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booksarethenewblack
3.5 stars
I want to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me an e-ARC of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own. :)
This seems to be a really anticipated book for a lot of people. It was good but I just felt like some things were lacking. It could be because I was drawing so many SoC vibes but it's definitely not like that duology.
The Good:
The plot to this book is very interesting. It's inspired by the Tower of babel, from the Bible. There's also a lot of people with affinities that make for an interesting mix of characters.
I really did like the characters. I got so many SoC vibes from them. It's a group of misfits that band together. Most of them have affinities for different things, rounding out a pretty good group. What I liked most about the characters, was the diversity! They are all from different cultures and walks of life, I appreciated that. I also loved the banter between them. It was really entertaining.
There is a touch of romance in this book but it's very much in the background. I think in the next book, it's going to be a much bigger presence though.
The did like the ending! I did not see that coming and makes me really excited for the next book.
The Bad:
Even though, the plot was interesting, it was confusing at times. There were a lot of times that there was so much going on that it became difficult to follow. There's a lot of math and puzzles and a lot of the time, I had no idea what was being talked about. I don't normally like math, so I think my eyes just glazed over most of that stuff. The world building in this book is so not good. There's a lot of the world and magic system that I would have loved to be more clear. I felt really confused a lot of the time and it's the weakest part of the book for me.
I wish that there would have been more detail about the villain. I was really unclear on who, why, when, or what was going on with him. It all just felt too much of a mystery to me!
I'm not sure if anyone can clear this up for me but.... was anyone else confused about the Gilded Wolves part? Is this where the masks come in? I feel like it was just an after thought and kind of came out of nowhere.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. The characters definitely saved this book for me. I will be reading the next book because the ending has me totally hooked. I did find it a bit lacking but it was a good read. :)
I want to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me an e-ARC of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own. :)
This seems to be a really anticipated book for a lot of people. It was good but I just felt like some things were lacking. It could be because I was drawing so many SoC vibes but it's definitely not like that duology.
The Good:
The plot to this book is very interesting. It's inspired by the Tower of babel, from the Bible. There's also a lot of people with affinities that make for an interesting mix of characters.
I really did like the characters. I got so many SoC vibes from them. It's a group of misfits that band together. Most of them have affinities for different things, rounding out a pretty good group. What I liked most about the characters, was the diversity! They are all from different cultures and walks of life, I appreciated that. I also loved the banter between them. It was really entertaining.
There is a touch of romance in this book but it's very much in the background. I think in the next book, it's going to be a much bigger presence though.
The did like the ending! I did not see that coming and makes me really excited for the next book.
The Bad:
Even though, the plot was interesting, it was confusing at times. There were a lot of times that there was so much going on that it became difficult to follow. There's a lot of math and puzzles and a lot of the time, I had no idea what was being talked about. I don't normally like math, so I think my eyes just glazed over most of that stuff. The world building in this book is so not good. There's a lot of the world and magic system that I would have loved to be more clear. I felt really confused a lot of the time and it's the weakest part of the book for me.
I wish that there would have been more detail about the villain. I was really unclear on who, why, when, or what was going on with him. It all just felt too much of a mystery to me!
I'm not sure if anyone can clear this up for me but.... was anyone else confused about the Gilded Wolves part? Is this where the masks come in? I feel like it was just an after thought and kind of came out of nowhere.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. The characters definitely saved this book for me. I will be reading the next book because the ending has me totally hooked. I did find it a bit lacking but it was a good read. :)
You can see all my reviews here: Books Are The New Black
4.5 stars
Thank you, Sara. I would not have picked up this book, if it wasn't for you talking it up! This was my first book of the year, and I hope the rest of the year is just as good!
I am not typically a romance reader. So, I become really hesitant when I see them being talked about. I had so much trouble getting off the wait list at the library for this one. I finally got it and opened it up. I read this in one day. I really just couldn't put this down. It would have been a one sitting book, if I didn't have to adult things, throughout the day.
My absolute favorite thing about this book is the banter. It was funny and even if it was a bit cruel at times. I just found myself really seeing what these two were going to do to each other next. It just made this book interesting.
I have to be honest, I wasn't a fan of either one at first. They were both so mean but then you learn more about them. There's a lot going on behind the scenes. I ended up falling in love with both characters, especially Josh. Wow, you just never know what someone is going through.
