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momwithareadingproblem
I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Yet another book that suffers from second-book syndrome. Y'all most of the time I can push through this. If the start of a series is intriguing enough for me to keep reading, I'm likely to push through a bad second book to get to the end (Ice Like Fire, anyone?). Unfortunately for True North that wasn't happening. [b:True Born|26114621|True Born (True Born Trilogy, #1)|L.E. Sterling|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1443004155s/26114621.jpg|46061436] showed a lot of promise and so I was expecting a lot from its sequel. Maybe too much…
The book opens pretty much where it left off. Lucy has made a deal with Nolan Storm: his protection and help in finding her twin sister Margot for her card into the elite, first-class society world. Basically she is his ward and he parades her around like a showgirl to get into these fancy events and talk to people (that's really dumbing it down, there's more to it than that, but you get the picture). However when Storm doesn't deliver on his end of the deal, Lucy gets impatient. With the help of her new friend Alistair (y'all I may like him more than Jared and that's saying something), she boards a ship set for Russia to find her sister. Of course her True Born bodyguard Jared is not far behind.
So why did I not finish this book? Y'all, I was bored to tears. It dragged SO much. I need a fast-ish moving plot. It doesn't have to move at lightning speed or anything, it just needs to move. Unfortunately, True North doesn't. It's extremely slow plot, the kinda love triangle (not really love triangle), and the large sections of info dump was too much for me. I put this book down around the 60% mark and never picked it back up. As a result I won't be finishing this series. Sadly the only thing I'll miss is if Lucy picks Jared *shrugs*
Yet another book that suffers from second-book syndrome. Y'all most of the time I can push through this. If the start of a series is intriguing enough for me to keep reading, I'm likely to push through a bad second book to get to the end (Ice Like Fire, anyone?). Unfortunately for True North that wasn't happening. [b:True Born|26114621|True Born (True Born Trilogy, #1)|L.E. Sterling|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1443004155s/26114621.jpg|46061436] showed a lot of promise and so I was expecting a lot from its sequel. Maybe too much…
The book opens pretty much where it left off. Lucy has made a deal with Nolan Storm: his protection and help in finding her twin sister Margot for her card into the elite, first-class society world. Basically she is his ward and he parades her around like a showgirl to get into these fancy events and talk to people (that's really dumbing it down, there's more to it than that, but you get the picture). However when Storm doesn't deliver on his end of the deal, Lucy gets impatient. With the help of her new friend Alistair (y'all I may like him more than Jared and that's saying something), she boards a ship set for Russia to find her sister. Of course her True Born bodyguard Jared is not far behind.
So why did I not finish this book? Y'all, I was bored to tears. It dragged SO much. I need a fast-ish moving plot. It doesn't have to move at lightning speed or anything, it just needs to move. Unfortunately, True North doesn't. It's extremely slow plot, the kinda love triangle (not really love triangle), and the large sections of info dump was too much for me. I put this book down around the 60% mark and never picked it back up. As a result I won't be finishing this series. Sadly the only thing I'll miss is if Lucy picks Jared *shrugs*
I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
I have heard great things about the House of Night series by this author duo, so when I was sent an advanced copy of The Dysasters I jumped on it. X-men like powers, good vs evil….yes please! This sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately the execution was terrible. There were times where I'd sit the book down and think maybe I was just tired of reading at the time and come back to it an hour or so later….nope it really was awful.
As other reviewers have pointed out, The Dysasters was written by adult authors for teenagers. The unfortunate part about this is that it was clearly stereotyped. Yes teens are emotional, dramatic, occasionally curse, and can lash out. But y'all these main characters did these constantly with inappropriate timing. For instance, during their first meeting Foster calls Tate a d-bag and he responds by calling her a B----. Not cool! And definitely not going to get me to like either character.
The drama was OVER the top. Like way over! In the first few chapters, Foster argues with her mom, tornadoes destroy an entire town and quite literally kill everyone in said town, and Foster and Tate while three people from Foster's past chase them. Too much!
