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forevermorepages's Reviews (811)
This is somewhere between a four and a five star read, but I'm a little irked that the ending didn't give the MC more consequences. Other than that, though, I really, really loved it.
WARNING. In this review I am very salty. My opinions are my own. If you love this book and don't want to see it insulted, scroll past this please.
Everybody and their mom loves The Cruel Prince and I did not. At all. This might actually be the last book I ever read with faeries in them because so far I haven't enjoyed any of them (see: A Court of Thorns and Roses, the series I gave too high of stars for). I actually forgot most of this book, so we'll see how great this review turns out. Only a few scenes really stick in my head, and fortunately for me, they're the ones I actually liked.
I somewhat enjoyed the dynamic between Jude and Cardan once it became less bullying and more romantic, but I don't really condone his actions. These faerie books LOVE abusive romances. *Gagging noises* Anyway, Jude and Cardan's wasn't terribly unhealthy once things became possibly romantic between them. The same goes for her and Locke, but the details regarding that are spoiler-y. Just fyi, though, there's not really a love triangle—one romance is over before the other starts and that is all I will say.
I wasn't originally a huge fan of Cardan, but I have a sucker for boys with sad backstories so I kind of fell for him. Though, I will complain here that there was one passage that referred to Jude or someone thinking he'd be abusive purely because he was abused. That's a really harmful way of thinking that I'm surprised no one has complained about yet. Yes, most abusers were abused first. Yes, it's common. But no, being abused doesn't make someone a monster, and they ultimately have the choice whether or not they abuse. Past abuse is never an excuse for abuse, nor should a person suggest one may be abusive because of their past. From what I've heard and seen, abused people tend to fear for becoming their parents, etc, and this is a harmful way of thinking that can only encourage their negative thoughts.
*Drops mic*
Okay, moving on. We all know I actually liked Cardan, BUT I did not like that he and Jude kept denying their love for each other. That was worthless. Little was at stake. It was the most unhealthy part of their relationship to be honest, especially when she regards that she knew it was wrong to be kissing him, but did it anyway. Like ???
As we can already see, this book was a Mess. I didn't understand how Jude's sister entered and exited the court freely, but yet they all acted like they couldn't leave. Did I miss something? I also didn't understand why Jude was so dumb. Everyone loves her, but WHY? She does so many dumb things throughout this novel that I forgot she's supposed to be old enough to know better than to do the dumb things.
Furthermore, there were too many characters. It got really difficult trying to keep track of them all, what they stood for, whose side they were on, etc. And, to be honest, I frankly didn't care.
Lastly, I found the plot a little unoriginal. It reminded me a lot of Sarah J. Maas's plots, but maybe a lighter version. Nothing really screamed "NEW" at me.
I honestly really wished I liked this, but alas, I didn't. I don't wish a bad book on anyone, so I hope whoever has read it and loved it enjoys it!
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
Everybody and their mom loves The Cruel Prince and I did not. At all. This might actually be the last book I ever read with faeries in them because so far I haven't enjoyed any of them (see: A Court of Thorns and Roses, the series I gave too high of stars for). I actually forgot most of this book, so we'll see how great this review turns out. Only a few scenes really stick in my head, and fortunately for me, they're the ones I actually liked.
I somewhat enjoyed the dynamic between Jude and Cardan once it became less bullying and more romantic, but I don't really condone his actions. These faerie books LOVE abusive romances. *Gagging noises* Anyway, Jude and Cardan's wasn't terribly unhealthy once things became possibly romantic between them. The same goes for her and Locke, but the details regarding that are spoiler-y. Just fyi, though, there's not really a love triangle—one romance is over before the other starts and that is all I will say.
I wasn't originally a huge fan of Cardan, but I have a sucker for boys with sad backstories so I kind of fell for him. Though, I will complain here that there was one passage that referred to Jude or someone thinking he'd be abusive purely because he was abused. That's a really harmful way of thinking that I'm surprised no one has complained about yet. Yes, most abusers were abused first. Yes, it's common. But no, being abused doesn't make someone a monster, and they ultimately have the choice whether or not they abuse. Past abuse is never an excuse for abuse, nor should a person suggest one may be abusive because of their past. From what I've heard and seen, abused people tend to fear for becoming their parents, etc, and this is a harmful way of thinking that can only encourage their negative thoughts.
