Review: The Hands of Time (Elementals #5) by Michelle Madow

Title: The Hands of Time

Series: Elementals #5
Author: Michelle Madow
Publisher: Dreamscape Publishing
Published: November 25, 2016
Pages: 288
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology, Paranormal
Source: Ebook

Time is running out. War will be waged. Sacrifices will be made.

Months ago, Nicole Cassidy’s life was turned upside-down when she discovered that she was a witch descended from the Greek gods. She and the four other witches gifted with elemental powers fought all over the world—and in another dimension—to battle the supporters of the Titans and fight for the people they love.

Now the Elementals must stop Typhon—the most dangerous monster in the world—from rising, and seal the portal to the dangerous prison world of Kerberos. But they won’t be able to do that without facing their hardest decision yet… a sacrifice so great that it may be one they’re not willing to make.

Get ready for the stunning, action-packed conclusion to the bestselling Elementals series, with twists and turns that you’ll never see coming!

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MY REVIEW

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

I remember reading the first four books in this series and liking them well enough. This book, the final book of this series, did not have the same effect on me that the first books did. I don't know if I have grown as a reader or if my expectations have just become fastidious and refined over time. Perhaps both. While I was glad to find out the conclusion of this series, I did not much enjoy the journey.

The most positive thing about this book is the premise. The author has molded mythology with the supernatural to develop her own brand of fantasy. In this series, witches are descendants of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses. So this touches on both mythology elements and those of magic. I think that this is very creative, and I have not read or heard of any other books that have these combined elements. I am always a stickler for creative story foundations.

The entire book felt too rushed. The characters were always rushing off to do things without much thought. There is not really much time to get to know the characters or have any character growth with so much action. The characters felt very flat and I did not connect with any of them. I was reading this story, but I did not care what happened because the characters were so dull. 

The dialogue was very stiff. It sounded more like a textbook than people actually having conversations in today's society. Some of the words that were used sounded too proper and many of the dialogues felt forced. And every time some of the characters did something, there was always a point made that these happenings are told to the other characters. I felt that it was unnecessary to continuously declare that character A explained to character B everything that happened to her while they were apart. 

The story was way too predictable. The foreshadowing was not executed very well at all. I could see what was about to happen from a mile away. The storytelling felt very amateur. 

The final scene at the end of the book was very emotionless. Everything had been building up to this final moment, and then the moment just came and went. It happened in the blink of an eye and there was no struggle at the end at all. I was rather disappointed. I was expecting more of an ending. 

Overall, I have to give snaps for the premise but the storytelling needs some work. This book felt like fluff to me. The characters were lifeless and I felt bored with the story. If you are a fan of fast-paced fluffy reads then this may suit you, but it did not work for me. I will still give Madow's other books a shot and see where they will take me. This is her first series, so I can only imagine that her writing skills will improve the more she writes. 

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- Beat the Backlist Challenge
- Let's Read Indie Challenge
- Finishing the Series

Check out my 2018 Challenge Page to see my progress!

Does your taste in books change over time? Have you ever enjoyed the start of a series and then wasn't as impressed by the final book? Let me know!

Review: Remember Me Forever (Lovely Vicious #3) by Sara Wolf

Title: Remember Me Forever

Series: Lovely Vicious #3
Author: Sara Wolf
Publisher: Entangled: Teen
Published: May 2, 2017
Pages: 320
Genres: Young Adult, New Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Source: Ebook

Isis Blake hasn’t fallen in love in three years, forty-three weeks, and two days. Or so she thinks. 

The boy she maybe-sort-of-definitely loved and sort-of-maybe-definitely hated has dropped off the face of the planet in the face of tragedy, leaving a Jack Hunter–shaped hole. Determined to be happy, Isis fills it in with lies and puts on a brave smile for her new life at Ohio State University. 

But the smile lasts only until he shows up. The menace from her past—her darkest secret, Nameless—is attending OSU right alongside her. And he’s whispering that he has something Isis wants—something she needs to see to move forward. To move on.

Isis has always been able to pretend everything is okay. But not anymore.

Isis Blake might be good at putting herself back together. 

But Jack Hunter is better.

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MY REVIEW

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

This series definitely ended out on a high note. I very much enjoyed the first two books in this series, and this one even more so. As with the first two books, I finished this book in one sitting. 

This book had an entirely different vibe from the first two books. And if I'm honest, it felt like the last book was more New Adult than Young Adult. The main characters have moved on from high school and are all going to college in this final installment. While there were many friendships, there was not a lot of family involvement in the characters lives. 

Another thing that was different about this book from the other two books was the pacing of the story. The second book jumped right back into the story from where it had left off. This book starts out months after the close of the second book. And we get a recap from the main character's point of view, which was more telling than showing. I am not usually a fan of this style, but it kind of works in the end. I honestly wasn't jamming with it in the beginning, but once the story picked up from there things got better. It just made the beginning of the book feel too slow and boring. 

