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forevermorepages's Reviews (811)
I'm not sure if I'll end up having the time to write this review, so I'll comment briefly on it.
Things I liked:
-That it spoke of religion differently than I ever thought it to be...this book definitely made an impact on my religious life.
-That it said "Marriage is not an institution. It is a relationship".
-The arguments about free will, religion, and God.
Things I disliked:
-Unfortunately, the movie made me actually feel the sadness. The book made me feel nothing.
-The writing was pretty bad and the dialogue unrealistic.
-Book Hugger
Check out my blog for my reviews at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
Things I liked:
-That it spoke of religion differently than I ever thought it to be...this book definitely made an impact on my religious life.
-That it said "Marriage is not an institution. It is a relationship".
-The arguments about free will, religion, and God.
Things I disliked:
-Unfortunately, the movie made me actually feel the sadness. The book made me feel nothing.
-The writing was pretty bad and the dialogue unrealistic.
-Book Hugger
Check out my blog for my reviews at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
“Even in its first faint traces, love could alter a landscape. It wrote unimagined stories and made the most beautiful, forbidding places.”
Wild Beauty is one of the most enchanting novels I have ever read. The prose is so beautiful and all-encompassing. This is what it means to be a magic realism book. There's that atmosphere to it that you can get lost in, the kind that feels like you're trapped somewhere in between the zones of reality. Time doesn't exist when you're reading magic realism, everything feels so distant yet close at the same time.
I really can't say there is a substantial plot to Wild Beauty though. It mostly follows the general "boy arrives, girls are surprised, why is boy here?" kind of thing. I felt like it was missing direction, which is honestly my main issue with this novel. If there were more of a clear path for this book to take, I think it could have been raised to 5 stars. I know that part of magic realism is the atmosphere, but I think there also needs to be something leading the book. I feel like the characters were just thrown into a place together with that inciting incident, but the story was more about their interactions and personal struggles afterward.
I do admit, I was confused somewhere in the middle and wasn't sure if my questions would be answered, but by the end, I was fully satisfied with the explanations! The "why" of everything was rather far from what I expected and I really appreciated that there was a stronger reason for everything's occurrences behind it all. I finished the book with one or two questions, but I think those are more the fault of mine for missing something along the way. I'm sure if I reread it, I wouldn't be wondering about anything.
Above all, I loved the message of Wild Beauty, which wasn't so much about romance, but about familial bonds, love in a general sense, and all the ways people love--even if it's not "conventional". This book is unapologetically feministic and diverse, both of which are so unseen in young adult novels. Though, I am glad to see a new outburst of diverse books--keep them coming! And it is oh-so refreshing to read a book that is almost entirely Latinx. So, thank you, Anna-Marie McLemore, for continuing to write novels for the underrepresented.
I also loved Estrella and Fel with all my heart. Their relationship felt strong and gradual. Despite occurring over a short span of time, I didn't get a sense of insta-love from it (though, I have seen some reviews that disagree). I really appreciated that they both were clearly defined as their own individuals, neither being overwhelmed by the other and pushed to the side. There was a strong sense of equality in their relationship. I also loved that the stereotypical roles were reversed, where Estrella became the assertive one and Fel the more passive one (though never portrayed negatively).
Lastly, this book really made me want to have a flower garden. I loved how all the character's names correlated to the flowers they grew. That was such a wonderfully creative inclusion. The descriptions of the flowers too...it just made this book feel so much more beautiful.
If you read only a few books in 2018, make Wild Beauty one of them. I urge you to read about these wonderful flower children and the garden of La Pradera that feels almost like a character itself.
And let me quickly just say that this is literally the best bisexual rep I have ever read in my entire life and my heart is so absolutely warm from it.
-Book Hugger
Wild Beauty is one of the most enchanting novels I have ever read. The prose is so beautiful and all-encompassing. This is what it means to be a magic realism book. There's that atmosphere to it that you can get lost in, the kind that feels like you're trapped somewhere in between the zones of reality. Time doesn't exist when you're reading magic realism, everything feels so distant yet close at the same time.
