The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

Summary from Goodreads:

Nothing living is safe. Nothing dead is to be trusted.

For years, Gansey has been on a quest to find a lost king. One by one, he’s drawn others into this quest: Ronan, who steals from dreams; Adam, whose life is no longer his own; Noah, whose life is no longer a lie; and Blue, who loves Gansey…and is certain she is destined to kill him.

Now the endgame has begun. Dreams and nightmares are converging. Love and loss are inseparable. And the quest refuses to be pinned to a path.

Review:

This is definitely one of my most anticipated books of the year. And it did not disappoint. Stiefvater is the queen of YA character development. This book (along with the rest in the series) is a book that makes me feel like I’m reconnecting with old friends. Seriously, I feel like I know these characters. They can make me laugh, tear up, and roll my eyes. And I love them no matter what. So few books do this for me any more. It’s so wonderfully charming that I can’t help but smile just thinking about it.

Also, Stiefvater knows how to write well. Her metaphors, her magical realism, and her creepy setting all kind weave together in this style that both reads like a mixture of Margaret Atwood, Alice Hoffman, and Libba Bray and like something completely, uniquely its own. This is no linear story. It’s a story that starts in a lot of different places and centers around a lot of different characters. It’s a story that means something different to each of the players. This makes it read like a classic piece of literature to me.

Also, its plot has a little bit of everything in it. There’s horror (crazy, bloody demons taking over the world horror), suspense (one of the major characters is a hit man), magic (there’s a house full of psychics, but also there’s this much realer/almost nature like magic as well), romance (that is doomed from book 1), so many ships, a quest for a fantastical king, private school parties, political functions, family dinners, senioritis, the stealing of things from dreams, and plenty of surprises and twists. The question should be what does this book not have?

Also, there were some seriously interesting things learned about Blue! This book gave me a lot to think about. And it had a few little twists that genuinely surprised me. I love being surprised.

I love how things got wrapped up in this one. I loved getting to know Ronan’s family a bit more. Also, it was awesome getting to know Gansey’s family a bit more too. I already knew Blue’s family, but they were much appreciated as well. Adam had his moment with his family too. The new friends and side characters were ever amazing too. Really, this is a book (and a series) for those who love character development and character driven stories. But, it’s also a book (and a series) for anyone who just really loves a good book, period.

I was on edge in this book for a lot of reasons. Stiefvater couldn’t say it better herself, “He was a book, and he was holding his final pages, and he wanted to get to the end to find out how it went, and he didn't want it to be over.” I could have read this book much faster than I did. Part of me was afraid of the ending. And a bigger part of me just wasn’t read to part ways yet. I savored this book for as long as I could. It was hard not to read at my normal speed because so much went down in this last installment.

The ending was powerful and beautiful like all endings should aspire to be. I give it a 10/10.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick and read by Amy Rubinate

Summary from Goodreads:

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.

Review:

This book has been on my radar for years. I have to admit though that I have not been able to get into this author like other YA bloggers have. I did notice my library had an audio book copy of this one, the one everyone seemed to love, and I thought I’d give it another try. I still just don’t think this author is quite for me.

I love a good YA contemporary and I was hoping for something light and romantic. While this book certainly delivered on the romance, it wasn’t exactly light. It was very much a family drama. And don’t get me wrong, I tend to love romances that are more than just romance. For some reason, though, this book just read super slow for me. And the plot was too familiar/expected. Also, I never really grew to like Samantha all that much.

The one thing the main character has going for her is that she does grow and learn as the book goes on. That being said, she comes off as very ignorant, spoiled, and rather un-intelligent. I kept having to back up and remind myself she was being a teenager and teenagers tend to make stupid mistakes. That being said, I never got into a car with a drunk/drug addicted driver as a teenager. And I certainly would not have done this twice…

Also, I wouldn’t be able to “pretend” an accident didn’t happen and go to sleep while the drunk adults figured out the situation without me…

Also, so much of the last quarter of the book/plot felt too much like a Lifetime Original movie I’ve seen done a few different times before. I did like watching Samantha learn how to handle the conflict and eventually even come to the right decision. But, I still just never really connected with her. She was too ignorant for me to immediately bond with. And after getting to know her better, I still just never really liked her.

I did really enjoy the romance. And I really loved the character next door. I loved the kids and the big family dynamic. I even loved Samantha’s fascination with them.

