Quick Stats: Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 4.5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: It’s official. I’m adding this book to my "books I will not shut up about" list.
// Content Warning: Violence, Death, Mature Content, Self Harm (for Magic/Religion), Child Abuse, Abuse, Animal Death, War Themes, Murder, Gore (Graphic), Amputation, Torture, Antisemitism, Cultural genocide and ethnic cleansing //
The Wolf and the Woodsman follows Evike, a magic-less pagan woman with a Yehuli father, making her an outcast in her village. When the Holy Order of the Woodsman comes to take a pagan girl as a sacrifice, her village betrays her and volunteers her to be taken. But, on the journey to the palace, she and the Woodsmen are attacked, leaving only her and the captain alive. But he isn’t who she originally thought. The two of them are forced to rely on each other to survive, but as they journey together, they realize they do have something in common: their desire to prevent the cruel prince from taking the throne.
This book is amazing, and because of that, my thoughts about it are fairly chaotic. So, we’re going to ignore my normal reviewing format in favor of trying to string together these rambling thoughts.
The Wolf and the Woodsman is a fantastic debut and an absolutely captivating story.
If you want: - enemies to lovers - huddling for warmth - ruthless protagonist, secret cinnamon roll love interest - intricate worldbuilding - forbidden love then you need to read this book.
The Wolf and the Woodsman is stunning. You can tell the amount of research and thought that went into crafting this world and these characters. The different cultures in the book have clear real-world influence, from Hungarian history to Jewish mythology (I'm not an ownvoices reviewer, so I would highly suggest reading ownvoices reviews discussing those aspects of this book).
This novel feels atmospheric and dark, showing a brutal world full of violence and gore, but still had moments for hope and love inside of it. The relationship in this book was beautiful, and the two main characters on their own were incredible and will stick with you long after you close the book.
- Conclusion -
Pros- Great characters, fascinating world, amazing writing Cons- if you aren’t a fan of gore, this might be a hard read for you (I usually don’t care either way about gore, so this didn’t really bother me) Overall- 5/5 stars. I loved every minute I spent reading this book, and I can't wait for more people to experience it.
who let me read this when I have to wait until October for the sequel?
This book was exactly what I was hoping it would be. I never wanted to put it dowho let me read this when I have to wait until October for the sequel?
This book was exactly what I was hoping it would be. I never wanted to put it down!! I loved the writing (which is no surprise considering my love of Kerri Maniscalco), I loved the depiction of grief and our main character's journey, and I loved the magic and this world. And Wrath? I'm obsessed.
I'm going to need some time to emotionally recover from this
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC to review
Our Violent Ends is a beautiful I'm going to need some time to emotionally recover from this
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC to review
Our Violent Ends is a beautiful conclusion to an emotionally devastating series. This book will stick with you long after you put it down. It is an atmospheric journey, with characters that will embed themselves into your heart, and relationships that will have you crying at 2 am (... totally not speaking from experience here).
The plot in this book is gripping and will have you on the edge of your seat. We all know Romeo and Juliet, but Our Violent Ends surpasses even Shakespeare. I had to put the book down several times just to breathe and prepare myself to keep reading. I also had to put the book down a few times in order to let the beautiful writing style sink in. There are some passages in this book that I would reread again and again because of how beautifully they were written, and how well they were crafted.
In the end, Our Violent Ends is the perfect sequel and has cemented this series as one of my all-time favorites....more
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Quick Stats: Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: Have you ever felt like a book was made for you? That is how I feel about Down Comes the Night.
// Content Warning: Violence, Death, Torture, Gore, Drugging Someone, War Themes, Murder, Kidnapping/Abduction, Medical Procedures //
Down Comes the Night is a gothic YA fantasy following Wren, a powerful healer in the Queen’s Guard who is dismissed after she makes a decision the Queen deems “reckless”. But when she receives a letter from a Lord of a neighboring kingdom, she travels to his estate to heal his servant from a mysterious illness. But when she gets there, she discovers the servant is actually her kingdom’s most renowned enemy.
- Writing & Setting - While this book is technically a fantasy standalone, it reads like a historical novel. Down Comes the Night has an atmospheric feel to it, ominous and foreboding. However, there’s still humor and levity within the darker tone. The world itself is beautifully crafted, with each kingdom complex and unique. I was absolutely fascinated with the magic system and would love more books in this world exploring it even further.
- Plot - Even though I would love more books (or even just one more chapter… please?), Down Comes the Night works well as a standalone. All major plot points are perfectly wrapped up (without feeling too perfect, of course). The plot itself is gripping and addictive, with the pacing perfectly fitting for the tone of the book. It starts slightly slower-paced but picks up towards the end as the stakes get higher and higher. The romance and character development come first and foremost, but there’s also a great mystery unfolding as well. It’s not the most shocking, but there are still small twists thrown here and there that add to it.