I really can't say there is a substantial plot to Wild Beauty though. It mostly follows the general "boy arrives, girls are surprised, why is boy here?" kind of thing. I felt like it was missing direction, which is honestly my main issue with this novel. If there were more of a clear path for this book to take, I think it could have been raised to 5 stars. I know that part of magic realism is the atmosphere, but I think there also needs to be something leading the book. I feel like the characters were just thrown into a place together with that inciting incident, but the story was more about their interactions and personal struggles afterward.
I do admit, I was confused somewhere in the middle and wasn't sure if my questions would be answered, but by the end, I was fully satisfied with the explanations! The "why" of everything was rather far from what I expected and I really appreciated that there was a stronger reason for everything's occurrences behind it all. I finished the book with one or two questions, but I think those are more the fault of mine for missing something along the way. I'm sure if I reread it, I wouldn't be wondering about anything.
Above all, I loved the message of Wild Beauty, which wasn't so much about romance, but about familial bonds, love in a general sense, and all the ways people love--even if it's not "conventional". This book is unapologetically feministic and diverse, both of which are so unseen in young adult novels. Though, I am glad to see a new outburst of diverse books--keep them coming! And it is oh-so refreshing to read a book that is almost entirely Latinx. So, thank you, Anna-Marie McLemore, for continuing to write novels for the underrepresented.
I also loved Estrella and Fel with all my heart. Their relationship felt strong and gradual. Despite occurring over a short span of time, I didn't get a sense of insta-love from it (though, I have seen some reviews that disagree). I really appreciated that they both were clearly defined as their own individuals, neither being overwhelmed by the other and pushed to the side. There was a strong sense of equality in their relationship. I also loved that the stereotypical roles were reversed, where Estrella became the assertive one and Fel the more passive one (though never portrayed negatively).
Lastly, this book really made me want to have a flower garden. I loved how all the character's names correlated to the flowers they grew. That was such a wonderfully creative inclusion. The descriptions of the flowers too...it just made this book feel so much more beautiful.
If you read only a few books in 2018, make Wild Beauty one of them. I urge you to read about these wonderful flower children and the garden of La Pradera that feels almost like a character itself.
And let me quickly just say that this is literally the best bisexual rep I have ever read in my entire life and my heart is so absolutely warm from it.
-Book Hugger
"People die of broken hearts. They have heart attacks. And it's the heart that hurts most when things go wrong and fall apart."
I am the Messenger follows an array of characters that, essentially, have little to nothing. Ed is a cabdriver, not in school, and, for the most part, unhappy with his life. I couldn't really find any character that was satisfied with their life. Not that that's bad. On the contrary, I actually enjoyed reading about characters like this. Usually you see the successful guy or the teenagers having problems. It was a breath of fresh air to read about characters out of high school that were still struggling. Too often, this group of people is overlooked in young adult fiction. Not to mention, most of the characters you read about don't live completely ordinary lives. I think that was the point of this book, to show that ordinary people can make a difference in the world too.
One note about this book: Don't go into it expecting something like The Book Thief. The only similarity they have is the author and the importance of the message.
With that said, I am the Messenger is a profound book that everyone should read in their lifetime. I can't say I loved it, but I can say that this book makes an impact and is extremely important. I had started it a few years ago, but put it down because it wasn't what I wanted to read at the time. Coming back to it, I was expecting the book to be like the first few chapters I read before: lacking much seriousness. Oh, how wrong I was. This book is heavy. Many of the circumstances in it are horrible. It shows the brutality of the world--how cruel some human beings really can be. Above all, though, kindness remains the solution to all problems.
"Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what the say. Just in what they are."
I had some problems that kept it from being five stars.
First, Ed annoyed me so much. His thoughts were so repetitive. He pined the entire book over Audrey and complained about every bad thing that came his way, but he didn't really do anything about it. Not to mention, the whole scene with him and the runner was creepy. If I were that girl, I would have been very fearful of the guy stalking me every day. Is it just me that thought that was insanely weird?
