Thursday, February 26, 2015

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood



Series: Cahill Witch Chronicles (Book #2)
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 384
Rating: 4.5 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased

That ending has kind of wrecked me, so I’m not sure how this review will go. But I’m going to pick up the third book and don’t want to accidentally confuse the two.

I just love Jessica Spotswood’s writing. This reads a lot like a contemporary, but has the amazing world building of a historical or fantasy book. She does a great job of creating the world-especially the political and social aspects. And Cate is a spectacular narrator. I never get tired of her. And there was such tension in this book. Almost every page had me on the edge of my seat and that doesn’t happen often.

Cate is an amazing protagonist. Yes, she’s dealing with being a witch, but she’s very real. Her problems are relatable and I love reading about her struggle to find herself. Plus, she’s a good person, sister, and friend.

I wasn’t expecting this, but the series addresses a lot of issues women have to deal with even in our world today. There’s female sexuality, female friendships, sisters, and the cattiness that unfortunately seems to always follow women. It could just be stereotypes, but I feel like it’s so much more.

Now, I’m going to address a pretty big spoiler.

You’ve been warned.

In the last year I’ve done some soul searching and have tried to not call women (fictional or real) names-especially names that are often attached to woman. But Maura is a bitch. I actually wrote that it my notes twice. For so long I’ve been cheering for her, because I really wanted her to be redeemed and a truly good person. But, for me, using mind magic on Finn like that is unforgiveable. I completely believe she did it because it would hurt Cate and it helping Inez’s cause was secondary. As a sister I can say there is NOTHING that would make me do something that cruel to mine. And they (Cate and Finn) better end up together-happily. I pray it doesn’t take the whole book, because how will I survive that?

Now, I need to emotionally prepare myself to read the last book. Wish me look.

Thanks for reading!
~Holly

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead



Series: Bloodlines (Book #6)
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 348
Rating: 5 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased

I can’t believe this is over. And if I’m being honest-I hope it isn’t. I have theories/thoughts on what she could do if she wanted to continue writing in this world. And to be clear-I’d buy those books in a second.

I actually had to force myself to read this because I knew I would put it off. I’m a firm believer that if you don’t read the last book in a series it isn’t actually over. And I wasn’t disappointed. The book is shorter than the others, but she still neatly tied up the plot.

Adrian and Sydney were their normal awesome selves. Seeing them deal even with normal couple things was great. For me, those things help me really get invested in a couple. I’ve seen some people complain about Adrian’s behavior, but he didn’t bother me. He did walk the line of creating drama by not talking to Sydney, but it was fine. The shorter book probably helped with this.

The plot and twists were also spectacular. Talking about anything would be a spoiler, but I liked what Ms. Mead did with the characters and the situations she put them in. If you’ve read the book: I loved Declan and what he brought to the story.

This wasn’t my favorite-The Indigo Spell, if you want to know. But I was satisfied with the conclusion. And I’ll be honest, if I’m satisfied with the last book in a series I LOVE I’ll usually give it five stars even if there are a few minor problems. If you’ve enjoyed the rest of the series I think you would like this book.

I do with Abe had shown up. I love him and would’ve liked a last look at him.

Thanks for reading!
~Holly

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Bound by Flames by Jeaniene Frost



Series : Night Prince Book 3
Format: Paperback
Pages:  342
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased

It was great to spend time with Leila and Vlad again. This definitely met my expectations for the series and Ms. Frost’s writing. I do wish I had re-read the first two books, because it’s been awhile.

I do want to give a quick warning: This book does address rape and has a rape scene. I can read stuff like that and even I grew uncomfortable.
               
There isn’t much to say. The pacing and character development were both handled very well. And it was great to see some characters from the Night Huntress books. I do wish it was told in 3rd person because I really want to get  into Vlad’s head.

Recently, Ms. Frost announced this would not be the last book in the series. She definitely left enough things unresolved and I’m not sure how it’ll end.

And I have to wait another whole year.

Thanks for reading!
~Holly

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

The Ring and The Crown by Melissa de la Cruz



Series: The Ring and the Crown Book 1
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 372
Rating: 2 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased

Ugh. I was so disappointed by this book. It’s made worse by the fact that I have enjoyed Melissa de la Cruz’s books in the past. Even though I wasn’t enjoying the first part I kept assuming it would get better. That being said, I’ll keep the book, because the cover is gorgeous.

I’m a little afraid this review will come across as book bashing, so I’ll try to start with some things I did like.

Wolf was probably my favorite character and he was very likeable. He was fairly interesting and probably the only morally good character (at least of the main characters). I also liked Ronan-most of the time. I’m glad she wasn’t just the stereotypical spoiled rich girl.

Time for some complaints.

My biggest issue was the lack of plot or action. Probably 95% was day in the life. Which would be fine if the characters were compelling and likeable. Instead, most of them were childish and immature. And when there was action it was rushed without and build up or pay off. Sometimes I didn’t even know what was actually going on because of the lack of set up.

Then, there’s the world building. I was disappointed that nothing changed. Yes, this is a fairly accurate representation of life for that time, but I personally believed things would have changed more. They are accepting of gays (and lesbians I assume). This is great, but why? Does magic make you a better person or did the author just want to make a point or avoid a difficult part of our past?

And the magic had so much potential. I was curious to see how the magic worked and impacted politics. But it wasn’t developed. It almost felt like she expected the reader to just know things without ever showing or explaining them.

I have more, but don’t want to keep going, because it’s making me angry to even write this.

To be honest, I have no plans to buy or read the sequel. I read the synopsis and I get the vibe that it’s going to be more of the same plus some story ideas that are personal pet peeves. Also, this one didn’t end in a way where I’m anxious to know more. Maybe someday I’ll read spoilers just to see what happens to Wolf and Ronan-the only characters I care about.

Thanks for reading!
~Holly

P.S. This actually reminds me a lot of how I felt when reading Matched by Ally Condie.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen



Series: The Ivy Years Book #1
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4.5 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased

                I’ve only read two of her books, but Sarina Bowen is becoming a favorite for me. She writes great stories with realistic romance. And both ones I’ve read have hockey-which I’ve said many times is a favorite. Ms. Bowen and Mila Ferrera are two under-rated New Adult authors in my opinion.
                The friendship between Hartley and Corey was one of my favorite parts. They had a lot in common-beyond their injuries. And I’m glad Ms. Bowen showed different types of injuries and how they impact a person’s psyche and relationships. And it didn’t get too melodramatic or depressing. I like drama, but now slit my wrists drama.
                There isn’t a huge thing that stops me from giving it five stars. Instead it’s a few minor things. First, is that there’s cheating and that’s an uncomfortable subject for me. Plus, I would have liked more chapters from Hartley’s POV and about Corey’s past/accident.
                Oh, this book also has innertube water polo. I didn’t know this was a thing, but I looked it up on youtube. I only wish I knew about this earlier.

Thanks for reading!
~Holly