Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: The Grisha #2
Pages: 435
Series: The Grisha #2
Pages: 435
Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.
The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.
The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.
The beginning was great! The book started quickly, beckoning me into its pages... I was really happy with this, because any book with a quick start, that isn't confusing, deserves an A+ from me! Not to mention there was a plot twist, and it happend quite quickly in my opinion! Despite the quick start, I felt as though things were starting to ease back down, but then... BAM! I will say no more, for the very few of you have not read this book.
As things progressed, they began to slow down Although the true action parts were no longer there, conflict was still around. Everything that happend was very stressful in my opinion. You could tell that each of the characters was in a state of constant fear. The threat of the Darkling was actually only one of Alina's problems. The middle was focused more on romance. Yes she was also making plans for her army, but thats not important... What was really being focused on was love. Her and Mal's relationship, was well... I don't really know how to feel about it. Let's just say... they aren't my OTP *cowers* Their relationship was a bit, well, rough in this book. Mal was not happy, it was quite clear. Although I am DYING to say more, I won't. Don't fear. In the end, I felt the middle was a bit weak, I could have used some more action.
The characters were very clearly, themselves I think Leigh Bardugo did a very good job of expressing each of the characters personalities! Everyone had their own uniqueness... Each characters was fully developed and everything about them was clearly linked to their past! Which is of course, fabulous, as backstories are my life.
Alina was... transforming Throughout the book she was having what I like to think of as a battle against herself. The power of.... I'm not sure if I can say it... I guess I won't... The power of this thing she got at the beginning of the book was really affecting her. It was controlling her. I think it actually helped her find her priorities, and understand herself better. It also had a strong affect on her and Mal's relationship.
How about the end? As you know, I wasn't the biggest fan of the middle, but I did enjoy the end. I liked the slight twist in the story, it made everything all the more exciting, without it, the book would have been quite boring. The twist was perfectly planned out, when I was starting get a little frustrated with all the romance and general boringness, it was there to save me! You know when your super hot and then you walk into an air conditioned room? Its like the best feeling ever, its just so nice. Thats what the ending felt like to me, perfect! Also it definitely makes a great transition into the next book!
Final Rating:
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Magnus Chase #1
Pages: 491
Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.
One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.
The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.
When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.
Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .
Rick Riordan is an amazing author! Everything that he writes is gold! I adored the Percy Jackson and Heroes Of Olympus series! They are definitely in my top 5 favorite series of all time! Rick Riordans writing is just so light-hearted and funny! Most YA books are very heavy reads, his books are like a breath of fresh air! while they are still action-packed and are very intense, they also aren't always serious, funny moments are happening 24/7 throughout this book and definitely making the fact they are fighting giants hilarious!
Annabeth is in it! DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT A SPOILER THIS HAPPENS ON THE FIRST PAGE I'm sorry I just felt like I had to make that heard. Annabeth is there on the first page, and it honestly isn't even important! I just thought I was very cute how he brought one of the characters we love into his brand spanking' new series! Although it isn't for long, at least she made an appearance! I also find the relationship between Magnus and Annabeth hilarious, as both are dealing with separate types of Gods and for some reason I find that amusing...?
The relationships between the characters are nice they all feel like one delicious family! Magnus and his friends are so perfect together! I enjoyed reading about them a ton, the situations they got themselves in and how they reacted were hilarious! One thing this book lacked, was romance! *gasps* a YA book without romance?! That's impossible. Although they are rare, they definitely exist, and Magnus Chase and The Sword of Summer is one of them! Love wasn't on their minds in this book, they were a bit busy, you know doing more important things... I'm not sure whether to view this as a positive or a negative though. Some people might enjoy the refreshing break from all the lovey-dovey mushiness in other books, but I do enjoy shipping... So I haven't really made up my mind on that yet. At one point in the series I would like a l'il bit of love though, as Rick Riordan created Perabeth, why can't he create *insert ship name for Magnus and some other girl here*
(this is freaking adorable)
The ending wasn't intese but it left me begging for more! I can't exactly give details as that would be too much of a spoiler... All I can say is READ THE BOOK IF YOU WANT TO KNOW! Okay? Okay.
