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ALL THE EMOTIONS.
BLOG || INSTA
This book tore me up. I love anything CoHo writes. I haven’t read all of her books, but currently I’m at 8 of them and this one might be my favorite yet. Hoover is able to take this intense situations and emotions and create a book that somehow still gives you hope at the end (even if you’re crying).
I really felt this book because of it’s main issue, infertility. This is not a light conversation ever and while I personally haven’t had to deal with this, I know many families who have. I thought the way the book conveyed how deeply infertility can affect someone (and those around them) was done well. There were so many sides to take in and brought in a lot of moments that made the book an easy five stars.
The now vs. then timeline had me speeeeed reading because I had to know what happened next. It was the perfect stop and starts as I got to see them fall in love, and find that love again. The last couple of chapters with Graham’s letters DESTROYED ME. I seriously went to go kiss my husband after finishing this book because it made me consider a lot. Every couple has to remember why they love each other sometimes and not to give in at the same time. So many truths in this book.
Characters made me want to hug them, yell at them, cry with them, and much more. I couldn’t believe some actions taken by others. It was hard to watch. I am in awe of how great this book was and I am forever a CoHo fan.
Overall audience notes:
- Adult contemporary romance
- Language: a bit of strong language
- Romance: kiss, make-outs, detailed romance scenes
- Trigger warnings: self-harm (MC cuts her wrist once), infidelity, infertility, miscarriage, depression, grief, cheating,
BLOG || INSTA
This book tore me up. I love anything CoHo writes. I haven’t read all of her books, but currently I’m at 8 of them and this one might be my favorite yet. Hoover is able to take this intense situations and emotions and create a book that somehow still gives you hope at the end (even if you’re crying).
I really felt this book because of it’s main issue, infertility. This is not a light conversation ever and while I personally haven’t had to deal with this, I know many families who have. I thought the way the book conveyed how deeply infertility can affect someone (and those around them) was done well. There were so many sides to take in and brought in a lot of moments that made the book an easy five stars.
“I love you more in this moment than any moment that has come before it.”
The now vs. then timeline had me speeeeed reading because I had to know what happened next. It was the perfect stop and starts as I got to see them fall in love, and find that love again. The last couple of chapters with Graham’s letters DESTROYED ME. I seriously went to go kiss my husband after finishing this book because it made me consider a lot. Every couple has to remember why they love each other sometimes and not to give in at the same time. So many truths in this book.
Characters made me want to hug them, yell at them, cry with them, and much more. I couldn’t believe some actions taken by others. It was hard to watch. I am in awe of how great this book was and I am forever a CoHo fan.
Overall audience notes:
- Adult contemporary romance
- Language: a bit of strong language
- Romance: kiss, make-outs, detailed romance scenes
- Trigger warnings: self-harm (MC cuts her wrist once), infidelity, infertility, miscarriage, depression, grief, cheating,
I DO NOT WANT TO SAVE THE DATE.
BLOG || INSTA
I seem to be in the minority for not loving this book, but asdfghjkl; NO. I wanted to give this three stars to be friendly, but the more I thought about it the more that I realized this book annoyed me more than pleased me. I’m still open to reading more of Matson’s contemporaries, this one just let me down overall.
The writing had a nice flow and is easy to keep turning pages. I kept going thinking that I was going to get some character arcs to help my thoughts on the book. I did enjoy the family dynamics [mostly]. It was fun seeing that many family members together and interacting. Some of the dialogue is a tad cheesy, but fits with the atmosphere of the story.
My biggest issue is that the two main focuses of the book collided so much and I thought it needed either more of one and less of the other and vice versa. Let me explain:
- We had the “love story”. With the first chapter I was already very curious as to how this was all going to unfold (and why I thought the book was going to focus on the romance). I had guessed right with most of it, but the fact of the matter is that neither guy was in the book all that much. I was wondering if we were going to have more interactions. It left me wanting more from that angle.
