Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas

Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #3
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Publication Date: May 2, 2017
Pages: 705
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, New Adult
Source: Ebook

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Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's manoeuvrings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit – and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords – and hunt for allies in unexpected places. 

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

I might have actually passed into the afterlife and am writing this review from there. This book destroyed me that much. This book had my heart pumping the whole time! (Until the end came and I may have died from shock, joy, surprise, everything.) I am just glad to know that the series isn't over and that there will be more coming. 

If there is one thing that Sarah J. Maas is good at, it is plot building. I wouldn't be surprised if she was fae herself, her magic being that over words and stories. The way that she weaves details into her series is genius. You may not think that something is important in the first book and then BAM! It shows up in the last book or throughout the rest of the series and it blows you away. She is a damn good architect of stories. She throws so many plot twists at you and there are surprises and she reveals them at the best moments. G-E-N-I-U-S, ya'll.

Another thing that she is great at is character development. I loved all my darlings in this series. Every single one of them. And one thing that I really adore about Maas's character development is that the side or background characters become so much more than that. They become the heart of the story, right along with the main characters. They aren't just there for filler or for a specific plot point. They belong there. Not in just one part of the story, but in the story as a whole. The way that I come to love all of the side characters and background characters proves what a great storyteller Maas is. 

I didn't think that the world building could get better in the third book of the series, but it did! Oh my goodness, we get to see some of the other courts and get to know their High Lords. I LOVED it! I really hope that we get to see more of the other courts in the next books. I am dying to know more! 

The last 30% of the book was where all shit broke loose and everything happens. It was awesome. The only thing that I didn't love was that we don't really find out what happens to the characters personally in the end. Everything is left open. I would have liked a little bit more finality in the end. Especially with all the "couples" are concerned. I just want all of my babies to have their happy endings. I guess that I have to hope that these things will be sorted out in the coming books.

Overall, this was magnificent! I couldn't have asked for anything better. I have the worst book hangover and I couldn't be happier about it. If you enjoyed the first two books of this series, then you'll love this one as well. I definitely recommend this book and this series as a whole. As with the other books in this series, I do recommend them for a mature audience since there are graphic sex scenes in these books. 

This series has some controversy regarding some of the explicit content within, yet being labeled as a young adult book. It is published by a children's publisher, but there are some very adult scenes within the book. What are your thoughts on this?

Review: Falling Kingdoms (Falling Kingdoms #1) by Morgan Rhodes

Title: Falling Kingdoms

Series: Falling Kingdoms #1
Author: Morgan Rhodes
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: December 11, 2012
Pages: 412
Genres: Young adult, Fantasy
Source: Ebook

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In the three kingdoms of Mytica, magic has long been forgotten. And while hard-won peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest now simmers below the surface.

As the rulers of each kingdom grapple for power, the lives of their subjects are brutally transformed... and four key players, royals and rebels alike, find their fates forever intertwined. Cleo, Jonas, Lucia, and Magnus are caught in a dizzying world of treacherous betrayals, shocking murders, secret alliances, and even unforeseen love.

The only outcome that's certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?

It's the eve of war.... Choose your side.

Princess: Raised in pampered luxury, Cleo must now embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of magic long thought extinct.

Rebel: Jonas, enraged at injustice, lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country cruelly impoverished. To his shock, he finds himself the leader of a people's revolution centuries in the making.

Sorceress: Lucia, adopted at birth into the royal family, discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Heir: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, firstborn son Magnus begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword....

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

This book was awesome. Addictive. Satisfying. Literally almost perfect. I have been wanting to read this series forever, and I am finally getting around to it. Since the series is almost over I felt it was time to get cracking. 

My first impression of the book was that it is basically Game of Thrones for a young adult audience. And that's not a bad thing. It really worked quite well. There are quite a bit of adult-ish things going on, but not in exuberant detail. It's more nuanced or implied. 

I really loved the writing style. The writing pulls you in and keeps you interested. And it flows so beautifully. The pace is perfect. This is my first Morgan Rhodes book and so far I am impressed. The words and dialogues are so smooth that I just race through them. The writing isn't confusing or disjointed in any way. It's bliss!

There are many characters in this series and I really loved getting a glimpse into their lives. The chapters of the book alternate by which kingdom the characters are in when the chapter takes place. The character growth is written fantastically. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions getting to know these characters. I liked how the distinction between good and evil was blurred. Each character acts upon what happens to them and what decisions they make. 

