Take a photo of a barcode or cover
1.53k reviews by:
bookswhitme
I really enjoyed this read! So I've seen a lot of reviews from people saying it's a ripoff of PJO and.....ya'lls slips are showing okay?
Similarities:
-Child of a God (it's RR presents series....what did you expect?)
-Life threatening quest and ancient prophecy
-Oath between gods for no godborn children
-War between the gods
That's where the similarities end. Let's be honest: RR is not the only person qualified to write a story with these foundations okay? Also, do you criticize your white faves when they recycle the same tropes? No? I didn't think so.
If you don't read through the book, how can you appreciate it? While the cornerstones of the book may line up with PJO, in my opinion that's where it ends. The details and efforts of Zane's quest are not the same, nor is the way he executes it or discovers himself along the way. I loved the Mayan mythological elements within this book and it made me want to go and do my own research on it. Another major thing that I loved about this book was the disability rep and how, by the end of the story Zane's heritage doesn't magically fix him, but only makes him appreciate his disability more. It's the source of his power. I don't see that as a spoiler, I see it as encouragement to stop giving disabled characters magical healing!
Overall, I can't wait to continue with this series.
Similarities:
-Child of a God (it's RR presents series....what did you expect?)
-Life threatening quest and ancient prophecy
-Oath between gods for no godborn children
-War between the gods
That's where the similarities end. Let's be honest: RR is not the only person qualified to write a story with these foundations okay? Also, do you criticize your white faves when they recycle the same tropes? No? I didn't think so.
If you don't read through the book, how can you appreciate it? While the cornerstones of the book may line up with PJO, in my opinion that's where it ends. The details and efforts of Zane's quest are not the same, nor is the way he executes it or discovers himself along the way. I loved the Mayan mythological elements within this book and it made me want to go and do my own research on it. Another major thing that I loved about this book was the disability rep and how, by the end of the story Zane's heritage doesn't magically fix him, but only makes him appreciate his disability more. It's the source of his power. I don't see that as a spoiler, I see it as encouragement to stop giving disabled characters magical healing!
Overall, I can't wait to continue with this series.
Welcome to another book review! Thank you to hearourvoicestours for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of Loretta Little Looks Back. This book is a glimpse into African American history from share-cropping to the civil rights movement. The three separate stories weave themselves into a journey that’s breathtaking.
I loved the writing style of this book. Oral storytelling is a significant part of Black history. It’s how our stories were passed down from generation to generation. This book exemplified that tradition. Each piece of the story reads as of its being told to you by a family member. The other striking part of the book is that each character’s feelings and experiences leap off the page. The racism, the struggles, the triumphs, they are all described so richly that it’s like you’re experiencing them for yourself. It makes for an emotional, but amazing read. This is a story you won’t want to miss. I can’t forget about the illustrations! They were so cute. Honestly, I think I’m order to appreciate the story, you have to read it for yourself.
I loved the writing style of this book. Oral storytelling is a significant part of Black history. It’s how our stories were passed down from generation to generation. This book exemplified that tradition. Each piece of the story reads as of its being told to you by a family member. The other striking part of the book is that each character’s feelings and experiences leap off the page. The racism, the struggles, the triumphs, they are all described so richly that it’s like you’re experiencing them for yourself. It makes for an emotional, but amazing read. This is a story you won’t want to miss. I can’t forget about the illustrations! They were so cute. Honestly, I think I’m order to appreciate the story, you have to read it for yourself.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Children’s Books for giving me the opportunity to read an eARC of The Fallen Hero in exchange for an honest review.
First, if you’re wondering about my thoughts on the first book in The Dragon Warrior series, check out my review here. I’m very happy to say that this sequel did not disappoint. Just as a warning, this review will include spoilers for The Dragon Warrior.
