Category: Review (Page 186 of 297)

BOOK REVIEW: Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

January 26, 2017 / Chelsea / 11 Comments

Caraval (Caraval #1)
by Stephanie Garber
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world . . .

Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

*ARC(s) courtesy of Flatiron Books in exchange for an honest review*

Not quite sure how far she’d already fallen, she imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars came out.

I read this before Christmas, and it was like the most wonderful gift. Like all gifts, if unwrapped slowly, the anticipation is built and, if the present is worth anything, the end is an explosion of fireworks, hysteria, and utter glee at all your questions being answered…and all your wildest fantasies coming alive.

And that’s exactly what Caraval was like. I’m not quite sure what I was expecting, but not once was it anything that happened in this story. But, the best part is, you really don’t have to strain yourself trying to figure everything out. In fact, I quite enjoyed unraveling the mystery bit by bit…without having to drive myself insane to feel like I was keeping up with everyone and everything.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Scarlett said. “It doesn’t work on me.”
“That’s why it’s so fun.”

No, the beauty of this story is the simplicity. Not once does Garber try to make Caraval something it’s not. Instead, she ventures into a world of vivid imagination, creating something that feels real, palpable…well, at least in fantasy.

It’s a world we all want to escape into, to become a part of…that is, until things don’t seem so pretty. Until seemingly vile people begin to surface and even less appealing scenarios arise. Not all is as it seems in the beautifully alluring world of Caraval…and Scarlett has a front row seat.

Scarlett has always wanted to attend Caraval, admiring it from afar since she was a child. She and her sister Donatella dreamed of the day the Caraval Master would write back and say he was finally bringing the show to them, that they’d finally get to see the show of all shows. After all, he is a man of legend, and his show and it’s performers proceed him. But perhaps the Caraval Master isn’t as illustrious and kind and amazing as he seems…maybe he’s more monster than man, and he’s finally taken notice of Scarlett’s pleas.

Not only did Flatiron send me an ARC of this novel, they also, additionally, sent me the audio version to listen to for my enjoyment. I’ll admit this is my first audio version of any book EVER, but I found it to be quite nice and it really enhanced the story after I had read it already. It was nice to lay back and listen, to hear the different voices and see the book from a different perspective. I had thought it would hinder my enjoyment of the story, but it actually enhanced it. It’s apparently narrated by the person who also did the Lunar Chronicles, so perhaps this will help sway your decision. She really put everything into the voices and I think added something special I hadn’t realized was possible. (Look at the end of my review for a free clip of the audiobook version).

“…Follow the boy with a heart made of black.”

I can’t quite explain the magic of this story, only that it seems unparalleled, at least while you’re entwined within its pages. There were moments where I felt ‘color explanation’ was overused, and that might be my only lingering concern when I think back, but then again, I remember truly enjoying the visceral feelings I experienced when they were used-so can I really complain?? Colors, as a closet artist, are like crack to me, so seeing them so intricately used within the story is thrilling…if not overly so.

So, if you’re looking for a fun, quick read where you’re surrounded by magic, intrigue, and a mystery that gets more dangerous with each passing page-this is the book for you. Scarlett is an intelligent girl, and by a certain point in this book, she has no clue who to trust. Her enchantment with the traveling show begins to fade as things begin to turn darker…and instead of a fantasy, it’s a race to save her sister’s life.

But before you fully enter into our world, you must remember it’s all a game. What happens beyond this gate may frighten or excite you, but don’t let any of it trick you. We will try to convince you it’s real, but all of it is a performance. A world built of make-believe. So while we want you to get swept away, be careful of being swept too far away. Dreams that come true can be beautiful, but they can also turn into nightmares when people won’t wake up.”

I can’t help you with who to trust…but I can assure you that someone stole my heart from the moment we meet him-whether he’s friend or foe, I can’t say…but damn if he isn’t sexy as hell. Have fun. *smirky face*

Metallic and wet and just a little sweet. Bravery and fear and something else she couldn’t distinguish. Dimly, she knew she tasted his blood. It was like no other gift she’d ever received. Strangely beautiful, alarmingly intimate. And she wanted more of it. More of him.

If you want a clip of the audible of Caraval, click HERE, courtesy of Flatiron.

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BOOK REVIEW – Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas

January 23, 2017 / Jen / 6 Comments

Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
"We were perfect together. Until we met."

Misha

I can’t help but smile at the lyrics in her letter. She misses me.

In fifth grade, my teacher set us up with pen pals from a different school. Thinking I was a girl, with a name like Misha, the other teacher paired me up with her student, Ryen. My teacher, believing Ryen was a boy like me, agreed.