- Characters - The characters are what make this book special. Wren is our central protagonist, and I loved her journey. In a world of YA fantasy books with unapologetically ruthless and fierce female protagonists, Wren’s empathy and kindness stands out. There’s a lot of discussion over whether her emotions make her weak, and if her empathy is a detriment, and I was so happy to see that. This book is dedicated to the “girls who feel too much” and I feel like it has such an important message.
But Wren isn’t the only one with a great journey. Hal is her enemy, a ruthless killer, or so Wren thinks. I absolutely adored him. I don’t want to say too much, because it’s best if you read it and find out for yourself, but I really enjoyed his character.
We also have some great side characters, all of them complex and with their own development. Also, our main character is bi!! And the main romance in this book? Absolutely amazing. I loved their dynamic, and how they grew together. The angst, the fluff, the banter? Iconic.
- Conclusion -
Pros- great themes, amazing world, fantastic characters Cons- can we please just get like, one more chapter? Please? I just love these characters Overall- 5/5 stars. Down Comes the Night is an unforgettable debut that I know I will be going back to reread again and again.
Quick Stats: Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 4/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire took this series to the next level. It adds on to everything we loved about From Blood and Ash, and will have you dying for the next book.
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire is the sequel to From Blood and Ash, and takes place immediately after the ending of the first book. There’s not much else I can say here without spoiling the first book, but let’s just say- if you liked From Blood and Ash, you’ll want to pick this up.
- Writing & Setting -
We all know at this point that I’m obsessed with Jennifer L. Armentrout. This book has her trademark wit with plenty of steam and heart at it’s core. She continues to build onto the world introduced in From Blood and Ash, adding more so much more to the lore. I was absolutely fascinated with these new additions.
- Plot -
I’ll be honest, not much happens in this book. But did I mind? Not one bit. The dynamics between the characters made up for it. And when stuff did happen? It was intense and amazing and I can’t stop thinking about it. I’m so happy with the direction this series is going in and I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
- Characters -
I am in love with all of the characters in this series. Seriously. I’m obsessed.
I knew I would love Cas. I already loved him in From Blood and Ash, so it was inevitable, but I didn’t expect to love him this much. He’s just such a great character. And his relationship with Poppy? Iconic. Adorable. Just so amazing. Poppy is another character I really enjoyed in this book. I was occasionally frustrated with her, but it all made sense for her character so I’m not mad about it. I think she’s a great protagonist.
We also meet (or get to know) a lot more side characters and they’re all so interesting. Keiran is the absolute best part of this book. I love him so much and I really hope we get more of him in later books. My only complaint with the side characters is that the cast isn’t very diverse, but hopefully, that will be improved on in later books.
- Conclusion -
Pros- great characters, steamy romance, interesting world, fun writing Cons- the series has gotten better in its diversity and representation (I love that Poppy isn't thin and it's very clear that she's mid-size/plus-size), but there's still room to grow Overall- 5/5 stars. A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire is a fantastic new installment in a series that is absolutely worth all of the hype.
Quick Stats: Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: I had some pretty high expectations for this book, but I never expected it to fly above all of them.
Release Date: 11/17/2020 Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books Page Count: 464 Premise:
These Violent Delights is a refreshing take on Romeo and Juliet, taking place in Shanghai, in 1926. It follows Roma Montagov and Juliette Cai, the heirs to two rival gangs, locked in a blood feud. But when their city is overrun by madness, they must work together to stop it.
- Writing & Setting -
The first thing that amazed me about this book was the writing style (this was only the first of many things). The writing in this book is beautiful, and includes so much depth in every line, without feeling extremely dense and too-flowery. It sets the tone for the book, creating a dark atmosphere with a bite.
Speaking of the atmosphere- the setting is absolutely astounding. I can’t imagine the amount of research that went into creating such a vibrant and grounded world. While there are some fantasy aspects, they are so well developed that it only made the world feel more real.
- Plot -
I will admit, it took me a minute to get fully into the book (maybe 50 pages or so), but once I was invested, I was obsessed. You would think an almost-500 page book might take some time to read, but I couldn’t put it down. There was always something interesting happening, and those last 100 pages??? Yeah, there was no chance I was stepping away from that.
One thing I really enjoyed about the plot of this book was all of the unique twists on the classic Romeo & Juliet plot. I loved how all of the original characters were adapted, and I especially loved how These Violent Delights differed from the original while still having great references to it.
- Characters - Hello, yes, I would like to form a Marshall Seo fan club.
