Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller

Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, I just really enjoyed this YA fantasy novel, with a bit of a viking feel about it (minus the ocean). Lots of cool monsters and battle scenes. Excellent character development. I enjoy that it is a standalone novel, but I'm also a bit sad, as I would like some more of this world.

View all my reviews

Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe by Madeline Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was glorious. Miller is a goddess. I enjoyed every single word.

View all my reviews

Supernova (Renegades, #3)

Supernova by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Super-b.

View all my reviews

Archenemies by Marissa Meyer

Archenemies by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was a lot less upsetting reading the end of this book knowing I now have book 3 in hand and can continue onward. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
This was every bit as fast-paced, action-packed, and gut-wrenching as book one. I even had to shout at a couple of characters on several occasions, not that any of them ever listened to me.

This has a dramatic conclusion which will leave you feeling desperate for book 3, in order to see how the story moves forward. That being said, book two did a great job of pushing the overall series forward. It also sticks a knife in and twists it, just when you think you can't take anymore.

Book 46 read in 2019

Pages: 560

View all my reviews

Renegades by Marissa Meyer

Renegades by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my 3rd time though, in preparation for reading the final book. And this is still glorious. I really have enjoyed revisiting these characters and this world.

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
#BecRereads2019

Superb! This one gets 5 Super stars, with bonus magical powers.

I’m so happy to be rereading this one, in preparation for reading book 2 for the first time.

I adore how this explores the same situation from different perspectives. It walks that fine line between what is right and what is wrong, as well as who is good and who is bad. It’s a reminder that most of the world and life exists in the gray areas, not in the black and white areas.

Book 45 read in 2019

Pages: 552

PREVIOUS REVIEW:

A book about superheroes and villains, you say?





This was so much fun!





Until it wasn't.


And it was full of brave and powerful heroes and villains...





...assuming you can figure out which are which.


And the ending:





This was another incredible book by Marissa Meyer, assuming you like to feel like this while reading:





Here's how long you'll be willing to wait for book two:







Book 46 in 2018

Pages: 556

View all my reviews

The Winner's Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So much fun to revisit this one! It gave me all the feels all over again. I reread it straight through in one sitting and enjoyed every minute of it. There’s so much that I had forgotten about the story, so I’m glad I decided to revisit the series.

The world building is strong. There’s a really slow burn romance element, and every note is just so perfectly right. Plus, it has an unexpected twist ending that makes you anxious to move on to book two.

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
I had trouble putting this one down, so I read it in 24 hours. It has excellent world building and interesting characters. The story is different and fascinating.

I loved the subtle implication that the lines between good and evil, winners and losers, right and wrong, can be so very thin and cloudy.

---

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my second read of this fantastic series, and I'm really enjoying revisiting this world and these characters. The whole world really expands in this book, and I adore that.

Book 2 is full of suspense, intrigue, and a serious case of political chess. It also did some really wicked things to all my feels, because nobody can seem to catch a win for more than a few minutes. There are lots of difficult choices made, by different characters, which keeps the story moving in unexpected directions. I wont say more, since this is book two, and I want to avoid any potential spoilers.

---

The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was a pleasure to revisit this one. After all that time, I honestly couldn’t remember what was going to happen or how things would work out in the end

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
I thought this was a very satisfying end to an enjoyable trilogy.

Pages: 496

View all my reviews

We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia

We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Freaking amazing. A totally unique and fascinating world, in which there still manages to be interesting political commentary that is currently highly relevant to our political climate.

I have started the New Year right by reading several YA novels with resistance themes this weekend (totally by accident) which is all sitting really well with me. If this is an end result of our currently difficult political climate—-that writers everywhere are using their art to tell beautiful stories that send strong messages to people about humanity and power dynamics, then at least one good thing has come out of all the mess. Because this is glorious. I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2, and I think more people need to get their hands on this book. I’m hoping it gives teens a lot to think about, in regards to what they believe in and care about, so that when they reach the age of majority and can vote, they’ll do better than my generation has been able to do. And be kinder to all people than my generation has been.

Clearly, I absolutely adored this, but I am now so tense and stressed out after reading it that I think I’m going to have to have my shoulders surgically removed from my ears.

