigh house is to find it's deed, the very crime that her father was punished for.
Overall I really enjoyed A Treason of Thorns. This book lived up to every expectation I had and more. Weymouth's prose is beautiful and will suck her readers in. I can't recommend this book enough. So please, pick it up and read it!
The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz
I was super excited when I learned about The Haunted and couldn't wait for it to be published so I can finally get my hands on it to read it. Though I enjoyed The Haunted I did have issues with it.
The Haunted is creepy, there we so many scenes that gave me goose bumps. It also was a book that I shouldn't have been reading at 3a.m. but it's the witching hour, so it is actually perfect timing!
The Haunted reminded me of your run of the mill horror movie. Girl learns her new house is haunted, starts to experience weird things, enlists the help of the dark and moody boy, tries to cleanse the house and then everything explodes. Then it had the typical horror movie ending.
The love triangle (if it could be called that?) was a little weird. I feel like Hendricks leads Connor on though she really isn't that into him, but by the end of the novel they relationship and friendship status isn't really clarified. Which I mean considering the climax of the novel I understand why. But I feel like once Kendricks had acknowledged her feelings her Eddie, she never gave Connor a second thought. But the romance with Eddie was really insta-lovey, but it was essential to the plot. But meh. Not the biggest fan of it.
I will admit though I wasn't the biggest fan of the romance, the resolution of the book and the last chapter did make me tear up. If you are looking for a happily ever after, this book isn't going to be for you.
Kendricks back story felt real and authentic and is something that many young girls go through, so it was interesting to see the aftermath and how Kendricks dealt with it. Especially since her parents dismiss her concerns as PTSD.
The big plot revaluation kind of felt random and not well planned out? It was interesting yes, but there was nothing that made you suspect it. Like, we meet the character for one page once. I feel like Kendricks randomly came to this conclusion and ran with it. Then the random skeletons popping out of the ground? Okaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.
Overall The Haunted was a quick read that kept me turning the pages because I wanted to know how it ended. Though I did have my issues with The Haunted I did enjoy it, its a spooky stand alone that is perfect for this time of the year.
I was super excited when I learned about The Haunted and couldn't wait for it to be published so I can finally get my hands on it to read it. Though I enjoyed The Haunted I did have issues with it.
The Haunted is creepy, there we so many scenes that gave me goose bumps. It also was a book that I shouldn't have been reading at 3a.m. but it's the witching hour, so it is actually perfect timing!
The Haunted reminded me of your run of the mill horror movie. Girl learns her new house is haunted, starts to experience weird things, enlists the help of the dark and moody boy, tries to cleanse the house and then everything explodes. Then it had the typical horror movie ending.
The love triangle (if it could be called that?) was a little weird. I feel like Hendricks leads Connor on though she really isn't that into him, but by the end of the novel they relationship and friendship status isn't really clarified. Which I mean considering the climax of the novel I understand why. But I feel like once Kendricks had acknowledged her feelings her Eddie, she never gave Connor a second thought. But the romance with Eddie was really insta-lovey, but it was essential to the plot. But meh. Not the biggest fan of it.
I will admit though I wasn't the biggest fan of the romance, the resolution of the book and the last chapter did make me tear up. If you are looking for a happily ever after, this book isn't going to be for you.
Kendricks back story felt real and authentic and is something that many young girls go through, so it was interesting to see the aftermath and how Kendricks dealt with it. Especially since her parents dismiss her concerns as PTSD.
The big plot revaluation kind of felt random and not well planned out? It was interesting yes, but there was nothing that made you suspect it. Like, we meet the character for one page once. I feel like Kendricks randomly came to this conclusion and ran with it. Then the random skeletons popping out of the ground? Okaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.
Overall The Haunted was a quick read that kept me turning the pages because I wanted to know how it ended. Though I did have my issues with The Haunted I did enjoy it, its a spooky stand alone that is perfect for this time of the year.
The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz
"Some god require blood."
This book is unlike everything I have ever read before and left me speechless from page one. Absolutely stunning and marvelous Wicked Saints is going to get under your skin and stay there long after you finish it. Emily A. Duncan masterfully blended Russian and Polish aspects to create a culturally rich world, with characters that you can't help but love.
Kalyazin and Tranavia have been at war for over a century. Where Kalyazin has its divine magic from their Gods, Tranavia has blood magic and blood mages. Neither country can see eye to eye, but it is clear on how to end this war: Kill the Tranavian King. Nadya, the last known cleric in Kalyazin, is living a peaceful life at a monastery when it is attacked by blood mages who are on the hunt for the cleric. Serefin, the prince of Tranavia and a general of the Tranavian army leads this attack, but Nadya manages to escape his grasp. But quickly Serefin is called home to Tranavia with his best guards Ostyia and Kacper, to follow the tradition of finding a wife. Nadya teams up with Parijahan and Rashid two Akolan refugees and Malachiasz who Nadya's sworn enemy. Deciding on who to trust the two groups must find a way to save their kingdoms before it is too late.
My love for these characters just continues to grow. I have a lot to talk about with each character, so I am going to break it down by character rather then making one huge paragraph.
"I'm heartless, but not cruel."
Nadya - I liked Nadya from page one. She is fierce and determined and all she wanted to do was end this war even if it meant sacrificing her life in the process. Duncan did an amazing job of portraying Nadya's growth through out the novel. Nadya goes from being the naive cleric that lived in the monastery to a girl who no long understands the extent of her powers and struggling to embrace them to a complete bad ass. She also has to learn to trust her new partner Malachiasz, a Tranvanian rebel of sorts. But is trusting Malachiasz a smart idea?