It didn’t take long for us to figure out the mistake. And in no time at all, we were arguing about everything. The best take-out pizza. Android vs. iPhone. Whether or not Eminem is the greatest rapper ever…

And that was the start. For the next seven years, it was us.

Her letters are always on black paper with silver writing. Sometimes there’s one a week or three in a day, but I need them. She’s the only one who keeps me on track, talks me down, and accepts everything I am.

We only had three rules. No social media, no phone numbers, no pictures. We had a good thing going. Why ruin it?

Until I run across a photo of a girl online. Name’s Ryen, loves Gallo’s pizza, and worships her iPhone. What are the chances?

F*ck it. I need to meet her.

I just don’t expect to hate what I find.

Ryen

He hasn’t written in three months. Something’s wrong. Did he die? Get arrested? Knowing Misha, neither would be a stretch.

Without him around, I’m going crazy. I need to know someone is listening. It’s my own fault. I should’ve gotten his phone number or picture or something.

He could be gone forever.

Or right under my nose, and I wouldn’t even know it.

Review:

I don’t know what I did, but it had to be something, because when you find that everyone hates you, it’s not them. It’s you. – Ryen

Punk 57 was beautifully deep, insanely seductive and emotionally raw. I was addicted just from the first page, and this book was impossible to put down. Between the emotions the characters made me feel, to the story-line that kept begging for me to read one more page, I loved everything about this book. Especially since Ryen and Misha’s story is brutally honest and showed the multiple sides of hurting people and even ourselves.

Fuck. I put the pen to the paper and scrawl what my goddamn heart can only whisper.
I miss you every day, I write. You’re my favorite place.
And then I drop the pen and tear the paper out of my notebook. – Misha

Learning about their past was so adorable. Ryen, a girl, and Misha, a boy, ended up becoming pen-pals in the 5th grade. It all started when their teachers mixed up thinking Ryen was a boy and Misha was a girl. And even after school ended, they continued to write to one another. For the last seven years they created a beautiful friendship with an unbreakable bond through their letters. They poured their hearts out to one another. They told each other their fears, hopes, thoughts and would even argue about everything from pizza to music. But they always had three rules. No phone, no social media and no pictures. And even if they both wanted to break those rules at times, it becomes a moot point. Because some of those rules are about to get thrown out the window.

What am I going to do with this girl? Just when I think I have her figured out, she pulls at me a little more.
Just when I think I can’t stand her, and I can leave, never looking back, I turn right around and want to make sure nothing hurts her. – Misha

You see, as far as Ryen knows, Misha has disappeared for the last three months. His letters have stopped, but she hasn’t given up hope. She continues to write to her best friend and refuses to walk away from him, even when her sister thinks she’s crazy. But the thing is, Misha hasn’t disappeared. He’s right in front of her. And he hates what he sees.

She straightens and turns to fix me with a look. “You called me a cunt and cut my hair. You think I’d actually trust you to protect me? Don’t blink too hard, Shit-for-Brains. You might lose your last few brain cells.” – Ryen to Misha

And this is where Punk 57 was both scorching hot and utterly heartbreaking. Misha is brutal to Ryen. He’s hurtful, mean and viscous to her with his words. The scenes and situations between the two of them would leave my mouth open. I couldn’t believe how he had just treated her. Oh gosh, it felt as though my heart would burst and I just wanted to crawl into a hole and curl into a little ball. But at the same point, I got why he acted the way he did. And you learn early on, why he is the way he is to her. So it was hard to be upset at him. Especially when their sexual connection constantly exploded and was hard to ignore.

I part my lips, running them over the lip ring and savoring the feel as he groans and digs his fingers into my thighs. I tighten my legs around him, needing to feel him.
“Bitch,” he whispers.
“Loser.”

Misha has this sexuality that is subtle and insanely addicting. He came off not only confident but intoxicating too. Whether it was the looks he would give, or the words he would choose to use, he always left me wanting more. And Ryen couldn’t help but be pulled in again and again, no matter how bad Misha hurt her. The scenes between the two of them were beyond sexy, and so, so, so good!

“They don’t get you and me. I know that’s what you’re afraid of. You’re perfect. I’m never in line. You’re beautiful, and I’m bad, right?” – Misha to Ryen

Since we got to be in both Ryen and Misha’s head, we got to crawl into every single dirty, forbidden and brutally honest thought in their mind. Nothing is held back, and it’s so addicting! So Punk 57 easily went into my favorites list! If you adore hate to love stories that are scorching hot, then you definitely want to discover this book!

PS Thanks for buddy reading with me Chels!

BOOK REVIEW: Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas

January 18, 2017 / Chelsea / 3 Comments

Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
“We were perfect together. Until we met.”