View all my reviews

Random Collection of Short Reviews

Mother of Eden
by Chris Beckett

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a fascinating world, with so much to say about humanity, society, power, politics, etc. But it never says anything in an in-your-face sort of way. It just presents the world and people and lets you draw your own, educated conclusions, based on how things occur.

---

Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal

by Conor Grennan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so caught up in this that I stayed up until 2 AM on a work night to read is straight through.

---

The Hating Game
by Sally Thorne

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book tackles a lot of common romance tropes in the most enjoyable fashion, including office place romance and enemies to lovers. It’s funny and quirky, which makes it stand out in the deep sea of romance.

---

Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is magnificent and emotionally brutal. I ugly cried not once, but twice while reading this story. I should write an entire novel about how much I enjoy this series, but I’m exhausted and wrecked. So this is all for now.

---

The Astonishing Color of After
by Emily X.R. Pan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gorgeous writing. Difficult topic, handled well. Elements of magical realism. Lots of insight into Taiwanese culture. Overall, this was a good read with a unique format and a lot of moving parts, but it all came together beautifully in the end.

---

Internment by Samira Ahmed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*still sobbing*

10 stars.

View all my reviews

The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis

The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a unique read. It's like a fantasy western novel impregnated a paranormal dystopian novel, and the result was this story.

I really enjoyed the large cast of female characters. I was hooked from the start, and I enjoyed the way the character development unfolded as the story progressed. I can't wait to see what comes next!

The narratio (Jeanette Illidge)  is excellent and spot on.

View all my reviews

Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orïsha, #1)

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is still glorious. I'm just rereading in preparation for book two, which I'm really excited about. Since it's such a unique world and magic system, I wanted to make sure I remembered everything before moving forward.

The audiobook narration is fantastic and spot on. There's so much texture and variety in Bahni Turpin's voice, and she brings a lot of drama and emotion to the storytelling. I just love it.

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
This story slayed me in all the ways. It’s so compelling that I want to clutch it close, in case it would try to slip away from me. I just finished the novel, and I almost want to go back and start it all over again, right now, as I’m not ready to let go of this world.

I was so captivated by this YA West-African inspired fantasy novel that I couldn’t stop reading once I started, and this is not a small book. Despite that, I still read it straight through, and wow. I just have so many wild feels that I’m not even sure I know how to write this review, but I want to write it now, while the magic and heartache is still fresh in my mind.

Things I loved and/or cried over:

--The characters and all of their uniqueness and intricacies

--The storyline and fast-paced plot, despite the length of the novel

--The captivating world and fascinating setting

--The magic system is A+, and I can’t wait to learn more about it in future novels

--The cover of the book, which is just stunning. I’m honestly obsessed with it, and I don’t know how much of the time that I spent just looking at the cover while I was listening to the book.

---The audiobook narrator: Bahni Turpin, who brings such life to the words

--The author’s note at the end of the book, which made me cry twice in just a matter of minutes

-- The title and its meaning to the story. I could reread/replay that segment right at the end over and over and over again, because it’s so perfect and gorgeous

--The ending, which really delivers, in all kinds of emotional ways

--They way 4 POVs are handled so well, and with so much unique voice that I always knew whose part of the story I was on, even when we switched between characters

--The characters names, which felt so perfect for them

--The ferocious feline beasts that I sometimes want to snuggle

--The fact that this is a debut novel, and it’s so incredible (no offense to other authors, who have also had some amazing debuts, but wow!)

--The fact that this lived up to absolutely all of the hype and it’s so easy to adore this book

--And obviously the diversity. I’m feeling pretty cheated that this is the first Nigerian inspired fantasy novel I’ve ever read, and I hope I see many more in the future. In case it’s my fault that I’ve never read one before, I’m going to go out and research this topic as soon as I finish this review, to see if there are any others that I’ve missed.

As far as I’m concerned, this book is perfection. It’s what YA fantasy novels should be. Honestly, in my opinion, it’s what all fantasy novels should be, regardless of category. And there better be more of this world heading my way in the near future. Preferably lots more.