*Drops mic*
Okay, moving on. We all know I actually liked Cardan, BUT I did not like that he and Jude kept denying their love for each other. That was worthless. Little was at stake. It was the most unhealthy part of their relationship to be honest, especially when she regards that she knew it was wrong to be kissing him, but did it anyway. Like ???
As we can already see, this book was a Mess. I didn't understand how Jude's sister entered and exited the court freely, but yet they all acted like they couldn't leave. Did I miss something? I also didn't understand why Jude was so dumb. Everyone loves her, but WHY? She does so many dumb things throughout this novel that I forgot she's supposed to be old enough to know better than to do the dumb things.
Furthermore, there were too many characters. It got really difficult trying to keep track of them all, what they stood for, whose side they were on, etc. And, to be honest, I frankly didn't care.
Lastly, I found the plot a little unoriginal. It reminded me a lot of Sarah J. Maas's plots, but maybe a lighter version. Nothing really screamed "NEW" at me.
I honestly really wished I liked this, but alas, I didn't. I don't wish a bad book on anyone, so I hope whoever has read it and loved it enjoys it!
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
“Your emotions make you human. Even the unpleasant ones have a purpose. Don't lock them away. If you ignore them, they just get louder and angrier.”
I have come to the conclusion that I will love everything Sabaa Tahir writes. A Torch Against the Night was a masterpiece and despite my traitorous memory (I read this in May), I can recall that much. The rest of this review will probably be me blubbering about emotional things and questioning everything because I happen to remember quite little about this book. Just that I never wanted it to end and there was a plot twist that killed me.
So yes, this is my ghost writing this currently. I am deceased and have been for two months. Time does not run the same in the afterlife apparently. (Or I'm just really really lazy and busy).
ATATN picked up right where AEITA (short for An Ember in the Ashes because who has time to write that out) left off. I didn't need a second to get into it because I truly already was. Not to mention, Tahir has a special knack for trapping her readers and then spitting them out ten years later with little idea of what had happened to them. Basically, I was hooked.
Her writing is gorgeous, too, with lines like, "So long as you fight the darkness, you stand in the light" and the one of which the title is derived from, "But you, Helene Aquilla, are no swift-burning spark. You are a torch against the night - if you dare to let yourself burn." Have I ever mentioned how much I love when titles come from quotes within the story? If not, then I'm mentioning it now. That's one way to get me to love your book...
The next is to create characters that you can feel and give them backstories that make you ache. I love Laia. I love her so much. I love Elias too. And a small part of me cares about Heline, despite her being an actually horrible human being. My one tiny little qualm here...I don't actually see Laia and Elias together. I'm hoping for the platonic friendship and nothing to ever happen between them. Personally, they do not have ANY chemistry. Maybe that's just me? I don't know. I kind of like Heline and Elias, which is probably horrible, because Heline's middle name should be "Yikes" and Elias's should be "I can do much better". She doesn't deserve him, but I've always been a fan of the friends to lovers trope. Help. I am what we call, torn.
“It takes only a split second for life to go horribly wrong. To fix the mess, I need a thousand things to go right. The distance from one bit of luck to the next feels as great as the distance across oceans. But, I decide in this moment, I will bridge that distance, again and again, until I win. I will not fail.”
Anyway, everything about this book was fabulous, even if it did end up ripping out my heart. ALSO, WHAT IS THIS ABOUT THE NEXT BOOK BEING RELEASED IN 2018??? I CANNOT WAIT THAT LONG. TOO FAR. TOO DANG FAR. Ms. Tahir, if you see my review, I'd really love an ARC for the next one when they're available...*wink*
If you couldn't tell from this review, I highly highly recommend picking up An Ember in the Ashes and then reading this lovely, but painful, sequel.
“Don't lock yourself away from those who care about you because you think you'll hurt them or they'll hurt you. What point is there in being human if you don't let yourself feel anything?”