Okay, but can we talk about some of these characters for a moment? Forget Roma and Juliette (we’ll get to them later)- but Marshall, Benedict, Kathleen, and Rosalind??? 1) I loved seeing all of the representations in this book 2) They’re just so well-developed and I love them all. Even when I may not like a character, their beliefs and motivations are incredibly realistic and interesting, so I love them anyway. … but also I do really like most of them.
Now, let's talk about Roma and Juliette. Roma is our Romeo, he seems cold and cunning but secretly cares so deeply about those he loves. Then there’s Juliette. She’s ruthless and violent and dedicated to her people. They are great protagonists, and I adore them so much.
But also let's talk about them as a couple, because this is a Romeo and Juliet retelling so that’s kinda important. One worry I get with Romeo and Juliet retellings is that it’ll rely on insta-love. But this book most certainly does not. Not only is the main relationship enemies-to-lovers, but childhood sweethearts-to-enemies-to-lovers, so we get a whole extra level of angst. If that isn’t enough to make you want to read it, I don’t know what is. I absolutely love them together and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
- Conclusion -
Pros- Amazing characters, beautiful writing, fascinating world, seriously everything about this book is amazing Cons- Can take a second to get into Overall- 5/5 stars. These Violent Delights is a book you cannot miss. This novel is astounding in every way and I can't recommend it enough.
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin is a beautifully written fantasy novel that you won't want to miss. The world-building alone is reason to read it. As mentiA Song of Wraiths and Ruin is a beautifully written fantasy novel that you won't want to miss. The world-building alone is reason to read it. As mentioned in the synopsis, this world is inspired by West African folklore. I really loved how the mythology of this world, and the fascinating magic system. Also, there's casual LGBTQ+ representation in it! It might be subtle, but I just can't help but get excited whenever I see a book, especially a fantasy, have LGBTQ+ characters and it not being a problem in that world.
As for the plot, this book has magic, forbidden romance, court intrigue- all of my favorite things. However, the first half of the book is a little slow. It picks up in the second half, but it did make it hard to get into. The ending though? Did not see that coming, and it makes it worth pushing through any slow parts.
What I loved most about this book has to be the characters (no surprise if you know me at all). Malik and Karina are both amazing. Malik is a soft boy and I love him so much. Meanwhile, Karina is our strong female protagonist, but she struggles with living up to the expectations of others and her own expectations for herself.
I will say, the romance is definitely not quite as big of a part of the book as I expected, but I didn't mind that at all. Perhaps my favorite thing about our two main characters is the mental health representation. Malik deals with anxiety and panic attacks, and Karina deals with anxiety and chronic headaches. It was so great to read about these badass characters who are amazing in addition to their health issues, not despite it.
Pros- Great representation, amazing world-building, good writing Cons- Slow pacing, hard to get into Overall- 4/5 stars. A Song of Wraiths and Ruin is a strong first book. In the end, you will be so glad you read it. ...more
This is a part of the Bone Crier’s Moon blog tour! Thank you so much to the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All quoteThis is a part of the Bone Crier’s Moon blog tour! Thank you so much to the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All quotes mentioned here are taken from the ARC and are subject to change. Check out this review (and more) over on my blog!
Quick Stats: Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: Bone Crier’s Moon is possibly my favorite book of the year (so far). It's addictive and fun, with fantastic characters and a fantastic world. I can't wait for book 2, Bone Crier's Dawn!
“If the Bone Crier wants a soulmate, I’ll give her one. I’ll give her me. Then I’ll break her.”
- Writing & Setting - After this book, I now need to read Kathyrn Purdie’s other books. Her writing style has that fun fantasy edge but is super easy to enjoy and jump into. She weaves the worldbuilding into the book beautifully- Bone Crier’s Moon takes place in a fantasy world heavily inspired by France, and you can see that inspiration everywhere. However, what makes it stand out is the mythology. The concept of the Bone Criers is fascinating, and I loved seeing the normal humans try to piece together the mythology based on the few stories that they have.
“This is a new dance between us, one that doesn’t lead to death but clings to the fragile hope of life.”
- Plot -
Listen, that cover and synopsis got me really hyped for this book. Before I started reading, I was worried my expectations would be too high. Well, despite my having Brendon Urie-level high hopes, Bone Crier’s Moon amazed me. The main thing I will credit that to- the plot. also the characters but I’ll get to that next. I thought I knew what I was getting into, but oh boy was I wrong. This book definitely surprised me, many times.
But surprises aren’t the only thing that will hook you into this book. The pace is perfect, making it addictive. There’s plenty of action, which will have you on the edge of your seat, but there are also some quieter scenes for major character moments.
