Witchshadow: A Book Review

This book is definitely my favorite of the series so far. So much happened, especially near the end, and I just can't help but be in awe at the world building. It is so incredibly intricate, and totally comparable to Sanderson's world building. Each book just adds more and more fantasy and history and lore, and all of it is deeply connected to the plot. Susan Dennard is truly a master at creating a world that draws you in. 

I will say that this book moves a bit slowly in the beginning, and I think it's because of the five points of view that switches every chapter or within chapters. And sometimes it got frustrating when one POV ended in a cliffhanger and I had to get through a chapter or two or three before I got to that POV again. But it kept me reading. 

Another thing that this book does well is developing Iseult's character. She has a lot to work through in this book, and I loved her journey. I can't wait to see the other characters' final journeys in the last book!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4.5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Tor Teen, for the review copy!

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

Untethered: A Book Review

I loved reading Shielded last year. It was a good, generic YA novel that was pleasant to read. I didn't realize, though, that Untethered would be through completely different characters' points of view while continuing the same storyline! I kinda liked it. It made it more interesting to me. However, I will say that I didn't love Chiara as a main character. I just don't love timid, untalented characters who have to struggle with every challenge they face. And I found the romance pretty lacking. I did like how the story went though, and how it wrapped up all the loose ends from Shielded. Overall, a fine duology; one I think 15-year-olds would enjoy. 

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

Thank you, Delacorte Press and NetGalley, for the review copy!

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

Leaves of Holly: A Book Review

What an enchanting debut from Arnella Hobler! Leaves of Holly has a magical atmosphere to it, with a well-thought-out world and an ending that makes me want the second book right away. I'm very impressed with Arnella's writing. It is clear, melodic, talented, and matches the magic of the book. 

I will say that I did struggle getting into this book for the first half. I personally don't love stories where a modern-day character is transported into a fantasy land. The first half of the book also moves quite slowly, and Ivy, the main character, doesn't have a lot of personality at first. But by the second half of the book, I was enthralled and liking Ivy more. I do wish the character development was a bit more strong in the side characters and the romance (and I wish that there weren't so many characters' names that start with "C"). But overall, I really liked this story with the talented writing, the magical world, and the tense, political plot. And the cover is gorgeous! 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3.7
Character Development: 3
Overall: 4

Thank you, Arnella Hobler, for the review copy!

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

Curses: A Book Review

Curses is my first gender-bent Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I honestly enjoyed it! The world felt very similar to Ella Enchanted, and I loved all the LGBTQ+ rep. Honestly, all the characters were well developed, and there's a fantastic cast of side characters who you learn to love. This was a sweet and cute story with (actual) funny banter. I do wish it had a little more romance, but the slow-burn was definitely there. I'd definitely recommend this book to those who love B&tB retellings!

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

Thank you, Penguin and NetGalley, for the ARC!

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

The Queen Will Betray You: A Book Review

I think the thing I love most about this duology is the cover art. Both books have phenomenal art with such beautiful characters on the front. That always draws me into a fantasy book. Another thing that drew me in was that it's a gender-swapped retelling of The Princess Bride. What a cool concept! However, ultimately I wasn't super impressed. Here are a few reasons why. 

I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan of The Princess Bride. I don't know why. Maybe if I rewatch it as an adult, I'll like it better. But I just didn't love it growing up. So perhaps that influenced my opinion of this duology. I always though Buttercup and Wesley were a little much, and I felt the same with Amarande and Luca. I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes every time they got near each other. 

And speaking of characters, I just couldn't connect to any of them. There were some interesting villains to be sure, but the rest I felt "meh" about. But I continued to read because of the plot. There was lots of intrigue, betrayal, politics, and action—enough to keep me happy and reading. All in all, a fine duology, but probably one I'll forget rather soon. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3.5
Character Development: 2
Overall: 3

Thank you, Tor Teen and NetGalley, for the ARC!

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