-Book Hugger
For more reviews, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
I have come to the conclusion that I will love everything Sabaa Tahir writes. A Torch Against the Night was a masterpiece and despite my traitorous memory (I read this in May), I can recall that much. The rest of this review will probably be me blubbering about emotional things and questioning everything because I happen to remember quite little about this book. Just that I never wanted it to end and there was a plot twist that killed me.
So yes, this is my ghost writing this currently. I am deceased and have been for two months. Time does not run the same in the afterlife apparently. (Or I'm just really really lazy and busy).
ATATN picked up right where AEITA (short for An Ember in the Ashes because who has time to write that out) left off. I didn't need a second to get into it because I truly already was. Not to mention, Tahir has a special knack for trapping her readers and then spitting them out ten years later with little idea of what had happened to them. Basically, I was hooked.
Her writing is gorgeous, too, with lines like, "So long as you fight the darkness, you stand in the light" and the one of which the title is derived from, "But you, Helene Aquilla, are no swift-burning spark. You are a torch against the night - if you dare to let yourself burn." Have I ever mentioned how much I love when titles come from quotes within the story? If not, then I'm mentioning it now. That's one way to get me to love your book...
The next is to create characters that you can feel and give them backstories that make you ache. I love Laia. I love her so much. I love Elias too. And a small part of me cares about Heline, despite her being an actually horrible human being. My one tiny little qualm here...I don't actually see Laia and Elias together. I'm hoping for the platonic friendship and nothing to ever happen between them. Personally, they do not have ANY chemistry. Maybe that's just me? I don't know. I kind of like Heline and Elias, which is probably horrible, because Heline's middle name should be "Yikes" and Elias's should be "I can do much better". She doesn't deserve him, but I've always been a fan of the friends to lovers trope. Help. I am what we call, torn.
“It takes only a split second for life to go horribly wrong. To fix the mess, I need a thousand things to go right. The distance from one bit of luck to the next feels as great as the distance across oceans. But, I decide in this moment, I will bridge that distance, again and again, until I win. I will not fail.”
Anyway, everything about this book was fabulous, even if it did end up ripping out my heart. ALSO, WHAT IS THIS ABOUT THE NEXT BOOK BEING RELEASED IN 2018??? I CANNOT WAIT THAT LONG. TOO FAR. TOO DANG FAR. Ms. Tahir, if you see my review, I'd really love an ARC for the next one when they're available...*wink*
If you couldn't tell from this review, I highly highly recommend picking up An Ember in the Ashes and then reading this lovely, but painful, sequel.
“Don't lock yourself away from those who care about you because you think you'll hurt them or they'll hurt you. What point is there in being human if you don't let yourself feel anything?”
-Book Hugger
For more reviews, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
I'm not going to write a full review because it's been too long, so...
I did really enjoy this, buuuuut, there was something missing. The writing style wasn't intriguing enough and honestly, the plot wasn't all that interesting. I was mostly there for the characters and the world-building (which was really good to be honest). Also, I was there for the romance, which was REALLY well-developed. It's one of the main reasons I'm looking forward to reading The Edge of the Abyss because YA rarely has well-developed female-female relationships. Hate-to-love is one of my favorite tropes and TASU did it so well.
Also, I think this could totally be a villain-origin story, not going to lie. It read a lot like anti-heroism, which I especially liked.
This book is really, really under hyped and I definitely recommend it, even if not everything about it worked out for me. Also, seriously, that diversity is epic and treated like no big deal. WHY CAN'T ALL YA BE LIKE THIS???
-Book Hugger
Link to my actual blog: http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
I did really enjoy this, buuuuut, there was something missing. The writing style wasn't intriguing enough and honestly, the plot wasn't all that interesting. I was mostly there for the characters and the world-building (which was really good to be honest). Also, I was there for the romance, which was REALLY well-developed. It's one of the main reasons I'm looking forward to reading The Edge of the Abyss because YA rarely has well-developed female-female relationships. Hate-to-love is one of my favorite tropes and TASU did it so well.
Also, I think this could totally be a villain-origin story, not going to lie. It read a lot like anti-heroism, which I especially liked.