- And we had the “family story”. The entire story (400+ pages) covers THREE DAYS. That’s its own issue. Anywho, there was a big focus on reconnecting with family and accepting change within that dynamic. I would have loved if the plot focused solely on them and not added the romance. ONE OR THE OTHER. The combination of both left these plot lines frazzled.
I couldn’t stand Charlie as a MC. She was often very immature and naive. Not to mention, literally every chapter something else went wrong with the wedding. I was amazed that that many things could happen in THREE DAYS. It got to be so ridiculous I couldn’t even handle it.
This book would do much better on the big screen. The unrealistic happenings caused me to roll my eyes rather than laugh. I think this would have translated better as a movie. It was cute to have the cameo of characters from The Unexpected Everything (a book I did give 4 stars) too!
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary
- Language: a little strong language
- Romance: an almost love scene (where you basically know what’s happening, takes up most of the first chapter), some kisses
- Trigger warnings: divorce
BLOG || INSTA
I seem to be in the minority for not loving this book, but asdfghjkl; NO. I wanted to give this three stars to be friendly, but the more I thought about it the more that I realized this book annoyed me more than pleased me. I’m still open to reading more of Matson’s contemporaries, this one just let me down overall.
The writing had a nice flow and is easy to keep turning pages. I kept going thinking that I was going to get some character arcs to help my thoughts on the book. I did enjoy the family dynamics [mostly]. It was fun seeing that many family members together and interacting. Some of the dialogue is a tad cheesy, but fits with the atmosphere of the story.
My biggest issue is that the two main focuses of the book collided so much and I thought it needed either more of one and less of the other and vice versa. Let me explain:
- We had the “love story”. With the first chapter I was already very curious as to how this was all going to unfold (and why I thought the book was going to focus on the romance). I had guessed right with most of it, but the fact of the matter is that neither guy was in the book all that much. I was wondering if we were going to have more interactions. It left me wanting more from that angle.
- And we had the “family story”. The entire story (400+ pages) covers THREE DAYS. That’s its own issue. Anywho, there was a big focus on reconnecting with family and accepting change within that dynamic. I would have loved if the plot focused solely on them and not added the romance. ONE OR THE OTHER. The combination of both left these plot lines frazzled.
I couldn’t stand Charlie as a MC. She was often very immature and naive. Not to mention, literally every chapter something else went wrong with the wedding. I was amazed that that many things could happen in THREE DAYS. It got to be so ridiculous I couldn’t even handle it.
This book would do much better on the big screen. The unrealistic happenings caused me to roll my eyes rather than laugh. I think this would have translated better as a movie. It was cute to have the cameo of characters from The Unexpected Everything (a book I did give 4 stars) too!
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary
- Language: a little strong language
- Romance: an almost love scene (where you basically know what’s happening, takes up most of the first chapter), some kisses
- Trigger warnings: divorce
Closer to 3.5 stars
BLOG || INSTA
SOME GOOD. SOME BAD.
This book was so quick I’m having trouble formulating a review. I’ve sat on it for a few days and I’m going to try to put some thoughts to page, but we’ll see what happens. Maybe I’m using a list again:
Things I did like:
- That Alanna did stand up for the type of relationship she wanted.
- A bit more intrigue with her brother Thom and trying to decide his motives and who’s side he’s on. Adds some mystery to the plot.
- George. I love the King of Thieves. He’s fun, sweet, gentle, and ruthless. I like watching his relations with Alanna develop.
- I did like the characters from the Bazhir and enjoyed seeing Alanna form some tentative friendships with them.
- It’s a super quick read.
Things I didn’t like:
- I’m not sure about the story overall. I thought it was random she stayed with the Bazhir. It was like this book was added to give Alanna “an adventure.” Not much really happened in regards to the larger story (defeating the Duke).
- Jonathan. Wow, and I was into him. He ruined any redemption chances. And I really hope there isn’t one. I’m over that ship.
- Much slower pace than the previous two books and seemed oddly out of place.