Second, It was incredibly unrealistic. The whole book felt contrived to give this message about the world and kindness and love. Look, I loved the message and the plot was crazy good, but I could have handled a little more reality here. Especially when people start showing up in his house and no one is concerned whatsoever. Hello, welcome to Crazyville, where it's perfectly normal for random creepazoids to hang around places! I am concerned for this world.
However, I loved that this took place in Australia. You could totally feel that too. I think it's nice to see books taking place elsewhere from America or the UK. I don't see enough Aussie books and I'd really like to change that. So if anyone has any recommendations, leave them in the comments!
Anyway, I highly recommend this book! It's a little contrived, a little crazy, but contains a really important message about the world. It's captivating, it's beautiful, and it's necessary. *Mic drop*
-Book Hugger
Check out my blog for more reviews like this, at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
I am the Messenger follows an array of characters that, essentially, have little to nothing. Ed is a cabdriver, not in school, and, for the most part, unhappy with his life. I couldn't really find any character that was satisfied with their life. Not that that's bad. On the contrary, I actually enjoyed reading about characters like this. Usually you see the successful guy or the teenagers having problems. It was a breath of fresh air to read about characters out of high school that were still struggling. Too often, this group of people is overlooked in young adult fiction. Not to mention, most of the characters you read about don't live completely ordinary lives. I think that was the point of this book, to show that ordinary people can make a difference in the world too.
One note about this book: Don't go into it expecting something like The Book Thief. The only similarity they have is the author and the importance of the message.
With that said, I am the Messenger is a profound book that everyone should read in their lifetime. I can't say I loved it, but I can say that this book makes an impact and is extremely important. I had started it a few years ago, but put it down because it wasn't what I wanted to read at the time. Coming back to it, I was expecting the book to be like the first few chapters I read before: lacking much seriousness. Oh, how wrong I was. This book is heavy. Many of the circumstances in it are horrible. It shows the brutality of the world--how cruel some human beings really can be. Above all, though, kindness remains the solution to all problems.
"Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what the say. Just in what they are."
I had some problems that kept it from being five stars.
First, Ed annoyed me so much. His thoughts were so repetitive. He pined the entire book over Audrey and complained about every bad thing that came his way, but he didn't really do anything about it. Not to mention, the whole scene with him and the runner was creepy. If I were that girl, I would have been very fearful of the guy stalking me every day. Is it just me that thought that was insanely weird?
Second, It was incredibly unrealistic. The whole book felt contrived to give this message about the world and kindness and love. Look, I loved the message and the plot was crazy good, but I could have handled a little more reality here. Especially when people start showing up in his house and no one is concerned whatsoever. Hello, welcome to Crazyville, where it's perfectly normal for random creepazoids to hang around places! I am concerned for this world.
However, I loved that this took place in Australia. You could totally feel that too. I think it's nice to see books taking place elsewhere from America or the UK. I don't see enough Aussie books and I'd really like to change that. So if anyone has any recommendations, leave them in the comments!
Anyway, I highly recommend this book! It's a little contrived, a little crazy, but contains a really important message about the world. It's captivating, it's beautiful, and it's necessary. *Mic drop*
-Book Hugger
Check out my blog for more reviews like this, at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
Tw: self-harm, rape
Okay so I was genuinely prepared to give this five stars, but then the ending happened? Like the last 50 pages? And I'm so incredibly confused right now and I think I need to finally come to the realization that no matter how many of his books I read, I will never be the type of person to enjoy Shaun David Hutchinson. The mental health discussions, the queer rep, and the romance is always good and on point; the writing is fantastic. I just...I can't do the weird sci-fi stuff. And don't get me wrong!! I love sci-fi, but I don't love it when it's blended with contemporaries to the point that it doesn't make complete sense nor is it fully explained. I dunno, just me.