“I’m not weak. I’m not a coward. I’m tired of everyone believing I am. I’m tired of believing it myself.” I'd die for Sabine
- Characters - Now time for my favorite part- the characters! Listen, I’m trash for all of these characters.Ailesse is our classic strong female protagonist, eager for her mother’s approval and fully dedicated to the Bone Criers.
Sabine is Ailesse’s best friend, more tender of heart, and while she supports Ailesse’s ambition, she lacks her dedication.
Then there’s Bastien, who watched his father be killed by a Bone Crier and is desperate for revenge. Bastien matches Ailesse in dedication and strength, but his ruthlessness is paired with a little hint of awkwardness that appears very rarely but is so fun to see.
Outside of our three point-of-view characters, we have a full cast of people. Jules is very similar to Bastien, his best friend, loyal and protective of their little group. She’s okay, but definitely not my favorite character. She made a lot of stupid decisions, but by the end of the book, I was starting to appreciate her a little more.
Marcel is Jules’ younger brother, who loves researching the Bone Criers but doesn’t really care about the whole revenge aspect. He just wants to spend time with his family, and since they’re out for blood, he’ll help. He’s just such a fun character, and I will do anything to protect him.
The relationships between all of the characters are so strong and compelling. Ailesse and Sabine’s sisterly love for each other is adorable, and Ailesse and Bastien are such a fun pair to watch interact.
Also, all of the characters’ development over the course of the book is amazing. Sabine especially. Seeing who she was at the beginning of the book, versus who she is at the end? She’s a queen and I love her.
“The gods have nothing to do with us. We don’t have to play their games.”
- Conclusion -
Pros- Amazing characters, great world-building, constant action, and just so addictive Cons- Are there any LGBTQ+ Bone Crier’s? I wish we could see more of other sexualities in this world. Overall- 5/5 stars. I had very high expectations for this book, and it not only met them but flew beyond them. Bone Crier’s Moon is a must-read novel for any fans of fantasy and star-crossed romance. Please pick it up!
“I curse the names of the gods. I desperately pray to them.”
Quick Stats: Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: I am broken. This book has destroyed me. But in the best possible way.
We Free the Stars is the sequel to We Hunt the Flame, following the zumra after as they continue on their quest to return magic to Arawiya.
- Initial Thoughts -
I am a husk of a human being. I don’t know how to move on after finishing this book.
(actually, I do know how to move on: read the book again... which I might have done)
We Hunt the Flame is one of my all-time favorite books. We Free the Stars had a lot to live up to, but I knew I would end up loving it. I did not expect how much. This book somehow managed to surpass all of my exceedingly high expectations and leave me an absolute mess.
- Writing & Setting -
We all already know that Hafsah Faizal’s writing is gorgeous. This is news to no one. But let me just say it again: the writing in this book is stunning, the prose is elegant without losing a sense of humor, and the setting is fascinating. We got to know Arawiya a little bit in the first book, but We Free the Stars shows us more of this world and made me never want to leave.
- Plot -
This book continues on the quest to restore magic and save Arawiya from the danger that was unleashed at the end of We Hunt the Flame (I’m trying to be vague here for anyone who hasn’t read the first one yet).
Where it took me a minute to get into the first book, I was immediately hooked in We Free the Stars. There was something constantly happening or about to happen. There was also a decent amount of action in this book, which is always fun, while still having time to let the fantastic characters shine.
- Characters -
Speaking of those fantastic characters: I love the zumra with every fibre of my being.
The characters in this book are amazing. You thought you loved them after We Hunt the Flame? Just you wait.
We get three POVs in this book: Zafira, Nasir, and Altair.
I loved the addition of Altair’s perspective. He became one of my favorite characters in We Hunt the Flame and I was so happy to see more of him in We Free the Stars (even though I was constantly worrying about him). Learning more about him was one of my favorite parts of this book.
Nasir and Zafira’s perspectives are equally amazing. They both have gone through a lot in book one and it was great to see them continue to develop and change over the course of this book.
We Free the Stars also puts a good amount of focus on the romance that began in We Hunt the Flame and it was just so perfect. I honestly don’t know how to put into words my feelings over that plotline because my thoughts are still an incoherent mess whenever I try to think of it.
Outside of our POV characters, we see some familiar faces and some new ones. I loved spending even more time with the characters we already knew from We Hunt the Flame, and I also really enjoyed getting to know all of the new characters. There was not a single flat character in this series and I love it so much.
- Conclusion -
Pros- Beautiful writing, fantastic characters, swoon-worthy romance, amazing worldbuilding, addictive plot Cons- I don’t know what to do with my life now that this series is over. Also, this book made me cry in the middle of a livestream Overall- 5/5 stars. I could not have imagined a more perfect finale. This book was everything I could have ever wanted it to be.