The world building is excellent! There are three kingdoms and the way that they are portrayed was so vivid and atmospheric. The differences between the three kingdoms were vast and well written. I was never confused about which kingdom was which. I also really liked how the mythology of this world flows throughout the story. Every so often we get a little more info about the religions of this world. It built upon itself gradually, which was perfect. The Rhodes gave you just enough to satisfy but left out enough to make you curious and yearning to know more. 

The plot was woven so creatively. I was invested in the story from the very first page. I was itching to find out what happened next throughout the book. There is so much intrigue, so many themes are covered, and it always kept me wanting more. 

The only thing that fell a little flat was the romance. It is very lax in that department, and that is what prompted me to rate it the way that I did. With a little more romance this would have been simply perfect.

Overall, I was more than pleased with this book. It is a compelling read that you won't want to put down for a minute. I absolutely recommend this book, and I will be continuing the series. 

This series contains some of my all-time favorite book covers. What are some of your favorite book covers? 

Review: Frostblood (Frostblood Saga #1) by Elly Blake

Title: Frostblood

Series: Frostblood Saga #1
Author: Elly Blake
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 10, 2017
Pages: 378
Genres: Young adult, Fantasy
Source: ARC

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The frost king will burn.

Seventeen-year-old Ruby is a Fireblood who has concealed her powers of heat and flame from the cruel Frostblood ruling class her entire life. But when her mother is killed trying to protect her, and rebel Frostbloods demand her help to overthrow their bloodthirsty king, she agrees to come out of hiding, desperate to have her revenge.

Despite her unpredictable abilities, Ruby trains with the rebels and the infuriating—yet irresistible—Arcus, who seems to think of her as nothing more than a weapon. But before they can take action, Ruby is captured and forced to compete in the king’s tournaments that pit Fireblood prisoners against Frostblood champions. Now she has only one chance to destroy the maniacal ruler who has taken everything from her—and from the icy young man she has come to love. 

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book.

So this book was good. It wasn't great, but it wasn't bad either. It rests right in the middle of the totem pole. Although, I do have to mention how incredible the cover of this book is. It's simply gorgeous!

This is a classic case of giving into the hype and letting your expectations run a little too high. I keep asking myself why I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would. I mean, it has everything that other similar books in this genre have. Other similar books that I love. So why didn't I love this one? And I come right back to my previous thought - it has everything that other similar books have. And that is where the problem lies. Not in what it has, but what it doesn't have. It doesn't have something that sets it apart from all the rest of the genre. At least, not enough of it.

There were so many tropes and clichés, which is usually fine when the writing and the story or plot make up for it or make it interesting. That didn't happen here. The tropes and clichés were there and they were written well enough, but there wasn't that extra oomph added in to make it stand out. To make me not think about that tropes.

The writing was okay, but it wasn't anything special. I liked the dialogue between the main characters. The witty remarks and the banter. The plot was typical but amusing nonetheless. The book was very predictable though, which I didn't fancy. I like to be surprised and this book sadly didn't leave much to the imagination or have much shock value. 

The characters were rounded and had a purpose. However, I did not feel an overly huge connection to them. I definitely had interest, but I didn't feel them in my core. I think that there could have been more world building and more character growth. I was initially concerned that the novel was under 400 pages. I like my fantasy to be prevalent with details about the world and characters. This one felt rushed. 

I know it seems like I am totally ragging on this book. I know it sounds like I didn't like it one bit, but that's not true. I enjoyed it. It just didn't wow me. It wasn't a favorite, but I wasn't disappointed either. The "negative" aspects I mentioned aren't because the book is bad, but things that could make it better. But that is just what would make it better for me. Some people like a nice breezy read. Something fast-paced and simple. Something that won't stress them out or involve too much thinking. But not me. There is a difference between a book that glows and one that shines. And there is nothing wrong with glowing. I do expect to read the next books in the series, and I would recommend this read to others. Especially if you are a fan of fast-paced YA fantasy and don't like a lot of strings attached. 

This book has an absolutely gorgeous cover! One of my favorites of 2017. Do you like this book cover? What are some of your favorite book covers of 2017? (Or ever.)

Review: A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2) by Sarah J. Maas

Title: A Court of Mist and Fury

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #2
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Publication Date: May 3, 2016
Pages: 624
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, New Adult
Source: Ebook

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Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

I don't even know how to write this review. My heart is pounding, I am aching to take a breath, and this world and these characters are consuming me. This book was an epic piece of mastery.