This book is really, really under hyped and I definitely recommend it, even if not everything about it worked out for me. Also, seriously, that diversity is epic and treated like no big deal. WHY CAN'T ALL YA BE LIKE THIS???
-Book Hugger
Link to my actual blog: http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
Initially, The Crown's Fate felt as though it'd 100% be a 5 star read. I loved it from the beginning until the last fifteen pages, actually. And then...it disappointed me beyond belief. Up until then, it was so much darker than The Crown's Game and I felt as though I knew the characters quite well. It was amazing, in all honesty.
I'm still in shock from the ending. Everything had been built up for so long, only to come crashing down in a matter of pages. I can't go into much without giving away anything, but color me disappointed and angry. I was expecting a giant birthday cake, but instead I was given a burnt cupcake.
I don't think you should just turn away from this book because of how disappointing the ending was for me, but keep in mind that this book is really hit or miss for people. It probably would have done just fine if The Crown's Game were a standalone, if I'm being honest here. That isn't to say I didn't enjoy this, because I definitely did, I just think if it was going to end that way, Evelyn Skye might as well have ended it on an epic and ambiguous note, like the way The Crown's Game did.
Though, I am quite satisfied with how epically dark this book is. Every character has morally ambiguous motives and it's difficult to tell who's good and who's evil (unless it's Aizhana, who's pretty obviously evil). Nikolai, after the events of book one, is in a rather different state and does some rather questionable things throughout this book. He still remains as my favorite, though, because he's one of the strongest characters here. Furthermore, my love for Vika grew as she stood deliberate in her decisions and never swaying to one side easily. She was fiercely independent and strong. I loved her in The Crown's Game, but felt that I didn't know her well enough, but I think now I know her very well and she was so much more fleshed out.
Another favorite of mine with this series is the Russian setting, especially since it takes place in a historically relevant time period. My studies in AP European History were applicable and I recognized so many events!! It was really exciting for me and I loved what she did with the time period. It's also so obvious how much effort Skye put into the world-building, magic system, and making the Russian culture pop out. If only she put that much effort into an ending!
I still recommend this series, don't get me wrong, just prepare to possibly be disappointed.
-Book Hugger
For more reviews, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
I'm still in shock from the ending. Everything had been built up for so long, only to come crashing down in a matter of pages. I can't go into much without giving away anything, but color me disappointed and angry. I was expecting a giant birthday cake, but instead I was given a burnt cupcake.
I don't think you should just turn away from this book because of how disappointing the ending was for me, but keep in mind that this book is really hit or miss for people. It probably would have done just fine if The Crown's Game were a standalone, if I'm being honest here. That isn't to say I didn't enjoy this, because I definitely did, I just think if it was going to end that way, Evelyn Skye might as well have ended it on an epic and ambiguous note, like the way The Crown's Game did.
Though, I am quite satisfied with how epically dark this book is. Every character has morally ambiguous motives and it's difficult to tell who's good and who's evil (unless it's Aizhana, who's pretty obviously evil). Nikolai, after the events of book one, is in a rather different state and does some rather questionable things throughout this book. He still remains as my favorite, though, because he's one of the strongest characters here. Furthermore, my love for Vika grew as she stood deliberate in her decisions and never swaying to one side easily. She was fiercely independent and strong. I loved her in The Crown's Game, but felt that I didn't know her well enough, but I think now I know her very well and she was so much more fleshed out.
Another favorite of mine with this series is the Russian setting, especially since it takes place in a historically relevant time period. My studies in AP European History were applicable and I recognized so many events!! It was really exciting for me and I loved what she did with the time period. It's also so obvious how much effort Skye put into the world-building, magic system, and making the Russian culture pop out. If only she put that much effort into an ending!
I still recommend this series, don't get me wrong, just prepare to possibly be disappointed.
-Book Hugger
For more reviews, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
I feel so terrible that I am putting this review up after the release date, but I've also been insanely busy and stressed, so I think I have a reasonable excuse. Also, in all honesty, this isn't going to be a fun review to write because I strongly disliked this book.
