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4.5 stars
"Men were the worst kind of heroes. Riddled with flaws they refused to see." ~ [b:The Damned|53131137|The Damned (The Beautiful, #2)|Renée Ahdieh|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1570224902l/53131137._SY75_.jpg|65882266]
A worthwhile sequel with gorgeous character development and astonishing plot twists. What really impressed me was that the book didn't have Celine and Bastien separated for too long. Like, I assumed the novel would be entirely about Celine forgetting Bastien but that "lovers amnesia" overdone trope was ignored, thank goodness. At first, I was disturbed by the change that comes over Bastien as a new vampire, but I got used to it. He's just a little more depressing really. At least he has reason to be.
I can not wait for the next book in the series! I want to know more about the werewolves, the faeries, and if Celine will eventually...take over? I kind of interpreted the prophecy to mean that Celine will rule over the vampires, werewolves, and faeries but maybe that's a metaphor for something else? There are a million ways this series could progress and I am thrilled about it!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"If wishes were fairies."
"'Then why have you given me the choice, against this inclination?' 'Because I should not make your story about me.'"
"And she was not a damsel in distress, waiting to be rescued by a knight on a shining horse."
"For ours is not a love story."
"Men were the worst kind of heroes. Riddled with flaws they refused to see." ~ [b:The Damned|53131137|The Damned (The Beautiful, #2)|Renée Ahdieh|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1570224902l/53131137._SY75_.jpg|65882266]
A worthwhile sequel with gorgeous character development and astonishing plot twists. What really impressed me was that the book didn't have Celine and Bastien separated for too long. Like, I assumed the novel would be entirely about Celine forgetting Bastien but that "lovers amnesia" overdone trope was ignored, thank goodness. At first, I was disturbed by the change that comes over Bastien as a new vampire, but I got used to it. He's just a little more depressing really. At least he has reason to be.
I can not wait for the next book in the series! I want to know more about the werewolves, the faeries, and if Celine will eventually...take over? I kind of interpreted the prophecy to mean that Celine will rule over the vampires, werewolves, and faeries but maybe that's a metaphor for something else? There are a million ways this series could progress and I am thrilled about it!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"If wishes were fairies."
"'Then why have you given me the choice, against this inclination?' 'Because I should not make your story about me.'"
"And she was not a damsel in distress, waiting to be rescued by a knight on a shining horse."
"For ours is not a love story."
"They hunted dragons and made blood pacts with wolves." ~ [b:Don't Call the Wolf|40245031|Don't Call the Wolf|Aleksandra Ross|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1561401927l/40245031._SY75_.jpg|62524866]
An ideal standalone fantasy adventure for fans of [b:A Game of Thrones|13496|A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)|George R.R. Martin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1562726234l/13496._SY75_.jpg|1466917], [b:A Court of Thorns and Roses|16096824|A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546406962l/16096824._SY75_.jpg|21905102], and [b:The Bear and the Nightingale|25489134|The Bear and the Nightingale (Winternight Trilogy, #1)|Katherine Arden|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1470731420l/25489134._SX50_.jpg|45268929]. Fans of Norse and Greek mythology will especially love all the folklore and magical references in this story. The dragons really reminded me of GoT, and the whole winter atmosphere too. Dragon stories are my favorite fantasy stories and this novel did not disappoint! My favorite chapter was when we got to see through the Dragon's perspective, something that I hope to see in more fantasy books in the future!
The only reason this wasn't five stars is because of the slow start. Warning: it took more at least 100 pages to become invested in the story. There is so much world-building that it is a really confusing book at first. It doesn't help that the book is told from multiple POVs. However, if you hang in there, you're in for AMAZING battle scenes at the end, as well as exciting plot twists. I DID NOT SEE THAT ENDING COMING AT ALL! It's been a while since a book has surprised me as much as this one. Final thought: Can we just agree that the quote "'I’ve only ever loved nine people.' Then he added: 'You’re the tenth.'" is one of the most beautiful love declarations EVER?!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"She breathed in the clean, woody air, and with it came a sense of relief. She hadn’t realized how tightly wound she was—hadn’t noticed the sense of dread hanging over her. It was so constant that she often forgot how heavily it weighed on her."
"We are heirs to gold and fire, baptized under ice, destined to inherit a tradition as ancient as the hills themselves. Whatever lengths we travel, Lukasz, whatever worlds we visit: we shall be buried in the shadow of the Mountains, beneath the blessings of wolves."