I was enthralled by the first book in this series. I adored it. I loved the story, the characters, and the plot. Everything was perfect. I gave it 5 stars. While I wouldn't change that rating by any means after reading the second book, I feel like the second book deserves so many more stars! It was infinitely better than the first book.

The character growth, especially for Feyre, was phenomenal! I really felt for her and her plight after her experiences under the mountain in the first book. The had PTSD, she had no one to help her through it with Tamlin and Lucien running off all the time, and she had all her freedoms taken away from her by Tamlin. She went from being strong and madly in love to being broken and trapped in an abusive relationship. And as the book progressed she found her strength again and overcame her tormentors. She fell in love again and gained friends that cared about her and that she could trust. And they were all fighting for something dear to her heart.

And Rhysand, oh dear lord, Rhysand. Heavens, how I wish that I could just literally fall into a book and live in its glory. Rhysand's character growth was incredible as well. We get to see a deeper side of him. We get to see those that he cares about and what his heart is made of. We see just how much he has sacrificed for his people and those that he loves. Including Feyre. Rhysand's background leading up to where he is at the end of this book is very touching. He went through so much in his life and overcame so much. His character is so inspiring. 

I loved all the new characters. Mor, Cassian, Amren, and Azriel warm my heart. I loved getting to know each of them. The story truly shone brightly because of these characters. I liked Tarquin as well. I really hope that things aren't ruined between him and the Night Court forever in the end. He seemed a genuine soul. And I am kind of shipping Amren and Varian. =P

The plot in this book way surpasses that of the last book. The spectrum is so much broader now and it is kind of mind-blowing. The plot is so much thicker than what we see in the first book. There are layers upon layers of complexity. The way that the characters are woven into the plot is nothing short of magical. There were so many surprises that I hadn't worked out. I was definitely surprised at the extent of the mortal queens and their allegiances. I was even surprised at the mortal queen that helped Feyre and Rhys, though her fate was sad. I was super surprised to see Feyre's sisters and at what happened to them. The whole end of the book was like a mind warp. 

I loved the romance. I loved how Feyre and Rhys grew closer as time went by, even though he already knew that she as his mate. And considering, he showed incredible restraint. Rhys truly cares for Feyre and he gives her all the freedoms she desires, while still protecting her. When she accepted the mating bond I was so ecstatic. I felt all was right with the world. 

Overall, I was blown away by this book. It was everything that I hoped it would be and more. I really did have high expectations, and they were all met and surpassed. I can't even fathom my expectation for the third book. I am definitely going to be reading it! I highly recommend this series, but for mature audiences. This is definitely an adult book as some of the romantic scenes are quite explicit. 

This series has some controversy regarding some of the explicit content within, yet being labeled as a young adult book. It is published by a children's publisher, but there are some very adult scenes within the book. What are your thoughts on this?

Review: The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic (The Grisha #0.5, #2.5, #2.6) by Leigh Bardugo

Title: The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic

Series: The Grisha #0.5, #2.5, #2.6
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Macmillan/Imprint
Publication Date: September 26, 2017
Pages: 281
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Short Stories
Source: Hardcover, preorder)

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Love speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns.

Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price.

Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.

Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.

This collection of six stories includes three brand-new tales, all of them lavishly illustrated with art that changes with each turn of the page, culminating in six stunning full-spread illustrations as rich in detail as the stories themselves.

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

The way that Leigh Bardugo captivates her readers is nothing short of magical. Her stories are not mere words, but creatures that take on a life of their own. The stories in this compilation are dark and whimsical. Each one tells a truth, ever so twisted as the truth may be. 

I simply adored these stories! I will be honest, the only reason that I purchased this compilation was because it was written by one of my favorite authors. Ordinarily, short stories are just not my jam. I hate reading any book less than 300 pages, let alone short stories. But these stories really captivated me. Leigh Bardugo weaves a little bit of magic into the words she puts on paper. Her short stories are no different from her novels in that respect. 

The hardcover copy of this compilation has gorgeous illustrations on every page. They build up page by page to reveal the moral of each story by the story's end. They are simply lovely. And I have to mention that the cover and dust jacket are breathtaking as well.

The added bonus to these stories is that they take place within the Grishaverse- the world that most of Bardugo's books are set in. I adore the world that she created in her books, and I couldn't have enjoyed the fairy tales from this world more! Even if you have not read any of her books, I do recommend these tales. 