Firstly, it's middle grade, which means that it's extraordinarily out of my comfort zone. I think I'm done trying with this genre. I got a few ARCs, such as this one, and thought I might enjoy them, but it appears that this genre is far too immature for my taste. I prefer my books with level-headed characters that I can relate to and plots that do not feel like they are there for humor or fun, but feel as though they have been crafted expertly. I need profound literature, not whatever this was.
Believe me, there is an audience for this book, and it probably would have been me when I was in elementary school. The illustrations were the best part and the only thing that kept this from obtaining one star instead of two. They really made me feel tied into the novel actually, as though I was a part of it, and I imagine they look even better on the final copy. Even if this doesn't sound like your cup of tea, I highly suggest perusing through the pages to see the pictures.
My main qualm was that I couldn't connect or relate to any of the characters. I felt so distant from everything. Not to mention, it was insanely boring and flat.
Also, I'm not sure if it's because it was an ARC copy, but the capitalization instead of italics really got on my nerves. Every other sentence had one word that looked as though it were being screamed instead of emphasized. Chill out with the caps there, man, you're not making it any more exciting.
Anyway, I think this book might be for some people--I'm just not that person.
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
Firstly, it's middle grade, which means that it's extraordinarily out of my comfort zone. I think I'm done trying with this genre. I got a few ARCs, such as this one, and thought I might enjoy them, but it appears that this genre is far too immature for my taste. I prefer my books with level-headed characters that I can relate to and plots that do not feel like they are there for humor or fun, but feel as though they have been crafted expertly. I need profound literature, not whatever this was.
Believe me, there is an audience for this book, and it probably would have been me when I was in elementary school. The illustrations were the best part and the only thing that kept this from obtaining one star instead of two. They really made me feel tied into the novel actually, as though I was a part of it, and I imagine they look even better on the final copy. Even if this doesn't sound like your cup of tea, I highly suggest perusing through the pages to see the pictures.
My main qualm was that I couldn't connect or relate to any of the characters. I felt so distant from everything. Not to mention, it was insanely boring and flat.
Also, I'm not sure if it's because it was an ARC copy, but the capitalization instead of italics really got on my nerves. Every other sentence had one word that looked as though it were being screamed instead of emphasized. Chill out with the caps there, man, you're not making it any more exciting.
Anyway, I think this book might be for some people--I'm just not that person.
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
The Magic Misfits is a middle-grade novel coming out November 21st that I was lucky enough to get an ARC of at Yallwest! When I picked it up, I certainly wasn't expecting to recognize the name of the author--the famous Neil Patrick Harris. Usually, I'm hesitant when celebrities write novels because a part of me believes their fame assists them in the publishing process, but I also remember that I love Chris Colfer's books, so I shouldn't be this judgmental.
In all honesty, this was rather cliché and repeated so many popular tropes, which dropped the rating. Plus, I'm not exactly in the targeted audience, as this is a middle-grade novel and I am an 11th grader, so a lot of it felt far too immature for me. However, so much of it was adorable and heartwarming that I couldn't help but enjoy it. Keep in mind, that anyone under the age of ten would probably love this.
Harris wrote a diverse cast of characters (and there's even one in a wheelchair!) with individual personalities that stand out on page. Carter, is absolutely adorable, and I would take a million of him. Not to mention, he deserves all the hugs. I'm excited to see where Harris'll go with the characters in the future, especially because there are a few with very vague backstories that I cannot wait to explore.
In the end, this was so cute and funny, but didn't have the depth I needed in a book at the moment. But, that's really nothing on this book, and more on me being to mature and old (whoops, my bad).
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
In all honesty, this was rather cliché and repeated so many popular tropes, which dropped the rating. Plus, I'm not exactly in the targeted audience, as this is a middle-grade novel and I am an 11th grader, so a lot of it felt far too immature for me. However, so much of it was adorable and heartwarming that I couldn't help but enjoy it. Keep in mind, that anyone under the age of ten would probably love this.
Harris wrote a diverse cast of characters (and there's even one in a wheelchair!) with individual personalities that stand out on page. Carter, is absolutely adorable, and I would take a million of him. Not to mention, he deserves all the hugs. I'm excited to see where Harris'll go with the characters in the future, especially because there are a few with very vague backstories that I cannot wait to explore.