Misha

I can’t help but smile at the words in her letter. She misses me.

In fifth grade, my teacher set us up with pen pals from a different school. Thinking I was a girl, with a name like Misha, the other teacher paired me up with her student, Ryen. My teacher, believing Ryen was a boy like me, agreed.

It didn’t take long for us to figure out the mistake. And in no time at all, we were arguing about everything. The best take-out pizza. Android vs. iPhone. Whether or not Eminem is the greatest rapper ever…

And that was the start. For the next seven years, it was us.

Her letters are always on black paper with silver writing. Sometimes there’s one a week or three in a day, but I need them. She’s the only one who keeps me on track, talks me down, and accepts everything I am.

We only had three rules. No social media, no phone numbers, no pictures. We had a good thing going. Why ruin it?

Until I run across a photo of a girl online. Name’s Ryen, loves Gallo’s pizza, and worships her iPhone. What are the chances?

F*ck it. I need to meet her.

I just don’t expect to hate what I find.

Ryen

He hasn’t written in three months. Something’s wrong. Did he die? Get arrested? Knowing Misha, neither would be a stretch.

Without him around, I’m going crazy. I need to know someone is listening. It’s my own fault. I should’ve gotten his number or picture or something.

He could be gone forever.

Or right under my nose, and I wouldn’t even know it.

Punk provided something I hadn’t realized I had been missing: Fun. Yes, I’ve read plenty of fun books and yes, believe it or not, I’ve read a fair share of hot, steamy books. But I can admit one thing, for sure: Not for a long time have I found a more satisfying mix of sexy, fun, and smoldering hot hate.

It may come as a surprise to many of you that I used to read so many of these books it was almost exhausting. I got to the point where it became mundane, meaningless, and I felt like I was trapped in a pretty bad book funk. And I was-that’s the problem.

Eventually we all have to weigh what we want more: wanting back what we had or wanting what could be. To stay or to risk everything to move forward.

And, because of this problem, I really don’t let myself indulge in the finer trashy books in life. I don’t normally miss them, either, if I’m being honest. But there comes a time when you’re just in the mood for something hot, angsty, and completely antagonistic you’d go so far as to search into your old roots. And, it just so happens, I have a friend who knows me about as well as anyone….and she specializes in smut, the little tart.

So, after a long week in NC where I was having the best time ever, relaxing and truly enjoying myself, but not finding the book to match my mood, I figured out what I was craving: Angst. All the books I had targeted seemed like they might have angst, but they weren’t hitting that perfect spot. So, when I finally connected the dots that that was exactly what I craved, I thought of none other than my lovely, smut-loving friend, Pea.

Which, as you can all see…led me to my first five star read of 2017. A great start, if you ask me. Bold, daring, antagonistic, and even with a bit of moral ambiguity, this book touched on everything I had been aching for since The Hating Game.

Punk 57 isn’t necessarily a new formula, I don’t imagine, but it certainly felt new. Two 7 year friends who were accidentally made pen pals in the fifth grade continue to write to one another long after the school year ends. They have rules to never exchange phone numbers, to never look each other up, to keep things as they have always been.

Masen just makes everything seem smaller. Like I have a new perspective. He’s becoming a part of my heart, and I feel good when he’s around. Almost like none of my fears matter as long he’s there.

But, as they grow older, they become each other’s crutch. They begin to secretly (or not so secretly?) fall for one another, having been each other’s sounding board for so long. And as they begin to near the end of High School, something happens that will irrevocably change their lives…even if only one of them knows about it. And, after all these years, they both finally want to see what the other is like in real life…but what if it changes everything?

Fat tears spill over, and I feel a weight on my shoulders. It’s not Trey. It’s not Lyla. It’s me. I don’t know who I’m supposed to be.

I’ll admit that I didn’t know what I would think of this book-I’ve always been fond of the old Penelope Douglas. I mean, come on, Bully??? I ate that shit up!!! But I’ve heard some things over the years that deterred me from really following up on her work, perhaps hiding from the progressive approach she had been taking a path towards. But I’ve never forgotten, never stopped watching, and always kept tabs with H, making sure to not let any hidden gems slip through my fingers-and here we are, three years later…And I’m already like a junkie ready for my next fix.

I’ll admit this wasn’t without its flaws. I even was going to mention them…but why taint what I thought was a pretty addicting book? I don’t want to be negative, I just want to focus on the positive, which is how I’m going to end this review-with why this book was so unflinchingly addicting.

I may have mentioned before that they wanted to meet each other-But what happens if they meet and see its all been a lie? That they aren’t truly made for one another and after all these years, falling in love with one another is all a big fat waste?