The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic was one of my most anticipated reads of 2017? What were some of yours? Did they meet your expectations?

Review: Guardian of Secrets (Library Jumpers #2) by Brenda Drake

Title: Guardian of Secrets

Series: Library Jumpers #2
Author: Brenda Drake
Publisher: Entangled: Teen
Publication Date: February 7, 2017
Pages: 400
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Source: Ebook
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Saving him could end her world.

Being a Sentinel isn’t all fairytales and secret gardens.

Sure, jumping through books into the world’s most beautiful libraries to protect humans from mystical creatures is awesome. No one knows that better than Gia Kearns, but she could do without the part where people are always trying to kill her. Oh, and the fact that Pop and her had to move away from her friends and life as she knew it.

And if that isn’t enough, her boyfriend, Arik, is acting strangely. Like, maybe she should be calling him “ex,” since he’s so into another girl. But she doesn’t have time to be mad or even jealous, because someone has to save the world from the upcoming apocalypse, and it looks like that’s going to be Gia.

Maybe. If she survives.

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

This book was delightful! I liked the first book in this series, but this one was so much better! The author really kicked it up a notch with the second book in the Library Jumpers series. 

This book was such a ride. I read this book in a single day because I simply could not put it down! It enthralled me that much. So naturally, the first thing that I notice about this sequel is that the writing is so much smoother. I had some issues with the first book with regard to some of the choppy dialogue and story, but that has disappeared with Guardian of Secrets. I am actually thrilled to say that!

The next thing that I noticed is that I was more invested in the characters this time around. I remember enjoying the first book, but one of the things that bothered me most about the first book was that I felt no real connection to the characters. This book had the opposite effect. There were some scenes where I genuinely teared up with emotion- and THAT makes for a great story! I am so impressed with how far this book has come from the first one of this series. 

As with the first book, this book had very well implemented plot twists and surprises. I loved trying to guess what was going to happen and where allegiances lay. The plot grew very nicely over the course of the book. It was fairly complex and had so many different elements to it. It was truly a joy to read.

I loved the romance in the book. There was betrayal, mystery, and heartbreak. I loved going through the ladder of love and heartbreak with the main character. There were just so many feels! I loved the mystery that surrounded the romance in the book as well. While there wasn't a love triangle per se in the book, the main character does fall in and out of love with two gentlemen. This aspect of the story gave it so much emotion. 

Overall, this follow-up is a must read! I am so glad that I continued the series after only "liking" the first book because I "love" this book! This book may very well cement a new favorite series on my bookshelf, but I suppose we will see once the third book is released. And yes, that means I will definitely be continuing the series. 

What are your favorite types of fantasy reads? Do you like fantasy mixed in with the modern world, or do you prefer epic fantasy? If fantasy isn't your jam, what genres get your heart pumping?

Re-read Review: Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers #1) by Brenda Drake

* RE-READ REVIEW *

See my original review here.

Title: Thief of Lies

Series: Library Jumpers #1
Author: Brenda Drake
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: January 5, 2016
Pages: 400
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Source: ARC
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Gia Kearns would rather fight with boys than kiss them. That is, until Arik, a leather clad hottie in the Boston Athenaeum, suddenly disappears. While examining the book of world libraries he abandoned, Gia unwittingly speaks the key that sucks her and her friends into a photograph and transports them into a Paris library, where Arik and his Sentinels—magical knights charged with protecting humans from the creatures traveling across the gateway books—rescue them from a demonic hound.

Jumping into some of the world's most beautiful libraries would be a dream come true for Gia, if she weren’t busy resisting her heart or dodging an exiled wizard seeking revenge on both the Mystik and human worlds. Add a French flirt obsessed with Arik and a fling with a young wizard, and Gia must choose between her heart and her head, between Arik's world and her own, before both are destroyed.

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

I originally received this book for free from Entangled Teen via YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.

I am really glad that I reread this a second time before moving on to the second book of the series. While I remembered the gist of things, I had forgotten many of the details throughout the book.

What I loved most about the book the first time around holds true rereading it two years later, and that is the world that the author has created for this story. It truly is one of the most unique worlds that I have read. There are so many layers and so many different elements. Being a fantasy lover, I appreciate all the different things that make up the world as a whole. Some books can fall kind of flat in the overall world department, but this one is a gem. While I loved the world itself, I felt that the world building could have had a better execution. Things became confusing all too often with all of the information being hauled at us. If the book could use any improvement, it would lie here. 