My only little complaint is that this book is so predictable. You know from the start that they hate each other because they are so into each other. I figured out the whole wedding aversion and just everything. It didn't take away from my enjoyment. I just wish I was a little bit surprised at times.
Overall, I loved this book and I still can't stop thinking about it! Guys, the blue in his room. ahhh! Just, wow! Read the book and then you will totally understand what I mean! If you want a light and fun read, this book is for you!
4.5 stars
Thank you, Sara. I would not have picked up this book, if it wasn't for you talking it up! This was my first book of the year, and I hope the rest of the year is just as good!
I am not typically a romance reader. So, I become really hesitant when I see them being talked about. I had so much trouble getting off the wait list at the library for this one. I finally got it and opened it up. I read this in one day. I really just couldn't put this down. It would have been a one sitting book, if I didn't have to adult things, throughout the day.
My absolute favorite thing about this book is the banter. It was funny and even if it was a bit cruel at times. I just found myself really seeing what these two were going to do to each other next. It just made this book interesting.
I have to be honest, I wasn't a fan of either one at first. They were both so mean but then you learn more about them. There's a lot going on behind the scenes. I ended up falling in love with both characters, especially Josh. Wow, you just never know what someone is going through.
My only little complaint is that this book is so predictable. You know from the start that they hate each other because they are so into each other. I figured out the whole wedding aversion and just everything. It didn't take away from my enjoyment. I just wish I was a little bit surprised at times.
Overall, I loved this book and I still can't stop thinking about it! Guys, the blue in his room. ahhh! Just, wow! Read the book and then you will totally understand what I mean! If you want a light and fun read, this book is for you!
I don't remember who recommended this to me but it was a while back. I read it solely to fill my "J" letter on my AtoZ challenge.
I read this one so fast. I think it was like 2.5 hours. It's a really quick read and I enjoyed it. I did have some issues with it but I'll talk about that in a minute.
Jackaby is a take on Sherlock. He's out there, a detective and can figure things out that no one else can. A reason for this is because he is a seer and can see the paranormal. It's actually a really interesting concept. I just wish that we would have more things explained. We are just thrown into this world and I felt a little lost at times. I would have loved more world building, which was a bit lacking. For the record, Sherlock is way better. lol
I really did like Abigail because she isn't your typical girl in that time. She doesn't want to get married and decides to just leave her parents, to find adventure. She gets a job with Jackaby, as his assistant. They definitely have some adventure in the span of like two days.
I did appreciate the lack of love interest between Abigail and Jackaby!
I think this lacked depth for me. It read more like a middle grade book than YA. It's really a simple, quick and light read. If you are looking for something like that, this could be for you. I'm not sure that I will be picking up the sequel.
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
I read this one so fast. I think it was like 2.5 hours. It's a really quick read and I enjoyed it. I did have some issues with it but I'll talk about that in a minute.
Jackaby is a take on Sherlock. He's out there, a detective and can figure things out that no one else can. A reason for this is because he is a seer and can see the paranormal. It's actually a really interesting concept. I just wish that we would have more things explained. We are just thrown into this world and I felt a little lost at times. I would have loved more world building, which was a bit lacking. For the record, Sherlock is way better. lol
I really did like Abigail because she isn't your typical girl in that time. She doesn't want to get married and decides to just leave her parents, to find adventure. She gets a job with Jackaby, as his assistant. They definitely have some adventure in the span of like two days.
I did appreciate the lack of love interest between Abigail and Jackaby!
I think this lacked depth for me. It read more like a middle grade book than YA. It's really a simple, quick and light read. If you are looking for something like that, this could be for you. I'm not sure that I will be picking up the sequel.
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
You can see all my reviews here: Books Are The New Black
How is it over?!?! I remember starting this series when books 1-4 were already out. I had seen it across the library desk so many times but I didn’t think it would interest me. Then… we had book 1 as a featured book of the month. I grabbed it and I wasn’t the biggest fan of book 1 but kept going. I fell in love with this series and I’m so glad that I’ve read it. It’s bittersweet… I’m sad it’s over but at the same time… I’m ready to let go.
Now onto this final book review… This one is really difficult for me to get my thoughts together. I apologize for the mess of a review!
I think that Maas did a fantastic job finishing up this series. I loved seeing so many worlds come together in this book. In fact, there was so much world building in this book. I really enjoyed that we had so many different characters and they were all working separately, yet together. They are all scattered around the world and all working toward one goal. We get these mini adventures that they are all going through. I quite enjoyed that even if it made this book close to 1000 pages! Yowza!