Overall audience notes:
Young adult fantasy
Language: none
Romance: implied nights together, but no further details; some kisses
Violence: swords, magic, fire, poison, arrows
BLOG || INSTA
SOME GOOD. SOME BAD.
This book was so quick I’m having trouble formulating a review. I’ve sat on it for a few days and I’m going to try to put some thoughts to page, but we’ll see what happens. Maybe I’m using a list again:
Things I did like:
- That Alanna did stand up for the type of relationship she wanted.
- A bit more intrigue with her brother Thom and trying to decide his motives and who’s side he’s on. Adds some mystery to the plot.
- George. I love the King of Thieves. He’s fun, sweet, gentle, and ruthless. I like watching his relations with Alanna develop.
- I did like the characters from the Bazhir and enjoyed seeing Alanna form some tentative friendships with them.
- It’s a super quick read.
Things I didn’t like:
- I’m not sure about the story overall. I thought it was random she stayed with the Bazhir. It was like this book was added to give Alanna “an adventure.” Not much really happened in regards to the larger story (defeating the Duke).
- Jonathan. Wow, and I was into him. He ruined any redemption chances. And I really hope there isn’t one. I’m over that ship.
- Much slower pace than the previous two books and seemed oddly out of place.
Overall audience notes:
Young adult fantasy
Language: none
Romance: implied nights together, but no further details; some kisses
Violence: swords, magic, fire, poison, arrows
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LOVED THIS.
BLOG || INSTA
This was a great ending to a wonderful series. I absolutely adored all of the mythology and friendships that played a major role in all of these books. I haven’t read many Greek mythology books and thought that this clearly had so much research done to bring these characters to life. I am now really interested in seeing what other books Riordan has.
I love Percy. He is a great MC. So full of heart, loyalty, and a desire to help those around him. I cheered for him throughout this entire series and laughed at the ridiculous (and often cute) situations he would get himself into. His ending for this series was not quite what I expected. Not a big deal, I liked the way this went better.
I think it’s crazy it took me so long to pick these up. It’s a fantastic series for all ages. I think it has many things that appeal to the masses. The focus on friendships, continual flow of action and moments that’ll stop your heart. It’s all there and quick to get through.
Percabeth is SUCH A CUTE SHIP. At times they annoyed me a touch because they were being a little naive. But, I realized they are 16. It’s okay to work through feelings and first love and all those moments that most of us remember going through too. I loved watching their relationship blossom over all of the books and it was a nice little touch to this one.
ACTION. The battle scenes took up chapters. It was crazy. I never felt like it was too much though. There were pauses and dreams throughout the battle that broke it up nicely and kept it from overpowering what was happening. I got the redemption I was hoping for and was pleased with how the everything else unfolded.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy + mythology
- Language: none
- Romance: a kiss
- Violence: swords, death, battle scenes (never bloody/gory), loss of loved ones
BLOG || INSTA
This was a great ending to a wonderful series. I absolutely adored all of the mythology and friendships that played a major role in all of these books. I haven’t read many Greek mythology books and thought that this clearly had so much research done to bring these characters to life. I am now really interested in seeing what other books Riordan has.
I love Percy. He is a great MC. So full of heart, loyalty, and a desire to help those around him. I cheered for him throughout this entire series and laughed at the ridiculous (and often cute) situations he would get himself into. His ending for this series was not quite what I expected. Not a big deal, I liked the way this went better.
I think it’s crazy it took me so long to pick these up. It’s a fantastic series for all ages. I think it has many things that appeal to the masses. The focus on friendships, continual flow of action and moments that’ll stop your heart. It’s all there and quick to get through.
Percabeth is SUCH A CUTE SHIP. At times they annoyed me a touch because they were being a little naive. But, I realized they are 16. It’s okay to work through feelings and first love and all those moments that most of us remember going through too. I loved watching their relationship blossom over all of the books and it was a nice little touch to this one.