Book 114 read in 2018

Pages: 525

View all my reviews

Roar (Stormheart, #1)

Roar by Cora Carmack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I revisited this in preparation for reading RAGE, and I still adore this book and am fascinated by the world. I can't wait to see what happens next.

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
I can’t figure out what I’m going to say that will explain how much I loved this story, adored these characters, and was awed by this world of living storms. This YA fantasy has a truly unique magic system that is both captivating and emotional.

I have hearts in my eyes for this story, and it’s impairing my ability to review it. This is one of those books that has an absolutely amazing cover, and you worry that will be misleading and disappointing. It isn’t. The story as every bit as fabulous as the moody cover.

It does wrap itself around towards a partial conclusion, while still managing to end at a point that leaves you desperate for the next book.

I listened to the audiobook, which was excellent. I enjoyed it so much that even though I borrowed it from the library, I will definitely buy this one, both to support the author in her work, and because I know I will read this one again.

I love that feeling when a new world becomes so enthralling that you want nothing more than to exist inside it, and you can barely function outside of it, until you reach the conclusion.

View all my reviews

The Toll by Neal Shusterman

The Toll by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I loved books one and two so much, so it’s with a heavy heart that I’m giving this 3 stars, and probably feel only 2.5 of them at most. This is long, and not in a delightful way. It’s sort of all over the place, yet it also feels like it’s going nowhere for most of the book. I had no idea what I was even supposed to be rooting for or hoping for, because the plot is random, character intentions are unclear, and there are so many scenes that seem to lead absolutely nowhere.

The pacing probably could be worse, though I’m not quite sure how at this moment, because I’m still so shocked and sad that it felt like a complete chore to read this book. I had to force my way through the last half and was relieved when it was finally over. I mean, there are some great moments here and there. It just isn’t enough to make this feel like an exciting and worthwhile story. Now I have to go, because I kind of want to wallow in despair.

PRE-RELEASE COMMENTS:
I NEED THIS BOOK. RIGHT NOW.

GET IN MY WAY, AND I MAY HAVE TO GLEAN YOU.

RULES SCHMULES.



View all my reviews

The Girl the Sea Gave Back: A Novel by Adrienne Young

The Girl the Sea Gave Back: A Novel by Adrienne Young
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I’m sad. I wanted so much more than this, as I loved SKY IN THE DEEP, but I could never really connect to the characters. Everything felt choppy, and the world building that existed tended to be confusing. It has a gorgeous ending, but most of the rest of the story I was bored or confused and couldn’t emotionally connect to anything. The prose is also beautiful, but unfortunately that just doesn’t result in a well told story.

The audiobook narration is good, by Caitlin Kelly and Dan Bittner.  There's something a bit magical or ethereal feeling in the voice of Kelly that really adds to the female perspective in this story.

View all my reviews

Caylin's Story by S. J. West

Timeless by S.J. West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is Caylin and Aiden’s story. You knew this was coming at the end of the last series. I wasn’t for sure that I would like this because you know there is going to be a age gap since she was so young when they first meet each other. However, since Aiden doesn’t age, it didn’t come across as bad as I thought it would.

This one is about them waiting to meet up with each other. Caylin has to work to fight the evil that is out to get her.


View all my reviews

Now I Rise by Kiersten White

Now I Rise by Kiersten White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a solid follow-up to book one, though it’s a hefty read that is on the slow side, especially in the first half. That’s probably my main complaint, as sometimes I felt like I was making myself pick it up and power through it, rather than just obsessively reading it, which is what I wanted.

I still adore the world and characters, especially the brutality and the way people’s emotions are at odds with their needs and desires. It forces you to walk the fine lines between polarizing opposites, such as good and evil, right and wrong, which keeps things interesting.

I’m definitely moving on to book 3, but I felt more distracted and found myself rewinding more with this one. That could have partly been me, but I also don’t think this one drew me in and held my attention as well as book one.

And I Darken by Kiersten White

And I Darken by Kiersten White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay. Wow. Let's talk about this unusual YA fantasy/historical retelling (based on Vlad the Impaler and the Ottoman Empire) and how obsessed I became with this toxic triangle of love and loyalty that wrecks so much havoc.