I felt like the writing could have been more fluid. At times the dialogue felt a little too literary, and other times it felt too casual and almost forced. The flow of the writing could have been touched upon a little more. 

The characters are very likable. Not only the main characters but the side characters as well. I felt like a little more background or history could have been included for the main characters. While I enjoyed reading about them, I didn't feel connected to them. That personal connection to them just wasn't there. This is one of those things can either make a book merely good, or absolutely great. 

The plot of the book is strong. I enjoyed finding out what was going to happen at each turn. I really loved the surprises sprinkled throughout the book as well. There were some things that I didn't see coming, and I love that about a book. If a book can keep me guessing and isn't predictable then I'm game, and this book was a worthy opponent in this area. Even though, as I stated above, I didn't feel fully invested in the characters, I still raced through this book to find out what happens next because the plot was so well written. 

Overall, I enjoyed rereading this book and I am glad that I did. I remember being excited for the second book after putting this one down, and that remains true after my reread. Even though I had some minor issues with the book, I highly recommend reading this. The author has created an amazing world that any fantasy lover would enjoy. 

What is your stance on re-reads? Is your TBR too long to even think about a re-read? Do you love to re-read your favorite books?

Review: The Beauty of Darkness (The Remnant Chronicles #3) by Mary E. Pearson

Title: The Beauty of Darkness

Series: The Remnant Chronicles #3
Author: Mary E. Pearson
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication Date: August 02, 2016
Pages: 679
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Dystopian
Source: Ebook
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Lia has survived Venda—but so has a great evil bent on the destruction of Morrighan. And only Lia can stop it.

With war on the horizon, Lia has no choice but to assume her role as First Daughter, as soldier—as leader. While she struggles to reach Morrighan and warn them, she finds herself at cross-purposes with Rafe and suspicious of Kaden, who has hunted her down.

In this conclusion to the Remnant Chronicles trilogy, traitors must be rooted out, sacrifices must be made, and impossible odds must be overcome as the future of every kingdom hangs in the balance.

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

I am totally weeping right now! OMG, this is the perfect end for this series. =D I admit, I was not as enthralled by the first book of this series like most others were. The series grew on me. It got better with each book. I am glad to have another favorite series to fawn over. 

I loved the twists and turns in this final installment of The Remnant Chronicles. The political intrigue was great! I honestly did not have the traitors pinned down, so when the identities came to light I was a little shocked. And that is awesome! I hate predictability in books, as I have said before in my reviews, so anytime an author can surprise me I am totally jazzed. Other things in the book did not happen as I suspected either, like how things ended and who ended up with who in the end. The fates of the main characters. 

The character development was so intense! OMG, loved how these characters grew into my heart! A lot of my surprise at how things turned out in the story, as I mentioned above, happened because of the character development. I thought that one character was turning down a dark path that would affect the other characters, but things didn't turn out as I expected. There was a line said in the book many times that I think holds true to the characters, and that is "people can change". So many characters showed their true colors in this finale. 

Speaking of characters, I loved reading about female friendship and how important it is in this series. Pearson did a great job of cementing the importance of female friendship in the first book, and it only grew as the series went on. Lia's friends loved her like family. I think that female friendship gets passed over in a lot of books to make way for a great romance, so I was delighted at how powerful the concept is in The Remnant Chronicles. 

I am such a sap, but I love the ending relationships in this book. My heart was melting all over the place. Pauline, Gwyneth, Lia...sigh. I also adored how much Lia's parents and brothers loved her and believed in her. 

If I had any complaints about this book or this series as a whole, it would be the lack of romance. Don't get me wrong, because there IS romance in this series. I mean, come on, it's a romantic fantasy. But, in general, the romantic scenes were few and far between. There was a ton of romantic tension due to the story circumstances, but I felt like I needed something more. The romance in this series did not fully whet my appetite. (And I am not the biggest romance book fan in general, so that's saying something.) I like there to be romance, but I don't want it to overshadow the story itself. Sure, this was a romantic fantasy, but there were so many other things going on. 

This was clearly a dystopian-like story. There is the talk of ruins of structures that touched the sky, and the stories and songs that their religions are based on stem from what sounds like a nuclear strike and the aftermath that the survivors faced. I disliked that there was no big reveal at the end that explains if the Ancients were truly from our modern day society or not. Deep inside I NEEDED to know this, but it never came. I suppose not knowing does add to the magic this story holds over the reader, but I personally would have preferred knowing. 