Quick Stats: Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 4/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: The Shadows BetwQuick Stats: Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 4/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: The Shadows Between Us is a fun, addictive novel that lived up to all of my expectations- a feat I worried would be impossible.
“They've never found the body of the first and only boy who broke my heart. And they never will.” (This is literally the first line in the book how can you not want to read more?!?!)
// Content Warning: Violence, Death, Assault, Slut Shaming, Murder //
"I know when I've been beaten, and I have barely even started."
This book has been described as a Slytherin romance, and honestly? There’s no better way to describe it. Alessandra has a goal: marry the Shadow King, then kill him and take his kingdom. The challenge? She isn’t the only one who wants him dead, and she must keep him alive long enough to make it to the author.
““You are beautiful,” he continues. “But not so beautiful as to tempt me.”” (Love Kallias, master of the art of complementing someone and insulting them at the same time)
- Writing & Setting -
Tricia Levenseller became one of my favorite authors after Daughter of the Pirate King for a few key reasons, and one of them being her writing style. She writes amazing banter between characters, and she manages to create a fantasy world without ever overwhelming the reader. There is a hint of magic in this world, and it has its explanations and is fully grounded, but other than kingdom politics, not much else of the world is explained. I personally didn’t mind, because everything I needed was explained perfectly, but don’t come into this expected a Game of Thrones level amount of worldbuilding and depth here.
"Who in the world would steal and then not keep the riches for themselves? That’s just bad business." (I mean, she's not wrong)
- Plot -
This book is so fun. The plot has a bit of mystery, plenty of scheming, and of course, an amazing romance. The book is perfectly paced, and had me hooked from page one. The plot twists were a little predictable, however some aspects of them did actually surprise me. This book also tackles themes of misogyny and slut shaming really well!
“Don’t be afraid of who you are. Say what you wish. Be who you wish. Don’t try to be someone else.”
- Characters -
Our main characters are horrible and I love them so much. Let's talk about Alessandra. She’s cunning, ambitious, and has no regrets. She knows what she wants and she will take it, no matter what is in her way. I loved how resourceful and intelligent she is, and I especially loved her interest in fashion. She’s my queen. Kallias didn’t get quite as much development as Alessandra, but I still love him. He’s equally ambitious, and the two of them together are a little villainous but in the best way. Their romance isn’t really enemies-to-lovers, but instead almost sweet, and it was so adorable. I will say, I can see people not liking the main characters- they are not good people- but for me that’s part of the appeal.
There are some great side characters, with an emphasis on friendship between women that I loved! Also, there are some LGBTQ+ side characters, and I really loved how being queer is completely normal in this world.
”I would not allow myself to die in the grave I’d dug.” (an / i c o n / i love her so much)
- Conclusion -
Pros- Fascinating characters, addicting plot, great writing Cons- The main characters may not be for you (but they also might!) Overall- 5/5 stars. The Shadows Between Us is a fantastic novel, with a fun premise and unique characters, you will fall in love.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own! *
Quick Stats: Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 4.5*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own! *
Quick Stats: Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 4.5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 4.5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 4.5/5 Review in a Nutshell: The second I heard this book was LGBTQ+, I put it on my TBR, but I never expected to love with the writing, world, and characters as much as I did.
“Justice was a god, and Ayla didn’t believe in such childish things. She believed in blood.”
The Automae, once created to be the playthings of humans, now rule Rabu, with humans as their servants. Ayla’s family was killed by the Automae when she was a child, and now she serves the House of the Sovereign waiting for her chance to get her revenge and take away his family. Crier is the Sovereign’s daughter, Made to be his heir, but after her betrothal to Scyre Kinok, she realizes that there is much about her kingdom, their history, and herself, that she doesn’t know.
“‘Humanity is how you act, my lady,’ said Jezen. ‘Not how you were Made.’”
- Writing & Setting-
This book does not feel like a debut novel. The writing style is lyrical, but not overly so. It has a distinct voice, with each perspective differing slightly, making it clear who you’re reading. The writing is easy to read and get absorbed into, while also having a beautiful, almost atmospheric feeling to it. But the world is really where Nina Varela’s effort shows. This is a fantasy world, with a mix of sci-fi, historical, and dystopian elements thrown in. The politics and the history of this world is very intricately crafted, and is crucial to the plot. And while the Automae are very similar to androids and robots from sci-fi, they have unique aspects that make them feel purely original and allows them to fit into this fantasy world beautifully.
“‘Fever and fervor,’ said Junn. ‘There is very little difference, in the end.’”