The Fallen Hero picks up a few months after the events of The Dragon Warrior. Faryn and Ren are living among the New Order in New York after the devastating betrayal of Faryn’s younger brother Alex and the gods they were meant to help and worship. Faryn and Ren aren’t exactly feeling a warm welcome for the New Order, but that’s to be expected after they barged into their lives and brought with them trouble on top of loss. The most shocking piece of joining the New Order though has to be the discovery that Faryn’s long lost father is here and he’s suffering from amnesia. He has no idea who Faryn is and it’s like losing him all over again. When the gods show up with yet another quest that they expect Faryn to embark on, the last thing she wants to do is appease them. But what if this is the only way for her to get both her brother and her father back? Faryn may not be the Heaven Breaker anymore, but it’s very clear she still has a world to save, whether she wants to or not.
The plot of The Fallen Hero is pretty easy to follow. Who doesn’t love a middle grade rooted in an epic quest and mythology? I think the pacing of the story is great and there’s never a moment where you’re just ready for things to be over with. Though this is Faryn’s second quest, it’s definitely not the same as the first. This time around she’s stuck with not one, but two people who aren’t exactly her biggest fan, the failure of losing her brother, and the pressure of trying to return her father’s memory bearing over her. Before, she had her brother there when she needed him and Ren. This time, Ren has his own demons to fight and lessons to learn and Faryn is left trying to prove herself worthy again to a whole other set of companions. Faryn is dealing with grief, uncertainty and insecurity all in one swoop and while this isn’t new territory, it has a different face. There’s also immense pressure for her in terms of filling the shoes of the fallen warrior who saved her life months ago during the battle in New York.
The other dynamic that was interesting to see showed up in the form of Ashley and Jordan. Ashley and Jordan are siblings in the New Order who have a secret that makes everyone wary of them. Ashley certainly isn’t Faryn’s biggest fan after what happened in the battle in New York and she takes every opportunity to make it known. Unfortunately for everyone involved, the three of them must embark on this quest together. After losing her own brother, Faryn is forced to work with to siblings who remind her so much of her own relationship with Alex. Watching Faryn struggle with the comparisons throughout the story was heartbreaking. Ashley was a pain the the behind, I’ll admit, but I understood her reservations and her anger. Here’s this girl from a group of warriors that everyone knows has lost her way and suddenly she’s caused the death of her friend AND is encroaching on the quest they could actually get her accepted by the New Order. Who wouldn’t be upset about that?
There’s one scene that was HILARIOUS that I have to mention. The trio finds themselves looking for the entrance to the Underworld, which happens to be located in…wait for it….PANDA EXPRESS. This leads to a bunch of jokes being cracked about the legitimacy of Panda Express and how of course it’s the entrance to the Underworld. There’s a moment when they stepped into the Panda Express and when a group of white people are staring at them, Faryn says “Nothing to see here colonizers!” I literally burst out laughing while reading that.
In closing, this book was action packed. Each battle scene brought something new to the book and had me wanting more. Katie Zhao does not shy away from the tough subjects, even in battle. The only thing that struck me a little was that I though more than one piece of the quest would happen in the book, but it didn’t. The events that occurred didn’t feel drawn out, which is great, but I thought we’d see the end of the quest in this book. That’s okay though, it just means I’ll have to pick up the next book.
Be sure to grab a copy of The Fallen Hero when it’s released on October 13th!
First, if you’re wondering about my thoughts on the first book in The Dragon Warrior series, check out my review here. I’m very happy to say that this sequel did not disappoint. Just as a warning, this review will include spoilers for The Dragon Warrior.
The Fallen Hero picks up a few months after the events of The Dragon Warrior. Faryn and Ren are living among the New Order in New York after the devastating betrayal of Faryn’s younger brother Alex and the gods they were meant to help and worship. Faryn and Ren aren’t exactly feeling a warm welcome for the New Order, but that’s to be expected after they barged into their lives and brought with them trouble on top of loss. The most shocking piece of joining the New Order though has to be the discovery that Faryn’s long lost father is here and he’s suffering from amnesia. He has no idea who Faryn is and it’s like losing him all over again. When the gods show up with yet another quest that they expect Faryn to embark on, the last thing she wants to do is appease them. But what if this is the only way for her to get both her brother and her father back? Faryn may not be the Heaven Breaker anymore, but it’s very clear she still has a world to save, whether she wants to or not.