I have to say.. my absolute favorite character of this entire series ended up being MANON. I felt a love for her brutish ways, from the very beginning. I just had a feeling that there was something more there. I can absolutely say, I completely broke in this book. I had to step away and take two days off to be able to handle the rest of the story. She’s just so fierce and so strong. She doesn’t let anyone tell her what to do. I love, love her. I will miss her the most.
I really do like all of the characters but I’ve never been a big fan of Chaol. lol. I am still not the biggest fan but Yrene is awesome and she has to see something in him, right?! haha.
Obviously Aelin is just the ultimate character. She’s what made me fall in love with this series from the beginning. I love how to her core, she will do whatever it takes, to keep the ones around her safe. Her sole focus is to save her Kingdom, regardless of the cost. She’s really what a Queen should be. She goes through a lot in this book. She’s been through a lot this whole series but it’s quite different in this book. The way that she’s able to power through is quite amazing.
One of my favorite things about this book was all the women!! I mean… the guys do a lot too. Although, without the women things would have turned out a lot differently. The way that they all step up is very empowering.
I did think that this book did drag for me at times. I’m not sure if it’s because the size was just intimidating or because there was just so much going on and I was getting impatient.
Overall, this was a great finish. I felt a lot of emotions in this one and I’m so glad that it really did live up to my expectations. This series isn’t perfect and it has its issues, but it totally entertained me. I really enjoyed the ride and I’m a bit sad that it’s completely over.
How is it over?!?! I remember starting this series when books 1-4 were already out. I had seen it across the library desk so many times but I didn’t think it would interest me. Then… we had book 1 as a featured book of the month. I grabbed it and I wasn’t the biggest fan of book 1 but kept going. I fell in love with this series and I’m so glad that I’ve read it. It’s bittersweet… I’m sad it’s over but at the same time… I’m ready to let go.
Now onto this final book review… This one is really difficult for me to get my thoughts together. I apologize for the mess of a review!
I think that Maas did a fantastic job finishing up this series. I loved seeing so many worlds come together in this book. In fact, there was so much world building in this book. I really enjoyed that we had so many different characters and they were all working separately, yet together. They are all scattered around the world and all working toward one goal. We get these mini adventures that they are all going through. I quite enjoyed that even if it made this book close to 1000 pages! Yowza!
I have to say.. my absolute favorite character of this entire series ended up being MANON. I felt a love for her brutish ways, from the very beginning. I just had a feeling that there was something more there. I can absolutely say, I completely broke in this book. I had to step away and take two days off to be able to handle the rest of the story. She’s just so fierce and so strong. She doesn’t let anyone tell her what to do. I love, love her. I will miss her the most.
I really do like all of the characters but I’ve never been a big fan of Chaol. lol. I am still not the biggest fan but Yrene is awesome and she has to see something in him, right?! haha.
Obviously Aelin is just the ultimate character. She’s what made me fall in love with this series from the beginning. I love how to her core, she will do whatever it takes, to keep the ones around her safe. Her sole focus is to save her Kingdom, regardless of the cost. She’s really what a Queen should be. She goes through a lot in this book. She’s been through a lot this whole series but it’s quite different in this book. The way that she’s able to power through is quite amazing.
One of my favorite things about this book was all the women!! I mean… the guys do a lot too. Although, without the women things would have turned out a lot differently. The way that they all step up is very empowering.
I did think that this book did drag for me at times. I’m not sure if it’s because the size was just intimidating or because there was just so much going on and I was getting impatient.
Overall, this was a great finish. I felt a lot of emotions in this one and I’m so glad that it really did live up to my expectations. This series isn’t perfect and it has its issues, but it totally entertained me. I really enjoyed the ride and I’m a bit sad that it’s completely over.
Before I talk about the review, I have to talk about this cover. I love both of the covers she’s had in this series. They are so simple but gorgeous!
I really enjoyed this read. It’s one of the first books, in a long while, I was able to start and finish without putting it down! It’s such an interesting story and I was completely invested. I really enjoy the world that Ciccarelli has created in this fantasy series. This is a bit different because we follow a different set of main characters. You get a little big of the previous characters but not much.