- Plot -
This book deals heavily with unraveling the truth behind this kingdom’s history and traversing the dangerous political world that history has led to. Because of that, there’s a lot to learn in the beginning. Thankfully, there is a rough timeline of events as everyone believes them to have happened, which helps a lot to understand how this kingdom became the way it is, as well as how it ties into our main characters. However, the first 50-100 pages is a little slow because of everything you have to learn. After that, the book picks up drastically as more is revealed and surprising twists are thrown our way.
“If longing is madness, then none of us are sane.”
- Characters -
Okay, let’s talk about our two main characters, Crier and Ayla. Ayla is strong and determined, she’s lived through a lot and is desperate to have her revenge. I really enjoyed her character because she is clearly flawed, but you still find yourself rooting for her, even when she makes decisions you might disagree with. Then there's Crier. Let’s make one thing clear: I would die for Crier. She is such a great character. She’s slightly naive, but ultimately an optimistic and caring person despite all of the awfulness surrounding her. I just adored her perspective, and her as a character. I also loved her relationship with Ayla. They were just so perfect together!! And this is true enemies to lovers (especially from Ayla’s perspective), so expect all of that fun angst!
Ayla and Crier aren’t the only characters in this book. There’s Benjy, Ayla’s best friend, and a good character despite how the fact that he occasionally gets brushed aside. Then there’s Kinok. Kinok is such a fascinating character. I don’t know- I love reading about smart political characters and he is definitely one of them.
"It was never really a choice, was it? Wanting her. Killing her."
- Conclusion -
Pros- Two amazing protagonists, LGBTQ+ rep, fascinating world and history, good writing Cons- Some points can be a little slow Overall- 5/5 stars. Crier’s War is a compelling LGBTQ+ fantasy, with a rich world and beautiful writing. If you’re looking for good representation, an intricately built world, and an amazing enemies-to-lovers relationship, you have to pick up this book.
Quick Stats: Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: Serpent and Dove felt like it was made for me. From the characters to the setting, everything was well crafted and absolutely addictive.
“A witch and a witch hunter bound in holy matrimony. There was only one way such a story could end–a stake and a match.”
“They might’ve all been hypocrites, but I was the biggest of all.” Release Date: 9/3/2019 Publisher: HarperTeen Page Count: 528 Premise:
Serpent and Dove follows Louise la Blanc, a witch who fled her coven, and Reid Diggory, a witch hunter. After a chaotic second meeting, Lou and Reid must marry to save his reputation, and Lou would rather face the pyre than the enemies chasing her. However, when feelings grow, what was first a simple arrangement becomes infinitely more complicated.
“There are some things that can't be changed with words. Some things have to be seen. They have to be felt."
- Writing & Setting-
Historical novels, or fantasy books heavily influenced by history, intimidate me. While I do love them, a lot of times the story feels bogged down by world-building. So naturally, I was a little scared when starting this book. I had no reason to be. The writing in this book is so easy to immerse yourself into. The dialogue is funny and witty, the inner thoughts of the two protagonists are painfully relatable, and the world felt fleshed out without heavy exposition dumps! Speaking of the world- I love this magic system. It’s well written, with plenty of specifics so you’re never left confused, yet vague in certain areas so you can be surprised. This is one of the few fantasy magic systems that I feel I truly understand, and what makes me really happy is that no one seems overpowered, and there are things in place so no one can become overpowered.
“It doesn’t end in death. It ends in hope. Hope. A hope they would never see, would never feel, would never touch. As elusive as smoke. As flickering flames.”
- Plot -
Serpent and Dove is written in a way where you don’t realize how fast the pages are going by until three hours have passed and you’re halfway through the book. Speaking from experience. I had to physically put the book far away from me so I wouldn’t finish it in one day. Why didn’t I want to finish it in one day? It was too fun and I knew the second I was done, I wouldn’t be able to read anything else because I would just want more of this book. (I was right, by the way).
The plot is fast-paced, with plenty of action, magic, and drama. The romance plotline definitely plays a huge part in this book, but there is still a lot happening outside of it. There are great themes discussed, plenty of action, and no unnecessary drama.
“Witches and people alike. One and the same. All innocent. All guilty. All dead. But not me.”
- Characters -
I would read 100 pages of these characters just sitting in a room together. There are four main characters, with two POV characters, and they all interact really well. Each one of them has a well-defined personality and felt grounded and realistic. They also had amazing interactions and bounced off each other well. Even the side characters were multi-faceted and compelling, no matter how few pages they were on. There’s not a single character in this book who I wouldn’t want to know more about.
But back to our main protagonists, Lou and Reid. I love them so much. Seriously. Their opposing personalities lead to some great banter, but even on their own, they are strong and fascinating main characters. Lou is a strong female protagonist, but she sets herself apart from the other strong female protagonists in YA fantasy by not being perfect and having weaknesses and flaws that ground her. Speaking of flaws- Reid. Reid has the best character development I’ve seen in a while. He’s a fascinating character from start to finish, and I can’t wait to see where this series takes his journey!