-Book Hugger
Okay so I was genuinely prepared to give this five stars, but then the ending happened? Like the last 50 pages? And I'm so incredibly confused right now and I think I need to finally come to the realization that no matter how many of his books I read, I will never be the type of person to enjoy Shaun David Hutchinson. The mental health discussions, the queer rep, and the romance is always good and on point; the writing is fantastic. I just...I can't do the weird sci-fi stuff. And don't get me wrong!! I love sci-fi, but I don't love it when it's blended with contemporaries to the point that it doesn't make complete sense nor is it fully explained. I dunno, just me.
-Book Hugger
Me, yesterday: I'm in a slump :(
My friend: I heard contemporary helps.
Me: Hmm, I shouldn't.
Me: welp, my hand slipped, I read and finished TBDATE
In other news, this was insanely good. Some parts weren't perfect and it did come off a tad preachy, but you know what, it was beautiful.
Also? Someone should call the cops on Adam Silvera. This book's ending is a crime.
-Book Hugger
My friend: I heard contemporary helps.
Me: Hmm, I shouldn't.
Me: welp, my hand slipped, I read and finished TBDATE
In other news, this was insanely good. Some parts weren't perfect and it did come off a tad preachy, but you know what, it was beautiful.
Also? Someone should call the cops on Adam Silvera. This book's ending is a crime.
-Book Hugger
I'll have a review for this later, but as a HUGE fan of Divergent, I was fairly disappointed. Though, I do have to say Veronica Roth's writing has improved and I did love that. Anyway, more to come later once I have time to write all the reviews I'm SO behind on...
-Book Hugger
In the meantime, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
-Book Hugger
In the meantime, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
Wintersong is a difficult book to review because I wanted to love it and I really, really thought I would too...I just didn't. The writing is beautiful and oh-so poetic. I felt as though I was falling in love with it when I started reading it. Merely the prologue made my heart sing. From then on, it is so atmospheric and I was transported to a whole other world. I should be giving it a raving review right now then, shouldn't I?
“A candle unused is nothing but wax and wick,” I said.“I would rather light the flame, knowing it will go out than sit forever in darkness.”
Unfortunately, however, the novel only went downhill from there. Liesl started out strong, determined to save her sister, but then she fell into the trap of "being in love". The Goblin King creeped me out, honestly. Their relationship felt forced and unhealthy. I can't go into it enough without spoilers, but I couldn't see the appeal to liking them together. They spent most of their time angry with each other and fighting. Liesl couldn't escape, she was trapped in a sick game with him. It just didn't make sense. Not to mention, Liesl was beyond annoying and dependent on the Goblin King to define her existence, proving the idiotic trope that women need men to give them purpose. Not to mention, the only redeeming characteristic of the Goblin King was that he loved her for her, her music, her soul. I felt bad for him on a few occasions.
“There is music in your soul. A wild and untamed sort of music that speaks to me. It defies all the rules and laws you humans set upon it. It grows from inside you, and I have a wish to set that music free.”
Another problem I had was that the world-building is vague and lacking. The only hint that it took place in an alternate Germany was the language. It would have made so much more sense if S. Jae-Jones referenced cities or even flat-out said where the setting is. Sometimes showing instead of telling isn't always the best option. Furthermore, I didn't understand the magic system, where the Underground was, or how it existed in relation to the world we know. There's going to be a sequel, so maybe it'll explain then, but I'm not sure if I'll end up reading the sequel. The writing style would be the only reason for me to continue, but I don't think that's enough.
Maybe this book just wasn't for me. I still gave it three stars, so it wasn't horrible. I certainly didn't see the hype, though...
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
“A candle unused is nothing but wax and wick,” I said.“I would rather light the flame, knowing it will go out than sit forever in darkness.”
Unfortunately, however, the novel only went downhill from there. Liesl started out strong, determined to save her sister, but then she fell into the trap of "being in love". The Goblin King creeped me out, honestly. Their relationship felt forced and unhealthy. I can't go into it enough without spoilers, but I couldn't see the appeal to liking them together. They spent most of their time angry with each other and fighting. Liesl couldn't escape, she was trapped in a sick game with him. It just didn't make sense. Not to mention, Liesl was beyond annoying and dependent on the Goblin King to define her existence, proving the idiotic trope that women need men to give them purpose. Not to mention, the only redeeming characteristic of the Goblin King was that he loved her for her, her music, her soul. I felt bad for him on a few occasions.
