Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR #1)

Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR #1)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA 
Pages: 419

My Rating:

Feyre's survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price... Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever. -goodreads.com

Ok, don't hate me but I hated Sarah's other series, (Throne of Glass, I think), and I was afraid to start A Court of Thorns and Roses for that same reason. BOY AM I KICKING MY OWN ASS FOR NOT HAVING PICKED IT UP EARLIER! ❤️ I freaking loved it! I devoured it and loved every second of it. The story, the writing, the character development, I loved it all.

So I'm totally team Tamlin right now, but I did the HUGE mistake of looking on goodreads. Why is everyone going crazy about Rhysand? He was a complete dick! People commented, "If it weren't for Rhy, Feyre wouldn't have made it out of the mountain alive!"... The f? 😂Did we read the same book? Rhysand was the reason she was there in the first place! He went crying to Amarantha that Tamlin was with Clare. Even after Tamlin begged him not to say anything. I hate him! 😒 My pal Ashley says I need to start book 2 asap as all will become clear... haha!

Either way, a great first book to begin the series. Lucky for me, book two is on my Nook. 

Onyx (Lux #2)

Title: Onyx (Lux #2) 
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout  
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pages: 366

My Review:

BEING CONNECTED TO DAEMON BLACK SUCKS…
Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.
SOMETHING WORSE THAN ARUM HAS COME TO TOWN
The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there’s this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that’s possible. Against all common sense, I’m falling for Daemon. Hard.
BUT THEN, EVERYTHING CHANGES
I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?
NO ONE IS WHO THEY SEEM. AND NOT EVERYONE WILL SURVIVE THE LIES. -goodreads.com

Loved being back in Kat and Daemon's world. It's been a cool min. since I last read Obsidian (read my review for book one HERE).

Kat grew on me this book, not that I didn't like her in book 1, but she was way more realistic in Onyx. She’s not surrounded by the typical halo of perfection (as I like to call it), which some authors bathe their main characters with. Daemon on the other hand was even more perfect... He is equal parts good and bad, danger and comfort. It surprised me that we got so much Daemon and Katy time bc in book 1 we literally get one kiss like 200 pages in. I hated it, it was torture!

The only thing I constantly hated about this book was Kat's stupid attitude towards Daemons' feelings towards her. "He can't possible like me, it's just out connection" 😒 really? You have to be f*ing dense to believe that after all the effort the guy puts into visiting/spending time w you! OMG, the thanksgiving scene when he brings her dinner. I almost cried, that scene had me hard core wishing men/aliens like Daemon actually existed.

I hate the DOD and they hardly make an appearance, they're only mentioned. Like, I get they're the bad guys but why do the Lux always have to check in with them? Why not just go super saiyan on their asses? Slight spoiler (highlight to read): AND THE DOCTOR! AHHHHH! I hope he dies a slow and painful death. I'm a little confused on the whole willing mutation? So it won't stick since Dae wasn't willing? I'm guessing I'll get more answers in book 3, Opal. 

Review: The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2)

Title: The Wiked King (The Folk of the Air #2)
Author: Holly Black
Publisher: Little, Brown Books
Pages: 336

My Review:

You must be strong enough to strike and strike and strike again without tiring.  The first lesson is to make yourself strong.  After the jaw-dropping revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her younger brother safe. To do so, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne. Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough if Cardan were easy to control. But he does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her even as his fascination with her remains undiminished.  When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world. -goodreads.com

I hate Taryn. She can choke on a big one... She legit is the definition of a traitor to her own blood. Her name should be a synonym for disloyalty. I read somewhere that she's just doing what she "thinks" is right? The f...? 😒 

Ok, now that I got that off my chest... Onto the review, Wicked King picks up right after Cruel Prince (you can read my weird emotional review HERE). Cardan is now King of the realm but is in a way being manipulated by Jude. Ok, not in a way but as in 💯percent being manipulated by Jude. He can't do anything major without the approval of her. Idk why but it bothered me that he's always drunk. Cardan is a great character but when it comes time to BE GREAT, he backs off. Jude is great, I love her. I hate that she trusted the wrong people.

I absolutely adore the world that Black has created. I honestly can't get enough of it. The ending killed me... Literally. I'm not the one typing this, it's my ghost form the great beyond. She's just sticking around bc she has unfinished business with this series and apparently won't be able to move on until November of this year (which is a lot better than January 2020, which was the original release date). Any who, have you read this series? Give me your theories, talk to me, put me out of my miseryyyy...

Review: The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air #1)

Title: The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air #1)
Author: Holly Black
Publisher: Little, Brown Books
Pages: 336

My Rating:

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself. -goodreads.com

Holy mother... I should have waited and NOT listened to Ashley over @ The Tattered Page (sorry girl, I'm totally going to throw you under the bus haha). You need to start this series ASAP, she said... You'll finish it quickly, she said... Yeah, but what she forgot to mention was that this book will legit break your heart into a million pieces, throw them on the floor and stomp on them too! Seriously... If you're a fan of YA/Twilight/Mortal Instruments- YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!