ACTION. The battle scenes took up chapters. It was crazy. I never felt like it was too much though. There were pauses and dreams throughout the battle that broke it up nicely and kept it from overpowering what was happening. I got the redemption I was hoping for and was pleased with how the everything else unfolded.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy + mythology
- Language: none
- Romance: a kiss
- Violence: swords, death, battle scenes (never bloody/gory), loss of loved ones
EXCELLENTLY SPOOKY.
BLOG || INSTA
I think I can easily say this one was better than the first. I loved getting to know these characters more and having already established themselves I was further invested in the story.
The banter and team dynamics of Lockwood & Co. is what keeps me coming back for more. They are fantastic. It reminds me of the Jackaby series I’m currently reading right now. Everyone cares of each other, but they are also not afraid to give it to another if necessary to put them back in line. A close knit group that makes me so happy every time they’re together.
I love Lucy’s inner dialogue. This girl tells it like it is. Not everyone is handsome or beautiful and things are not always going the right way. I love how she puts her world together and is smart and strong-willed. I didn’t initially like that it was from her perspective, but book two has convinced me that this is the way to go.
Since I’m personally not a big horror fan, this is right at the level that I can love. It’s creepy, spooky, and I felt it should be fall every time I picked this up. The ghosts are definitely a bit haunting and the descriptions really bring them to life.
Even when you can kind of tell what’s going to happen and who the main culprit is in the the given scenario, there’s still enough pieces missing to keep you interested. I found myself second-guessing and freaked out at what was happening. Some moments where I know I was shouting wild thoughts hoping that everything worked out in the end.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult paranormal mystery + fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: none
- Violence: swords, descriptive ghostly apparitions, description of murders and corpses, murder, explosions
BLOG || INSTA
I think I can easily say this one was better than the first. I loved getting to know these characters more and having already established themselves I was further invested in the story.
The banter and team dynamics of Lockwood & Co. is what keeps me coming back for more. They are fantastic. It reminds me of the Jackaby series I’m currently reading right now. Everyone cares of each other, but they are also not afraid to give it to another if necessary to put them back in line. A close knit group that makes me so happy every time they’re together.
I love Lucy’s inner dialogue. This girl tells it like it is. Not everyone is handsome or beautiful and things are not always going the right way. I love how she puts her world together and is smart and strong-willed. I didn’t initially like that it was from her perspective, but book two has convinced me that this is the way to go.
Since I’m personally not a big horror fan, this is right at the level that I can love. It’s creepy, spooky, and I felt it should be fall every time I picked this up. The ghosts are definitely a bit haunting and the descriptions really bring them to life.
Even when you can kind of tell what’s going to happen and who the main culprit is in the the given scenario, there’s still enough pieces missing to keep you interested. I found myself second-guessing and freaked out at what was happening. Some moments where I know I was shouting wild thoughts hoping that everything worked out in the end.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult paranormal mystery + fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: none
- Violence: swords, descriptive ghostly apparitions, description of murders and corpses, murder, explosions
BEST BOOK YET.
You know when you love a book SO MUCH that you can’t even form a coherent sentence let alone a whole review? This is what’s happening to my mind trying to put this together. Let me leave at least this one sentence here: I love this series with a crazy bookish passion and it has been the best series I’ve picked up in 2019 thus far (And I’m not even through with it yet).
I swear this series is out to destroy me. Though this much heart ache hopefully leads to the amazing reunion, happy ending I MUST HAVE. Sucker for happy endings. Give them allllll to me.
First and foremost, I am completely obsessed with Aldrik. He is a tortured soul with such deep pains and is struggling so much, and somehow still gives his heart to Vhalla. Every time they spoke I couldn’t handle how sweet his words were to her. HE LOVES HER SO MUCH.
Vhalla is a stellar character in her own right. I gave the first book (Air Awakens) 4 stars because I wasn’t convinced that I liked Vhalla, but figured there would be a major character arc brewing. And so far, so good! I love how passionate, stubborn, and full of strength she is. We also got to see her break to a very low point. This was raw and important for further moving her along in the story. It was a moment for her to dive deep and find her own way.