Percy Jackson is better... I can't bring myself to say I love this book when I have a glorious series called Percy Jackson to compare it too! I will always love Percy. I would never betray him. I found Percy's adventures a little better, this might however be because I found the Greek Gods more interesting than the Norse! I also felt as if Magnus Chase was a bit too similar, in Percy Jackson demigods went to Camp Half-Blood, in Magnus Chase Demigods (and occasional mortals) go to a hotel. Both ideas are flawless but after reading Percy Jackson first, they just seemed a little bit too similar to me! I did however greatly enjoy Magnus Chase despite this!
Final Rating:
"Nothing is a coincidence. Everything has a purpose. You were meant to come to this castle, just as you were meant to be an assassin."
When magic has gone from the world, and a vicious king rules from his throne of glass, an assassin comes to the castle. She does not come to kill, but to win her freedom. If she can defeat twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition to find the greatest assassin in the land, she will become the King's Champion and be released from prison.
Her name is Celaena Sardothien.
The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her.
And a princess from a foreign land will become the one thing Celaena never thought she'd have again: a friend.
But something evil dwells in the castle—and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying, horribly, one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival—and a desperate quest to root out the source of the evil before it destroys her world.
Series: Throne Of Glass #1
Pages: 404
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Celaena has an awesome backstory
In case you didn't know, I adore backstories. No. I love backstories. They are what makes up a character, what shapes them into who they are, their personality, their actions, even what they look like has all been shaped because of backstories. Celaena is the perfect example! Her backstory is not only super interesting, but it is also connected to her(unlike in other books) It is very clear how her past effects her now. Which is fabulous for meee!
Celaena Is My Favorite Character
Her personality is perfection. I heard from other reviews and such, that she is a bad-ass. She is. But the nice thing is, she is also human. Usually when you hear about these bad-ass characters, you expect someone who is always strong and powerful, etc. etc. What I like about Celeana is that although she is super strong, brave, and smart. she also has her own human personality. I was scared she would show no emotion and honestly be a bit bland and boring, however that wasn't the case! I was still able to connect with her, and I loved reading about her! Also the backstory thing applies to her personality too!
There Is A Love Triangle But It's Still Small
So there definitely is a bit of a love triangle in the book, but it is still growing. Throughout the book you see how each of them begin to realize their feelings for each other. At the end of the book it gets stronger and it will definitely make up some of the second book, in this case it isn't a super big deal yet.
It Really Is An Introduction To The Series
In my opinion everything that happens is building up to the next book. In this book we spend time getting introduced to the characters and the setting, it helps you understand the relationships between the characters, and shows you everyone's roles in the story. Also I think everything that happens is all building up to the rest of the series. In other words this book is sort of like the introduction and rising action,whereas the next books will be more of the climax(or I could be horribly wrong and just rambling about lies) I think it is similar to the love triangle in that way.
The Ending Was The Best Part
In the ending there is tons of action, as expected. I love action, action is what keeps me going, it is my life(food is also my life) The ending has lots of it, which is great because it means the next books will also have lots of it. The very, very ending itself wasn't exactly action-packed, but it definitely promised some in the next book!
Final Rating:
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
There is 2 days until Christmas... 2 days, and today's Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by the Broke and The Bookish, is Christmas Themed! Top Ten Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Leaving Under My Tree This Year:
1. Siege and Storm By: Leigh Bardugo this is the second book in The Grisha Series. I adored the first book! If you want to see more of what I thought about it click here! So for Christmas I would love to be able to continue on with the series!
2. Scarlet By: Marissa Meyer Another sequel, this time from The Lunar Chronicles. I did enjoy the first book, although it was a little slow for me. I am hoping that this book speeds things along, as I need action!