In the end, this was so cute and funny, but didn't have the depth I needed in a book at the moment. But, that's really nothing on this book, and more on me being to mature and old (whoops, my bad).
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
Invictus is a book I was able to pick up at Yallwest, and I was so excited for it...which makes it sad for me that this was so disappointing. Of course, I loved parts of it and the concept was amazing, but the execution fell flat. In a nutshell, this book had outstanding promise, but wasn't quite what I was expecting or hoping for.
The characters were rather interesting. I liked Far and his cousin (whose name has disappeared from my memory), but the rest of the cast seemed flat. The romance was nonexistent at one point and then dropped into conversation as though I was supposed to have noticed its existence beforehand. I would have loved to have seen some development there, instead of implying it. Also, I'm a sucker for first meetings, and that never happened because they already knew each other.
Secondly, Eliot screamed "excitement", but I was so underwhelmed about her character. I knew she was important and all, but her character had nothing special about it. She had zero personality, despite attempts made to have one, and I felt really indifferent toward her.
The plot was fun, honestly, and I have never really been one for time travel, but this was the first time I actually found myself engaged in the concept of traveling through time! There were laws and a system that made 100% sense to me (for once), which I found fantastic. Though, about halfway through the novel, the interesting parts of the time travel, like the stumbles through history and "how-to lessons" fell away for spaceship and science fiction pieces. This part felt, frankly, way too much like Illuminae and Gemina, specifically the ending of the latter. What was firstly original and creative became just another sci-fi novel, messing around with the same themes and tropes of every other one.
Overall, I was disappointed--this wasn't the crazy, historical time-travel I expected. Thankfully, Ryan Graudin's writing is fast-paced and exciting, managing to wrap her readers up in the story. The made-up curse words were kind of hilarious (and if replaced with the ones they were alluding to, it would be an excessive amount of cursing--not that I'm complaining) and I would give anything to have a red panda as a pet. I give props to Graudin for creating such a wonderfully hooking novel, but am wishing that it could have been more of what I expected.
In my opinion, this is a situation of "it's me, not you" because I imagine there is an audience for this book. If you're less accustomed to the sci-fi genre, maybe this would be new and exciting for you. And, quite possibly, I just didn't connect with these characters--maybe you will.
-Book Hugger
Check out my blog for more reviews like this!! http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
The characters were rather interesting. I liked Far and his cousin (whose name has disappeared from my memory), but the rest of the cast seemed flat. The romance was nonexistent at one point and then dropped into conversation as though I was supposed to have noticed its existence beforehand. I would have loved to have seen some development there, instead of implying it. Also, I'm a sucker for first meetings, and that never happened because they already knew each other.
Secondly, Eliot screamed "excitement", but I was so underwhelmed about her character. I knew she was important and all, but her character had nothing special about it. She had zero personality, despite attempts made to have one, and I felt really indifferent toward her.
The plot was fun, honestly, and I have never really been one for time travel, but this was the first time I actually found myself engaged in the concept of traveling through time! There were laws and a system that made 100% sense to me (for once), which I found fantastic. Though, about halfway through the novel, the interesting parts of the time travel, like the stumbles through history and "how-to lessons" fell away for spaceship and science fiction pieces. This part felt, frankly, way too much like Illuminae and Gemina, specifically the ending of the latter. What was firstly original and creative became just another sci-fi novel, messing around with the same themes and tropes of every other one.
Overall, I was disappointed--this wasn't the crazy, historical time-travel I expected. Thankfully, Ryan Graudin's writing is fast-paced and exciting, managing to wrap her readers up in the story. The made-up curse words were kind of hilarious (and if replaced with the ones they were alluding to, it would be an excessive amount of cursing--not that I'm complaining) and I would give anything to have a red panda as a pet. I give props to Graudin for creating such a wonderfully hooking novel, but am wishing that it could have been more of what I expected.
In my opinion, this is a situation of "it's me, not you" because I imagine there is an audience for this book. If you're less accustomed to the sci-fi genre, maybe this would be new and exciting for you. And, quite possibly, I just didn't connect with these characters--maybe you will.