I do feel it pertinent to mention that this is a fantasy series with a heavy focus on the relationship between Vhalla and Aldrik. I love books like this, but I know others prefer a lot more components. And while this does have a lot of politics, battles and tense moments, it’s heavy on the focus for my OTP.
I love the friendships! Vhalla has her own little crew and all of the relationships have blossomed and flourished in their own ways. She has a support team and everyone actually enjoys each other’s company. Nobody annoys me. They all have a purpose and I know enough of their background that I’m going to be devastated if someone else dies (knock on wood).
This book kept me on my toes. I was never sure what was going to happen next. Would get a nice moment? Would someone else die? *Bonus: Kova is not afraid to kill off characters* Would all be okay?! ALL IS DEFINITELY NOT OKAY.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy + romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses/make-outs, a few love scenes that are a little detailed, but mostly fades out; nothing explicit
- Violence: swords, poison, battle scenes, loss of loved ones, elemental magic
- Trigger warnings: alcoholism – used specifically to suppress feelings/emotions
You know when you love a book SO MUCH that you can’t even form a coherent sentence let alone a whole review? This is what’s happening to my mind trying to put this together. Let me leave at least this one sentence here: I love this series with a crazy bookish passion and it has been the best series I’ve picked up in 2019 thus far (And I’m not even through with it yet).
I swear this series is out to destroy me. Though this much heart ache hopefully leads to the amazing reunion, happy ending I MUST HAVE. Sucker for happy endings. Give them allllll to me.
First and foremost, I am completely obsessed with Aldrik. He is a tortured soul with such deep pains and is struggling so much, and somehow still gives his heart to Vhalla. Every time they spoke I couldn’t handle how sweet his words were to her. HE LOVES HER SO MUCH.
Vhalla is a stellar character in her own right. I gave the first book (Air Awakens) 4 stars because I wasn’t convinced that I liked Vhalla, but figured there would be a major character arc brewing. And so far, so good! I love how passionate, stubborn, and full of strength she is. We also got to see her break to a very low point. This was raw and important for further moving her along in the story. It was a moment for her to dive deep and find her own way.
I do feel it pertinent to mention that this is a fantasy series with a heavy focus on the relationship between Vhalla and Aldrik. I love books like this, but I know others prefer a lot more components. And while this does have a lot of politics, battles and tense moments, it’s heavy on the focus for my OTP.
I love the friendships! Vhalla has her own little crew and all of the relationships have blossomed and flourished in their own ways. She has a support team and everyone actually enjoys each other’s company. Nobody annoys me. They all have a purpose and I know enough of their background that I’m going to be devastated if someone else dies (knock on wood).
This book kept me on my toes. I was never sure what was going to happen next. Would get a nice moment? Would someone else die? *Bonus: Kova is not afraid to kill off characters* Would all be okay?! ALL IS DEFINITELY NOT OKAY.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy + romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses/make-outs, a few love scenes that are a little detailed, but mostly fades out; nothing explicit
- Violence: swords, poison, battle scenes, loss of loved ones, elemental magic
- Trigger warnings: alcoholism – used specifically to suppress feelings/emotions
SO SAD THIS SERIES IS OVER.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Oh, what a ride. I was giddy with joy that I received an ARC because I wanted to know how the fate of the library would at last, unfold.
This book started out with a bang. I immediately dove into the action as Jess was recovering from the ending of the last book (trying to keep large spoilers out) and trying to kill himself yet again at the beginning of this one. Does he ever stay away from danger? NOPE. I absolutely adore Jess and thought he was the perfect MC. Bold, brash, deceiving yet loyal, he was someone I begged to have a happy ending.