3. Magnus Chase and The Sword Of Summer By: Rick Riordan Wow that's a long title! Anyhow, I LOVE Rick Riordan, the Percy Jackson series is in my top 3 favorite series EVER. I was so sad when Heroes of Olympus ended because I knew it was my last time with Percy... Now that Rick Riordan has a new book, I must read it! And pray to the Gods it's as good as Percy Jackson.
4. Crown of Midnight By; Sarah J. Maas Sequel number three, I know, there is so many. This is the second book in the Throne of Glass series. I also adored Throne of Glass, and will probably be reviewing it soon! Of course I need the second book, so if Santa could be a darling and give it to me, that would be good.
5. The Wrath and The Dawn By: Renee Ahdieh Definitely one of the most hyped up books of 2015, but yet I haven''t read it. So of course it's going on my Christmas list!
6. A Court Of Thorns And Roses By: Sarah J. Maas This book sounds so good. I have been wanting to read it, forever. Have I? Of course not. Santa just give it to me.
7. Clockwork Angel By: Cassandra Clare This is the first book in the Infernal Devices. I have been putting it off forever. TMI is one of my favorite series ever, and I feel like this book won't live up to it's expectations for me. Everybody loves it, but I feel like I won't, which would be horrible. If I got it for Christmas, I would probably read it though.
8. Snow Like Ashes By: Sara Raasch Once again another book I have wanted to read for ages. But yet every single time I was buying books I decided to get it later... what is wrong with me? The concept of this book sounds so interesting! It's a must read for me!
9. To All The Boys I've Loved Before By: Jenny Han I don't like contemporaries very much, I have said this many times. But this one however sounds really good, and I'm hoping it is funny as well. Contemporaries are only good if they are funny.
10. Pure By: Jennifer L. Arementrout Yes a fourth sequel. This is the second book in The Covenant Series. Jennifer L. Armentrout is my favorite author. I loved Half-Blood (the first book, I love Jennifer, Therefore I need this book.
So these are all the books I demand for Christmas. I might be on the naughty list, but I still demand these books. Santa WILL get me them, or else.
Are you guys as excited for Christmas as I am(i will never grow up)? What
books do you demand Santa to give you? Comment your most wanted book
below!
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.
Shadow and Bone is the first installment in Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy.
Pages: 368
Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.
Shadow and Bone is the first installment in Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy.
Pages: 368
I Loved The World Of Grisha
I find many books don't have super interesting settings, usually they are based in today's world. Although I usually enjoy those books nonetheless, I love being taken to completely new worlds, places that are new to me, places that are sadly made up(real or not real?????) This book had just that! I loved how it had a 100% new location, not in the US like most books are set, instead in a brand new country! I also loved the concept of Grisha and how they weren't simply called witches, no, they were Grisha!
Everything Was Introduced Well And Flowed Nicely
It can be hard to introduce such a complicated world and deep characters, however Leigh Bardogo did it with ease! I never found myself confused throughout the book, wondering what she was talking about. If you payed attention while reading, you wouldn't get lost! I find with such a complex concept its easy to lose track of whats happening and what these strange things being mentioned are. Fear no more, because this book has got your back when it comes to that!
The Characters Had Depth
Each character had a backstory. I love backstories. They are the work of Gods. Backstories are perfect, they give characters so much depth, you get a better understanding of their actions and personality. The information given in backstories helps shape the character and give them more depth. They also give you a better understanding of the characters. In Shadow and Bone the important characters all had some sort of story behind them, I especially liked Mal and Alina's story! Even the Darkling had his own twisted tale that made up his personality!
There WAS Action But Not Tons
Books packed with so much action and adventure are perfect for me. Although I couldn't put this book down, it didn't have as much action as I expected. The beginning was nice and juicy with action, so was the end! However I found that the middle was lacking a bit of that extra intensity. Most of the book was spent with Alina training, obviously not the most interesting thing. Don't get me wrong, there was some though! I'm hoping the next book is a little more exciting!