*Slight SPOILERS* The romance aspect is weird af. Like, I ship Jude and Cardan 100% but at the same time I hate him (and at the end end of this book, I kinda hated her). I've never been in this situation, I'm a hopeless romantic and I usually either love or hate, no in-betweens. But after finishing TCP my heart is everywhere. Ssssoooo much betrayal, from literally everyone.... There were several times while reading that I had to do a re-read to make sure I read what I thought I read (don't know if that makes sense). I hope I didn't give too much away and can someone please call/test/tweet me!? I need to talk about my feelings hahaha... I am a very blessed girl, I have book two waiting as I type. The million dollar question now is; do I read it now, or wait closer to Book 3's release which isn't until freaking January 2020!? Decisions, decisions.... Oh what the heck, who am I kidding... I'm starting this bad boy now. 

Review: Rebel Belle (Rebel Belle #1)

Title: Rebel Belle (Rebel Belle #1)
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Pages: 345
 
My Rating: 

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts. Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth. With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more. -goodreads.com

This book was so much fun! Harper was easy enough to relate to, but she did get a bit annoying at times. I wish she would have gave into her feelings for David much earlier in the story, it would have made things way easier... but then again I guess there wouldn't have been such an addicting plot... Curse you, Hawkins! The plot progressed at a steady pace, bringing about questions that I needed answers to. Just as one question was answered, another would arise and I would keep saying, "one more chapter!" I want me own Paladin (a warrior and protector), or maybe I can just become one so I won't have to depend on anyone else haha!

My favorite thing about this book is Harper's humorous snark, loved every dialogue between her and David. There were plenty of, "You go girl!" moments and I really wasn't expecting that ending. Only thing I sort of disliked was the romance aspect. The fact that Harper already had a boyfriend really put me on the top of the love triangle. I'm all for staying loyal so it felt weird to secretly be rooting for her and David. A fun fast read that has left me craving for book 2.

Review: Carrier of the Mark (Carrier #1)

Title: Carrier of the Mark (Carrier #1)
Author: Leigh Burdugo 
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 342

My Rating:

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRÍs. But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction. -goodreads.com

This book was my savior in 2018. To be honest I was debating on whether or not I'd keep the blog, re-vamp it or just shut it down. Once I finished Carrier I KNEW there was no way I could keep my love for this book all to myself. I had to sit down and VENT my feelings... even if it was to my un-updated blog. I was very fortunate that I read the book first before checking out the Goodreads page because MY GOD. People can be soooo evil. If you were to check out the goodreads page for Carrier, you will see people make direct similarities between Carrier and Twilight. Actually, no, not similarities, they accuse Carrier of being a cheap rip-off version of Twilight. And that kind of heart my hurt because I liked this book so much... I honest to God didn't think of Twilight ONCE when I was reading the book.

Now that I've finished it and made the comparison, I can somewhat see the similarities (adopted families, the council = the voltari) but it's nothing like people make it out to be. I read a review where someone said the sister's names both begin with the letter 'A' -_- Really?... come on, people are just looking for a way to be hateful. If I had to tell a friend what this book was about I would say it was a more mature young adult take on The Last Air Bender (but with Romance). In Carrier, Megan our main character (and she is nothing like Bella), can control air, that's her element.

Megan is awesome and very relatable. She's careful, calm, and strong. She has recently lost her mother and moved to Ireland with her father. Thats when she meets Adam. Oh. Em. Gee. They don't make them like Adam anymore... I did think that they kissed way too early (for my personal taste) but that didn't take anything away from the story or plot. The setting in this book is terrific! I've visited Ireland before and I could imagine myself there again with how vivid and complete Ms. Fallon's descriptions were. I honestly cannot wait to get my hands on book 2.

If you're thinking about checking this book out, do it! Don't let negative reviews ever stop you from picking up a book. Or maybe you're like one of my students who said, "I loved twilight so the fact that you loved it and say people compare it to Twilight only makes me want to pick it up even more!" So whatever side you take, just do me a fav and give this book a try. You won't regret it. 