"Ren’s throat burned. She was the queen. It was her duty to protect her animals, and she couldn’t even do that."
"The three of them were standing on the topmost balcony, overlooking the rest of the library. Even in the moonlight, the library was alive. Birds hopped among the tooth-marked shelves, collecting shredded pages and gold leaf for their nests. Bats hung, snuggled together, from the chandeliers overhead."
"'Ren,' he said quietly, 'don’t you see? Of all the monsters to set foot in your forest, by far the most evil has been man.'"
"'I have always looked like a queen,' she said, pulling him closer. She found the buckle on the belt, readjusted it so the sword lay comfortably against her hip. Then added, 'I am just not the queen you expected.'"
"'We are two queens alone in the world and meeting for the first time,' said the Baba Jaga. 'Let us speak of something other than men.'"
An ideal standalone fantasy adventure for fans of [b:A Game of Thrones|13496|A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)|George R.R. Martin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1562726234l/13496._SY75_.jpg|1466917], [b:A Court of Thorns and Roses|16096824|A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546406962l/16096824._SY75_.jpg|21905102], and [b:The Bear and the Nightingale|25489134|The Bear and the Nightingale (Winternight Trilogy, #1)|Katherine Arden|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1470731420l/25489134._SX50_.jpg|45268929]. Fans of Norse and Greek mythology will especially love all the folklore and magical references in this story. The dragons really reminded me of GoT, and the whole winter atmosphere too. Dragon stories are my favorite fantasy stories and this novel did not disappoint! My favorite chapter was when we got to see through the Dragon's perspective, something that I hope to see in more fantasy books in the future!
The only reason this wasn't five stars is because of the slow start. Warning: it took more at least 100 pages to become invested in the story. There is so much world-building that it is a really confusing book at first. It doesn't help that the book is told from multiple POVs. However, if you hang in there, you're in for AMAZING battle scenes at the end, as well as exciting plot twists. I DID NOT SEE THAT ENDING COMING AT ALL! It's been a while since a book has surprised me as much as this one. Final thought: Can we just agree that the quote "'I’ve only ever loved nine people.' Then he added: 'You’re the tenth.'" is one of the most beautiful love declarations EVER?!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"She breathed in the clean, woody air, and with it came a sense of relief. She hadn’t realized how tightly wound she was—hadn’t noticed the sense of dread hanging over her. It was so constant that she often forgot how heavily it weighed on her."
"We are heirs to gold and fire, baptized under ice, destined to inherit a tradition as ancient as the hills themselves. Whatever lengths we travel, Lukasz, whatever worlds we visit: we shall be buried in the shadow of the Mountains, beneath the blessings of wolves."
"Ren’s throat burned. She was the queen. It was her duty to protect her animals, and she couldn’t even do that."
"The three of them were standing on the topmost balcony, overlooking the rest of the library. Even in the moonlight, the library was alive. Birds hopped among the tooth-marked shelves, collecting shredded pages and gold leaf for their nests. Bats hung, snuggled together, from the chandeliers overhead."
"'Ren,' he said quietly, 'don’t you see? Of all the monsters to set foot in your forest, by far the most evil has been man.'"
"'I have always looked like a queen,' she said, pulling him closer. She found the buckle on the belt, readjusted it so the sword lay comfortably against her hip. Then added, 'I am just not the queen you expected.'"
"'We are two queens alone in the world and meeting for the first time,' said the Baba Jaga. 'Let us speak of something other than men.'"
4.5 stars
"My breath still smelled like a dragon’s." ~ [b:Blood & Honey|40550366|Blood & Honey (Serpent & Dove, #2)|Shelby Mahurin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580922495l/40550366._SY75_.jpg|62967372]
A whole book later and Reid Diggory is still obsessed with his wife...and I AM MORE THAN OKAY WITH THAT. Reid and Lou's relationship is so dynamic and suspenseful like throughout this second book I went from thinking they would get divorced to renewing their vows every other chapter! They definitely still have some issues to work out, but at least now they know where they stand. I would honestly be shocked if they part ways in the next book in the series.
I love all the character development that occurs in this sequel. I've been seeing a lot of nasty reviews just because everyone doesn't like the ending, but that is no reason to forget the detailed and exceptional character development that is necessary for this story. My favorite was the progression of Lou and Ansel's friendship like they are SO ADORABLE AS FRIENDS. You can just tell there is so much platonic love there! Coco was my favorite character in this book. I love Lou, but Coco really stole the show this time around. She acts as a leader, she's confident, and she tries to explore her own relationship with Ansel. Coco is going after what she wants and I love that for her.