The Ending Changed My Rating
I did not like the ending. Not one bit. It wasn't that there was a plot twist, or something crazy. It was too calm! There was nothing that made me want to scream and throw a fit! Don't get me wrong, those ending hurt me, but they also make me beg for more! Those are the things that get me excited for what is coming up next in the series, not the case in this book. The ending here was too easy. I did however read the first chapter of the second book, which was included. That really got me riled up! Such a cliff hanger! But why wasn't it included in the ending of the first book? Not added to the second!
Final Rating:
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
So I know a lot of people were making this list as their top 10 books that were released in 2015, but that's not how I roll. Mostly because I read like 1 new release... This year is really the year I got into the whole bookish community, so I wasn't really in the know on super amazing books. Therefore I decided to just include my overall favorites this year! Warning: This list probobly isn't the most accurate since I don't remember every book I have read.
This definatly was hard for me, and I dont even think I agree with evrything on the list, but whatever. I'm just gonna go for it! I hope you guys agree with some of these!!
Do you agree/disagree with any of my decisions? Also
got any post ideas for me?
1. Jennifer L. Armentrout If you read my reviews on the first 2 books in the Lux series, then you know that I am in love with them, and with Jennifer L. Armentrout. Although it seems like forever ago, I was first introduced to her this year, and am going to read her books forever(and ever).
2. Tahereh Mafi is the author of Shatter Me. I adore Shatter Me. Her writing is gorgeousness, I honestly can't get enough of it! I can't wait to finish the rest of this series!
3. Marissa Meyer, author of The Lunar Chronicals. As somebody who dislikes Sci-Fi I was quite skeptical of reading Cinder. But after hearing such wonderful comments on it I pushed the hatred aside, and was blown away! I loved ever moment of this book, and I was entranced by her smooth easy writing!
4. Victoria Aveyard, author of Red Queen. Bringing up Red Queen makes me want to have a temper tantrum. The plot twist ending shocked me so much I wanted to stab a couple people(or every single flipping person in the universe) Though the ending made me want to rip out my hair, it was a bold move, and I like that. Victoria Aveyard wrote the book beautifully! If anyone else tried to make such a wicked ending, I doubt it would work out for them, it takes a special (evil)skill.
5. Kelly Armstrong Of course I knew about her for quite a while, she has written many books. But never did I consider picking up a book by her. But I did. Sea Of Shadows was thrust into my arms, and man am I glad it was! She is actually a very talented writer, I'm thinking about trying out some of her other book as well!
6. Leigh Bardugo, author of The Grisha trilogy. So I haven't actually finished a book by her, but I am currently reading Shadow and Bone. I'm already in love with it. 160 pages in, and I know she is a fabulous writer!
Are their any new authors you have discovered this year? Tell me about them below!
Opal
After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different…and I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.Origin
Daemon will do anything to get Katy back. After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on? And will they even be together?
Opal vs. Origin
This is a hard question... I love both of them pretty much equally!!! But I guess if I had to choose I would choose Origin it was just SO action packed! So far out of the entire series I think it had the most action. A lot of stuff went down in the first book, this one was alll about trying to solve those problems, and let me tell you know, it was hard! So much stuff went down, then of course there was the ending... a plot twist of course! My amazon order better get shipped in soon, because I NEED the next book.The Characters were flipping amazing!
Can we take a moment to appreciate Katy, bold, funny, and hilarious, literally the perfect character(other than me of course... if I was in a book) not to mention she's a book blogger... Hello! That's like character goals! Katy is definitely joining my list of favorite characters! But of course Daemon is too! Jennifer L. Armentrout portrays him and his personality perfectly. The silly jokes about his ego, made me laugh out loud! I enjoyed reading through his point of view in Origin as well, (since the narration was split between Katy and him). I could tell which one of them was narrating, since they had a different thought process than each other, which made the book all the more interesting! There was so much depth and personality to each of the characters, I loved it.
Plot Twists AAAAAA!
Around the corner, through the door, a plot twist waits, to attack your face.
^^^this is a beautiful poem about plot twists, written by me. It can be strongly applied to this book. The End.
