Throne of Glass series- Sara J Maas ♥♥♥♥♥

Throne of Glass- Sara J Maas
Throne of Glass, 432 pages- ♥♥♥♥♥
Crown of Midnight, 432  pages- ♥♥♥♥♥
Heir of Fire, 576 pages- ♥♥♥♥♥

I love the structure of this series. The way the character relationships grow, change, and unfold, the way the world is built, and the voice that is shown. This is a quieter series than ACOTAR was. While ACOTAR was loud, in your face, and aggressive... TOG is subtle, fluid, and slow burn. It's a carefully cultivated dance of emotions that swirl around you until you are swept up in it. The first book was good. I liked it. I connected to it. The second book was better and I felt so much more connected to the people. But the third book... that third one so far is the best. It hits harder, it feels harder, and it's my favorite to date. I'm reading the fourth book right now. I'm sure I will forget to comment on it until after I've read several more books, but I have high hopes. 

I still have a lot of questions, there are still some things I am hesitant about when it comes to character relationships and trust, but, to me, that makes it better. It makes it feel real. I'm invested in these people. When I find a book that's good, like really good, the characters become real to me. Like friends I can surround myself with. Maas has achieved that here. 

Hitting this slower pace was like a balm to the chaos and aggression of ACOTAR (which I loved, but man I felt it so hard I didn't think I would be able to pick anything else up for a while). This one is still just as emotional and rollercoaster like, it just whispers to you instead of screaming. There are seven books total, and I'm ready to devour them. 

Overall Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

ACOTAR series- Sara J Maas- ♥♥♥♥♥

 Sara J Maas- ACOTAR series
A Court of Thorns and Roses, 419 pages- ♥♥♥♥♥
A Court of Mist and Fury, 624 pages- ♥♥♥♥♥
A Court of Wings and Ruin, 699 pages- ♥♥♥♥♥
A Court of Frost and Starlight, 272 pages- ♥♥♥♥♥
A Court of Silver Flame, 757 pages- ♥♥♥♥♥

Ok, I've gotten bad about writing a review for each book. I kinda can't help myself when I feel the need to read them all so fast. This series is SOUL. SHATTERING. in the best way possible. I loved it The whole thing. There is one character that I want to marry. I'm basically in love. It's fine. 

Every book is just as good as the one before it, but like ACOMAF is probably my favorite. I was hooked pretty fast, and then Maas just kept me there. I cannot recommend these books enough. Like, I hear music now and it reminds me of the characters. I have spam texted my sister (who was the one that dropped these on my coffee table and demanded I read them) about each book. She was getting emotional update after emotional update. Like... I HATE THIS BOOK, and then OMG IT'S JUST SO GOOD. It's a rollercoaster, strap yourself in. Just be forewarned... there is some graphic violence and very smutty sex scenes lol so, if you can handle that.. read these books immediately. 

Maas likes to torment you. Over and over again. I hate her. But I love her so much. There are supposed to be two more books. I need them in my life right now... 

Rating- ♥♥♥♥♥

Jennifer Donnelly- Rogue Wave ♥♥♥♥♥

Jennifer Donnelly- Rogue Wave
Waterfire Saga
297 pages

I couldn't get a review up for the first book, Deep Blue, but my feelings on both books are very similar. This will serve as a sum of my feelings and impressions of both books. 

I fell in love with this series almost immediately. Sera was so easy to connect with and understand that I was with her 100% from the very beginning. Donnelly was able to invoke real emotions throughout. I can't really give any specifics, but there is a real emotional roller-coaster here! Authors that can do that have an exceptional place in my heart.

The pacing runs pretty smooth, but there won't be any definite conclusions to any of the story arks until the end from what I gather now. I have mixed feelings about that. At the end of both Deep Blue and Rogue Wave, it felt like it was over in the middle of things. There were some revelations, some minor conclusions, but felt a little abrupt to be over. I think the reason I'm not more upset about this is because I own all the books. I don't have to wait a year or more to see what will be happening. I know I can jump right into the next book without delay. I understand using cliffhangers and plot lines that run across multiple books, and I'm ok with that, but here it just seems like Donnelly had one really long story that she cut into 4 books. So it's not inherently bad; I'm just a little off-kilter with how we left things. 

The other minor thing potential readers should be aware of is the terminology. Some of it is a little jarring since there is no readily available explanation. You have to be willing to roll with it and not understand exactly what you read until later. I really like this style of writing because it's more immersive. You don't get pulled out of the story to see an explanation of how it works. It does require a little more patience, though. There is a glossary in the back. Be warned: the glossary is written on the assumption you've read the story. You may encounter mild spoilers if you go there before you are done reading. 