I really like Roa. She is dealing with a lot and she’s taken on the world. I did get a bit frustrated with her at times. I get that it creates drama and intrigue to have characters have a lot of wrong information but it drives me crazy. All they have to do is ask! Communication is key and would be so much easier on these characters. Regardless, I really felt for her because she goes through a lot in this book. I really enjoyed learning more about her and her past.
I really, really like Dax. I love how he puts on a foolish persona but you never really know if it’s true or not. I think he’s a really complex character and I loved watching his and Roa’s romance unfold. Again, I wish that they would have communicated much sooner!!
One of my favorite things was that we get snippets of what has happened in the past. I loved that! There’s so much more to what’s going on between her and Dax. Seeing things play out in the present that have explanations from the past was interesting.
Something that I was not too happy about was the lack of Dragons! They are so important in the first book but take a back seat in this one. We don’t really get much of them until the end. The communication thing and the dragons are really my only complaints. I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait for the next one!
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
I really enjoyed this read. It’s one of the first books, in a long while, I was able to start and finish without putting it down! It’s such an interesting story and I was completely invested. I really enjoy the world that Ciccarelli has created in this fantasy series. This is a bit different because we follow a different set of main characters. You get a little big of the previous characters but not much.
I really like Roa. She is dealing with a lot and she’s taken on the world. I did get a bit frustrated with her at times. I get that it creates drama and intrigue to have characters have a lot of wrong information but it drives me crazy. All they have to do is ask! Communication is key and would be so much easier on these characters. Regardless, I really felt for her because she goes through a lot in this book. I really enjoyed learning more about her and her past.
I really, really like Dax. I love how he puts on a foolish persona but you never really know if it’s true or not. I think he’s a really complex character and I loved watching his and Roa’s romance unfold. Again, I wish that they would have communicated much sooner!!
One of my favorite things was that we get snippets of what has happened in the past. I loved that! There’s so much more to what’s going on between her and Dax. Seeing things play out in the present that have explanations from the past was interesting.
Something that I was not too happy about was the lack of Dragons! They are so important in the first book but take a back seat in this one. We don’t really get much of them until the end. The communication thing and the dragons are really my only complaints. I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait for the next one!
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
Technically, I’m not in a slump but if I was, this would pull me right out! If you loved, Strange the Dreamer, you will also love this!
One of my favorite things about this book was the look into the past! I loved getting a glimpse of how certain people started out. Their stories are important for the current plot. Wow, she really has so much material here… she could make so many books in this world. I would read them all.
Somehow, I was able to fall even more in love with the characters. Lazlo Strange will always be one of my favorite characters ever! He’s just so good and so perfect. He would do anything for anyone and it’s so important. The relationship he forms and the people he meet throughout his journey, know this and it helps them come to their sense so much easier later. How could Lazlo ever be anything but a great person?!
Sarai really grew in this book. I loved her transformation from the beginning to end. She thinks that she’s not strong and can’t do anything but turns out that’s not true. She’s so much stronger for what she has been through. I really hope that she gets her wish!
Minya broke my heart. Okay, more it was her story that just broke me. We get to see her side of what happens and how it controls her now. It’s heartbreaking. She’s living on rage because she wants revenge. She was faced with death, tried to save all those babies and mostly failed. She saved 4 and her whole life has been to protect them. This poor girl is in need of a big hug and a year of relaxation.
I tried really hard to think of anything that I didn’t like about this book and there was nothing. I loved it all. It was an amazing ride and I’m so sad that it’s over. There was so much emotion in this book, more than I expected. I loved learning so much more about the past and the godspawn in this book. Taylor has an amazing gift to tell stories and I can’t wait to read more from her. I’m a fan!
I was half way through this library copy and decided to just buy my own when I was at the bookstore. I knew that I was going to love it and needed to have it. 🙂
“Wishes don’t just come true. They’re only the target you paint around what you want. You still have to hit the bull’s-eye yourself.”
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
One of my favorite things about this book was the look into the past! I loved getting a glimpse of how certain people started out. Their stories are important for the current plot. Wow, she really has so much material here… she could make so many books in this world. I would read them all.
Somehow, I was able to fall even more in love with the characters. Lazlo Strange will always be one of my favorite characters ever! He’s just so good and so perfect. He would do anything for anyone and it’s so important. The relationship he forms and the people he meet throughout his journey, know this and it helps them come to their sense so much easier later. How could Lazlo ever be anything but a great person?!