“The future is inevitable. We might as well be proactive”
- Conclusion -
Pros- awesome characters, absolutely amazing romance, great magic system, and setting Cons- I don’t know how I can move on after this book. It ruined me for all other books Overall- 5/5 stars. Serpent and Dove is a must-read 2019 release. This book reminded me exactly why I love fantasy. I started to reread it the second I put it down.
Bonus! More Quotes I Love!
“With faith and fire in his heart, he hunted the wicked and set them apart to burn at the stake for evil committed...for the Lord’s word no magic permitted.”
“I wanted him. All of him. We could make it work. We could write our own ending, witch and witch hunter be damned. We could be happy.”
“Why the fuck is everyone in this kingdom trying to murder my wife?”
*Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review! All quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change*Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review! All quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change. All opinions are my own.* Check out this review (and more) over on my blog!
Quick Stats: Overall: 4/5 Stars Characters: 4/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 4/5 Plot and Themes: 3/5 Awesomeness Factor: 3.5/5 Review in a Nutshell: The Archer at Dawn wasn’t quite as amazing as The Tiger at Midnight, but it was still a solid sequel, and I’m very excited to see where this series goes.
“She was the Viper, Dharka’s legend. She delivered justice, and she would finish this.”
The Archer at Dawn is the second book in The Tiger at Midnight trilogy, following Kunal and Esha as stakes rise and loyalties are questioned. They must navigate court politics as they work to rescue the lost princess, while also trying to take down the Pretender King.
- Writing & Setting -
Swati Teerdhala’s writing is fairly straightforward and easy to read, making this a great fantasy series to jump into if you’re less familiar with the genre. And her worldbuilding in this book is just as impressive as the first. The Archer At Dawn deals with more court politics, which is a view of this world we didn’t really get to see before. We also learn more about the mythology and magic of this world, something I found myself fascinated by.
- Plot -
The plot was the one area of the book where I have mixed feelings. For the first two thirds of the book, I wasn’t that gripped by it as I had been with The Tiger At Midnight. Things were a little repetitive and slow as we set the stage for the finale. There were quite a few things happening, but everything developed very slowly. However, that last act really did hook me, and I’m very excited to see where this series goes.
- Characters -
I love Esha and Kunal. They both have solid character development, and I especially love their interactions with each other. The romance between them is still there, and it is important, but it isn’t quite as much of the focus of the book, as it was in The Tiger at Midnight. That said, we do have a love triangle. It began at the end of the last book, and plays a role in the plot of this one as well. The love triangle felt inevitable, but luckily it wasn’t an annoying, cringey one. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it. One thing I did really love? The side characters. We got to know a lot more about some of them that were introduced in the last book, and it made me so happy. I absolutely adored them, and I really enjoyed some of the new characters we got to meet in this book as well.
“There is a future better than the present.”
- Conclusion -
Pros- Good characters, great worldbuilding, solid ending Cons- Plot is a little weaker, not as gripping as the first book Overall- 4/5 stars. The Archer at Dawn suffers a bit from the Second Book Slump, but it managed to still keep me excited for this series and eager to see what book three might bring.
All quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change Quick Stats: Overall: 4.5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 4/5 Plot and Themes: 4/5All quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change Quick Stats: Overall: 4.5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 4/5 Plot and Themes: 4/5 Awesomeness Factor: 4/5 Review in a Nutshell: The Tiger At Midnight is a captivating novel, focusing mostly on the physical and mental journey of two fascinating characters.
“Never greet a tiger at midnight, for they are the manifestations of your past misdeeds.”
The Tiger at Midnight is told in two alternating points of view. Kunal is a soldier of Jansa and nephew of a cruel general. His main priority is staying in line and following his uncle’s orders. Esha is an assassin known only as The Viper, desperate to avenge her parents and kill the Pretender King of Jansa. When Kunal is thrown into a competition to hunt down the legendary Viper, secrets are revealed and he is torn between the life he knows, and the girl he knows he can’t trust.
- Writing & Setting-
This is a debut novel, and while for the most part the writing is fantastic, it does occasionally feel like a debut. The writing style is a mix of straight forward and beautifully descriptive. Speaking of descriptive- oh my god this setting. It’s gorgeous and amazing and so well developed. I loved the two warring kingdoms, Jansa and Dharka. They were vivid and clear, their politics complex yet comprehensible, and their cultures beautifully portrayed.
- Plot -
This book is very character driven. This is definitely not a bad thing-- in fact, it’s part of why I loved it so much-- but I wouldn’t go into it expecting tons of action and adventure. Because of that, the first few chapters can feel a little slow as we get to know the protagonists. That said, once you get past that, it is so easy to be sucked into this world and not even notice the pages flying by.