Writing, Also Perfection
It might seem like I'm easy to please when it comes to books. That is a GINORMOUS lie. Especially when it comes to writing. If its not written good, it's not going to please me. But this, this master piece, this book, is written so good. Jennifer L. Armentrout is my goals. I loved her writing so much, I actually ordered another book by her, which you can look forward to in my haul!!
Soooo is it good? Or is it bad?
Well clearly after my obvious love for this book, it's gotta be good. It really is. I could dare say it is my favorite book*covers self from the haters* overall I give this book:
Have you read Lux? If so tell me what you think of it!
Christmas = Christmas break = reading 24/7!!!!!!! Without school wasting all my reading time I will be freeeee! To read and read and read! So today's post is Decembers TBR!
Lux Opposition By Jennifer L. Armentruout The last book in the amazing, fabulous, beautiful, glorious series EVER. I think this is my favorite book series(and I haven't even read the last book yet!)
Half Blood By Jennifer L. Armentrout yes another book by Jennifer L. Armentrout.Since Lux was live a gift from the gods I have to read her other books!! To see if they are just as amazing.
Shadow And Bone By Leigh Bardugo I'm Finally going to read this glorious book! So much hype has been around it and Six Of Crows, well now I will be one step closer to reading Six Of Crows (since I'm making myself read this first)
Throne Of Glass By Sarah J. Maas I am actually ashamed I haven't read this yet. Enough said
Harry Potter And The Sorcerers Stone I have actually read this, don't worry. I just MUST reread it because 4 years is along time... and that's how long ago I read it!
Of course with Christmas coming and all the books I'm planning on getting my December TBR is DEFIANTLY going grow, a lot! so look forward to the wrap up at the end of the month!
2. The Wrath and The Dawn I swear EVERY single person has read this book except me. All the book bloggers have reviewed this forever ago, but me. I haven't even read it, and I hate myself for it! I am totally reading this book ASAP! Or adding it to my gigantic Christmas list of books.
3. Shadow and Bone I was actually going to buy this book in the summer... but then I didn't... *face palm*. I am going to buy this however because people were have been raving about how good it was!
4. Eleanor & Park I don't know if i will ever read this book. Is it actually that good? I am a fantasy person it is all I ever read most of what I read is fantasy. Usually I'm not so fond of contemporary. If people wanna fall in love, they better do it while their fighting some dragons or something. I'm kiddinggg not at all. So I don't know, maybe one day I will give this book a chance who knows.
5. Amy and Rogers Epic Detour This book got a lot of hype in the summer. Despite that its a contemporary I was really considering reading it, I still am! It sounds like really fun read! Sometimes after reading a heavy fantasy I need to lighten up! This book is a great book for just that!
6. Throne of Glass I am buying this book tomorrow, I swear! Then once it comes to my house I will tear open the box and read it (after a book haul of course). I am ashamed that I have not devoured this book with my eyeballs yet.
7. Magnus Chase and The Sword of Summer Rick Riordan, the author of Percy Jackson, your favorite series, has come out with a new book and you haven't read it yet? For shame Maya, for shame! I know, I know, what am I doing with my life? I wore a Percy Jackson shirt today, but I haven't even read Rick Riordan's new book?? I am ashamed.
8. Scarlet: The Lunar Chronicles Book 2 I read book one, but not book two! I am VERY behind... *shakes head at self*. I am however going to be a good girl and correct this, definitely picking this book up very soon!
9. Court of Thorns and Roses one of the most popular books of 2015, but yet I still haven't read it. Its not that I don't want to, its just that I have no money. You see, I have a problem, I refuse to can only buy books. My book shelf is weak. It is sad, empty. It shall be filled! So I need to buy this book, before I can actually read it!
10. All The Bright Places once again another book I don't know if I will ever read... contemporarys just aren't my thing! No matter how much I wish they were. But I shouldn't be so quick to judge! Maybe this book is utterly and truly amazing and I'm just shaming it for no reason!