I was really into the fact that Lada (yes, the Vlad of this story is female!) is brutal, ugly, confident, and fierce. She finds strength in that, while her brother, Radu is soft, gorgeous, charming, and clever, and he finds strength in that. This novel does a great way of comparing and contrasting different kinds of ways characters can be strong and can care about each other, and it does it all through showing, instead of telling. Which is glorious.

I'm especially pleased about the theme of feminism that runs throughout, the really beautiful and fascinating depictions of Islam, as well as the internal conflicts of the LGBT characters. I didn't really expect any of that when I picked up this story, which makes it even better.

Book one was an action-packed, highly emotional journey. I don't even know what I hope happens in book two at this point, other than that it cures some of incessant ache inside my heart, though I suspect that won't occur as sacrifice seems to be a main theme for all three of the most important characters.

I listened to this on audiobook, and Fiona Hardingham does an excellent job of bringing this story to life. She has a very gentle accent that really appeals to me.

View all my reviews

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story slayed me in all the ways. It’s so compelling that I want to clutch it close, in case it would try to slip away from me. I just finished the novel, and I almost want to go back and start it all over again, right now, as I’m not ready to let go of this world.

I was so captivated by this YA West-African inspired fantasy novel that I couldn’t stop reading once I started, and this is not a small book. Despite that, I still read it straight through, and wow. I just have so many wild feels that I’m not even sure I know how to write this review, but I want to write it now, while the magic and heartache is still fresh in my mind.

Things I loved and/or cried over:

--The characters and all of their uniqueness and intricacies

--The storyline and fast-paced plot, despite the length of the novel

--The captivating world and fascinating setting

--The magic system is A+, and I can’t wait to learn more about it in future novels

--The cover of the book, which is just stunning. I’m honestly obsessed with it, and I don’t know how much of the time that I spent just looking at the cover while I was listening to the book.

---The audiobook narrator: Bahni Turpin, who brings such life to the words

--The author’s note at the end of the book, which made me cry twice in just a matter of minutes

-- The title and its meaning to the story. I could reread/replay that segment right at the end over and over and over again, because it’s so perfect and gorgeous

--The ending, which really delivers, in all kinds of emotional ways

--They way 4 POVs are handled so well, and with so much unique voice that I always knew whose part of the story I was on, even when we switched between characters

--The characters names, which felt so perfect for them

--The ferocious feline beasts that I sometimes want to snuggle

--The fact that this is a debut novel, and it’s so incredible (no offense to other authors, who have also had some amazing debuts, but wow!)

--The fact that this lived up to absolutely all of the hype and it’s so easy to adore this book

--And obviously the diversity. I’m feeling pretty cheated that this is the first Nigerian inspired fantasy novel I’ve ever read, and I hope I see many more in the future. In case it’s my fault that I’ve never read one before, I’m going to go out and research this topic as soon as I finish this review, to see if there are any others that I’ve missed.

As far as I’m concerned, this book is perfection. It’s what YA fantasy novels should be. Honestly, in my opinion, it’s what all fantasy novels should be, regardless of category. And there better be more of this world heading my way in the near future. Preferably lots more.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brilliant. Gorgeous. Frightening. Fierce.

The definition of love. The explanation of longing. The reason why humanity is enthralled by that which cannot be tamed or owned. The exploration of loss. The justification for facing down fears and having courage in light of unimaginably poor odds. The argument for both digging up your roots and letting them grow deeper. This story is everything all at once.

It is one of my favorite standalone YA fantasy novels and audiobooks of all time. It just has so much texture, depth, and heart. Plus it's brutal, which is always a hit with me. This is definitely one of the books I'd grab, if I were to be stranded on a deserted island with only 10 books to read for the rest of my life.

The narration by Steve West and Fiona Hardingham is to die for. I would listen to them every day and be delighted if they would decide to narrate my life.

Heartless by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


First, I said hello to this fascinating new story:





It was so delightful:





Until it wasn’t:





And then: 





Followed by: 




Rebecca Soler does an excellent job with the narration. She has strong voices and good inflection. She is easy to listen to but adds to the whimsical flair.