- Characters -
Onto my favorite part of this book, the characters. I really, really love them. Kunal is so precious and I just want to protect him. He is the epitome of the “looks like they could kill you but is actually a cinnamon roll” type. Meanwhile Esha can and will kill you, and she wants you to know that. The two of them have such incredible character arcs. I wish I could go into detail but it’s best to just read it and see it for yourself. I can’t wait to see what they do in the rest of the series!
"A truce. No killing you in your sleep, soldier. You let me live and I did the same. Now catch me if you can."
- Conclusion - Pros- Great characters, amazing setting, #ownvoices Cons- Not action-heavy (but that can also be a positive!), slow at first Overall- 4.5/5 stars. The Tiger at Midnight is a beautiful debut novel rich in culture and characters, with a unique setting that sets it apart from most YA fantasy on the market.
Overall: 4/5 Stars Characters: 4/5 Setting: 4/5 Writing: 4.5/5 Plot and Themes: 4/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: Sherwood is a fantastic RoOverall: 4/5 Stars Characters: 4/5 Setting: 4/5 Writing: 4.5/5 Plot and Themes: 4/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: Sherwood is a fantastic Robin Hood retelling as long as you’re willing to push past the slow parts.
"It's easy to be a hero when you never look beyond your next battle. Only fools believe they know all there is to know."
”The world had told her what she was to be. And she’d known all along that she wasn’t enough.”
- Premise -
Sherwood is a Robin Hood retelling like no other, mostly because Robin of Locksley is dead, leaving Maid Marion behind in Edwinstowe. When Sir Guy of Gisborne reveals his plan to marry Marion and take over Robin’s land, Marion must find a way to help the people of Locksley while avoiding marriage with a man she detests. Sometimes all people need is a little hope, but can Marion play that role without losing her life?
”Will you take away their hope because you have none?”
- Writing -
This book definitely reads like historical fiction. I don’t know why I didn’t expect that, but somehow I didn’t and was surprised to find that. Meagan Spooner manages to somehow ground this classic tale in a somewhat concrete time and place. It definitely isn’t historically accurate, but how can it be when the story it’s telling was morphed and changed over centuries? Despite the accuracy probably being off, the setting feels strong and well-developed. Meanwhile, Meagan Spooner’s writing is as fantastic as always. This book has a very feminist tone, which I adored, and dealt with a lot of heavier subjects. There’s a lot of emotion in this book that I totally wasn’t prepared for but I’m so grateful.
"You sound more like a man returning from his own war than a lady." "Who are you to say that being a lady, in itself, is not its own kind of war?"
- Plot -
Time for a confession: I’m not a huge fan of Robin Hood. I don’t hate the story or anything, I just don’t know much about it (besides the basics and the Disney movie). However, I never felt like I was missing out by not knowing a lot about it. This book actually inspired me to learn more about the classic tale and I appreciate it even more. Aside from the retelling aspect, the plot is good. There’s a lot of action, which you could expect, but there were also some slow parts. During the 50-200 page mark, there were several points where I definitely felt the pace drag, but the ending made up for it. Trust me, this ending is amazing and I would give the ending alone 5/5 stars.
”I am the Lady Marion. I am a free woman and I am loved by Robin of Locksley. I don’t shatter for someone like Guy of Gisborne.”
- Characters -
This book has a lot of familiar faces in it. Every major Robin Hood character makes an appearance, if not playing a major role in ways you wouldn’t expect. Marion is a good protagonist, with notable strengths and some interesting faults. I love her journey in this book, especially with her grief and understanding her relationship with Robin. However, Gisborne stole the show for me. He was such a fascinating character! My only wish is that we spend more time with him. The rest of the merry men are also great characters, with great depth and personality. I did have one issue with the romance aspect of the book though-- mostly that it felt a little bit like an afterthought. I could believe the love interest’s feelings, and I really loved seeing that grow, but on Marion’s side, it felt forced. I just wish it had been perhaps hinted at a little more earlier in the book, instead of coming from nowhere with only a hundred pages left. That said, I still loved it because I’m trash for enemies-to-lovers.
Grief, thought Marian, was not the melancholy mourning of a loss, not the long and dwindling ache that ballads sang of. It was forgetting, and remembering, again and again, an endless series of slashes, each as violent and sharp as the last.
- Conclusion -
Pros- Fun, feminist take on the original story, great characters, well developed setting Cons- It can be really slow, romance is a little forced Overall- 4/5 stars. Sherwood is a emotional story of loss and hope, and is absolutely worth the dedication required to read....more
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