I wish the book wasn’t so long. Not much happens in the first 75% of the book and then a lot goes down in the last 25%. It took me about 2 weeks to finish, which for me, is a long time. I never really liked the main character. I loved the romance and the side characters. However, the plot was a little too cliché for my liking. I give it a 6.5/10.

Waiting on Wednesday (187)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that allows bloggers to share which books we are most anticipating.

This week I am waiting on Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth (1/17/17):

Description on Goodreads:

On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not — their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?

Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power — something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.

Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuve, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive — no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive — or to destroy one another.

Why I’m Waiting:

So, I know a lot of people are probably going to list this book this week, but I couldn’t help it. As soon as I saw the cover release this week, I knew I’d be posting about it here. I’m so beyond ready for another Veronica Roth book. It’s about time. It has been so long since Allegiant came out. I still need to see that movie…But I loved the books. I was one of the few (it seems) who even loved the end to the series. I know Roth can write suspense and action. I’m ready for more of that please.

What are you waiting on this week?

A Good Week in Books (135)

I had a very nice, little book week. Two more exciting pre-orders came in! Also, I received a great one for review (Thank you, Hachette). Is it just me, or did all of the YA books of the year just come out at the same time, just now? I have so many books to read. And while I know this is a great problem to have, I kind of wish the pub dates were a little more spread out. Oh well.

The lovely books:

The Crown by Kiera Cass
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
The Trials of Apollo Book 1: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan

Some more Harry Potter coloring:

How was your week in books?

The Rose and the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh

Summary from Goodreads:

I am surrounded on all sides by a desert. A guest, in a prison of sand and sun. My family is here. And I do not know whom I can trust.

In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse—one that might keep them apart forever. Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid's empire. Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan.

While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn't yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love.

Review:

This book was wonderful. It’s the kind of book I wanted to read in one setting, yet at the same time, read slowly over a long period of time. I needed to know what would happen. Yet, it was written so poetically, I needed to savor every single second.

Shahrzad is a force in this. Seriously, she is so strong. She’s a good sister, a doting daughter, and friend, and ally. But, also, she knows what she wants and will fight against everything to go for it. I love her flaws (aka: her temper). I love that her temper matches Khalid’s and that they really, genuinely seem to be a perfect match for each other. Even in the most dangerous of circumstances, she was so brave in achieving what she knew was the right thing, in fighting for her love.

I am also eternally grateful that I did not have to wait too long before Shahrzad reunited with Khalid. Thank goodness for magic carpets, magic lessons, and journeys to break curses. There’s a lot more fantasy/magic in this book than there was in the first. And I loved every second of this. The new, magical characters and creatures added even more layers to the story.

I also loved that there were still short, beautiful stories woven in amongst the plot. Khalid evens asks her to tell him a story when they first reunite. Ah. So much love there.

I like how things resolve in regards to the war that is happening. I like how the curse is fought head-on. I like how things wind up between Khalid and Sahrzad’s family. I love the feminist twists this author brings to everything. The women own the show in this book, and seriously, nothing good would have happened without every single one of their actions.

I haven’t even mentioned the writing. It is just beautiful. It flows with the story and gives this poetic feel to the desert setting. It’s so good, it’s the kind of book I’d love to share with people hesitant about the quality of writing in YA novels.  I want live in these words. Seriously, I want to go back and re-read the book again and savor the words even more than I could have in my first read. I read this book in less than 24 hours, despite my need to savor…It was too hard to stop reading.

As I said on Goodreads: This book is at such a high level of awesome for me. Seriously, if all books could aspire to be even half as good as this book, the world would be a better place. I'm so glad I found this series. It owns a piece of my heart. I give it a 10/10.

Waiting on Wednesday (186)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that allows bloggers to share which books we are most anticipating.

This week I am waiting on The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan (10/4/16):

Description on Goodreads:

The second book in the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard trilogy.

Thor’s hammer is missing again. The thunder god has a disturbing habit of misplacing his weapon – the mightiest force in the Nine Worlds – but this time the hammer isn’t just lost. It has fallen into enemy hands. If Magnus Chase and his friends can’t retrieve the hammer quickly, the mortal worlds will be defenseless against an onslaught of giants. Ragnarok will begin. The Nine Worlds will burn. Unfortunately, the only person who can broker a deal for the hammer’s return is the gods’ worst enemy, Loki – and the price he wants is very high.

