A Court of Thorns and Roses

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #1

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Re-telling

Release Date: May 5, 2015

Summary: When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Review: I finished this book in one sitting. ONE SITTING! Okay, by this point in time, you guys should have found out that I am quite the fan of Sarah's work. I literally devour everything she writes! It's insane really . . .

Me reading anything by Sarah . . . except it's literature and not cheese . . . though I do like cheese . . .

So when I found out she was writing a new series that was combining Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore. Well, how could I say no?! I COULDN'T!! I was fortunate enough to get an ARC of this back in February. After totally pounding my way through it the first time, I read it again . . . and again . . . and again. 

Now you're probably thinking, "Okay, this girl is way too obsessed and needs some help." To some extent you may be right. But let me try and justify my addiction to this particular novel. 1) It's a freaking Beauty and the Beast re-telling! This is one of my favorite Disney movies. I adore many of the re-tellings, both on page and screen so why not this one?? When I found out about that small detail alone I was ensnared.

2) The MC Feyre totally killed it. The comical sarcastic banter between her, Lucien, and Tamlin was so on point it's not even funny! One of my (many) favorite parts is: 

Feyre: Would you like me to grovel with gratitude for bringing me here, High Lord?"

Tamlin: Ah, The Suriel told you nothing important, did it?"

Feyre: That smile of his sparked something bold in my chest. "He also said that you like being brushed, and if I'm a clever girl, I might train you with treats."

Tamlin tipped his head to the sky and roared with laughter. Despite myself, I let out a quiet laugh. 

"I might die of surprise," Lucien said behind me. "You made a joke, Feyre."

This is just a small sample of many encounters between these three. I loved her back story as well and how she came from a fairly wealthy family that had lost all of their money and was scrounging for any and everything. Also, that fact that Feyre can't read . . . ugh! I had the hardest time with that! Mainly because I love reading and find it so enjoyable and for her it's the complete opposite. I can't even imagine. 

3) Tamlin was, well, *SIGH* perfect. He had the perfect blend of broodiness, gentle-manliness, and thoughtfulness. (wow that was a lot of -ness's). Seeing the relationship between him and Feyre evolve was like magic. I loved that it happened in real time and that they slowly got to know each other.

Last but not least! 4) Lucien was probably my favorite character. It's odd for me to not have the MC be my favorite, but Lucien outshines them all in my opinion. He is such a sassy dude. Every scene with him was spot on. I loved that he brings Tamlin to his senses and helps guide the two (Feyre and Tamlin) together. I also loved the friendship that grew between him and Feyre by the end of the novel.

Okay, now there were a few things that I didn't enjoy. Like how long it too for Feyre to go through the trials. I felt like it was taking forever and also that there were some unnecessary scenes. This could have also been because her and Tamlin are apart though . . . Also, although I enjoyed the beginning, whilst reading it the multiple times after my first round, I found the beginning (basically the entire time before Tamlin arrives) rather dull. I understand that the story and setting needing constructing, but come on . . . 

Let's talk about that ending! Um, well this is going to be a trilogy . . . but let's just say that I'm totally fine with it being a stand alone. There is some foreshadowing for the next book(s) but I'm totally cool with just keeping this one all by itself.  My final thoughts on A Court of Thorns and Roses:

and Sarah J. Maas, you totally:

Alienated

Author: Melissa Landers
Series: Alienated #1
Genre: Sci-Fi, Dystopian, Romance
Release Date: February 4, 2014

Summary: Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket. Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking. But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

Review: Right after finishing this book, I had originally ranked it as a 3 1/2 stars, but after a few days of consideration, I bumped it up to 4.

So if you didn't feel like reading the summary above, here is an abbreviated version. Alienated is about how another planet with lifeforms similar to those of us humans has made contact and bargained with us. In exchange for the cure for cancer they want to do a foreign exchange student program . . . I guess it's more of an alien exchange program but whatever. Anyway, 3 aliens come down and in exchange, 3 humans are sent to their planet. The book focuses mainly on those of Cara (human) and Aelyx (alien).  I figured this would be an alien/human love story . . . but then my thoughts turned towards . . .

Any who!! Cara (our lovely MC) is dating Eric (who happens to be avidly against the alien exchange program . . . shocker!) and has Tori as a best friend. Let me just tell you that I loved Tori from the first moment we met her!! Her snooty/sassy attitude was such a great comedic relief when the material started getting a little heavier later on in the book! 

After Aelyx comes down to earth and exchanges with Cara's older brother (Troy) things really started to pick up for me (obviously). The casual interactions between Cara and Aelyx left me desperately wanting more and more and devouring this book in just a few short hours. Landers did an amazing job of developing their relationship throughout the book. I enjoyed just about everything that happened between Aelyx and Cara. The only thing I wasn't a big fan of was how Aelyx pronounces her name Cah-ra. For some odd reason I had the most difficult time reading that particular word and I felt that a super smart alien should have been able to pronounce her name better . . . in my humble opinion.