The way all the relationships are portrayed is sooo good. The depth and conflict feel very real. I really am in love with these characters! Two more books with them just doesn't seem like enough. These books aren't long, but they pack a punch with information. A lot happens, you feel like you've run the gauntlet, and then you realize it's only been 100 pages. It wasn't hard to give this book 5 hearts. It earned it. 

Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥

Alexandra Bracken- The Darkest Minds ♥♥♥♥♥

Alexandra Bracken- The Darkest Minds
488 pages

Reading this book was a little strange for me at first since the last series I finished and this one have a main character named Ruby... 

Anyway, this is one of those books that I will love rereading to find all the little nuances I missed the first time through. It was all so emotional, though. What this book lacked in action scenes it made up for in how quickly it could rip emotions out of you. The roller coaster was incredible, even if it did give me whiplash a few times. I really liked seeing things from Ruby's pov, but she was mildly infuriating. Yet all of it was understandable. You start to get emotional about her being an idiot and then run through all she's been through. It makes sense, and you just can't stay mad at her, not really anyway. 

Liam was pretty great too. His attitude, his emotions, his overall world view. I really loved him here. There is so much more I want to know, and so many questions I wish I could ask... I really can't wait to start the next book. There is just something about him. I really love him.

Chubs is my favorite, though. His realism mixed with a touch of pessimism, his distrust, and hesitance he plays off with dark humor. I really couldn't get enough of him. I also wanted to smack him upside the head. It was a complicated relationship. There is just so much here I want to say but will hold back. 

I still have a lot of questions swirling about the set up of the world. I think the answers will come in the next book, but I can't be sure just yet. Right now, I'm feeling ridiculously angry and confused. The ending was really well done, but I hate it. Emotionally speaking. It completely reinforced my opinions of the characters, though. It makes sense, but I still hate it. I need to know more, and I'm wishing I could start reading more immediately, but work is calling... so I have to wait a bit. 

Overall, I'm happy with the book. This series might end up getting bumped up into favorites, I haven't decided yet, but there is a really good chance of it. 

Rating:
♥♥♥♥♥

Elly Blake- Nightblood ♥♥♥♥♥

Elly Blake- Nightblood
437 pages

Be still my heart; I am in love! I came into this book with a lot of anticipation, and I wasn't disappointed! The level of emotions I had to fight through while reading this final installment in the Frostblood Sage was staggering. I bought this series on impulse. It caught my eye as I wandered through the bookstore, and I'm really happy that it did. Like the second book, this one definitely earned five stars. 

Ruby is such a compelling character. She's flawed, and she knows it, but she doesn't hide from it. She has grown so much and watching it happen made me happy. Like deep down inside warm and fuzzy. The way she handles challenges is inspiring, even if you aren't a fireblood. 

Arcus has grown on me so much. I think that was the point. I don't think you were supposed to love him right away. That would take the fun out of it all. Of all the books I've read and all the stories I've seen unfold, I'm just a little bit obsessed with how his character evolves throughout the series. Seeing all of that growth culminate here made me happy. 

Kia. I still don't know how to talk about Kia. He is one of those characters you just have to love. You can't help. I felt so connected to him this time around, and I was glad for it. His entire arch and his journey through this series carries so much purpose, and I just love him. 

When I was close to 100 pages from the end, I was getting very nervous I would hate the end of this book. I didn't want to hate a series I had come to love so much, but I had this sense of dread as I took in everything that was happening. I didn't hate it, though. I am a little torn about it, but I didn't hate it. I feel like everything was constructed so well that it wasn't really a slap in the face (which is what I was beginning to fear). I can accept it, though. I can understand all of it in a way that I didn't think I would. 

The lore was just as impressive here as it has been in the previous books. You really get to understand it all, which is something I thought would take forever. This book brings it all together and doesn't leave you wondering about much, just a little. 

Overall, I love this book and this series. I highly recommend it to anyone that is looking for something new to read. 

Rating:
♥♥♥♥♥

An in depth look at the series will be posted soon on my In Depth Review page

Elly Blake- Fireblood- ♥♥♥♥♥

Elly Blake- Fireblood
408 pages

At the beginning of my review for Frostblood, I talked about how a book that is a five star is just obvious. It just earns it, no questions. Fireblood definitely did that, and I'm in love with this book! From the very beginning, it grabbed me and pulled me along with it. 