Honestly, the ending was a little too sad for me, but I'm sure the author had a reason for it. I AM DYING TO READ THE NEXT BOOK!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"You’ve been raised in a grossly masculine environment, however, so I’ll forgive your immaturity."
"'If you retreat into your mind—into your magic—I’ll follow you, Lou.'"
"'Hello, Chass.' Blood roared in my ears. 'Hello, wife.'"
"My friend. My shelter. My home."
"My breath still smelled like a dragon’s." ~ [b:Blood & Honey|40550366|Blood & Honey (Serpent & Dove, #2)|Shelby Mahurin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580922495l/40550366._SY75_.jpg|62967372]
A whole book later and Reid Diggory is still obsessed with his wife...and I AM MORE THAN OKAY WITH THAT. Reid and Lou's relationship is so dynamic and suspenseful like throughout this second book I went from thinking they would get divorced to renewing their vows every other chapter! They definitely still have some issues to work out, but at least now they know where they stand. I would honestly be shocked if they part ways in the next book in the series.
I love all the character development that occurs in this sequel. I've been seeing a lot of nasty reviews just because everyone doesn't like the ending, but that is no reason to forget the detailed and exceptional character development that is necessary for this story. My favorite was the progression of Lou and Ansel's friendship like they are SO ADORABLE AS FRIENDS. You can just tell there is so much platonic love there! Coco was my favorite character in this book. I love Lou, but Coco really stole the show this time around. She acts as a leader, she's confident, and she tries to explore her own relationship with Ansel. Coco is going after what she wants and I love that for her.
Honestly, the ending was a little too sad for me, but I'm sure the author had a reason for it. I AM DYING TO READ THE NEXT BOOK!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"You’ve been raised in a grossly masculine environment, however, so I’ll forgive your immaturity."
"'If you retreat into your mind—into your magic—I’ll follow you, Lou.'"
"'Hello, Chass.' Blood roared in my ears. 'Hello, wife.'"
"My friend. My shelter. My home."
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"And you think it was sunrise I was waiting for and not my queen." ~ [b:How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories|53439886|How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (The Folk of the Air, #3.5)|Holly Black|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1589827409l/53439886._SY75_.jpg|83102956]
I was pleased with how the Folk of the Air series ended, but it was so nice to see how my favorite Faerie couple was doing. This was the novella 2020 needed!
While I wasn't glad to have more moments between Cardan and Nicasia, at least I was able to understand the importance of their relationship. I am now able to see the sharp contrast between Nicasia and Jude, especially with how Cardan fell in love with Jude. I thought I knew everything about their story, but now some of the holes in the history are filled. One detail I loved was that Cardan's copy of [b:Alice's Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass|24213|Alice's Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass|Lewis Carroll|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327872220l/24213._SY75_.jpg|2375385] originally belonged to Jude and her sisters, so Cardan was carrying around a piece of his future love since the beginning. A prime example of [a:Holly Black|25422|Holly Black|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1589911274p2/25422.jpg]'s startling, impressive PLOT WEAVING!
I was pleased with how the Folk of the Air series ended, but it was so nice to see how my favorite Faerie couple was doing. This was the novella 2020 needed!
While I wasn't glad to have more moments between Cardan and Nicasia, at least I was able to understand the importance of their relationship. I am now able to see the sharp contrast between Nicasia and Jude, especially with how Cardan fell in love with Jude. I thought I knew everything about their story, but now some of the holes in the history are filled. One detail I loved was that Cardan's copy of [b:Alice's Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass|24213|Alice's Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass|Lewis Carroll|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327872220l/24213._SY75_.jpg|2375385] originally belonged to Jude and her sisters, so Cardan was carrying around a piece of his future love since the beginning. A prime example of [a:Holly Black|25422|Holly Black|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1589911274p2/25422.jpg]'s startling, impressive PLOT WEAVING!
"As long as Ophelia had scruples, as long as she acted in accordance with her conscience, as long as she was able to face her reflection every morning, she would belong to no one other than herself. " [b:A Winter's Promise|40969531|A Winter's Promise (The Mirror Visitor #1)|Christelle Dabos|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1532807526l/40969531._SX50_.jpg|25320621]
The perfect winter atmospheric read! The French translation to English was done so smoothly that I didn't even know it had been translated when I first picked it up. Ophelia is such an intriguing heroine and I love the theory of her being asexual. Since the characters don't discuss their orientations in the series, I doubt the theory will ever be confirmed, but I think that would explain a lot. I can't wait to continue the series and learn more about the strange world Ophelia is now living in.
