I have really enjoyed the Impossible Times series. It is different from Lawrence's other works, and I appreciate that. While it address hard hitting topics, like death, life, and love, it does so in a perfectly geeky way.

Dispel Illusions is the conclusion to the trilogy. It was both predictable, and not at the same time. I mean that while I understood the grand plan of what would happen, I was not sure about the details. Some of the details really sidelined me - in the best way.

It is pretty amazing to have a story start when a character is 15 and end when the character is in their 40s. It is even more impactful in a story about time and time paradoxes.

I especially appreciate the Autism (ASD) representation in the novel. It was apparent that Simon was on the spectrum. However, the actual reference to ASD in the third book was appreciated. There needs to be more Autism rep in books - and rep that is not written from a poor me I'm broken perspective that Neurotypical writers tend to have towards their characters with ASD. I have no idea if Mark Lawrence himself has Aspergers, either way I enjoyed the way it was portrayed.

The Cruel Prince started off as a good dark fantasy. Although, I did not find it especially original. I was not blown away, and was wondering what all the fuss was about. I mean, I enjoyed it. I just did not see anything specifically special about it.

Then, about book two, the story captured me. I had a hard time putting the book down. I was all in, ready to join the fan club. I enjoyed it so much that I have been debating re-reading it before reading the sequel. Even though, at the time of me actually writing this review, the sequel has been out for a week and is waiting for me to crack it open.

This is the first book that I have read of Holly Black (I know, I know. . .that will be rectified) and I found her to be an excellent writer. She has strong character growth and her words flow together nicely. Although, what really drew me into the fan club was the plot. It kept me guessing even when I knew what was going to happen. I became invested in all of the characters. Even the unlikable characters were likable. . . maybe not likable, but enjoyable to read about.

I feel invested in the characters. I have a need (strong desire) to find out what happens next. Now, to just find the time to crack open The Wicked King.

I am starting to find a trend in Holly Blacks written. While I like her writing, I tend to connect to her books about half way through and then by the end I am left completely hooked. Although, maybe it is just this series.

I honestly wish that I would have waited to read this series until it was complete. Instead of moving on to what is next I have to place the series on the book shelf and wait. When the third book releases I plan to do a reread of the entire series. I have the feeling that the books will seem more complete when they are put together.

As a first introduction to Holly Black I have great respect for her writing, her characters, and her world building. I have every plan to become a collector of all her other works.

The Scoripo Races is a light fantasy young adult novel about an island that is visited once a year by water horses. These are vicious horses that are known to attack and kill. Since they are so dangerous they are, of course, caught and trained to ride in a race around the island where finishing with your life is it's own kind of winning.

The novel reminded me of a lot of the middle grade horse books that I have read. (One of my children was really into them for a while, so I have read more then I would care to admit.) The novel was good but it did not amaze me. A lot of the writing focused on the setting and I prefer a more character driven novel.

It was a pleasant read, but did not really connect with me. This is the second Stiefvater novel I have read and I felt the same about the first book. While I understand why she has such a strong fan base, I personally did not find The Scorpio Races to be a favorite.