Personally I think if the story had been set around adults (even 19-20 years old) I would've enjoyed the story better….maybe. The whole plot was odd. You have Foster and Tate coming into their powers and trying to figure them out. And then you get the POV of the adults and Foster's dad who is like an evil scientist who is trying to find Foster and Tate, chase them down, etc. Also don't get me started on the weird POV that happens midway through the book. After I was finally finding a rhythm reading Tate and Foster's chapters, the authors threw in not one but two new POV. I think this would have been better served in the next book of the series, maybe focusing on different characters in each book OR introducing them at the beginning with Tate and Foster. It was confusing to say the least.
Overall, The Dysasters was a disaster... in my opinion anyways. I stopped reading around the 80% mark. I just couldn't keep going. If you enjoy science fiction, superhero type stories, maybe give it a read. You may enjoy it more than me.
I have heard great things about the House of Night series by this author duo, so when I was sent an advanced copy of The Dysasters I jumped on it. X-men like powers, good vs evil….yes please! This sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately the execution was terrible. There were times where I'd sit the book down and think maybe I was just tired of reading at the time and come back to it an hour or so later….nope it really was awful.
As other reviewers have pointed out, The Dysasters was written by adult authors for teenagers. The unfortunate part about this is that it was clearly stereotyped. Yes teens are emotional, dramatic, occasionally curse, and can lash out. But y'all these main characters did these constantly with inappropriate timing. For instance, during their first meeting Foster calls Tate a d-bag and he responds by calling her a B----. Not cool! And definitely not going to get me to like either character.
The drama was OVER the top. Like way over! In the first few chapters, Foster argues with her mom, tornadoes destroy an entire town and quite literally kill everyone in said town, and Foster and Tate while three people from Foster's past chase them. Too much!
Personally I think if the story had been set around adults (even 19-20 years old) I would've enjoyed the story better….maybe. The whole plot was odd. You have Foster and Tate coming into their powers and trying to figure them out. And then you get the POV of the adults and Foster's dad who is like an evil scientist who is trying to find Foster and Tate, chase them down, etc. Also don't get me started on the weird POV that happens midway through the book. After I was finally finding a rhythm reading Tate and Foster's chapters, the authors threw in not one but two new POV. I think this would have been better served in the next book of the series, maybe focusing on different characters in each book OR introducing them at the beginning with Tate and Foster. It was confusing to say the least.
Overall, The Dysasters was a disaster... in my opinion anyways. I stopped reading around the 80% mark. I just couldn't keep going. If you enjoy science fiction, superhero type stories, maybe give it a read. You may enjoy it more than me.
I received a copy of this audiobook via the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
What is up with my obsession of Faeries this year?! Y’all I’m devouring everything I can get my hands on that mention Fae and LOVING IT! The Thorn Princess is no exception. The first book in Bekah Harris's Iron Crown Faerie Tales, The Thorn Princess follows Ivy Hawthorne as she discovers a hidden world living around her.
Ivy Hawthorne is a seventeen year old, living at a boarding school in the Carolinas. She’s an outsider, a little quirky and a little magical. You see Ivy can see auras, animals seem to follow her around, and her dreams are sometimes prophetic. Now the boy from her dreams is the new kid at school and Ivy is about to follow him down the rabbit hole. I like Ivy. I empathize with her. Her mother went crazy and is in a home, her father never had much to do with Ivy after that, and Ivy thinks he blames her. Her one constant is her Irish grandmother who is just as quirky as Ivy. She’s a little shy and keeps to herself, and I can’t fault her for that. Then Bear shows up, and Ivy’s world is turned upside down.
Barrett Forbes’s transfer to Ivy’s school is questionable and mysterious, but a welcoming surprise to all. But he isn’t all he seems to be. An Irish accent and an uncanny ability to be where Ivy is when she needs help leaves the reader questioning who and what he really is. Bear was sent to find Ivy and bring her home to the Winter Court where her true mother, the winter queen, waits.