-Book Hugger
Check out my blog for more reviews like this!! http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
Honestly, I should have seen that Devil's & Thieves is blurbed to be like Beautiful Creatures, because I would have gone into this with more of an expectation. To be fair, there is some promise with this book, just not promise to be anything that I would ever enjoy reading. I think I've grown out of cheesy romance books with "fantasy on the side". I loved Twilight, but this felt too similar and much messier (as if that's even possible).
We start with Jemmie, who is one of the most annoying fictional characters to ever exist, and Crowe the supposed "bad boy" who succeeds at 1-wearing leather jackets and 2-leading girls on. HAVE I MENTIONED HOW MUCH BOYS THAT LEAD GIRLS ON OR GIRLS THAT LEAD BOYS ON IRRITATE ME?? Hint: It's a lot.
Anyway, then you proceed into a storyline where Jemmie pines after Crowe while Boy #2 confesses his love for her.
An actual scene (paraphrased because this is an ARC):
Boy #2-I'm in love with you.
Jemmie-We'll talk about that later. So...
GIRL.
THAT. IS. NOT. HOW. IT. WORKS.
Continuing on, the magic system didn't make much sense, nor was it actually explained. I think Jennifer Rush really just threw her readers into the fire and said "so this is what it is" without ever telling you how you got into the fire or how you're supposed to get out. I also must mention for the umpteenth time how important it is to have a magic system that makes sense.
I spent most of this book wishing for it to end. It had no depth, nothing exciting, and I really couldn't find any parts that kept me interested. There was a tiny portion toward the end that made me consider upping this to two stars. However, I was still seething with anger at the rest of it, so I couldn't bring myself to do it.
Don't let this review stop you from picking this up. You may love it. I just didn't, and I think that's because I'm not a romance-driven reader. I love fantasy with a side of romance, but that's just me. I hate giving books one star because I feel like I'm destroying the author's dreams. As someone who aspires to be a published author, I understand the amount of effort that is put into writing a novel. Books are a work of art, but I think I need to remind myself that everyone likes different kinds of art and artists understand that.
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
We start with Jemmie, who is one of the most annoying fictional characters to ever exist, and Crowe the supposed "bad boy" who succeeds at 1-wearing leather jackets and 2-leading girls on. HAVE I MENTIONED HOW MUCH BOYS THAT LEAD GIRLS ON OR GIRLS THAT LEAD BOYS ON IRRITATE ME?? Hint: It's a lot.
Anyway, then you proceed into a storyline where Jemmie pines after Crowe while Boy #2 confesses his love for her.
An actual scene (paraphrased because this is an ARC):
Boy #2-I'm in love with you.
Jemmie-We'll talk about that later. So...
GIRL.
THAT. IS. NOT. HOW. IT. WORKS.
Continuing on, the magic system didn't make much sense, nor was it actually explained. I think Jennifer Rush really just threw her readers into the fire and said "so this is what it is" without ever telling you how you got into the fire or how you're supposed to get out. I also must mention for the umpteenth time how important it is to have a magic system that makes sense.
I spent most of this book wishing for it to end. It had no depth, nothing exciting, and I really couldn't find any parts that kept me interested. There was a tiny portion toward the end that made me consider upping this to two stars. However, I was still seething with anger at the rest of it, so I couldn't bring myself to do it.
Don't let this review stop you from picking this up. You may love it. I just didn't, and I think that's because I'm not a romance-driven reader. I love fantasy with a side of romance, but that's just me. I hate giving books one star because I feel like I'm destroying the author's dreams. As someone who aspires to be a published author, I understand the amount of effort that is put into writing a novel. Books are a work of art, but I think I need to remind myself that everyone likes different kinds of art and artists understand that.
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
As per usual, I'm reviewing books practically ten years after I read them, so pardon me if I completely forgot everything. (Actually it's only been a month, but it feels like an eon).
“Be as swift as the wind. As silent as the forest. As fierce as the fire. As unshakable as the mountain. And you can do anything...”