Ophelia's relationship with her fiancee is unusual, mostly because I never know where they stand. Sometimes they get along well, other times I'm afraid they're going to kill each other. I hope they find a way to live favorably because neither of them deserved to be forced into this engagement. I can't wait to see more aspects of Ophelia's powers because this plot point has seemed to have fallen into the background since Ophelia has been hiding her identity. I feel that Ophelia's new family members still have lots of secrets to reveal, and I feel like the reader is still missing details about Citaceleste. I want to like Thorn, but he is just SO SELFISH. Like, even if you don't like your fiancee, at least explain to her how to exist in your homeland?!
I'm crossing my fingers that we get to see more of Fox and Gail who were honestly just delightful. I need to know what happens to them! And I just have to say, no matter how much he tries to play nice, Archibald is a loser and I don't care what happens to him. I see the Knight as the real villain of the book, like OHYMGOSH he's just the worst! When he stole Ophelia's memories that was when I realized he was a psychopath. His age really doesn't matter: the Knight is bloodthirsty, cold-hearted, and insane. I have no doubt that he would kill all the other characters without batting an eye, and for that reason, I hope Ophelia is able to defeat him soon.
The perfect winter atmospheric read! The French translation to English was done so smoothly that I didn't even know it had been translated when I first picked it up. Ophelia is such an intriguing heroine and I love the theory of her being asexual. Since the characters don't discuss their orientations in the series, I doubt the theory will ever be confirmed, but I think that would explain a lot. I can't wait to continue the series and learn more about the strange world Ophelia is now living in.
Ophelia's relationship with her fiancee is unusual, mostly because I never know where they stand. Sometimes they get along well, other times I'm afraid they're going to kill each other. I hope they find a way to live favorably because neither of them deserved to be forced into this engagement. I can't wait to see more aspects of Ophelia's powers because this plot point has seemed to have fallen into the background since Ophelia has been hiding her identity. I feel that Ophelia's new family members still have lots of secrets to reveal, and I feel like the reader is still missing details about Citaceleste. I want to like Thorn, but he is just SO SELFISH. Like, even if you don't like your fiancee, at least explain to her how to exist in your homeland?!
I'm crossing my fingers that we get to see more of Fox and Gail who were honestly just delightful. I need to know what happens to them! And I just have to say, no matter how much he tries to play nice, Archibald is a loser and I don't care what happens to him. I see the Knight as the real villain of the book, like OHYMGOSH he's just the worst! When he stole Ophelia's memories that was when I realized he was a psychopath. His age really doesn't matter: the Knight is bloodthirsty, cold-hearted, and insane. I have no doubt that he would kill all the other characters without batting an eye, and for that reason, I hope Ophelia is able to defeat him soon.
"I decided that Orion needed to die after the second time he saved my life." ~ [b:A Deadly Education|50548197|A Deadly Education (The Scholomance, #1)|Naomi Novik|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1596909044l/50548197._SY75_.jpg|75543174]
This book has come under fire recently so I thought long and hard before making the decision to pick it up. Here is my thinking: Naomi Novak is one of my favorite woman fantasy authors and I love the way she writes strong and complex female characters. I appreciate that when readers reached out with criticism of this novel, Novak immediately acknowledged their feelings and apologized profusely to her fans. I read her apology and appreciated it greatly. Personally, I didn't find anything racist or insulting in the story, but I do have white privilege so I am only aware to a certain point. I respect authors who include as much diversity in their work as possible. However, I think it is an error when white authors write about a BIPOC protagonist because they will truly never understand how that character is feeling. This is just my opinion and I admire Novak for trying to include a lot of diversity, specifically other languages, in this book. I believe that she made a mistake, but that she will strive to do better in the future.
As for the book's contents, I loved everything about this novel. This book just screams DARK ACADEMIA and I am living for it! El's story reminds me of a Maleficient backstory of sorts, like how Maleficient went from a good guy to a bad guy? I kinda want to see El become an antihero, but for now, I am excited with her relatable, sarcastic character traits. I love that she is the only person at the school who treats Orion like he's an actual human being, and I really think that's the reason he respects her. This has been one of my favorite reads of 2020; it's mystical, dark, and atmspheric, just perfect for foggy autumn days. And ok, after that cliffhanger, I NEED THE SEQUEL RIGHT NOW!!!!