“There is music in your soul. A wild and untamed sort of music that speaks to me. It defies all the rules and laws you humans set upon it. It grows from inside you, and I have a wish to set that music free.”
Another problem I had was that the world-building is vague and lacking. The only hint that it took place in an alternate Germany was the language. It would have made so much more sense if S. Jae-Jones referenced cities or even flat-out said where the setting is. Sometimes showing instead of telling isn't always the best option. Furthermore, I didn't understand the magic system, where the Underground was, or how it existed in relation to the world we know. There's going to be a sequel, so maybe it'll explain then, but I'm not sure if I'll end up reading the sequel. The writing style would be the only reason for me to continue, but I don't think that's enough.
Maybe this book just wasn't for me. I still gave it three stars, so it wasn't horrible. I certainly didn't see the hype, though...
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
This is probably going to be something closer to a rant than a review, so beware.
Look, I love Victoria Schwab and I love her writing, but let's be real here, the writing was the only thing that kept me from putting this down. Though, I will admit The Archived had some good discussions on honesty. But that's it.
The first 100 pages were complete info-dump and it wasn't good info-dump either, but boring and confusing info-dump. Honestly, it made no sense. It took me forever to realize Da was Mackenzie's grandfather and not her younger brother who I thought was her older brother. Yikes. It also took me ages to realize her parents had no idea she's a Keeper. Uhhh...how would they not know though?
Then we're introduced to two boys, one of which I knew would be the main love interest from the instant he's introduced. It felt like romance for the sake of romance and they might as well have kissed the first page they met. I hate instalove; it is so unrealistic. The other boy was darker, more angsty and mysterious, but I knew pretty early on he's the other side of the love triangle. Also, do you see the tropes here? The one boy is this sweet, funny dork who uses humor as a coping mechanism and the other one is mysterious and brooding. WHY??? Did I mention this has a LOVE TRIANGLE?? I know this book was written in 2013, at the peak of love triangles, but blech. Really?? Was it that necessary?
I also guessed the plot twist from about a million miles away, which is not good, especially given how confused I was...
And on top of it all, this book was boring and the characters were flat as pancakes. It needed more of everything, which is unfortunate to say. I think this reminded me why I should stick with Schwab's later books because clearly she has improved as an author since 2013.
I really can't say I recommend this, but I have seen good reviews, so if you want to read it, I'm not going to stop you. There is an audience for this book, an audience that probably won't hate it like I did.
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
Look, I love Victoria Schwab and I love her writing, but let's be real here, the writing was the only thing that kept me from putting this down. Though, I will admit The Archived had some good discussions on honesty. But that's it.
The first 100 pages were complete info-dump and it wasn't good info-dump either, but boring and confusing info-dump. Honestly, it made no sense. It took me forever to realize Da was Mackenzie's grandfather and not her younger brother who I thought was her older brother. Yikes. It also took me ages to realize her parents had no idea she's a Keeper. Uhhh...how would they not know though?
Then we're introduced to two boys, one of which I knew would be the main love interest from the instant he's introduced. It felt like romance for the sake of romance and they might as well have kissed the first page they met. I hate instalove; it is so unrealistic. The other boy was darker, more angsty and mysterious, but I knew pretty early on he's the other side of the love triangle. Also, do you see the tropes here? The one boy is this sweet, funny dork who uses humor as a coping mechanism and the other one is mysterious and brooding. WHY??? Did I mention this has a LOVE TRIANGLE?? I know this book was written in 2013, at the peak of love triangles, but blech. Really?? Was it that necessary?
I also guessed the plot twist from about a million miles away, which is not good, especially given how confused I was...