I enjoyed the plot. It definitely heats up a bit compared to the first two books. It did feel like something out of left field at first. Basically, just really unbelievable in most parts. I could still enjoy the story though. It isn't like these events couldn't happen in real life, just highly unlikely to happen and sync the way they do in the book. But the story was definitely full of suspense. I honestly did not know what was going to happen next. 

Like the first two books of this series, this book is also character driven. There is not a lot of world-building, but the book does not suffer for it. This series is a contemporary and it's really about the characters. The setting could have been anywhere where there are traditional high schools and colleges. The characters are what drive the story and make it shine.

The character development for the two main characters really comes full circle. These characters have past traumas to confront, face, deal with, and then come back to feeling okay again. It's really one of the main points of the series. Learning how to deal with the horrors of life, not running away from your problems, and learning to be okay with yourself in the end. I really felt connected to these characters throughout the series, but even more so after finishing this final book. I have so many feels!

This book and this series as a whole deals with a lot of sensitive issues that some may find triggering. I applaud the author for including them. They are issues that are quite real and many do not see the light of day in Young Adult literature. Off the top of my head, some of the issues are rape, abuse, self-harm, suicide, PTSD, mental illness, anxiety, underage prostitution, violence, miscarriage, teen pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, stalking, and more that I am probably forgetting at the moment.  

Overall, this story is definitely one that will stick with me. I can see myself rereading it at some point in the future. This series is one the I would recommend to a mature Young Adult audience. I have no doubt that anyone that picks up these books will fall just as in love with the characters that I did!

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- Beat the Backlist Challenge
- Contemporary Romance Challenge
- Finishing the Series

Check out my 2018 Challenge Page to see my progress!

Are you a fan of contemporary romance? What about new adult books? They are not my go-to genres so I'd love recommendations!

Review: Ever the Brave (A Clash of Kingdoms #2) by Erin Summerill

Title: Ever the Brave

Series: A Clash of Kingdoms #2
Author: Erin Summerill
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Published: December 5, 2017
Pages: 464
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Source: Ebook

Ever the Divided. Ever the Feared. Ever the Brave.

After saving King Aodren with her newfound Channeler powers, Britta only wants to live a peaceful life in her childhood home. Unfortunately, saving the King has created a tether between them she cannot sever, no matter how much she'd like to, and now he's insisting on making her a noble lady. And there are those who want to use Britta’s power for evil designs. If Britta cannot find a way to harness her new magical ability, her life—as well as her country—may be lost.

The stakes are higher than ever in the sequel to Ever the Hunted, as Britta struggles to protect her kingdom and her heart.

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MY REVIEW

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

This book was delightful! I enjoyed the first book of this series, but I enjoyed this book even more so. The author's writing skill has only improved with this follow-up novel. 

I think that what pulled me into this series was the author's fluid writing style. The story flows very nicely. It is fast-paced with a compelling plot. I couldn't read this book fast enough to find out what was going to happen next. 

The best thing about this book is the characters. They have their own depth and growth as the story progresses. I felt myself instantly liking most of the characters and their interactions with one another. The chemistry between the characters was written well. This book is told from three perspectives, which I also enjoyed. I was able to get to know the three main characters, and without feeling overpowered by their personalities. In some books with multiple POVs, gravitating towards one voice can be easy. I loved how all three voices were equally balanced in this. I didn't love one more than the others. All three voices spoke to me. 

I liked the romance in this book. There was a love triangle in this book. I know that there are many people that will not read a book with this trope, but I can honestly say that it was done well in this book. It wasn't forced for the sake of having a love triangle. It flowed with the story and made the characters stronger because of it. 

While the plot was complete and easy to follow, I would have loved to have more details about this world. This is one of those stories that is fast-paced but would be so much better if it was drawn out a bit more. More details and going even deeper into the characters. It felt more like a light read to me, but I admit that I am a sucker for gobs of details and huge tomes. Don't get me wrong though. Even though I think that this would make the story better, it does not make the book any less enjoyable. 

I felt that the ending of the book was a little rushed. The fight scene with the villains was anticlimactic. Though the book ended on a high note and everything was wrapped up fairly well, I still would have liked a little more conflict. A little more pow at the end. 

Overall, the author's writing style is a pleasure to read. If you love fast-paced young adult fantasy then you will enjoy this series. The story will suck you in and leave you in the clouds. I can't wait to read more by this author! I would absolutely recommend this book!

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- Beat the Backlist Challenge

- Reading Bingo

Check out my 2018 Challenge Page to see my progress!

What are your thoughts on love triangles? I like them, but only if they are convincing and have genuine feeling behind them. Lust filled love triangles are the worst. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Review: War Storm (Red Queen #4) by Victoria Aveyard

Title: War Storm

Series: Red Queen #4
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Publisher: HarperTeen
Published: May 15, 2018
Pages: 662
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Dystopia, Romance
Source: Ebook

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Victory comes at a price.

