For the Wolf: A Book Review

I don't often pick up Beauty and the Beast retellings. I find that there are too many of them, and they can often be repetitive and bland. I first thought that this book, For the Wolf, was a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. But it's actually a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and to be honest, I wasn't mad about it. I liked the dark spin on it with the living, breathing Wilderwood and the monsters in the Shadowlands and the blood and magic. The plot was pretty entertaining too, if you can look past it being a little repetitive and predictable. Overall, it's a solid B&tB retelling that stays pretty close to the fairytale with some unique spins on it, so I think people who love retellings will enjoy this one well enough. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Orbit Books, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Daughter of Sparta: A Book Review

This book was like a female version of Percy Jackson! I loved seeing all the gods and goddesses brought to life with different and interesting personalities. Daphne is a pretty likable character too, with a mysterious heritage and dang good fighting skills. I will say that this book moves slowly, but it does have some intense action scenes and some romance sprinkled throughout. I definitely want to continue with this series just so I can see more of the gods and goddesses (Persephone and Hades were my favorites). All in all, I wouldn't say this book is spectacular, but definitely entertaining and a must-read for people who love Greek mythology. A pretty good debut from Claire M. Andrews!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3.5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Jimmy Patterson Books, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

The Shadow of the Gods: A Book Review

Now this book is an epic tale worthy of the Vikings. I felt like I was completely transported into the Viking world. It has daring and gruesome battle scenes, some interesting characters, and just the right amount of creatures, witchcraft, gods, and prophecy. I also appreciated how much Viking research went into this book. As far as I know, a lot of the elements in this book are accurate, and it was cool to see them in fiction. It really is an immersive book. 

I will say that this book is dense. To me, it read a lot like The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia. John Gwynne has a detailed, adult style that made it hard for me to read a lot in one sitting. Also, his writing style made me feel a bit removed from the characters. It was like watching a movie without being able to go deep into a character's head. That being said, I still cared for the characters and their goals, and I will definitely be picking up the next book. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3.5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Orbit Books, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Fire with Fire: A Book Review

I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did. I don't often like urban fantasy, but Fire with Fire was done very well. Honestly, the world needs more dragon books, and this is a fantastic one to add to the mix. 

I really liked the doubling points of view between the two sisters. I could sympathize with both of them, and I loved their character arcs. Eden's arc was especially well done. I also loved the secret world of dragon slayers and sorcerers and of course the DRAGONS. I really want a sequel to this book just because I'm so attached to Dani, Eden, and the dragons. 

I will say that this book has a lot of pop-culture and super modern-day references (which in general draw me out of a story) and f-words. So beware if these things bother you. On the bright side, this book does very well in addressing mental health, and I think it's worth the read if you like dragons and well-developed characters.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, HMH Books for Young Readers and NetGalley, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!