And on top of it all, this book was boring and the characters were flat as pancakes. It needed more of everything, which is unfortunate to say. I think this reminded me why I should stick with Schwab's later books because clearly she has improved as an author since 2013.
I really can't say I recommend this, but I have seen good reviews, so if you want to read it, I'm not going to stop you. There is an audience for this book, an audience that probably won't hate it like I did.
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
“But hope was a malicious, jagged thing, all spikes and razors that churned and cut deep in his guts. Hope was a great deal like fear.”
I will confess, I did prefer Ink & Bone. The plot felt more grounded there, while Paper & Fire seemed like a filler book. It had some low points, but they may have been less “low” if I had picked this book up when I purchased it, instead of more than six months later. I have a really bad habit of doing that…
My biggest issue with Ink & Bone was the romance between Jess and Morgan. I love Jess, but Morgan felt really flat to me and I never saw them as a couple. I still don’t think their relationship is all that interesting, but I have a greater appreciation for Morgan now, whose arc is much stronger. The rest of the characters felt a tad bit weaker than before, except for maybe Khalila, who I have such a soft spot for. She is everything. I still really dislike Glain, though, who has the personality of a pancake.
Jess will forever be a favorite of mine. He’s a very good main character, despite, at times, having no brains and saying the stupidest things. His love of books is so precious, though, and his whole backstory with stealing them is A+ material. The whole family dynamic there is really interesting because you can tell his dad used him, and Jess knows it too. It has such an effect on him and is really, really well done. I’m looking forward to what will be done with this aspect in Ash & Quill (book three), especially considering where we left off in this novel.
Rachel Caine is a wonderful writer. Her books feel mature, not in content, but in the power of her prose. Her writing could come across as dry for someone who prefers contemporary, which is usually written in a choppier, more concise manner. Caine has beautiful descriptions, and action scenes that are extraordinarily good.
As well, the weaving of technology into the plot is hardly ever seen, and gives this series more of a steampunk feel. I love the inclusion of automatons and those sphinx-like ones that started attacking them. It gives these books a sense of timelessness, as though they belong to no time, and transcend the reality we know. This is doubly true, for it’s set in an alternate universe where the Great Library of Alexandria never burned down. Have I mentioned how much I love history yet in this review?? (It appears my exclamation of this belongs in every review now). And alternate universes are so amazing because it’s like rewriting history!!
Verdict? This book was great, possibly a little slow and filler-y, but still very character strong. I anticipate the next book being very good, and hopefully better. If you haven’t read these books, I highly, highly recommend them. This series is so underrated and yet has some of the most wonderful writing I have ever seen in YA and some of the most diverse characters, too. If you read one book in 2017, let it be Ink & Bone, and if you read two, follow it up with Paper & Fire.
“Books had become a symbol of trust and libraries places of peace and stability. In all the chaos of the world that counted people as different levels of worthy, the Library served all equally. All genders, races, levels of ability. It was the one place they could all be safe.”
-Book Hugger
my blog: http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
I will confess, I did prefer Ink & Bone. The plot felt more grounded there, while Paper & Fire seemed like a filler book. It had some low points, but they may have been less “low” if I had picked this book up when I purchased it, instead of more than six months later. I have a really bad habit of doing that…
My biggest issue with Ink & Bone was the romance between Jess and Morgan. I love Jess, but Morgan felt really flat to me and I never saw them as a couple. I still don’t think their relationship is all that interesting, but I have a greater appreciation for Morgan now, whose arc is much stronger. The rest of the characters felt a tad bit weaker than before, except for maybe Khalila, who I have such a soft spot for. She is everything. I still really dislike Glain, though, who has the personality of a pancake.
Jess will forever be a favorite of mine. He’s a very good main character, despite, at times, having no brains and saying the stupidest things. His love of books is so precious, though, and his whole backstory with stealing them is A+ material. The whole family dynamic there is really interesting because you can tell his dad used him, and Jess knows it too. It has such an effect on him and is really, really well done. I’m looking forward to what will be done with this aspect in Ash & Quill (book three), especially considering where we left off in this novel.