This book has come under fire recently so I thought long and hard before making the decision to pick it up. Here is my thinking: Naomi Novak is one of my favorite woman fantasy authors and I love the way she writes strong and complex female characters. I appreciate that when readers reached out with criticism of this novel, Novak immediately acknowledged their feelings and apologized profusely to her fans. I read her apology and appreciated it greatly. Personally, I didn't find anything racist or insulting in the story, but I do have white privilege so I am only aware to a certain point. I respect authors who include as much diversity in their work as possible. However, I think it is an error when white authors write about a BIPOC protagonist because they will truly never understand how that character is feeling. This is just my opinion and I admire Novak for trying to include a lot of diversity, specifically other languages, in this book. I believe that she made a mistake, but that she will strive to do better in the future.
As for the book's contents, I loved everything about this novel. This book just screams DARK ACADEMIA and I am living for it! El's story reminds me of a Maleficient backstory of sorts, like how Maleficient went from a good guy to a bad guy? I kinda want to see El become an antihero, but for now, I am excited with her relatable, sarcastic character traits. I love that she is the only person at the school who treats Orion like he's an actual human being, and I really think that's the reason he respects her. This has been one of my favorite reads of 2020; it's mystical, dark, and atmspheric, just perfect for foggy autumn days. And ok, after that cliffhanger, I NEED THE SEQUEL RIGHT NOW!!!!
"And more to the point, I was reasonably certain he wasn’t going to try and devour my soul. My expectations for a husband had lowered." ~ [b:Spinning Silver|36896898|Spinning Silver|Naomi Novik|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1513872748l/36896898._SX50_.jpg|58657620]
This wasn't my favorite of Novak's books, but it was still transformative and lovely. I think what tripped me up were the multiple perspectives; it was just a lot of world-building in one book, then add on to it a different POV every chapter. Like if it would have been two or three characters, that'd be okay. But even side characters?! Please at least label the chapters so I know who is speaking. Starting each chapter was very confusing and it threw off the rhythm of the novel.
What I loved was the wintery atmosphere and gorgeous imagery that Novak always includes in her work. Like, I really felt like I was staying at the witch's cottage with Wanda and her brother! That was definitely my favorite chapter. The way the different characters visited the cottage and left items for each other...the impressive plot weaving blew me away! It was so swiftly and effortlessly done. As a final note, I would've loved more scenes of Miryem and the Staryk king once they started getting along. Like, a Christian wedding shared between the two of them is referenced in the final chapter, but I wanted a few scenes of their witty banter where the reader gets to see them fall in love.
This wasn't my favorite of Novak's books, but it was still transformative and lovely. I think what tripped me up were the multiple perspectives; it was just a lot of world-building in one book, then add on to it a different POV every chapter. Like if it would have been two or three characters, that'd be okay. But even side characters?! Please at least label the chapters so I know who is speaking. Starting each chapter was very confusing and it threw off the rhythm of the novel.
What I loved was the wintery atmosphere and gorgeous imagery that Novak always includes in her work. Like, I really felt like I was staying at the witch's cottage with Wanda and her brother! That was definitely my favorite chapter. The way the different characters visited the cottage and left items for each other...the impressive plot weaving blew me away! It was so swiftly and effortlessly done. As a final note, I would've loved more scenes of Miryem and the Staryk king once they started getting along. Like, a Christian wedding shared between the two of them is referenced in the final chapter, but I wanted a few scenes of their witty banter where the reader gets to see them fall in love.
4.8 stars
"I would rather die tomorrow in the forest than live a hundred years of the life appointed me. Please. Please let me help you." ~ [b:The Bear and the Nightingale|25489134|The Bear and the Nightingale (Winternight Trilogy, #1)|Katherine Arden|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1470731420l/25489134._SX50_.jpg|45268929]
So glad I finally got around to reading this! I've been obsessed lately with reading novels based on Russian mythology/folklore so this story was right up my alley. Vasya is a strong, quirky, and brave heroine who I absolutely adore. I love the aspect of her personality where she does everything she can for her family, even if they don't always see eye to eye. I especially loved her relationship with her brother and little sister, without their emotional support I don't know if Vasya could have survived on her own.