The plot of The Fallen Hero is pretty easy to follow. Who doesn’t love a middle grade rooted in an epic quest and mythology? I think the pacing of the story is great and there’s never a moment where you’re just ready for things to be over with. Though this is Faryn’s second quest, it’s definitely not the same as the first. This time around she’s stuck with not one, but two people who aren’t exactly her biggest fan, the failure of losing her brother, and the pressure of trying to return her father’s memory bearing over her. Before, she had her brother there when she needed him and Ren. This time, Ren has his own demons to fight and lessons to learn and Faryn is left trying to prove herself worthy again to a whole other set of companions. Faryn is dealing with grief, uncertainty and insecurity all in one swoop and while this isn’t new territory, it has a different face. There’s also immense pressure for her in terms of filling the shoes of the fallen warrior who saved her life months ago during the battle in New York.
The other dynamic that was interesting to see showed up in the form of Ashley and Jordan. Ashley and Jordan are siblings in the New Order who have a secret that makes everyone wary of them. Ashley certainly isn’t Faryn’s biggest fan after what happened in the battle in New York and she takes every opportunity to make it known. Unfortunately for everyone involved, the three of them must embark on this quest together. After losing her own brother, Faryn is forced to work with to siblings who remind her so much of her own relationship with Alex. Watching Faryn struggle with the comparisons throughout the story was heartbreaking. Ashley was a pain the the behind, I’ll admit, but I understood her reservations and her anger. Here’s this girl from a group of warriors that everyone knows has lost her way and suddenly she’s caused the death of her friend AND is encroaching on the quest they could actually get her accepted by the New Order. Who wouldn’t be upset about that?
There’s one scene that was HILARIOUS that I have to mention. The trio finds themselves looking for the entrance to the Underworld, which happens to be located in…wait for it….PANDA EXPRESS. This leads to a bunch of jokes being cracked about the legitimacy of Panda Express and how of course it’s the entrance to the Underworld. There’s a moment when they stepped into the Panda Express and when a group of white people are staring at them, Faryn says “Nothing to see here colonizers!” I literally burst out laughing while reading that.
In closing, this book was action packed. Each battle scene brought something new to the book and had me wanting more. Katie Zhao does not shy away from the tough subjects, even in battle. The only thing that struck me a little was that I though more than one piece of the quest would happen in the book, but it didn’t. The events that occurred didn’t feel drawn out, which is great, but I thought we’d see the end of the quest in this book. That’s okay though, it just means I’ll have to pick up the next book.
Be sure to grab a copy of The Fallen Hero when it’s released on October 13th!
3.5 rounded up. The writing in this was gorgeous and the plot was pretty good. I would definitely pick up another book for the prose alone. I also enjoyed the way the storyline touched on abandonment, prejudice, and staying true to yourself in a pretty creative way
Content Warning: mentions of animal cruelty, violence, blood magic, parental abandonment & neglect, sexual situations, death, torture, violence against women
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, The Gilded Wolves. When I found out about the sequel, I couldn't wait to read it. What was going to happen to my favorite found family babies?? I needed to know. Welp, I finally know and while I did enjoy this, I definitely didn't enjoy it as much as the original book. It's hard to describe, but I'll do my best.
As usual, Roshani's writing was beautiful and the magical and mystery elements of this story were intriguing. Blood forging was introduced in this installment and I have to say that was an interesting new addition to the story. The thought that forging of the blood could be both pleasurable and harmful plays to just how dangerous pieces of this world tend to be. Zofia, Enrique and Hypnos all pulled at my heartstrings, but I expected nothing less. I just wanted them to all be happy because they deserve nothing but the best. Laila also pulled at my heartstrings this time too. While her relationship with Severin was still irritating as hell, being able to see her in a vulnerable light due to her secret was a great experience. Overall I think the story was great, I just think the execution and some of the plot points were....not for me.
For instance, Severin. I swear to goodness she was annoying the first time around, but this time it was even worse. Yes he was grieving, yes he was breaking under the pressure, but SIR WHY ARE YOU DOING THE MOST?!?!?! It just felt like Severin was unraveling at every turn and while I can appreciate taking a character to hell and back, it just seemed like overkill. He was trying to convince himself that this wasn't selfish behavior, but it absolutely was. It's not until the end of the book that his actions really become about everyone else around him and that's the moment where I actually started to root for him. That's not to say I don't like Severin, I'm just saying he gives me the biggest headache.