The plot of the story is interesting. As the reader, we see all sides and know things before Ivy does which I love. It creates some suspense and fantastic irony. I love the multiple POV too. We get a glimpse from Bear’s perspective, the queen’s and Ivy’s. The world-building around the Seelie and unseelie Fae, the mysterious reasons for Ivy being in the human world, and the dying magic of winter drive the plot and kept me interested to the very end.
Nikki Delgado narrates and I found myself drawn in, unable to stop listening. Clocking in at just under 6 hours, I finished it in one sitting. Delgado’s tone and inflection was enough that I had no trouble distinguishing between characters. I plan to listen to more from this narrator.
Overall I really enjoyed The Thorn Princess. I cannot wait to read more about Ivy, the Winter Court, and of course Bear. If you enjoy YA fantasy, I highly recommend it.
This review first appeared on Mom with a Reading Problem. To see it and other reviews, follow the link.
What is up with my obsession of Faeries this year?! Y’all I’m devouring everything I can get my hands on that mention Fae and LOVING IT! The Thorn Princess is no exception. The first book in Bekah Harris's Iron Crown Faerie Tales, The Thorn Princess follows Ivy Hawthorne as she discovers a hidden world living around her.
Ivy Hawthorne is a seventeen year old, living at a boarding school in the Carolinas. She’s an outsider, a little quirky and a little magical. You see Ivy can see auras, animals seem to follow her around, and her dreams are sometimes prophetic. Now the boy from her dreams is the new kid at school and Ivy is about to follow him down the rabbit hole. I like Ivy. I empathize with her. Her mother went crazy and is in a home, her father never had much to do with Ivy after that, and Ivy thinks he blames her. Her one constant is her Irish grandmother who is just as quirky as Ivy. She’s a little shy and keeps to herself, and I can’t fault her for that. Then Bear shows up, and Ivy’s world is turned upside down.
Barrett Forbes’s transfer to Ivy’s school is questionable and mysterious, but a welcoming surprise to all. But he isn’t all he seems to be. An Irish accent and an uncanny ability to be where Ivy is when she needs help leaves the reader questioning who and what he really is. Bear was sent to find Ivy and bring her home to the Winter Court where her true mother, the winter queen, waits.
The plot of the story is interesting. As the reader, we see all sides and know things before Ivy does which I love. It creates some suspense and fantastic irony. I love the multiple POV too. We get a glimpse from Bear’s perspective, the queen’s and Ivy’s. The world-building around the Seelie and unseelie Fae, the mysterious reasons for Ivy being in the human world, and the dying magic of winter drive the plot and kept me interested to the very end.
Nikki Delgado narrates and I found myself drawn in, unable to stop listening. Clocking in at just under 6 hours, I finished it in one sitting. Delgado’s tone and inflection was enough that I had no trouble distinguishing between characters. I plan to listen to more from this narrator.
Overall I really enjoyed The Thorn Princess. I cannot wait to read more about Ivy, the Winter Court, and of course Bear. If you enjoy YA fantasy, I highly recommend it.
This review first appeared on Mom with a Reading Problem. To see it and other reviews, follow the link.
Just One of the Royals by Leah and Kate Rooper is the second book in The Chicago Falcons and centers around Daniel Sacachelli, the bad boy of the team, and his crush Madison Myong, the team’s trainer and his best friend. If you enjoy best friend tropes with a little royalty thrown in, you are in for a treat.
The book opens with Daniel taking Madison home after a day at the movies. As friends, this is a normal thing for them. However Daniel is ready to confess his feelings for her. He wants more than a friendship, he wants to confess that he’s in love with her. But he doesn’t. Daniel thinks he isn’t good enough for the booksmart, rich Madison. But if he could only read her mind….Madison has a big crush on Daniel. She knows she shouldn’t. He is a player in every sense of the word. Her parents wouldn’t approve, but she doesn’t care. Daniel is her best friend, and he wouldn’t hurt her…would he?