The pacing was on point this time. It took me through ups and downs, lulls, and intensity. My only "complaint" is the lore is kind of hard to follow. There are so many players with affinities and ties to the land, it's a little hard to track. That isn't really a bad thing, though. It's something that makes you think about relevance, and it pushes you to connect dots and remember details. This is definitely the kind of series you have to come back to and read again to truly appreciate all the nods and inferences. I'm still really enjoying untangling all the threads. On top of all of that... the emotions were still so it-hurts-so-good. They were intense and fitting and beautiful and painful all at the same time. And I loved every second of it. 

Ruby has come so far since the beginning of the first book. Don't get me wrong, I was always rooting for her, but now I feel like I'm screaming my support for her. There is so much I want to say about her, but I don't want to give away too much. So, I'll put it like this: she is a refreshing version of a trope I am rather tired of. And I absolutely love her for it. 

I feel so much more connected to Arcus in this book. As I said in my last review... the type he was portrayed as feels so old to me, like I've seen it too many times and want to roll my eyes. However, here, there is a lot more to him. I felt like there was more depth than I gave him credit for. So this is my apology for that. 

Kia. I don't even know what to say about Kia. I hate him. But I love him. I feel like he is such a perfect addition in so many ways. He gives a complete balance to the books that I am feeling so hard. I didn't want to like him, to be honest, but I do like him. 

I also loved the way this story progressed. I like watching all these changes happen both within and without Ruby. This book one hundred percent is the set up of the next book, but it didn't feel like a 400-page intro. It felt complete. Contained, but a part of the whole. If that makes any sense. 

The way this book ended was so satisfying. It wasn't what I expected at all, which was really lovely. I read a lot of books, and it isn't very often I am taken off guard by an ending. It's something I very much appreciated! I sincerely can't wait to start the next book!

Rating:
♥♥♥♥♥

Jennifer Estep- Protect the Prince ♥♥♥♥♥

Jennifer Estep- Protect the Prince
417 pages

I'm in love with Jennifer Estep's writing style. I found her through the Elemental Assassin series and fell madly in love. This series is just as wonderful, and I really like the small nods in the first book to Gin and everyone. 

I've really liked watching Evie figure herself out. She has grown a lot since the beginning of the first book. I am a little unhappy with the character development of Sully and Paloma, though. Don't get me wrong, I love them, but it feels like they are startlingly the same as when the series began. There have been some small changes, but it's not enough. Until the last couple of chapters. Almost as though the evolution of their characters was an afterthought. 

The storyline was really interesting, and the only problem I had with it was the level of foreshadowing. I knew the big twist almost immediately after the set up for the "end game" of the book. It would have been nice to have a little more guesswork involved. Maybe it was intentional, but it was frustrating to know, 100%, where things were headed, and to have Evie so oblivious. 

That being said, I'm really excited about Crush the King! There is still so much I want to know, and several questions I still have. This series very much so adds to the love I have of Jennifer Estep. (As a side note, her website is lovely, and she makes it so easy to identify what order her books and short stories should be read in. Something is that woefully underrated). 

♥♥♥♥♥

A Dance of Mirrors- ♥♥♥♥♥

DavidDalglish- A Dance of Mirrors

378 pages

This one was an interesting change of pace. Angelport is very different from Veldaren. While there were some similarities, the social climate was different. The power structure was also something new to get used to. So much more about the world was revealed, and I feel like I have a much better understanding of how everything works in Neldar. There is also a much greater introduction into the Elves.

Haern comes further into himself and begins to more thoroughly understand what he wants to become. Alyssa showcases a lot more of who she is, and I find myself liking her a great deal. Zusa has a much more prominent role, and she is one of my favorites.

While this book wasn't what I was expecting, I loved it just as much as the first two.

Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥

A Dance of Blades- ♥♥♥♥♥

DavidDalglish- Dance of Blades

391 pages

This book carried on the fantastic vibes from the first book. I really love how the characters are separate yet unified, and dangerous but lovable. There are still some lingering questions about the setup of the world, but they are overall irrelevant for now. It’s more just curiosity on my part. The level of change and growth in a lot of the characters was astounding. While five years had gone by, Dalglish did a really good job of moving them forward in a way that felt authentic. I’m pretty attached to most of the main characters now, even the new ones. They each have something fantastic about them that I can’t help but to love.

I liked this plot significantly more than the previous, which is saying something. While the last book was about Thren trying to impose his will onto Aaron, this one focuses on Haern deciding who and what he wants to be. A couple new characters added impact the dynamic in interesting ways. The way Dalglish builds up plot arks, the next couple of books should be just as amazing if not more so.

Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥

For a more detailed review (including spoilers), click here!

A Dance of Cloaks- ♥♥♥♥♥

David Dalglish- Dance of the Cloaks

461 pages

This book was truly incredible! When I think of fantasy novels, this is what I want. Dalglish talks in the author’s note at end about not having a complex world built, but I think he did an amazing job setting everything up. The main characters are extremely flawed people, and it makes watching their lives unfold so much more interesting. My emotional connections to several characters were strong almost immediately. Others took some warming up to. There is a real rollercoaster of feelings toward several characters. Love and hate blend wonderfully.

While this isn’t exactly a mystery, the complete ark of the story isn’t really known for most of the book. Things are revealed slowly and deliberately. While a few of the twists are a given, the rest caused interesting things to happen to the perspective of the story. There is still so much of the world left to explore, and the next books I hope will unlock it all. Overall I am really happy I swung by the library on a whim, and even happier the name Dalglish jumped out at me!

Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥

For a more detailed review (including spoilers), click here!

Wolf at the Door- ♥♥♥♥♥

MaryJanice Davidson- Wolf at the Door

272 pages

Oh how I love the Wyndham werewolves! It was really nice to get into this book when I feel like the Undead series is such a mess right now. I really liked Rachael. She was a bit different that the other characters I am used to seeing with the Wyndham’s, and it was a good change of pace. Edward was pretty awesome too. He reminded me of Marc actually, and Marc will always be one of my favorites in this whole thing.

The plot was good and occasionally frustrating (not in a bad way either). With all of the chaos that is the Undead series right now, somehow Davidson made this story fit in the timeline without compromising it. When I saw that Betsy was going to be a part of it, I was very concerned that it would drag the Wyndham’s down with it’s crazy. This book moved back toward the tone I have come to expect from these two entwined series. This one is definitely worth the read.

Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥

For a more detailed review (including spoilers), click here!

Undead and Unfinished- ♥♥♥♥♥

MaryJanice Davidson- Undead and Unfinished

296 pages

The sheer amount of information in this book is amazing. It’s the most we’ve gotten from any of the previous books. Centered almost entirely around Betsy and Laura, it brings us to a better understanding of how things got to where we are. I think it was set up really well. Some of the information I have been dying to know is reveled here.

The plot was good, and most of my complaints center around this type of plot line (maybe it just goes over my head), but I’m not going to hold it against this book. Time travel has always been kind of hard for me to understand. It’s the nuance of it really. I get stuck in a weird line of circular thought that gives me a headache. I just try not to think of that part too much. The ending left me… confused. I feel like that was the point though, so the next book or so will probably unconfuse (if that’s a word!) me.

Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥

Undead and Unwelcome- ♥♥♥♥♥

MaryJaniceDavidson- Undead and Unwelcome

266 pages

I really like the new Betsy. I’ve always liked her, but now I feel like she is much better as a person and as the Queen of the Vampires. While the last book was definitely the turning point, the changes are much more defined here. I’ve always been kind of meh to Sinclair. I still don’t like how little we know about him. It’s what, eight books in now, and I can’t tell you much about him. Same thing with Tina. Jessica and Marc are definitely favorites of mine. They seem to be going through changes too. I was always enamored with them, but I am now. Laura is… I don’t know how I feel about Laura. Sticking with the trend here, she is changing too.

There are two pretty big plot arks here. Unlike a lot of her books in this series, Davidson made the ending worth it. Beyond worth it. The plot wrap ups are given the attention they deserve (finally). I want this to continue. It was always a bit disconcerting for the plot to wrap up in a page, maybe two.

Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥

Undead and Unworthy- ♥♥♥♥♥

MaryJanice Davidson- Undead and Unworthy

264 pages

This book was a turning point for Betsy. She seems to finally be stepping more firmly into her role as Queen. Just by looking at the difference in the cover art you can see that something is different. She isn’t one to be told what to do though. She still answers orders with sarcasm and sass. While the books seem to get less and less lighthearted the longer we go, they are still fun reads. This one was a little harder, but not everything can be sunshine and roses right?

The plot of this book was expected. Looking over the events happening in previous books you just have to know the fiends will recover and they won’t be happy. It was a decent storyline, and I think it forced Betsy into a position she needed to be in to see how she needs to carry herself in the future. It’s getting close to where I left off the last time I read the series. I’m remembering less and less of what will happen next. There is still one major event I am waiting for before I start up the in depth reviews again.

Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥

Undead and Uneasy- ♥♥♥♥♥

MaryJaniceDavidson- Undead and Uneasy

258 pages

I liked this one a lot. We get to see a slightly different side to Betsy. Usually she is surrounded by people that do anything from help her solve a problem or just solve it for her. In this book she is pretty well on her own. You get a good look at her ability to do for herself when things get hard. I think it was really good for her, and I feel like it lets us connect with her a bit more.

While Betsy’s personality pretty much guarantees the book will be fun, this one definitely had a heavier feel to it. A lot more was at stake, we saw a lot of character growth, and you get to see more sides of several of our favorites. The last couple of chapters were really good. In other books I have complained that either the plot wasn’t strong enough or that it wasn’t completed well, but in this book rounded out so well. AND! You get to see more werewolves!

Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥

Swimming Without a Net- ♥♥♥♥♥

MaryJaniceDavidson- Swimming Without a Net

271 pages

As much as I loved Fred in the first book, I love her in this one even more! I am still convinced I am the human version of her! I like seeing how Fred adapts (begrudgingly) to what is happening around her. Everything that happens in this book is incredibly well done. While the concept of a supernatural being wanting to come forward and be known to the world has been done before, the way this book handles it is pretty great. Listening to the Pelagic was interesting, and it flowed really well.

Jonas is still one of my favorite people, and he and Dr. Barb make such a cute couple. Jonas is so ideal for a best friend. I do wish Fred was a little kinder to him, but she isn’t that bad. Thomas and Artur are there, of course, and their dynamic is also really fun to read. I have to say though, as far as supporting characters go… Mekkam using “motherfucker” repeatedly was my favorite thing!

Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥

Swimming with the Fishes- ♥♥♥♥♥

MaryJaniceDavidson- Sleeping with the Fishes

268 pages

I love Fred the mermaid. I think I am Fred… only without the green hair and the ability to grow a tail. The crass, irreverent sense of humor, the sarcasm, the not being a huge fan of people. She is fantastic. I love Jonas as her best friend. Everything about him is pretty wonderful. The friendship he has with Fred is a touch one sided which makes me sad. I think that should be rectified. And quickly.

The book itself is an easy read. Fred’s series is intertwined with Betsy’s, and it reads just as lighthearted and fun. This book was much less hearted than Betsy stories, but lighthearted all the same. The plot here was good, so was the way the ending was handled. While reading it there were several times I laughed out loud. That doesn’t happen all that often, but Davidson seems to be good at bring that out.

Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥

Undead and Unreturnable- ♥♥♥♥♥

MaryJanice Davidson- Undead and Unreturnable

250 pages

The last book was more intense than the ones before it, and this one continued the trend. This book seems a little more grounded too. Betsy seems to be growing up, but her sarcasm remains (thank god)! Even though there are several signs that Betsy is starting to level out as a character, her personality quirks are mostly unchanged.

Both Sinclair and Laura get shown in another light, and I think it will help to move the series along. While I won’t talk about the specifics, in general terms the other sides are pretty much what you’d expect. It was definitely necessary though. I think without that being shown how it was, the characters would start to feel less authentic and we would care much less. As it stands now, I am really happy with this series.

Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥

Undead and Unappreciated- ♥♥♥♥♥

MaryJanice Davidson- Undead and Unappreciated

271 pages

This book came across as more intense than the ones before it, but it was still pretty light hearted and fun. This book gives you a better look at those around Betsy. I think it adds a lot to this world. Betsy is still quite a bit over the top, but she seems to be leveling out.

Sinclair was more than a little irritating in this book, but not necessarily in bad way. He is hard to pin down, but I think that keeps it interesting. You do get to see a little more of him, and it’s worth it. He is an interesting character, and I he brings a lot to the story. He’s just a touch reserved.

I really like this series, and it has been nice to read something a lot more lighthearted than I’ve read this year. The books are short, and relatively easily to read, so you can move through them quickly.

Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥

Derik's Bane- ♥♥♥♥♥

MaryJanice Davidson- Derik’s Bane

292 pages

This book made me really happy. I like the Wyndham werevolves, and this is there first full length novel. The three stories were really good, but there’s only so much you can get out of a short story. Derik was always one of my favorite wolves. Don’t get me wrong, I like Michael and Moira just fine, but Derik just resonates with me better.

Like with the Undead series (the one intertwined with this one), this book has a very silly lighthearted vibe. The plot line is solid and interesting. Watching how Derik’s story plays out is fun. This is the kind of book you read when you want a break from the serious and just want to have fun with it. Sara is a really interesting character too. I love her personality. Maybe that says something about me that I like strong, stubborn, sarcastic main characters! All in all, I love this addition to the series!

Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