Well of Eida: A Book Review

This book blew me away. First of all, my jaw literally dropped after reading the first chapter. Right away, I knew this book would hook me and take me on a wild ride. And I was not wrong!!

I loved K.B. Benson's reimagining of the "troll under a bridge" fairytale. This high fantasy was utterly unique, and though it took me some time to grasp the troll world, it was well worth the effort. It's an intricate society, well crafted and provided lots of opportunities for tension. 

Also, the ROMANCE. Loved the enemies-to-lovers/master-slave vibes, and Graeden is the perfect morally-gray guy. I could have done without the love triangle in the second half though. That's basically my only complaint for this book is the guy in the second half and Ari's decisions regarding him. 

I will be recommending this book to literally everyone. It has so many plot twists and has a fast pace. And also, there is a DRAGON. I can't wait to read the rest of this series.

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

Thank you, K.B. Benson, for the review copy!

Trigger/Content Warnings: fighting violence and death, plague death

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

Spice Road: A Book Review

First of all, WHAT a stunning cover. I could stare at it for hours. Second, this book has the beginnings of a fantastic fantasy trilogy. I can't wait to see where Maiya Ibrahim takes it. 

This book has several elements I love to see in YA fantasy:

- rivals to lovers

- travel plot

- great character growth

- politics in the plot

- adventure and tense action 

- magic and djinni

While the book did have little annoyances in the writing and character reactions, I could easily look over it and appreciate the fast-paced story and its caring, determined characters. I would definitely recommend if you liked We Hunt the Flame and The Stardust Thief. 

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

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

Trigger/Content Warnings: violence, torture (off page), animal death, kisses

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

A Fire Endless: A Book Review

A Fire Endless is a mystical, lyrical conclusion to this wonderful fantasy duology! I've come to love these characters with my whole heart. Their journeys have been heartwarming, and they've really grown through both of these books. 

The world/setting in these books is phenomenal and one that I will remember for a long time. It really makes me feel like I'm living on a Scottish island with them, full of magic and wonder and danger. I loved exploring more of the magic and spirits in this sequel. 

One thing to know about this duology is that it's slow, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. It takes its time with the world, characters, and the political plot. It took some time and patience for me to immerse myself in the story, but it was worth it. This duology reads like a fairytale and completely transports you to its world. I will definitely be recommending this in the future!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 3.5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Avon & Harper Voyager, for the review copy!

Trigger/Content Warnings: violence, death, poisoning, 2 brief open door scenes

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

Begin Again: A Book Review

This book hit me in all the feels! It is the perfect college coming-of-age story with some tender themes I definitely related to from my college experience. Andie goes to college with a detailed, solid plan of what she wants to do through college and beyond, but plans often change, especially as she discovers new things about herself. (This was exactly me in college.) 

This book also has wonderful friendship growth, family connection, learning how to navigate the academic curve, and a slow-burn adorable romance. The book is relatable in so many ways. I would say it focuses more on Andie's personal journey than romance, but it's still a lovely read that you won't want to put down.

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

Thank you, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, for the ARC.

Trigger/Content Warnings: cheating, parent cancer death (off page), parent car wreck death (off page), parent abandonment, kissing

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

The Maine Attraction: A Book Review

The premise was cute for this book, and I loved how many similarities there were to the movie The Proposal, including a wedding weekend, fake dating, and hate to love. The plot held my attention, and I found myself rooting for the romance. There were some things that took me out of the story though: info dumping, way too many side characters (Ramsey's family was just too big), questionable character choices that didn't make sense to me, cringy writing at times, and a third act that fell flat. However, most of these things I could look over and still enjoy the story. 

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

Thank you, Equality Book Tours and Morgan Gauthier, for the review copy!

Trigger/Content Warnings: one fade to black

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

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night: A Book Review

The info dumping during the first half of this book killed the mood for me. There was so much history thrown at you, and tons of paragraphs explaining the world, the magic, and the current political climate. It was just too much. It distracted from the characters for me, and I couldn't bring myself to sort through all the information. To be honest, I spent a lot of my time skimming. 

However, this story is unique. It explores some cool ideas with differing magic systems that war against each other. The second half of the book has quite a bit of action too. I can definitely see how lots of people would enjoy this book and spend the time learning about the world and magic. But unfortunately, it didn't click with me. 

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

Thank you, Harper Voyager and NetGalley, for the ARC.

Trigger/Content Warnings: violence, death, kidnapping, kisses

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

Heart of the Sun Warrior: A Book Review

How do I find the words to convey the beauty and magnificence of this series? This series completely touched my heart and fully surprised me. I haven't read anything like it before! The pacing is fast and tense, the characters have incredible growth throughout, and the writing is perfection in every way. 

Heart of the Sun Warrior did not disappoint. It is a worthy sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess, taking the story to new heights. There are greater consequences and plot twists that create lots of tension. The love triangle is so expertly explored in this book as well; I didn't know which way I was leaning for most of the book. But I think my favorite part was the character growth. Each character had their own things to learn: forgiveness, strength, respect, bravery, overcoming grief, unconditional love. I marked so many passages of life lessons to learn from this book. 

Without a doubt, this is my favorite fantasy series and one I will return to again. PLEASE read this series! Especially if you love Chinese folklore, dragons, hidden identity, well-done love triangles, enchantments, strong family bonds, monster battles, and exquisite writing. 

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

Thank you, Harper Voyager and NetGalley, for the ARC.

Trigger/Content Warnings: violence, death, kidnapping, kisses

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