When Daniel’s little sister shows up out of the blue and announces to all his friends that Daniel is not-only a prince but also in line for the throne, Daniel’s world is thrown off-balance. Everything he thought he knew isn’t true anymore, and now he has to leave hockey and Madison behind and take a crown he never wanted. The only thing that makes it better is Madison’s suggestion they pretend to be a couple and help him change his bad boy image to one the kingdom will accept.
Y’all I love this one! I love Daniel and Madison. Daniel is the reluctant prince who just wants to go back to his simple life in Chicago with his single mom, hockey, and his unattainable best friend. Madison is Daniel’s cheerleader, believing in him when he doesn’t believe in himself. She pushes him to be his best. However when the pretending starts to feel real, both Daniel and Madison don’t know how to protect their hearts or come clean about their true feelings. The tension between them is evident on the pages, and my heart ached for them as they danced around one another without ever acknowledging those feelings.
Overall I really enjoyed Just One of the Royals. I love Daniel and Madison. I love the hockey, and I love the royal element. If you enjoy sweet, YA romance, I highly recommend it.
This review first appeared on Mom with a Reading Problem. To see it and other reviews, follow the link.
The book opens with Daniel taking Madison home after a day at the movies. As friends, this is a normal thing for them. However Daniel is ready to confess his feelings for her. He wants more than a friendship, he wants to confess that he’s in love with her. But he doesn’t. Daniel thinks he isn’t good enough for the booksmart, rich Madison. But if he could only read her mind….Madison has a big crush on Daniel. She knows she shouldn’t. He is a player in every sense of the word. Her parents wouldn’t approve, but she doesn’t care. Daniel is her best friend, and he wouldn’t hurt her…would he?
When Daniel’s little sister shows up out of the blue and announces to all his friends that Daniel is not-only a prince but also in line for the throne, Daniel’s world is thrown off-balance. Everything he thought he knew isn’t true anymore, and now he has to leave hockey and Madison behind and take a crown he never wanted. The only thing that makes it better is Madison’s suggestion they pretend to be a couple and help him change his bad boy image to one the kingdom will accept.
Y’all I love this one! I love Daniel and Madison. Daniel is the reluctant prince who just wants to go back to his simple life in Chicago with his single mom, hockey, and his unattainable best friend. Madison is Daniel’s cheerleader, believing in him when he doesn’t believe in himself. She pushes him to be his best. However when the pretending starts to feel real, both Daniel and Madison don’t know how to protect their hearts or come clean about their true feelings. The tension between them is evident on the pages, and my heart ached for them as they danced around one another without ever acknowledging those feelings.
Overall I really enjoyed Just One of the Royals. I love Daniel and Madison. I love the hockey, and I love the royal element. If you enjoy sweet, YA romance, I highly recommend it.
This review first appeared on Mom with a Reading Problem. To see it and other reviews, follow the link.
I received an eARC of this book via the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody is the first four novellas in . Each novella is roughly 15 chapters and tells its own story within the series arc. If you enjoy serial series, I think you will enjoy this YA fantasy. Following the life of Talise as she strives to become a Master Shaper, The Elements of the Crown is a breathtaking adventure.
Talise is an interesting character. I had a hard time liking her at first. She is determined to become a Master Shaper, and the book begins as her time at the Elite Academy ends and the trials for Master Shaper begin. This is her escape from the outer ring of the kingdom. While her determination is admiring, her willingness to sacrifice others for it isn’t. She’s highly competitive and when someone transfers into the academy at the end, well she doesn’t welcome them kindly.
Aaden is the only person that could beat Talise in her quest to become Master Shaper. He is as adept as she is at shaping all the elements, and his control is the only one to match hers. Yet he pushes all attempts of friendship away. This creates an atmosphere between him and the other shapers. No one trusts him, and everyone questions his reason for being there. I felt bad for him, especially as things about his past are revealed.
