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b_readsalot's Reviews (700)
Yeah, it was as good as I thought it would be. The book was equal parts an intimate portrait of Michelle's life, a touching recollection of her relationship with Barack Obama, and a record of momentous and historic occasions in American history. It reads easily, written in a personal and casual prose - which isn't always the case when you read memoirs and autobiographies of historic figures.
I felt seen by the book. It felt real and honest and I found that I learned so much about the Obama presidency, about Michelle as a successful professional woman, and about family, love, and what it means to be successful (for yourself, rather than for others). It humanized a lot of history and showed it through the lens of someone who was there living it, but who frankly really didn't always want to be. I loved her honesty regarding her dislike of politics and political life. It was nice to know the former First Lady wasn't just sugarcoating her family's experience in the political arena, and later in the White House.
I am actually surprised at how much I enjoyed it and how much I feel like I took away from the book. I look forward to reading Barack Obama's A Promised Land next, though I know that will be an altogether different reading experience.
I felt seen by the book. It felt real and honest and I found that I learned so much about the Obama presidency, about Michelle as a successful professional woman, and about family, love, and what it means to be successful (for yourself, rather than for others). It humanized a lot of history and showed it through the lens of someone who was there living it, but who frankly really didn't always want to be. I loved her honesty regarding her dislike of politics and political life. It was nice to know the former First Lady wasn't just sugarcoating her family's experience in the political arena, and later in the White House.
I am actually surprised at how much I enjoyed it and how much I feel like I took away from the book. I look forward to reading Barack Obama's A Promised Land next, though I know that will be an altogether different reading experience.
First of all, I want to thank Holly Rose for sending me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This was a solid YA fantasy book debut. The magic system and world-building is top notch and was by far one of the stronger aspects of this book. You know that feeling when reading a series like Harry Potter, when a character casts a spell like "lumos" or "wingardium leviosa" and you know exactly what it's supposed to do and what it means? It's a kind of feeling that makes you feel like you understand the world you're reading (and could even be a part of it if that were possible!) I thought Rose did that beautifully with her story - creating a magic system that was reliable and consistent. This works to keep the reader engrossed in the plot, especially in the action sequences.
I loved the prevalence of aether throughout the book. It almost felt like its own character and created some cool moments where I could picture exactly what was going on in the book. Rose certainly spent a lot of time crafting her world and sharing it effectively with her readers. I think that's such an important part of fantasy books and it was done very well here.
I had a harder time feeling connected to any of the characters. Reyna isn't exactly the most likable protagonist, and I felt a bit frustrated with her at times. I felt the same way with the majority of the main characters in the book. (Except for Zephyr. He's the best.) Maybe that's why I didn't feel as invested when there were bigger plot events (betrayals/fights/deaths) happening. By far, the mage trials were the most exciting bits of the book, where I fully felt like I cared about how each character would fare. I would have wanted to feel the same way about the rest of the book.
All in all, I'm glad I was able to read this and I'm genuinely intrigued by the ending and where the story might continue!
This was a solid YA fantasy book debut. The magic system and world-building is top notch and was by far one of the stronger aspects of this book. You know that feeling when reading a series like Harry Potter, when a character casts a spell like "lumos" or "wingardium leviosa" and you know exactly what it's supposed to do and what it means? It's a kind of feeling that makes you feel like you understand the world you're reading (and could even be a part of it if that were possible!) I thought Rose did that beautifully with her story - creating a magic system that was reliable and consistent. This works to keep the reader engrossed in the plot, especially in the action sequences.
I loved the prevalence of aether throughout the book. It almost felt like its own character and created some cool moments where I could picture exactly what was going on in the book. Rose certainly spent a lot of time crafting her world and sharing it effectively with her readers. I think that's such an important part of fantasy books and it was done very well here.
I had a harder time feeling connected to any of the characters. Reyna isn't exactly the most likable protagonist, and I felt a bit frustrated with her at times. I felt the same way with the majority of the main characters in the book. (Except for Zephyr. He's the best.) Maybe that's why I didn't feel as invested when there were bigger plot events (betrayals/fights/deaths) happening. By far, the mage trials were the most exciting bits of the book, where I fully felt like I cared about how each character would fare. I would have wanted to feel the same way about the rest of the book.
All in all, I'm glad I was able to read this and I'm genuinely intrigued by the ending and where the story might continue!
Wow. I really did love this book. It has one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read and it was just so realistic. I enjoyed this short and sweet read and I would definitely recommend it. If you want a book about teenage confusion, life, and love, this is the one for you.