At the end I was left feeling . . . honestly I'm not exactly sure. I didn't not  like the ending, and I understand that this is part of a series, but I just felt that I still had some unanswered questions that should have been answered . . . if that makes any sense?!

Ugh and that ending!! After first reading/finishing this and realizing that I had approximately another year before the second book came out, I looked something like,

Overall, I did really enjoy the different concept and the plot of the book. I'm still growing into the whole sci-fi genre but Alienated  seemed to hit the spot. There was the perfect balance of alien/human interaction with some comedic relief scattered in all the right places. I'll definitely be reading this book again, and more thoroughly, to more fully appreciate it though!

Heir of Fire

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #3
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure

Release Date: September 2, 2014

Summary: Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy. While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

Review: You can find my reviews for the first two books in this series, Throne of Glass, and Crown of Midnight, by clicking on the aforementioned titles.

After reading the first couple of chapters of Heir of Fire  my feelings were something similar to;

Mainly because I realized that the whole story was going to take place away from Adarlan (more importantly Chaol), and instead in Wendlyn. Although, after actually giving the book a chance, because I knew Sarah wouldn't let me down, by the end of the book I was feeling more like "I WANT MORE! GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK!!" 

This book was incredible! Even though it takes place away from Chaol (sad day I know!) I enjoyed it quite thoroughly. I love how Celaena's character developed throughout the book. It was also extremely interesting to read more of Celaena's background, especially after the huge reveal at the end of Crown of Midnight. 

Something I wasn't a big fan of, and found myself skimming at times were the chapters involving the witches. I didn't mention previously but the book takes place from 3 different points of view: 1) Adarlan/Chaol/Dorian, 2) Witches, and 3) Celaena. For the most part, I found those chapters (involving the witches) a tad boring. Although those particular chapters also give way to another obstacle in Celaena's way that is looking like it will be a definite strong point in the next installment in this series. The plot twists Sarah has intertwined were also spot on, and sometimes came out of no where. Kind of like this:

Like, I thought I new everything, and then BAM!! Plot twist!!

I will admit that the next time I read this book I will read those certain chapters, but the first time, yeah, it wasn't going to happen. I really just wanted to get through this book as fast as I could! 

I will admit that at the end of the book I was almost, okay, really wishing that there would have been more romance between Celaena and . . . well I'm sure if you read the book you'll be able to figure out who I'm talking about. So go and grap this book asap!!

Overall, this book was absolutely mind-blowingly fantastic! Maas has done a great job of continuing Celaena's story smoothly and also keeping it interesting! I am very pleased and cannot wait for the next book in the series, although I have a mighty long wait ahead of me. . .

Red Queen

Author: Victoria Aveyard
Series: Red Queen #1
Genre: Fantasy, Dystopian, Romance
Release Date: February 10, 2015

Summary: The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers. To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change. Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control. But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?

Review: If you enjoyed either of the following books, you'll probably enjoy this one as well: Graceling by Kristin Cashore and Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.

By page 20, I was already hooked! Although it took a few more chapters to get the story really going, the 'introductory' chapters of sorts were still incredible. The world building was amazing! Aveyard has such a way with words! And the cover! Okay, let me just say, it's totally on point!! :)

I loved the idea of Silver bloods and Red bloods. It was such an amazing concept! Mare was a great main character. I loved that she was a thinker! I also liked that she knew that by doing a particular something, there would be consequences and she was prepared for them. Cal, oh Cal. First off, I love the name choice. It fit him perfectly! And also the fact that he was so wonderful, and handsome, and just like, everything awesome! *sigh*

Oh, and I totally adored Lucas. He was pretty great. I liked that he was so kind-hearted towards Mare! I really enjoyed the relationship between those two! I also liked the relationship between Mare and Julian. Ah, but along with those characters whom I adored, I also loathed some characters completely including, but not limited to: Evangeline, Queen Elara, and occasionally the King. Oh, and when a particular character died . . . my heart. It broke. Into a million gazillion pieces. My feels were somewhere along these lines:

Okay, so let's talk about the plot twist. As soon as Mare switched identities, I had a pretty good feeling as to just what this particular plot twist was. But still, I held out hope that I might be wrong, and that a particular person might not do what I thought they'd do . . . but then, it was written out on the page and I knew there was no going back after that one! UGH!! THE HORROR!! Seriously though, when I finally got to and read the plot twist I was all:

Really though, that ending! I'm anxiously awaiting book two . . . which will definitely take long to get here than I want to wait . . . VICTORIA!! WRITE FASTER!! . . . please :)

The Infinite

Author: Lori M. Lee
Series: Gates of Thread and Stone #2
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance
Release Date: March 10, 2015

Summary: Kai always believed the only danger to the city came from within. Now, with a rebel force threatening the fragile government, the walls have become more of a prison than ever.

To make matters worse, as Avan explores his new identity as an Infinite, Kai struggles to remind him what it means to be human. And she fears her brother, Reev, is involved with the rebels. With the two people she cares about most on opposite sides of a brewing war, Kai will do whatever it takes to bring peace. But she’s lost her power to manipulate the threads of time, and she learns that a civil war might be the beginning of something far worse that will crumble not only Ninurta’s walls but also the entire city.