The plot of this series is fantastic! I was surprised at every turn of the page. I wound up loving Talise, even when I wanted to smack her. Aaden is the same. I love him. The relationship that builds between Aaden and Talise is tenuous at best, though I’d wager he was more willing to have a friendship than her. She doesn’t trust him, and throughout the book he is earning her trust. The world-building is amazing. I really enjoyed learning about the different elements, the Master Shapers, and the empire.
Overall The Elements of the Crown is a great way to start the series. It follows Talise and Aaden as they journey through their trials as Master Shapers and introduces a rebellion brewing in the empire. The emperor’s role in the story is just as important as any soldier introduced. Don’t count anyone out! I can’t wait to continue reading more of Talise’s adventures.
This review first appeared on Mom with a Reading Problem. To see it and other reviews, follow the link.
The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody is the first four novellas in . Each novella is roughly 15 chapters and tells its own story within the series arc. If you enjoy serial series, I think you will enjoy this YA fantasy. Following the life of Talise as she strives to become a Master Shaper, The Elements of the Crown is a breathtaking adventure.
Talise is an interesting character. I had a hard time liking her at first. She is determined to become a Master Shaper, and the book begins as her time at the Elite Academy ends and the trials for Master Shaper begin. This is her escape from the outer ring of the kingdom. While her determination is admiring, her willingness to sacrifice others for it isn’t. She’s highly competitive and when someone transfers into the academy at the end, well she doesn’t welcome them kindly.
Aaden is the only person that could beat Talise in her quest to become Master Shaper. He is as adept as she is at shaping all the elements, and his control is the only one to match hers. Yet he pushes all attempts of friendship away. This creates an atmosphere between him and the other shapers. No one trusts him, and everyone questions his reason for being there. I felt bad for him, especially as things about his past are revealed.
The plot of this series is fantastic! I was surprised at every turn of the page. I wound up loving Talise, even when I wanted to smack her. Aaden is the same. I love him. The relationship that builds between Aaden and Talise is tenuous at best, though I’d wager he was more willing to have a friendship than her. She doesn’t trust him, and throughout the book he is earning her trust. The world-building is amazing. I really enjoyed learning about the different elements, the Master Shapers, and the empire.
Overall The Elements of the Crown is a great way to start the series. It follows Talise and Aaden as they journey through their trials as Master Shapers and introduces a rebellion brewing in the empire. The emperor’s role in the story is just as important as any soldier introduced. Don’t count anyone out! I can’t wait to continue reading more of Talise’s adventures.
This review first appeared on Mom with a Reading Problem. To see it and other reviews, follow the link.
I really enjoyed this short novella. The Winter Witch by Karpov Kinrade & Heather Hildenbrand is a paranormal fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast combined with The Little Girl and the Winter Whirlwinds. I can’t speak to the latter fairy tale, but the romantic elements of the first are there. Following Adara, The Winter Witch is a fast-paced, slow burn romance that will make any fantasy lover happy.
Adara is a witch, the first to be born in a long time. She has trained her entire life to master her abilities and kill the cursed prince that rules over her village. This year she is chosen as the sacrifice, and this year she plans to kill him. I like Adara. She knows what she must do, is prepared to do it, and is ready to die if she must. She shows great courage, even when set on avenging her parents who died at the prince’s hands.
The prince was unexpected. He is immortal, cursed with bloodlust. Over the years he’s lived, he’s learned how long he can go between feedings. This is why he asks for a yearly sacrifice. This gives him the ability to feed without killing too many. He’s remorseful and unhappy with his lot in life. This isn’t what he wants, but he doesn’t know how to stop or break his curse. I found myself really liking the prince early on. He was caring and kind, even if he was dangerous.
