Looking at the cover of this book you'd think it was a romance novel, but thankfully it is a much different book. We are introduced to Gemma, a young lady with powers to enter another realm, who is also trying to find acceptance in life. We get to watch her find friends and watch as her and her friends use and start to abuse the powers. By the end Gemma learns responsibility, and most importantly forgiveness. I really enjoyed this book overall, even if at times Gemma would submit to peer pressure a little too easily after just showing she had some bravado. Gemma's friends are also multi-layered with more story behind them than they initially let on. This was my favorite aspect of the book, watching people put on airs early, to see the truth seep out no matter how hard they tried to cover it up. It made characters in this book easily relatable. A very good start to this trilogy, that I look forward to continuing. 4.25 out of 5

Marie Lu's Warcross does was Ready Player One couldn't, and that is create an interesting virtual game the whole world plays AND has characters you actually give a shit about. Emika is my kind of heroine, perfectly balanced and genuine. Confident and strong in some aspects, flawed and weak in others. She knows how to take care of herself, yet doesn't like to confide in or rely on others. She is now a favorite of mine across all series.

I love how Warcoss' world was presented by Lu, as vibrant and alive. What she really focuses on are the Warcross games, which are a blast to read about. Her words described everything perfectly to help create the scene in my own imagination. I could see everything as Emika did, and I was just as tense as her in her matches. The ending was half surprise and half not, as one of the twists I saw coming. All I know is I need the sequel now! 5 out of 5.

The start of Asylum was a rough one. The writing just felt off and inconsistent, and I was worried about the trip through this one. Thankfully either Roux found her rhythm and the writing became more cohesive, or I just got used to how it was. Once this hurdle was passed, I found the book rather enjoyable. I honestly didn't know what to expect with the odd things occurring, wondering if there was paranormal at play, insanity, or a lot of trickery overall. Roux does a good job of keeping the suspense going through out.

In the end, Asylum is a book rough around the edges writing wise, especially early on, but finds its pace and evens out a bit for a fun ride. I am rating this book a 3.45 out of 5, but only because I dislike Goodreads rating system not having half star options. A four star rating is just something I think is too high in this case. Please Goodreads, it's time to update this 1 star increment BS already. Let us more accurately rate books.

In Catacomb, we finally learn more about Dan's parents and the sinister plot they uncovered in the past. Dan, Abby, are now in Louisiana helping Jordan move in with his uncle, but of course with this series you know it won't be a fun trip. Dan starts uncovering things about his parents, and the people who are behind their fatal accident. Overall this book was the easiest read of the series so far. The structure of Roux's writing feels way more fluid than ever. There are some genuinely creepy moments, but there is one particular phenomena that occurs early on that I wish was explained better, but I felt was just brushed aside. Overall a good read with genuine moments that made me shudder (especially one particular picture used in the book). I felt it was a good way to end Dan's story with the final scene. 3.75 out of 5

I've been meaning to read this book for months and finally got around to it. I loved the characters in this book, Xifeng, Wei, Lihua, and many more. They all had a lot of depth to them. But aside from the characters, the story was a mixed bag for me. It started off with these great characters, but a bit slow and uninteresting early on. A little more than halfway through the book I was definitely pulled in to the story a lot more. As Xifeng starts her descent and is fighting within herself between light and darkness, this is when the book is at its best. By the end I was left wanting the sequel in my hands, because I hope it will be told from a different perspective (won't spoil from whom though). 3.75 out of 5

I'm starting to think I have a hard time enjoying Evil Queen origin stories, even though Forest of A Thousand Lanterns finally clicked with me as I stated above. Similarly, Lunar Chronicle's story of Levana (Fairest) and Origin of Queen of Hearts (Heartless) were two other times I struggled with these types of books.