Review: First of all, if you haven't read Gates of Thread and Stone, you should probably do so now. Also, if you haven't read my review for Gates of Thread and Stone, click here. Moving on!
I really enjoyed this one, especially for a sequel. I personally don't feel like it matched it's predecessor's awesomeness if every way, but in many ways it did. Lee did a great job of continuing Kai's story smoothly from the first novel to the second. One of the main reasons this one didn't make it to a 5 star rating for me was that it takes the world from Gates of Thread and Stone and takes it up a couple notches, mainly in complexity. For some, that may have been total and complete awesome sauce, but I myself am not really a fan of adding more complexity when it isn't really necessary, although Lee did a wonderful job of intertwining them in a way that the new details that were introduced throughout the novel never took away from the story line. Kudos to her for that!!
After the amazing cliff hanger that ended the first novel, I was indeed thirsty for some one on one time between Kai and Avan . . .

Unfortunately, my thirst wasn't nearly as satisfied as I had originally hoped. Although after finishing the novel, I actually wasn't too upset about it.
And don't even get me started on everything that goes down in Lanathrill. And especially after what Cassia and Emeryn did . . . I was angry, hurt, and saddened by the loss.

And Lee, again with the ending!! Seriously, you already have me totally wound around your finger! Why do you have to go and torture me into trying to guess what the next book may contain?! Honestly though, after finishing The Infinite I was somewhere along these lines:

If you haven't read Gates of Thread and Stone, go and pick it up now. And then immediately follow through with The Infinite. Overall, a well-written sequel that left me breathless and more that ready for the next installment in the series.

Crown of Midnight

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #2
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Summary: From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil. Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart. Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie...and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.
Review: Let me start off by saying that even though I think Throne of Glass (click here for review) was super kick-but and all, Crown of Midnight totally took things up, like, a billion notches. If you ended up on the fence after reading Throne of Glass, I definitely recommend that you give this one a try. Also, if you haven't read the first book, I'm warning that

this review will contain some minor spoilers!

I have a feeling that this series is only going to get better and better the farther we go (with a total of 6 books, the options are limitless at this point). Crown of Midnight starts up just a few months after the end of Throne of Glass. Celaena is the king's champion and doing his dirty work aka assassinating anyone he doesn't like. After being assigned to murder one of her old friends from the assassin's keep (Archer) we find out the truth as to just what Celaena has been doing to her intended targets. Let's just say, Celaena is freaking boss! (Like this little child)

I absolutely loved where Sarah took this book! The mystery that started in Throne of Glass is really starting to all come together . . . though it seems that for every piece of the puzzle that has started to make sense, another new clue/piece has been added. I was never bored! This novel kept me on my toes!!
So, I liked Dorian in TOG but I never really felt the connection between him and Celaena. But Chaol and Celaena . . . that's a completely different story. After breaking it off with Dorian after being named the king's assassin, Celaena starts to really embrace her feelings for Chaol. Needless to say, when these two finally decided to get their act together all I could think was, "Bring on the fireworks!"

There was definitely a lot more talk about Celaena's background as well as the assassination and fall of her home kingdom throughout this novel. The main question (no, really, who is Celaena Sardothien?) was answered at the end of this book. HOORAY!! Crown of Midnight has everything. It had me laughing, on the verge of tears, and then so freaking stunned and excited! (in that order). Seriously though, all the feels with this one!

Overall, this was an incredible read. I'll definitely be reading it again and cannot wait to see what is in store for the next 4 books! 

Snow Like Ashes

Author: Sara Raasch
Series: Snow Like Ashes #1
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Release Date: October 14, 2015
Summary: Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since. Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again. So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn't go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.
Review: I finished this novel feeling on the fence. I didn't love it. I didn't hate it. My feelings are really just kind of  . . . meh.

I enjoyed the world building and the idea of the four Season kingdoms and four Rhythm kingdoms. I was a little dismayed with Meira (our main character). There were moments when she was so freaking awesome it was insane!  . . . and then others when she was so stupid and reckless I almost ripped my hair out. These inconsistencies made it very hard for me to emotionally connect with her.
Mather . . . well, he wasn't my favorite. I really wanted to like him . . . and Meira . . . together . . . but for some reason, I just wasn't feeling the romance between those two. However, I did enjoy the relationship between Prince Theron and Meira. I definitely felt some sparks flying between those two and wished that there would have been more of the two of them interacting.

I was able to put the big reveal together fairly early on and that took away from a lot of the novel and made the pacing seem slower than it actually was. Predicting what happened very early on yanked all of the fun out of the huge 'AH-HA' moment at the end as well leaving me somewhat like so:

I will admit that I don't feel I read this novel at the right time so to speak. There was a lot going on and a lot of questions left open-ended that I wasn't fully appreciating because I really just wanted to be done with it, (knowing the ending and all). I definitely plan on coming back to this one before the second novel, Ice Like Fire, is released on October 13, 2015.