Overall I really enjoyed this short holiday novella. The world building, the romance, and the characters are well thought out, vivid, and haunting. The plot is fast-moving, coupled with a slow-burn romance that left me smiling in the end. If you enjoy paranormal romance, I highly recommend it.
This review first appeared on Mom with a Reading Problem. To see it and other reviews, follow the link.
Adara is a witch, the first to be born in a long time. She has trained her entire life to master her abilities and kill the cursed prince that rules over her village. This year she is chosen as the sacrifice, and this year she plans to kill him. I like Adara. She knows what she must do, is prepared to do it, and is ready to die if she must. She shows great courage, even when set on avenging her parents who died at the prince’s hands.
The prince was unexpected. He is immortal, cursed with bloodlust. Over the years he’s lived, he’s learned how long he can go between feedings. This is why he asks for a yearly sacrifice. This gives him the ability to feed without killing too many. He’s remorseful and unhappy with his lot in life. This isn’t what he wants, but he doesn’t know how to stop or break his curse. I found myself really liking the prince early on. He was caring and kind, even if he was dangerous.
Overall I really enjoyed this short holiday novella. The world building, the romance, and the characters are well thought out, vivid, and haunting. The plot is fast-moving, coupled with a slow-burn romance that left me smiling in the end. If you enjoy paranormal romance, I highly recommend it.
This review first appeared on Mom with a Reading Problem. To see it and other reviews, follow the link.
I received a copy of this audiobook via the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Beauty and Beastly by Melanie Karsak is a steampunk retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast. I love this twist on the original! It is unlike anything I’ve ever read. The clockwork, steam powered Beast is a heartbreaking, yet charming character that was easy to see why the MC would fall for him. Set during 1814 London, Melanie Karsak delivers a unique, unforgettable twist on this classic romance.
Isabella Hawking is a gifted young woman who knows her own mind and isn’t afraid to speak it. A tinkerer like her papa, Isabella makes wonderful creations, steam-powered music boxes and is excited to learn new and different techniques to hone her craft. However when plans go awry, she finds herself shipwrecked on a mysterious island, surrounded by mechanical servants, and one machine who fancies himself the lord of the crumbling castle.
The story behind the castle and Rhys is fascinating and unfolds at a nice pace. The author paints a beautiful picture, detailing the clockwork designs so that it was easy to picture them in my mind. I loved the different servants, the clockwork dog and golden bird as well. Each was detailed and had a different story to tell. Rhys stole my heart as he wanted Isabella gone, but then he also showed signs of truly caring for her. Melanie Karsak blends the original tale with her steampunk flare flawlessly.
I wound up listening to this one. This was my first book with narrator Lesley Parkin. I love her accent. It added a bit of magic to the already magical tale. The characters came to life with her different tones and little inflections. I had no trouble keeping up with who was talking. At just over 6 hours, it’s a quick listen (I listened at 1.5x).
Overall I really enjoyed Beauty and Beastly. I love the world-building and how the author blended her story with the classic. I can’t wait to read more of her Steampunk Fairy Tales. If you enjoy historical fiction, fairytale retellings, and steampunk, you are in for a treat!
Beauty and Beastly by Melanie Karsak is a steampunk retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast. I love this twist on the original! It is unlike anything I’ve ever read. The clockwork, steam powered Beast is a heartbreaking, yet charming character that was easy to see why the MC would fall for him. Set during 1814 London, Melanie Karsak delivers a unique, unforgettable twist on this classic romance.
Isabella Hawking is a gifted young woman who knows her own mind and isn’t afraid to speak it. A tinkerer like her papa, Isabella makes wonderful creations, steam-powered music boxes and is excited to learn new and different techniques to hone her craft. However when plans go awry, she finds herself shipwrecked on a mysterious island, surrounded by mechanical servants, and one machine who fancies himself the lord of the crumbling castle.
