I am one of those people that will read anywhere. ANYWHERE. Even if I am not supposed to be reading, I probably will be*. I dunno about you guys, but I dont read in one place. I read in everyplace.
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:
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!
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!