The storytelling and worldbuilding is just immaculate. This novel fed my winter cottagecore heart! I especially adored all the scenes at Morozko's house; I was living vicariously through Vasya in those scenes! Between the beautiful animals, comfy beds, and warm food, I never wanted to leave! I can't wait to learn more about Morozko in the sequel, especially about his powers and relationship with his brother.
I will definitely be reading the entire series! I can't wait to see Vasya grow up and come into her own as a witch. I'm dying to know what her powers will be like, and to see what kind of relationship/friendship she has with Morozko. Also, I can't wait to see more magical creatures! The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is that I found Anna and Pyotr to be very annoying villains and I with they could've gotten their karma earlier in the story.
"I would rather die tomorrow in the forest than live a hundred years of the life appointed me. Please. Please let me help you." ~ [b:The Bear and the Nightingale|25489134|The Bear and the Nightingale (Winternight Trilogy, #1)|Katherine Arden|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1470731420l/25489134._SX50_.jpg|45268929]
So glad I finally got around to reading this! I've been obsessed lately with reading novels based on Russian mythology/folklore so this story was right up my alley. Vasya is a strong, quirky, and brave heroine who I absolutely adore. I love the aspect of her personality where she does everything she can for her family, even if they don't always see eye to eye. I especially loved her relationship with her brother and little sister, without their emotional support I don't know if Vasya could have survived on her own.
The storytelling and worldbuilding is just immaculate. This novel fed my winter cottagecore heart! I especially adored all the scenes at Morozko's house; I was living vicariously through Vasya in those scenes! Between the beautiful animals, comfy beds, and warm food, I never wanted to leave! I can't wait to learn more about Morozko in the sequel, especially about his powers and relationship with his brother.
I will definitely be reading the entire series! I can't wait to see Vasya grow up and come into her own as a witch. I'm dying to know what her powers will be like, and to see what kind of relationship/friendship she has with Morozko. Also, I can't wait to see more magical creatures! The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is that I found Anna and Pyotr to be very annoying villains and I with they could've gotten their karma earlier in the story.
"here is nothing
unfeminist
about the girl
who chooses
the ball gown
& the prince.
there is everything
unfeminist
about those
who try to
shame her for
her choices.”
~ [b:Break Your Glass Slippers|52945057|Break Your Glass Slippers (You Are Your Own Fairy Tale, #1)|Amanda Lovelace|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1573919105l/52945057._SX50_SY75_.jpg|71433031]
I fall more in love with [a:Amanda Lovelace|15225448|Amanda Lovelace|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1533076817p2/15225448.jpg]'s poetry each time she publishes a new collection! I love Lovelace's use of magical imagery, uncomplicated metaphor, and descriptive storytelling in this collection. I truly believe her writing is becoming more prolific with each collection. Lovelace has a grasp on fairytales so powerful, it's like she's recreating the entire genre herself. It's almost like Lovelace is creating poetry straight from the inner thoughts of these fairytale characters.
This collection is a prime example of feminist poetry. All the poems are relatively short and it's impressive that Lovelace manages to convey an entire story in such few words! I am starstruck. The feminist retellings are just as enchanting as the original tales, and to be honest, I prefer these retellings. I found all the poems to be so relatable that I wanted to highlight every line. Lovelace is deserving of all the poetry awards!
unfeminist
about the girl
who chooses
the ball gown
& the prince.
there is everything
unfeminist
about those
who try to
shame her for
her choices.”
~ [b:Break Your Glass Slippers|52945057|Break Your Glass Slippers (You Are Your Own Fairy Tale, #1)|Amanda Lovelace|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1573919105l/52945057._SX50_SY75_.jpg|71433031]
I fall more in love with [a:Amanda Lovelace|15225448|Amanda Lovelace|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1533076817p2/15225448.jpg]'s poetry each time she publishes a new collection! I love Lovelace's use of magical imagery, uncomplicated metaphor, and descriptive storytelling in this collection. I truly believe her writing is becoming more prolific with each collection. Lovelace has a grasp on fairytales so powerful, it's like she's recreating the entire genre herself. It's almost like Lovelace is creating poetry straight from the inner thoughts of these fairytale characters.
This collection is a prime example of feminist poetry. All the poems are relatively short and it's impressive that Lovelace manages to convey an entire story in such few words! I am starstruck. The feminist retellings are just as enchanting as the original tales, and to be honest, I prefer these retellings. I found all the poems to be so relatable that I wanted to highlight every line. Lovelace is deserving of all the poetry awards!