Review: Dreamology by Lucy Keating

Title: Dreamology
Author: Lucy Keating
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336

My Rating:

For as long as Alice can remember, she has dreamed of Max. Together, they have travelled the world and fallen deliriously, hopelessly in love. Max is the boy of her dreams—and only her dreams. Because he doesn’t exist.  But when Alice walks into class on her first day at a new school, there he is. Real Max is nothing like Dream Max. He’s stubborn and complicated. And he has a whole life Alice isn’t a part of. Getting to know each other in reality isn’t as perfect as Alice always hoped.  Alarmingly, when their dreams start to bleed into their waking hours, the pair realize that they might have to put an end to a lifetime of dreaming about each other. But when you fall in love in your dreams, can reality ever be enough? -goodreads.com

This was such a dreamingly magical read! I'm honestly having a very hard time accepting the fact that this is a stand alone novel. Reading this book makes you feel like your floating/bouncing up in the clouds. The main story revolves around Alice and Max. Two teens whom literally have been dreaming of each other since they were kids. Alice, our mc, is completely in love with Max, even though he isn't real... Or so she thought. After moving HS's Alice is terrified the day she see's Max (HER Max, the one from her dreams) walk in to class. Later on they discovered the reason they dream of each other was because [spoiler-- highlight to read] they attended a dream study center as kids, and then went their separate ways BUT they continued to dream of each other. [end spoiler]. Although there were a few unanswered questions about the story, overall I'm kinda wishing there was a book two.

Although Alice was a bit whiny at times, I liked her. The only thing that was a big no-no in my book was how she practically stole Max from his gf. The only character that kind of drove me mad was Max... Don't get me wrong, I really liked Max BUT he could be really rude at times, and he was always confused about his feelings... like come on, get your shit together!

In my honest opinion, the best thing about this book is how realistic the dreams were. Dreams hardly ever make sense and they don't always reflect things you have on your mind. The dreams in this book are the most realistic I have ever come across; they're random, colorful and all over the place. I loved Alice's dreams.

Review: Immortal City (Immortal Series #1)

Title: Immortal City (Immortal Series #1)
Author: Scott Speer
Publisher: Penguin Group
Pages: 368

My Rating:

Jackson Godspeed is the hottest Angel in a city that revolves around idolizing Immortals like him. He grew up in the spotlight, and in less than a week he'll become the youngest full-fledged Guardian ever. People around the world are lining up to pay for him to keep them safe. His lifelong dream of becoming a hero is finally within his grasp - and he can't afford to let the parties, paparazzi, or red carpets distract him. But Jackson's high-profile life takes an unexpected turn when he meets seventeen-year-old Maddy. She's smart and down-to-earth, and sees Jackson for who he is and not for his celebrity. They forge an instant - and electric - connection. Their vastly different backgrounds seem like the only obstacle in their path to being together... until something much more dangerous threatens to destroy their chance at love. Because not everyone worships the Angels: a bitter killer is murdering the Guardians one by one. And it's up Maddy to save Jackson - he's next in the killer's sights. -goodreads.com

I don't know why, but I freaking LOVED this book. It's been a while since I've sped-read, and I can honestly tell you that I finished Immortal City in one day. Imagine a futuristic world where we not only KNOW angels exist, but we pay for them to keep us safe. You got cash? Well guess what, you're pretty much untouchable. I was immediately drawn into the world Speer created and I loved every single second of it!

Let's talk character development... I liked Maddy, eh... well, I liked her enough to not roll my eyes when she made dumb decisions (I tend to have high expectations for my females mc's). I think she was a little too relatable... if that makes any sense. Yes, she was innocent but that doesn't mean she has to be weak too. I liked the scenes where she was in charge and kicking butt! That was the REAL Maddy, the one I wanted for Jackson. Speaking of... Jackson freaking Godspeed. I loved him from the start. I've read other reviews where people claim he was a bit of a jerk in the beginning, but I didn't him that way AT ALL. He and Maddy come from two completely different worlds yet he still put in the effort to make it work.

The murder aspect gave this book a bit of a detective feeling which I enjoyed. I suspected who the murder was but even then, the end(ing) scene was intense. If you have time and are in the need for a angel/romance/detective book, pick this one up. 

Review: The Selection by Kierra Cass (The Selection #1)

Title: The Selection (The Selection #1)
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages:336

Rating: 

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.  But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.  Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. -goodreads.com

I don't know what it is about these types of books, but I'm a sucker for them. I've read countless reviews on how sexist and poorly written this series is, yet here I am... Having finished book one and actually looking very much forward to book two.

I have to admit, The Selection was a quick fun read. Only thing that really bugged me was the fact that Maxon was such a wimp at times. "I don't know what to do when women cry!"..... REALLYYYY!???? You're holding a Selection with 35 other women, yet you don't know how to handle a little bit of tears??? Hon, you're in for a whirlwind of problems! I liked America, she's easy to relate to and I truly did find myself rooting for her. I feel like Aspen and America's relationship really wasn't developed and felt too childish. I understand they're both teenagers, but even then they both just seemed so immature.

So if you're thinking, "Why the hell did you give it 5 stars?", my answer is I have no damn clue! hahaha! I'm serious, I just really liked the fact that I finished it so fast and it held my attention until the very end. The cliffhanger was inevitable so I'm kinda excited to start book two.