Why I’m Waiting:

I will always be waiting for the next Rick Riordan book. It’s safe to say, now, that I am a big fan. Also, Norse mythology is so much fun and there’s so much I don’t know about it and I’m so excited to learn. I also love this new set of characters, and I’m anxious to see where things go (after the ending of book 1). I can’t wait for October!

What are you waiting on this week?

The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead

Summary on Goodreads:

Big and sweeping, spanning from the refined palaces of Osfrid to the gold dust and untamed forests of Adoria, The Glittering Court tells the story of Adelaide, an Osfridian countess who poses as her servant to escape an arranged marriage and start a new life in Adoria, the New World. But to do that, she must join the Glittering Court.

Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies who appear destined for powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World. Adelaide naturally excels in her training, and even makes a few friends: the fiery former laundress Tamsin and the beautiful Sirminican refugee Mira. She manages to keep her true identity hidden from all but one: the intriguing Cedric Thorn, son of the wealthy proprietor of the Glittering Court.

When Adelaide discovers that Cedric is hiding a dangerous secret of his own, together they hatch a scheme to make the best of Adelaide’s deception. Complications soon arise—first as they cross the treacherous seas from Osfrid to Adoria, and then when Adelaide catches the attention of a powerful governor.

But no complication will prove quite as daunting as the potent attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. An attraction that, if acted on, would scandalize the Glittering Court and make them both outcasts in wild, vastly uncharted lands…

Review:

This is kind of one of those books where you love it while you’re reading it, but the more you think about it after you finish, the more you notice it’s problems. Don’t get me wrong: I loved this book. It was a fun, action-packed historical fiction novel with fantastic characters. I read it quickly. I absolutely adored the main character. The concept is just so good. However, there’s a few things that bothered me.

First, why is it marketed as fantasy? There are no fantasy elements. And it’s so clearly (at least loosely) based off of England colonizing America. I love this time period. I find the journey, the ideals, the freedoms, and the adventures of this time to be fascinating. But, why the strange names? I get that fantasy novels don’t have to have magic or dragons in them, but when they don’t, I want a reason for why they are fantasy.

This book had a lot going for it. It talked about the journey over sea to the new world. It talked about gentrifying the colonies. It talked about people moving westward (to new colonies). It talked about religious freedoms. There was a lot noted about the differences in the upper class of high society in one country versus the upper class of high society in the new world. And there was a lot said about the differences between the upper class and the lower class. This book dealt with racism, sexism, prejudice, and elitism.

And with all these important topics, the story still had a lot of the romantic “fluff” I have come to love from series like The Selection by Keira Cass. It definitely had a very “The Selection” type feel. AKA: there were a lot of balls, fancy dresses, and competing for husbands. I loved the balance of the fluff with the serious stuff. And I loved all the many aspects to the plot. So much happens.

I loved the main character. She was brave, intelligent, witty, and strong. I love that she knew she was ignorant in a lot of things, but was willing to learn. She learned from her mistakes. She learned from her past prejudices. In the beginning, she is so opinionated about certain things. She’s kind of racist and prejudiced. She learns about other cultures and religions as the book goes on, and becomes a better person the more she is away from the life she used to have.

She became such a wonderful main character by the end. I enjoyed the romance. Mead knows how to write forbidden love rather well. I wish I got a few more steamy scenes than I did, but really, this was excellent. I also loved the side characters. They weren’t quite as developed as I wanted because I know they will each have their own book later in the series. I know I will want to read their books too. I seriously cannot wait to see things from Mira’s eyes.

There was a moment involving an assault that kind of bothered me. It didn’t feel necessary for the story, and it really felt out of place and wrong with the overall “fluffy-ness” of the rest of the book. I mean this is the kind of story where characters continue to get out of impossible situations, hope runs high, and the good guys tend to always win. I was really taken aback by this one scene, and even stopped reading the book for a little while after it.

All in all, I did really enjoy reading this. I loved the story, the concept, the romance, and the characters. I’m not sure why it wasn’t called historical fiction. The time period was one of my favorites. There was an assault scene in it that I really wish wasn’t there. It did read quickly and I had a lot of fun reading it. I give it an 8/10.