Serefin - I think by default I wanted to hate Serefin because he is from Tranavia and he is hunting Nadya. But under his rocky exterior Serefin is really just a Prince who is horribly misunderstood and looking to belong. His dedication to his friends and his country and admirable and he wants to end this holy war just as bad. He copes with the help of alcohol and it isn't immediately addressed in the novel but it is clear to see that Serefin is the alcoholic prince that is referred to in the summary.
Malachiasz - I am head over heels in love with Malachiasz. The beautiful boy from Tranavia said he wants to war to end. But are his intentions as pure as he makes them seem? His characterization is so complex that if I try to explain it I will end up spoiling a huge chunk of the story. But trust me, you are going to quickly fall in love with him.
All the minor characters in Wicked Saints are as amazingly done as the main characters. Duncan didn't spare of description and I felt as if I knew all of her characters pretty well.
The romance between Nadya and Malachiasz was a slow burn and tentative to begin with. There was several parts of Wicked Saints where I kept thinking: "When are they going to kiss?!" It is worth the wait my friends. So worth it. Considering the alliances made and certain events of the novel and a couple of scenes involving Serefin and Kacper I am curious to see how the romance aspect for Serefin is going to play out. Emily did mention on twitter that Serefin is a bi so I am super excited to see where everything is going to go.
"Monsters are real, and I am their king."
The last 100 pages or so of this book was nonstop action and things that changed the plot in irreparable ways. Once you thought you knew something, suddenly it was changed. Even the most beautiful faces have different sides. The ending of Wicked Saints left me speechless and rethinking everything I read. The betrayal and the heart break and the pain. The epilogue shattered my heart into a million pieces, and I will admit: I cried.
Wicked Saints is 100% unique and thrilling and had me memorized from page one. Emily Duncan's writing is both beautiful and haunting and it is going to leave you wanting more. She crafted a beautiful story that is both timeless and going to be loved by so so so many. I hope my review does this book at least an ounce of justice, because it deserves the highest of praises.
This book is unlike everything I have ever read before and left me speechless from page one. Absolutely stunning and marvelous Wicked Saints is going to get under your skin and stay there long after you finish it. Emily A. Duncan masterfully blended Russian and Polish aspects to create a culturally rich world, with characters that you can't help but love.
Kalyazin and Tranavia have been at war for over a century. Where Kalyazin has its divine magic from their Gods, Tranavia has blood magic and blood mages. Neither country can see eye to eye, but it is clear on how to end this war: Kill the Tranavian King. Nadya, the last known cleric in Kalyazin, is living a peaceful life at a monastery when it is attacked by blood mages who are on the hunt for the cleric. Serefin, the prince of Tranavia and a general of the Tranavian army leads this attack, but Nadya manages to escape his grasp. But quickly Serefin is called home to Tranavia with his best guards Ostyia and Kacper, to follow the tradition of finding a wife. Nadya teams up with Parijahan and Rashid two Akolan refugees and Malachiasz who Nadya's sworn enemy. Deciding on who to trust the two groups must find a way to save their kingdoms before it is too late.
My love for these characters just continues to grow. I have a lot to talk about with each character, so I am going to break it down by character rather then making one huge paragraph.
Nadya - I liked Nadya from page one. She is fierce and determined and all she wanted to do was end this war even if it meant sacrificing her life in the process. Duncan did an amazing job of portraying Nadya's growth through out the novel. Nadya goes from being the naive cleric that lived in the monastery to a girl who no long understands the extent of her powers and struggling to embrace them to a complete bad ass. She also has to learn to trust her new partner Malachiasz, a Tranvanian rebel of sorts. But is trusting Malachiasz a smart idea?
Serefin - I think by default I wanted to hate Serefin because he is from Tranavia and he is hunting Nadya. But under his rocky exterior Serefin is really just a Prince who is horribly misunderstood and looking to belong. His dedication to his friends and his country and admirable and he wants to end this holy war just as bad. He copes with the help of alcohol and it isn't immediately addressed in the novel but it is clear to see that Serefin is the alcoholic prince that is referred to in the summary.
Malachiasz - I am head over heels in love with Malachiasz. The beautiful boy from Tranavia said he wants to war to end. But are his intentions as pure as he makes them seem? His characterization is so complex that if I try to explain it I will end up spoiling a huge chunk of the story. But trust me, you are going to quickly fall in love with him.
All the minor characters in Wicked Saints are as amazingly done as the main characters. Duncan didn't spare of description and I felt as if I knew all of her characters pretty well.
The romance between Nadya and Malachiasz was a slow burn and tentative to begin with. There was several parts of Wicked Saints where I kept thinking: "When are they going to kiss?!" It is worth the wait my friends. So worth it. Considering the alliances made and certain events of the novel and a couple of scenes involving Serefin and Kacper I am curious to see how the romance aspect for Serefin is going to play out. Emily did mention on twitter that Serefin is a bi so I am super excited to see where everything is going to go.
The last 100 pages or so of this book was nonstop action and things that changed the plot in irreparable ways. Once you thought you knew something, suddenly it was changed. Even the most beautiful faces have different sides. The ending of Wicked Saints left me speechless and rethinking everything I read. The betrayal and the heart break and the pain. The epilogue shattered my heart into a million pieces, and I will admit: I cried.
Wicked Saints is 100% unique and thrilling and had me memorized from page one. Emily Duncan's writing is both beautiful and haunting and it is going to leave you wanting more. She crafted a beautiful story that is both timeless and going to be loved by so so so many. I hope my review does this book at least an ounce of justice, because it deserves the highest of praises.
Sigh...I was really excited for this one. DNFed at 15%
Full thoughts to come
Full thoughts to come