Speaking of those I was stoked to see get a happy ending (italicized because frankly, this book didn’t end with rainbows and unicorns, but it was still a good ending)…WOFLE & SANTI. Oh how I love these men. They are the sweetest, strongest couple and I can’t get enough of watching them interact. I was sad I didn’t see them together as much in this story, but the snippets I got, YES. LOVE. Love them, love them forever.
My four star rating is centered around the disjointed feeling I got while reading it. These main characters are spread out over the city and rarely interact until the end. This vast difference in location and plot lines made it feel like separate pieces rather than a whole story. I was stoked when everyone gathered towards the end to finish what they started. I love this group of friends and how much they love each other. I love that we got multiple POVs from so many different characters.
That ending was *just right*. Bitter sweet, but I wasn’t left reeling because I saw that this is where the story needed to go to really end. There was even an epilogue that put a few questions I had in mind at peace. I think everything was well covered and put together. I closed the book feeling satisfied that these characters were at a close in this story.
I love they whole creation of this series. The concept is unique to books I’ve had the chance to read and that was what initially drew me to them. I was captivated by this diverse group who came together to better their world. Knowledge is for everyone to have a chance to obtain.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy + dystopian
- Language: very little
- Romance: a kiss
- Violence: poisonous gas, explosions with greek fire (a substance that burns anything it touches), ship wrecks, animal attacks (by robotic versions of dragons and sphinx), guns, knives, battle scenes, magic
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Oh, what a ride. I was giddy with joy that I received an ARC because I wanted to know how the fate of the library would at last, unfold.
This book started out with a bang. I immediately dove into the action as Jess was recovering from the ending of the last book (trying to keep large spoilers out) and trying to kill himself yet again at the beginning of this one. Does he ever stay away from danger? NOPE. I absolutely adore Jess and thought he was the perfect MC. Bold, brash, deceiving yet loyal, he was someone I begged to have a happy ending.
Speaking of those I was stoked to see get a happy ending (italicized because frankly, this book didn’t end with rainbows and unicorns, but it was still a good ending)…WOFLE & SANTI. Oh how I love these men. They are the sweetest, strongest couple and I can’t get enough of watching them interact. I was sad I didn’t see them together as much in this story, but the snippets I got, YES. LOVE. Love them, love them forever.
My four star rating is centered around the disjointed feeling I got while reading it. These main characters are spread out over the city and rarely interact until the end. This vast difference in location and plot lines made it feel like separate pieces rather than a whole story. I was stoked when everyone gathered towards the end to finish what they started. I love this group of friends and how much they love each other. I love that we got multiple POVs from so many different characters.
That ending was *just right*. Bitter sweet, but I wasn’t left reeling because I saw that this is where the story needed to go to really end. There was even an epilogue that put a few questions I had in mind at peace. I think everything was well covered and put together. I closed the book feeling satisfied that these characters were at a close in this story.
I love they whole creation of this series. The concept is unique to books I’ve had the chance to read and that was what initially drew me to them. I was captivated by this diverse group who came together to better their world. Knowledge is for everyone to have a chance to obtain.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy + dystopian
- Language: very little
- Romance: a kiss
- Violence: poisonous gas, explosions with greek fire (a substance that burns anything it touches), ship wrecks, animal attacks (by robotic versions of dragons and sphinx), guns, knives, battle scenes, magic
DEAD.
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I feel that is the only sentiment I can give this book. BECAUSE I’M DEAD. Kova? Not afraid to kill off characters. This isn’t the first one she killed in this series, and it probably won’t be the last. BUT STILL. My heart is broken. That entire section of the book was a moment. A gosh dang beautifully tragic moment.
Yet again, completely obsessed with Aldrik. This man is going on his own character turn around and I am HERE FOR IT. I also love that Vhalla doesn’t cut him any slack. They both pick up and encourage each other. And they hold each other to a higher standard. It’s amazing what this relationship has been turned into and I am so happy with the current outcomes. They are precious. I can literally not handle a single moment Vhalla and Aldrik spend together. I gush every dang time.