Also, Tristan. Anyone who read the first book knows that Tristan unfortunately didn't make it to the Silvered Serpents. It broke my heart and apparently it broke everyone else. I get it. Tristan was the glue that held the group together. What I didn't get what the darkness that was discovered after Tristan died. Suddenly we learn that the sweet boy we all loved wasn't exactly sweet and was actually dark and twisted. Honestly, I just don't think I bought that part of the story and it felt like it was only there to send Severin into a bigger spiral.
Finally, I didn't get the poly relationship of my dreams. In my (humble) opinion, Zofia, Enrique and Hypnos have all been teased as having feelings for one another. They each offer something to the others that they need and want and it's a beautiful thing. I was really hoping that instead of making this a love triangle, Roshani would just throw caution into the wind and take a chance! Instead, we get the opposite. Unrequited feelings , broken heart and then oh look, this person actually cares about me instead is what we get. I just...I guess I was disappointed in the direction that this went in.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and I was continuously invested, there were just elements that prevented me from enjoying it as much as TGW. I am still excited about the follow-up book, especially since I had no idea that there were be a third book and I guess I'll just have to see where Roshani chooses to go with this story and it's characters.
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, The Gilded Wolves. When I found out about the sequel, I couldn't wait to read it. What was going to happen to my favorite found family babies?? I needed to know. Welp, I finally know and while I did enjoy this, I definitely didn't enjoy it as much as the original book. It's hard to describe, but I'll do my best.
As usual, Roshani's writing was beautiful and the magical and mystery elements of this story were intriguing. Blood forging was introduced in this installment and I have to say that was an interesting new addition to the story. The thought that forging of the blood could be both pleasurable and harmful plays to just how dangerous pieces of this world tend to be. Zofia, Enrique and Hypnos all pulled at my heartstrings, but I expected nothing less. I just wanted them to all be happy because they deserve nothing but the best. Laila also pulled at my heartstrings this time too. While her relationship with Severin was still irritating as hell, being able to see her in a vulnerable light due to her secret was a great experience. Overall I think the story was great, I just think the execution and some of the plot points were....not for me.
For instance, Severin. I swear to goodness she was annoying the first time around, but this time it was even worse. Yes he was grieving, yes he was breaking under the pressure, but SIR WHY ARE YOU DOING THE MOST?!?!?! It just felt like Severin was unraveling at every turn and while I can appreciate taking a character to hell and back, it just seemed like overkill. He was trying to convince himself that this wasn't selfish behavior, but it absolutely was. It's not until the end of the book that his actions really become about everyone else around him and that's the moment where I actually started to root for him. That's not to say I don't like Severin, I'm just saying he gives me the biggest headache.
Also, Tristan. Anyone who read the first book knows that Tristan unfortunately didn't make it to the Silvered Serpents. It broke my heart and apparently it broke everyone else. I get it. Tristan was the glue that held the group together. What I didn't get what the darkness that was discovered after Tristan died. Suddenly we learn that the sweet boy we all loved wasn't exactly sweet and was actually dark and twisted. Honestly, I just don't think I bought that part of the story and it felt like it was only there to send Severin into a bigger spiral.
Finally, I didn't get the poly relationship of my dreams. In my (humble) opinion, Zofia, Enrique and Hypnos have all been teased as having feelings for one another. They each offer something to the others that they need and want and it's a beautiful thing. I was really hoping that instead of making this a love triangle, Roshani would just throw caution into the wind and take a chance! Instead, we get the opposite. Unrequited feelings , broken heart and then oh look, this person actually cares about me instead is what we get. I just...I guess I was disappointed in the direction that this went in.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and I was continuously invested, there were just elements that prevented me from enjoying it as much as TGW. I am still excited about the follow-up book, especially since I had no idea that there were be a third book and I guess I'll just have to see where Roshani chooses to go with this story and it's characters.