Rachel Caine is a wonderful writer. Her books feel mature, not in content, but in the power of her prose. Her writing could come across as dry for someone who prefers contemporary, which is usually written in a choppier, more concise manner. Caine has beautiful descriptions, and action scenes that are extraordinarily good.
As well, the weaving of technology into the plot is hardly ever seen, and gives this series more of a steampunk feel. I love the inclusion of automatons and those sphinx-like ones that started attacking them. It gives these books a sense of timelessness, as though they belong to no time, and transcend the reality we know. This is doubly true, for it’s set in an alternate universe where the Great Library of Alexandria never burned down. Have I mentioned how much I love history yet in this review?? (It appears my exclamation of this belongs in every review now). And alternate universes are so amazing because it’s like rewriting history!!
Verdict? This book was great, possibly a little slow and filler-y, but still very character strong. I anticipate the next book being very good, and hopefully better. If you haven’t read these books, I highly, highly recommend them. This series is so underrated and yet has some of the most wonderful writing I have ever seen in YA and some of the most diverse characters, too. If you read one book in 2017, let it be Ink & Bone, and if you read two, follow it up with Paper & Fire.
“Books had become a symbol of trust and libraries places of peace and stability. In all the chaos of the world that counted people as different levels of worthy, the Library served all equally. All genders, races, levels of ability. It was the one place they could all be safe.”
-Book Hugger
my blog: http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
MY REVIEWS HAVE BEEN SO LATE, I APOLOGIZE PROFUSELY.
From the instant I started The Star-Touched Queen, I knew I was going to fall in love with it. And I did. I met the author at Yallwest before starting the book, but I began it that night. Not to mention, Roshani Chokshi is both gorgeous and so sweet.
Chokshi has a special way of wrapping you up in the atmosphere of her story. I wanted to live there and I felt like I did. The world-building is magical and wonderful and I fell head over heels in love. I especially want to visit the Night Bazaar because that sounded AMAZING. Can I live there? Please???
ALSO, can I have a talking horse? Kamala was one of my favorite parts, she was so so so hilarious. I was dying.
Okay, but I did have a few problems that dropped it down a star...
The plot was fairly lacking and I was confused more than once. I also didn't really see a designed path, it just felt kind of weak. I also 100% did not buy the romance. I actually kind of hated Amar. At the end, I felt some of the romance and cuteness, but it was really weak early on and throughout the middle.
Though, despite these weak points, I hardly read a book with such a developed world and writing that swept me off of my feet. I think as Chokshi continues writing, her plot and character chemistry will improve. Debut novels usually are not amazing. I might read A Crown of Wishes, but I haven't decided yet. I love that it's set in the same world, but I do hate when stories stray from the main characters. We'll see.
-Book Hugger
Check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
From the instant I started The Star-Touched Queen, I knew I was going to fall in love with it. And I did. I met the author at Yallwest before starting the book, but I began it that night. Not to mention, Roshani Chokshi is both gorgeous and so sweet.
Chokshi has a special way of wrapping you up in the atmosphere of her story. I wanted to live there and I felt like I did. The world-building is magical and wonderful and I fell head over heels in love. I especially want to visit the Night Bazaar because that sounded AMAZING. Can I live there? Please???
ALSO, can I have a talking horse? Kamala was one of my favorite parts, she was so so so hilarious. I was dying.
Okay, but I did have a few problems that dropped it down a star...
The plot was fairly lacking and I was confused more than once. I also didn't really see a designed path, it just felt kind of weak. I also 100% did not buy the romance. I actually kind of hated Amar. At the end, I felt some of the romance and cuteness, but it was really weak early on and throughout the middle.
Though, despite these weak points, I hardly read a book with such a developed world and writing that swept me off of my feet. I think as Chokshi continues writing, her plot and character chemistry will improve. Debut novels usually are not amazing. I might read A Crown of Wishes, but I haven't decided yet. I love that it's set in the same world, but I do hate when stories stray from the main characters. We'll see.
-Book Hugger
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