Mare Barrow learned this all too well when Cal’s betrayal nearly destroyed her. Now determined to protect her heart—and secure freedom for Reds and newbloods like her—Mare resolves to overthrow the kingdom of Norta once and for all… starting with the crown on Maven’s head.

But no battle is won alone, and before the Reds may rise as one, Mare must side with the boy who broke her heart in order to defeat the boy who almost broke her. Cal’s powerful Silver allies, alongside Mare and the Scarlet Guard, prove a formidable force. But Maven is driven by an obsession so deep, he will stop at nothing to have Mare as his own again, even if it means demolishing everything—and everyone—in his path.

War is coming, and all Mare has fought for hangs in the balance. Will victory be enough to topple the Silver kingdoms? Or will the little lightning girl be forever silenced?

In the epic conclusion to Victoria Aveyard’s stunning series, Mare must embrace her fate and summon all her power… for all will be tested, but not all will survive.

MY REVIEW

This review DOES contain SPOILERS. Read at your own risk.

SERIES REVIEW (Books 1 through 4.)

I have read books one through three of this series twice now, and I am still just as much on the fence now as I was the first time that I read them. I did enjoy them more the second time around, but I truly think that it is only because I knew what to expect. When this series first came out I tried to stay away from all of the hype. Difficult, I know, when you are a part of the YA book community. Most people either loved it or hated it, but I felt myself smack in the middle, both loving parts of it and hating the other parts. I can honestly say that I have never been so emotionally frustrated by a book series because of this. Part of me wants to love it wholeheartedly, but other parts just can't. I am hopelessly, ridiculously thwarted from either loving or hating this book series. 

The one thing that is lacking in most Young Adult books is the presence of family, but not in this series. While I thought that the main character's family could have been more involved in the story, I was still happy that they were there throughout the series. 

I truly loved the premise of the story. I know that there are many books that have similar premises, but I adored it nonetheless. I loved the subtle dystopian aspect of the story. 

The relationships of the characters were well written for the most part. I loved the friction and snappy dialogue between Mare and Evangeline. I loved the friendships that Mare forged along the way. Friendship is sometimes overlooked in Young Adult books and they sometimes only focus on romance, but this series surprised me there.

I loved the character growth of several of the characters. Their internal struggles and how they dealt with them as the story progressed. At the same time, I also felt that there were some characters that could have been more developed. 

The plot was well done and the world well developed. There is a lot of political intrigue in these books. It makes me think of a line from the book that comes up many times, "Anyone can betray anyone." I am always a sucker for a "rich vs poor" trope, and this one was very believable. 

One of the things that really brings the series down a notch for me is the romance. It was very bland. It certainly didn't leave me breathless or on the edge of my seat. While I became invested in the characters while reading, the story just feels incomplete because of the undeveloped romance. And it makes me angry because there was so much potential to have a romance that burns or even for some quite convincing and warranted love triangles. 

Another thing that bothered me more than a little was that I didn't feel connected to the main characters at all. It is hard for me to love a story if I can't feel what the main character feels. I was disconnected from both Mare and Cal throughout the books. I knew their intentions (mostly) but I did not feel them. Both characters were very one dimensional. They lacked depth. And Mare specifically lacked likability. I don't even know how many times I wanted to smack her upside her head. She was very self-centered throughout much of the story. Most of all she just felt like words on a page, not someone that I was living through the story with. The disconnect with Mare is one of my most hated things about this series. 

I did not care much for the ending of the series. Not one bit. It was vague, but not in a good way. I read the last words and thought, "Oh, okay. That's the end then." I didn't cry or express any sort of emotion whatsoever. And to me, that really speaks volumes. 

There were several things that I would have loved to see in this series. I would have loved to see Maven recovered from his mother's torture and influence. Though I thought that Maven was one of the best characters in the story, I thought that his development could have been much deeper. He was a good character, but he could have been great. I would have liked to see things from Cal's point of view. I wanted to know what he was feeling and how he was dealing with all the traumas that he experienced in the story. We see things from Mare's eyes, and it really leaves things lacking. I think that it why I didn't feel much connection to Cal's character. Most of all I think that I just wanted Mare to be different. Or at least written in a way that made me feel something for her. I wanted to so many times, but it just didn't happen. 

I suppose that this review wouldn't really help anyone interested in reading this series. I am quite in the middle of the spectrum when it comes to my feelings on it. But really, I am not in the middle at all and that is what is frustrating. One part of me in on the low spectrum and the other is on the high spectrum which just leaves me somewhere in the middle. -sigh- If I could impose anything on anyone that may be reading this it would be that I definitely think this series is worth reading. For bad or for worse.

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- Finishing the Series Challenge

- Reading Bingo

Check out my 2018 Challenge Page to see my progress!

Have you read the Red Queen series? What are your thoughts on the ending? I personally had a lot of mixed feelings on the series. I'd love to hear your thoughts.