Sarai really grew in this book. I loved her transformation from the beginning to end. She thinks that she’s not strong and can’t do anything but turns out that’s not true. She’s so much stronger for what she has been through. I really hope that she gets her wish!
Minya broke my heart. Okay, more it was her story that just broke me. We get to see her side of what happens and how it controls her now. It’s heartbreaking. She’s living on rage because she wants revenge. She was faced with death, tried to save all those babies and mostly failed. She saved 4 and her whole life has been to protect them. This poor girl is in need of a big hug and a year of relaxation.
I tried really hard to think of anything that I didn’t like about this book and there was nothing. I loved it all. It was an amazing ride and I’m so sad that it’s over. There was so much emotion in this book, more than I expected. I loved learning so much more about the past and the godspawn in this book. Taylor has an amazing gift to tell stories and I can’t wait to read more from her. I’m a fan!
I was half way through this library copy and decided to just buy my own when I was at the bookstore. I knew that I was going to love it and needed to have it. 🙂
“Wishes don’t just come true. They’re only the target you paint around what you want. You still have to hit the bull’s-eye yourself.”
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
Sabaa Tahir has a gift. Her writing is brilliant and at the same time, will shatter your heart, but keep you wanting more! This book was packed full of action and chaos.
My favorite character in this book as by far, Helene. Wow, She just completely grew as a character in my eyes. She goes through so much in this book it is impossible not to root for her. I think she’s one of the strongest characters in this book! I loved her story in this book and I really CAN’T wait to see what is going to happen next.
I’ve always loved Elias and Laia and I loved those moments. I feel like this book is less about them and more about the overall story and all the characters. I’m totally fine with, who wants an action book full of just romance? I’m not going to spoil anything but … wow… come on third book! I’m really nervous were Sabaa is going to take our characters. So many of them are facing huge obstacles and on their own paths. I really hope that they make it out of the final book alive.
This book is so much darkness and sadness, compared to the previous two. There’s a lot of depth and a lot of pain. I really had to put it down at times and just take a break. It’s not that it was bad but it was intense. Things happen quickly and I never felt like the plot had filler. This is a big book but everything was so relevant to the overall story.
At one point, I felt it was a little too far when it came to the children. Ugh. I think I’m a bit more sensitive to that right now. It was a bit too heavy for me.
I don’t know, if it was because EVERYONE told me, I would be devastated by the end, but I wasn’t. I think maybe I was expecting things much worse to happen. Don’t get me wrong… there are things that really broke my heart but nothing that left me completely devastated. Maybe it’s because I’m more hopeful for book 4? Who knows! I just had this feeling that I was missing out on something.
Overall, this was a great book. I really enjoyed it and thought it was very well done. There were a couple small things that knocked the one star off (mentioned above) but a great read. I cannot wait for the next one!!
You can see my reviews here: Books Are The New Black
My favorite character in this book as by far, Helene. Wow, She just completely grew as a character in my eyes. She goes through so much in this book it is impossible not to root for her. I think she’s one of the strongest characters in this book! I loved her story in this book and I really CAN’T wait to see what is going to happen next.
I’ve always loved Elias and Laia and I loved those moments. I feel like this book is less about them and more about the overall story and all the characters. I’m totally fine with, who wants an action book full of just romance? I’m not going to spoil anything but … wow… come on third book! I’m really nervous were Sabaa is going to take our characters. So many of them are facing huge obstacles and on their own paths. I really hope that they make it out of the final book alive.
This book is so much darkness and sadness, compared to the previous two. There’s a lot of depth and a lot of pain. I really had to put it down at times and just take a break. It’s not that it was bad but it was intense. Things happen quickly and I never felt like the plot had filler. This is a big book but everything was so relevant to the overall story.
At one point, I felt it was a little too far when it came to the children. Ugh. I think I’m a bit more sensitive to that right now. It was a bit too heavy for me.
I don’t know, if it was because EVERYONE told me, I would be devastated by the end, but I wasn’t. I think maybe I was expecting things much worse to happen. Don’t get me wrong… there are things that really broke my heart but nothing that left me completely devastated. Maybe it’s because I’m more hopeful for book 4? Who knows! I just had this feeling that I was missing out on something.
Overall, this was a great book. I really enjoyed it and thought it was very well done. There were a couple small things that knocked the one star off (mentioned above) but a great read. I cannot wait for the next one!!
You can see my reviews here: Books Are The New Black