Flame in the Mist was actually a huge disappointment, especially after Renee Ahdieh's debut The Wrath and the Dawn. I didn't really love Flame in the Mist until the last third of it. It started off rather boring and uneventful. It was also rather unbelievable in the beginning. For example, Mariko's brother sees girl's clothes and hair on the ground and a man without clothing on and automatically assumes correctly that she is dressing as a boy now. That just didn't seem realistic to me. No one is that good at solving things within less than a minute. Also, how did only a few characters figure out she's a girl? She couldn't have been that good at passing at male.
As well, there were far too many characters in the Black Clan and I found it hard to keep track of them all. Though, I do understand the inclusion of so many characters...I just wish I weren't so confused by it all. I also only really liked a few of them, especially Okami, my love.
Anyway, aside from the beginning being not so fantastic, the last part was amazing. It introduced the hate to lovers trope (which is one of my all-time favorite romance tropes) and I shipped it so hard. I really liked the dynamic between Mariko and Okami, especially considering he wasn't aware she was who they were sent to kill until later. Argh it was just super cute and I loved it. He also has some wonderful lines about her being a completely separate person. When will other YA authors take Ahdieh's note and write feminist romances? It's so wonderful to read a book where the two love interests see each other as equals and they don't try to overpower each other.
“You are first and foremost a person. A reckless, foolish person, but a person nonetheless. If I ever say you are not permitted to do something, rest assured that the last reason I would ever say so would be because you are a girl.”
Also, the action really improved and I became more invested in the characters and what happened to them. When they met up with Mariko's family, I was super involved in it. Though, I do have to say, I think Ahdieh has a thing for writing books where the main character betrays her family. I'm not complaining because it totally spins things a completely different direction, but I do wish she had a little variety in her storylines.
I love Mariko and she's such a strong character. So much love for this girl <3
“If I am marching to my death, then I will march to it as a girl. Without fear.”
Okay, so the verdict is: It wasn't nearly as good as Ahdieh's other books, but the ending was great and I will definitely be reading Smoke in the Sun when it comes out.
-Book Hugger
“Be as swift as the wind. As silent as the forest. As fierce as the fire. As unshakable as the mountain. And you can do anything...”
Flame in the Mist was actually a huge disappointment, especially after Renee Ahdieh's debut The Wrath and the Dawn. I didn't really love Flame in the Mist until the last third of it. It started off rather boring and uneventful. It was also rather unbelievable in the beginning. For example, Mariko's brother sees girl's clothes and hair on the ground and a man without clothing on and automatically assumes correctly that she is dressing as a boy now. That just didn't seem realistic to me. No one is that good at solving things within less than a minute. Also, how did only a few characters figure out she's a girl? She couldn't have been that good at passing at male.
As well, there were far too many characters in the Black Clan and I found it hard to keep track of them all. Though, I do understand the inclusion of so many characters...I just wish I weren't so confused by it all. I also only really liked a few of them, especially Okami, my love.
Anyway, aside from the beginning being not so fantastic, the last part was amazing. It introduced the hate to lovers trope (which is one of my all-time favorite romance tropes) and I shipped it so hard. I really liked the dynamic between Mariko and Okami, especially considering he wasn't aware she was who they were sent to kill until later. Argh it was just super cute and I loved it. He also has some wonderful lines about her being a completely separate person. When will other YA authors take Ahdieh's note and write feminist romances? It's so wonderful to read a book where the two love interests see each other as equals and they don't try to overpower each other.
“You are first and foremost a person. A reckless, foolish person, but a person nonetheless. If I ever say you are not permitted to do something, rest assured that the last reason I would ever say so would be because you are a girl.”
Also, the action really improved and I became more invested in the characters and what happened to them. When they met up with Mariko's family, I was super involved in it. Though, I do have to say, I think Ahdieh has a thing for writing books where the main character betrays her family. I'm not complaining because it totally spins things a completely different direction, but I do wish she had a little variety in her storylines.
I love Mariko and she's such a strong character. So much love for this girl <3
“If I am marching to my death, then I will march to it as a girl. Without fear.”
Okay, so the verdict is: It wasn't nearly as good as Ahdieh's other books, but the ending was great and I will definitely be reading Smoke in the Sun when it comes out.
-Book Hugger