Vhalla. She is really becoming a top fav character of mine. She is resilient, and owns who she is. I love watching her learn to love herself. Vhalla has a lot of crap she deals with too and I’m curious where that will take us in book five. She treats those around her as best as she can and is passionate about bringing peace to her home.
I can’t keep up with the dangerous situations that are constantly being thrown out. Can no one catch a break?! I hurt for my team y’all. All of these characters have become so very precious to me and I can only cross my fingers that I get a happy ending. There’s been enough sadness! Though really, I feel a cementing of a top 5 favorite series every happening soon. Stay tuned.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: some kisses
- Violence: quite a bit and somewhat detailed; knives, elemental magic, descriptions of deaths off screen, torture, murder, loss of loved ones
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I feel that is the only sentiment I can give this book. BECAUSE I’M DEAD. Kova? Not afraid to kill off characters. This isn’t the first one she killed in this series, and it probably won’t be the last. BUT STILL. My heart is broken. That entire section of the book was a moment. A gosh dang beautifully tragic moment.
Yet again, completely obsessed with Aldrik. This man is going on his own character turn around and I am HERE FOR IT. I also love that Vhalla doesn’t cut him any slack. They both pick up and encourage each other. And they hold each other to a higher standard. It’s amazing what this relationship has been turned into and I am so happy with the current outcomes. They are precious. I can literally not handle a single moment Vhalla and Aldrik spend together. I gush every dang time.
Vhalla. She is really becoming a top fav character of mine. She is resilient, and owns who she is. I love watching her learn to love herself. Vhalla has a lot of crap she deals with too and I’m curious where that will take us in book five. She treats those around her as best as she can and is passionate about bringing peace to her home.
I can’t keep up with the dangerous situations that are constantly being thrown out. Can no one catch a break?! I hurt for my team y’all. All of these characters have become so very precious to me and I can only cross my fingers that I get a happy ending. There’s been enough sadness! Though really, I feel a cementing of a top 5 favorite series every happening soon. Stay tuned.
Overall audience notes:
- Young adult fantasy romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: some kisses
- Violence: quite a bit and somewhat detailed; knives, elemental magic, descriptions of deaths off screen, torture, murder, loss of loved ones
EPIC FANTASY IS RIGHT.
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I am once again kicking myself for not picking up Brandon Sanderson’s novels sooner. I HAVE LOVED THEM ALL (Current total: 5). I also listened to this as a FORTY FIVE AND A HALF HOUR audio book. It admittedly took me months to get through. But, now I want them as actual books because hot dang. I love his fantasy writing.
So much world building. And it’s clever to boot. The more intricacies that are woven into the daily life of everyone astounds me. I can’t even begin to imagine how he comes up with all of this to make anything coherent. I find it fascinating and entrancing to listen to how Sanderson’s world comes together for his characters.
Speaking of characters, Kaladin. KALADIN. I am here for the greatest that this man will command. He was fearless, lovable, and I would be in his bridge crew too (but not really because that sounds awful). Dalinar was amazing too. In audio books, I know it always takes me longer to get into them because I’m trying to remember who’s who and where people are. And after that point I was heavily invested in these lives colliding. They’re so many other characters I can point out and talk about, but trust me. Everyone is well thought out, serves a purpose and makes this book what it is.
I love how I can never quite figure out where Sanderson is taking us. It’s not until the last chapters of the book where you realize where everything has been building towards. I love being on my toes and being hooked by this kind of format. There’s enough teasers along the way that keep you flipping pages (or in my case listening, but either way you have to love it to do this for 1000+ pages).
Overall audience notes:
- Epic fantasy
- Language: bastard used a few times
- Romance: a kiss, some hugs
- Violence: war and battle scenes, swords, creature battles; all fairly detailed, a bit gory & bloody
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I am once again kicking myself for not picking up Brandon Sanderson’s novels sooner. I HAVE LOVED THEM ALL (Current total: 5). I also listened to this as a FORTY FIVE AND A HALF HOUR audio book. It admittedly took me months to get through. But, now I want them as actual books because hot dang. I love his fantasy writing.