I felt like the battle scene could have been more intense. It happens at the very end of the book, and it felt like it was over before it had begun. 

All in all, I couldn't have been more happy with the end of this series! I know that there has been a lot of controversy in regard to the ending. Many people loved it, and others not so much. I would have to recommend the book because so much can change in a book series. No matter your expectations, I recommend this book wholeheartedly. I admit, the first book of this series did not totally impress me, but the journey was worth it! 

If you have read this series, what were your final thoughts? Does the apparent dystopian theme fall in line with what you read as well? What is the next book series that you are excited for?

Review: The Heart of Betrayal (The Remnant Chronicles #2) by Mary E. Pearson

Title: The Heart of Betrayal

Series: The Remnant Chronicles #2
Author: Mary E. Pearson
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication Date: July 07, 2015
Pages: 470
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Dystopian
Source: Ebook
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Held captive in the barbarian kingdom of Venda, Lia and Rafe have little chance of escape. Desperate to save Lia's life, her erstwhile assassin, Kaden, has told the Vendan Komizar that she has the gift, and the Komizar's interest in Lia is greater than anyone could have foreseen.

Meanwhile, nothing is straightforward: There's Rafe, who lied to Lia but has sacrificed his freedom to protect her; Kaden, who meant to assassinate her but has now saved her life; and the Vendans, whom Lia always believed to be savages. Now that she lives among them, however, she realizes that may be far from the truth. Wrestling with her upbringing, her gift, and her sense of self, Lia must make powerful choices that will affect her country... and her own destiny.

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

This book was truly magnificent! I almost feel bad for having qualms about the first book. This book has solidified this series as a definite favorite on my bookshelf. 

What a turn this series has taken. Seriously. From characters that I could not connect with in the slightest to ones that I adore and are extremely passionate about. Pearson has really stepped up her game. No kidding. 

The first thing that pleasantly surprised me was the extreme character growth. We get a deeper glance into Lia, Kaden, and Rafe. Where they felt almost bland to me in the first book, they are now vibrant and compelling. They have their own agendas and histories. We find out so much more about them in this book. Lia really grew on me in this one. I felt her to by whiny and selfish in the first book, and now she is brave, determined, and courageous. I simply adored her in this book. We see more into Kaden and Rafe as well. Kaden's conflicting emotions between his loyalty to Venda and his feelings for Lia. Rafe's determination to save Lia no matter the cost. I also felt that the Komizar was a really great villain. He resonated with me so much. I liked the new side characters introduced in this one as well. 

The political intrigue gets even better in this one. We get to step inside the enemy kingdom and see their way of life. I like how Pearson differentiated between the Komizar and his reign to the simple countrymen of Venda. They had different priorities, and it showed how very different they were. It was easy to see why Lia fell in love with Venda's people and hated the Komizar. We find out that there are betrayals running rampant, with traitors in Morrighan. 

I loved the additional world building in this. I didn't fully understand "the gift" and the religious aspects of the different kingdoms, but they worked. They were fully worked through and brought so much to the story. I liked seeing the nation of Venda. The descriptions of its terrain and of the devastation left behind from the time of the ancients were intriguing. I am hoping that we find out that their world is just a far-off future from our own. The more that I read the more it sounds like a nuclear war wiped out most of the world, and the scavengers and remnants left behind are what their kingdoms spring from. 

I liked how some things really surprised me in this. I did not see the scholars from Morrighan and their betrayal coming. I loved how Pearson kept things hidden and exposed them at just the right time. So many shocking things come to light in this book, and it was such a great journey finding them all out. I love when a book keeps me guessing.

I think that what I liked most was Lia and Rafe's journey as being captives. They endure so much at the hands of their captors, and the drama that ensued during their time in Venda was highly entertaining. 

Overall, I was blown away by this book! Just wow! I implore you to read this series if you have not already. Following all the chatter about this series, most either love it or hate it. I had some issues with the first book and almost stopped reading the series, but decided to continue it. I am certainly grateful that I did, because this series is so intense and so, so good! I implore you to give this one a chance, but don't listen to me, and don't listen to the hype or the haters. Make your own decisions about this series. If I had listened to all the haters, I would have missed out on a new favorite series! Sometimes you just have to trust your gut. I so look forward to the next book in The Remnant Chronicles!

What is the last series that you have read? Would you recommend it? Have you read any books in The Remnant Chronicles series? If so, what are your thoughts?