The story behind the castle and Rhys is fascinating and unfolds at a nice pace. The author paints a beautiful picture, detailing the clockwork designs so that it was easy to picture them in my mind. I loved the different servants, the clockwork dog and golden bird as well. Each was detailed and had a different story to tell. Rhys stole my heart as he wanted Isabella gone, but then he also showed signs of truly caring for her. Melanie Karsak blends the original tale with her steampunk flare flawlessly.
I wound up listening to this one. This was my first book with narrator Lesley Parkin. I love her accent. It added a bit of magic to the already magical tale. The characters came to life with her different tones and little inflections. I had no trouble keeping up with who was talking. At just over 6 hours, it’s a quick listen (I listened at 1.5x).
Overall I really enjoyed Beauty and Beastly. I love the world-building and how the author blended her story with the classic. I can’t wait to read more of her Steampunk Fairy Tales. If you enjoy historical fiction, fairytale retellings, and steampunk, you are in for a treat!
Burning by Tamar Sloan & Heidi Catherine is the prequel novella to their dystopian series After the Thaw, setting up the world and characters. An imperfect system determines who will be allowed to rule, breed, and make decisions for the greater good of humanity….or what’s left of it. Following four teens, Burning is a fast-paced dystopian sure to please.
Magnus and Callix are brothers that couldn’t be more different. Callix is a year older and already through with his proving. He is quiet, steadfast, and highly intelligent, yet jealous of his younger brother. Magnus is about to go through his proving (in fact this is a part of the plot of this story). He is tall, muscular, and introspective. He also happens to be in love with the same girl as his brother.
Amity is one of the chosen. She is a bit naive when it comes to her responsibilities as chosen. She knows that at some point she must choose a mate, and everyone expects her to choose Callix. But it is Magnus that has her heart.
Mercy is also one of the chosen. She is on the fringes of the main group, and she likes it that way. She keeps to herself and is hiding a big secret. She also happens to be crushing on Callix.
The plot of this one revolves around these four, even alternating in their POV. It takes a look at the Proving ceremony, the Chosen, and how it can all crumble. You also get a brief look at the people who live in the Outlands. This is a great setup for the series!
Overall, while I liked some elements of Burning, there were others I didn’t. The plot at times was fast-paced to the point I felt like I couldn’t keep up, and at other times was at a standstill. The romance fell flat, despite really liking Magnus and Amity together. However I’m still invested in the series. This is just the prequel (which is currently free) and I cannot wait to see where the authors take the series. If you enjoy YA dystopian, I’d recommend it.
Magnus and Callix are brothers that couldn’t be more different. Callix is a year older and already through with his proving. He is quiet, steadfast, and highly intelligent, yet jealous of his younger brother. Magnus is about to go through his proving (in fact this is a part of the plot of this story). He is tall, muscular, and introspective. He also happens to be in love with the same girl as his brother.
Amity is one of the chosen. She is a bit naive when it comes to her responsibilities as chosen. She knows that at some point she must choose a mate, and everyone expects her to choose Callix. But it is Magnus that has her heart.
Mercy is also one of the chosen. She is on the fringes of the main group, and she likes it that way. She keeps to herself and is hiding a big secret. She also happens to be crushing on Callix.
The plot of this one revolves around these four, even alternating in their POV. It takes a look at the Proving ceremony, the Chosen, and how it can all crumble. You also get a brief look at the people who live in the Outlands. This is a great setup for the series!
Overall, while I liked some elements of Burning, there were others I didn’t. The plot at times was fast-paced to the point I felt like I couldn’t keep up, and at other times was at a standstill. The romance fell flat, despite really liking Magnus and Amity together. However I’m still invested in the series. This is just the prequel (which is currently free) and I cannot wait to see where the authors take the series. If you enjoy YA dystopian, I’d recommend it.
I received an eARC of this book via the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
First can we all take just a moment to drool over that cover?! It’s stunning
First can we all take just a moment to drool over that cover?! It’s stunning