So much world building. And it’s clever to boot. The more intricacies that are woven into the daily life of everyone astounds me. I can’t even begin to imagine how he comes up with all of this to make anything coherent. I find it fascinating and entrancing to listen to how Sanderson’s world comes together for his characters.
Speaking of characters, Kaladin. KALADIN. I am here for the greatest that this man will command. He was fearless, lovable, and I would be in his bridge crew too (but not really because that sounds awful). Dalinar was amazing too. In audio books, I know it always takes me longer to get into them because I’m trying to remember who’s who and where people are. And after that point I was heavily invested in these lives colliding. They’re so many other characters I can point out and talk about, but trust me. Everyone is well thought out, serves a purpose and makes this book what it is.
I love how I can never quite figure out where Sanderson is taking us. It’s not until the last chapters of the book where you realize where everything has been building towards. I love being on my toes and being hooked by this kind of format. There’s enough teasers along the way that keep you flipping pages (or in my case listening, but either way you have to love it to do this for 1000+ pages).
Overall audience notes:
- Epic fantasy
- Language: bastard used a few times
- Romance: a kiss, some hugs
- Violence: war and battle scenes, swords, creature battles; all fairly detailed, a bit gory & bloody
Closer to 3.5 stars.
WHIMSICAL.
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This had some strengths and weaknesses. I went through it pretty fast and thought it was a clever story overall.
I loved the folklore and fairytale vibes it gave off. It was whimsical and easy to follow. The culture and heritage came alive in Mexico and it was great following Casiopea and Hun-Kame around. It was a true adventure and had a light quality to it even when Casiopea was running around with a death god.
The love story was soft and simple. It came on slowly and sweetly. I definitely shipped them and was conflicted with how the ending came out. Though, with the whole fairlytale aspects it made sense. Casiopea was on a personally journey that took getting out of her situation to be able to grasp and hold on to. I was happy that she really grew into herself and had a chance at freedom.
I HATED Martin. So much so that it was a big reason that I lowered my rating. I did not like his point-of-view chapters. I did not like the way he treated anyone and how highly he thought of himself. UGH. And he never got better. Martin was this untethered end that I wanted to cut and throw away. I even wrote in my notes: Martin is the literal worst.
It was a pleasant read and I did enjoy it, but I also felt it was easy to put it down. Nothing grabbed me and kept me going. A positive 3 stars overall, only a couple things that were iffy.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical fiction + fantasy
- Langauge: a little strong language (f-words are used)
- Romance: a few kisses
- Violence: off screen mentions of decapitation, some scuffle scenes
WHIMSICAL.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
This had some strengths and weaknesses. I went through it pretty fast and thought it was a clever story overall.
I loved the folklore and fairytale vibes it gave off. It was whimsical and easy to follow. The culture and heritage came alive in Mexico and it was great following Casiopea and Hun-Kame around. It was a true adventure and had a light quality to it even when Casiopea was running around with a death god.
The love story was soft and simple. It came on slowly and sweetly. I definitely shipped them and was conflicted with how the ending came out. Though, with the whole fairlytale aspects it made sense. Casiopea was on a personally journey that took getting out of her situation to be able to grasp and hold on to. I was happy that she really grew into herself and had a chance at freedom.
I HATED Martin. So much so that it was a big reason that I lowered my rating. I did not like his point-of-view chapters. I did not like the way he treated anyone and how highly he thought of himself. UGH. And he never got better. Martin was this untethered end that I wanted to cut and throw away. I even wrote in my notes: Martin is the literal worst.
It was a pleasant read and I did enjoy it, but I also felt it was easy to put it down. Nothing grabbed me and kept me going. A positive 3 stars overall, only a couple things that were iffy.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical fiction + fantasy
- Langauge: a little strong language (f-words are used)
- Romance: a few kisses
- Violence: off screen mentions of decapitation, some scuffle scenes