I learned a long time ago that you don’t need to reveal everything inside of you to the people around you. They like to judge, and I’m happier when they don’t. Some things stay hidden.

By far the best part of this book is when Misha decides that its all been a lie-that Ryen is a fake, a phoney, and nothing at all like she is in her letters. When he realizes this, sees he has fallen for a girl that is all smoke and mirrors, as fake as a person can be, he snaps. He immediately hates her. How could she be so different than that beautiful girl (on the inside) he had been talking to all these years?

I know him very little, but after every encounter, I feel like I know him less.

What follows is him taunting her, berating her, trying to show her she is better than she acts-that this facade she is putting out there for the world to see makes her no better than the trash she hangs out with. But by far the best part of the novel…is that she has no idea why the hot new guy hates her so quickly when the rest of the school practically worships her. That’s right-The best part of this book is that she has no idea that the new guy who seemingly hates her for no reason is her best friend, the guy she compares all other guys to, the one she loves, and the one she cares about most in the world.

Fucked up, right?? But oh so perfectly perfect. Need I say more? I don’t think so. For all it’s minor errors and total lack of believability (I mean…a principle would let this shit go on? I hardly think so), it was exactly what I needed. So, maybe its for you, maybe it isn’t….but I’ll tell you one thing-It was hot as hell. ‘Nuff said.

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BOOK REVIEW: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

January 16, 2017 / Chelsea / 4 Comments

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Nemesis (n.)
1) An opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome;
2) A person’s undoing;
3) Joshua Templeman.
Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate each other. Not dislike. Not begrudgingly tolerate. Hate. And they have no problem displaying their feelings through a series of ritualistic passive aggressive maneuvers as they sit across from each other, executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company. Lucy can’t understand Joshua’s joyless, uptight, meticulous approach to his job. Joshua is clearly baffled by Lucy’s overly bright clothes, quirkiness, and Pollyanna attitude.

Now up for the same promotion, their battle of wills has come to a head and Lucy refuses to back down when their latest game could cost her her dream job…But the tension between Lucy and Joshua has also reached its boiling point, and Lucy is discovering that maybe she doesn’t hate Joshua. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.

“You hate me so much, and I can’t take it much longer.” I’m pathetic. I hear it in my voice.
“Shortcake.”
“Stop calling me Shortcake.” I try to roll onto my side but he presses the heels of his palms lightly against my shoulders. I stop breathing.
“Watching you pretend to hate that nickname is the best part of my day.”

I think it’s been long enough-I am just sitting down, taking the time, and finally writing a review for one of my favorite contemporaries ever. You’ll rarely see me read a contemporary, and the reason for that is it’s so hard to impress me in this genre. I don’t like cheesy, I don’t like over-the-top, and I certainly don’t like when it doesn’t feel authentic.

“Mustard today,” I observe aloud. Why do I poke the hornet’s nest? “Just can’t wait for baby blue on Monday.”
The look he gives me is both smug and irritated. “You notice so much about me, Shortcake. But can I remind you that comments about appearance are against the B& G human resources policy.”
Ah, the HR Game. We haven’t played this one in ages. “Stop calling me Shortcake or I’ll report you to HR.”

So, here I am, ignoring this brightly covered book on my feed, and months pass. When, all of the sudden, hey, one of my best friends starts gushing about how giddy it makes her. Naturally, I’m curious. I’m always, always looking for the next amazing contemporary, and I desperately need it at this time in my life.

I decide to give a try, my friend gifts it to me (dawww), and the rest is history. From the moment I picked this book up-literally-I was done for. The sarcastic looks, the not-so-nasty banter, and every little thing in between…this book has it all. But, most of all…It has Joshua Templeman

“So this is what sex with you would be like.” I can’t resist teasing him. “I was hoping you’d participate a little more.”
He finally says something. “I’d participate. So well, you wouldn’t walk straight the next day.”

Where do I even begin??? Joshua wassss…everything. He was smart. He was attractive. He was…well, I can’t say, can I? Because, as far as you know, he’s a complete prick who makes Lucy’s life a living hell.

I don’t like big guys. They’re too much like horses. They could trample you if you got underfoot. He is auditing my appearance with the same narrowed eyes that I am. I wonder what the top of my head looks like. I’m sure he only fornicates with Amazons. Our stares clash and maybe comparing them to an ink stain was a tad too harsh. Those eyes are wasted on him.

These two got off on the wrong foot, and however that may have happened, it did. So every day they play their games, they are antagonistic towards one another, causing nothing but problems and HR issues. In fact, even the HR rep is sick of their shit (omg it’s so funny, the messages they send about one another to HR-it’s even a ‘safe word’…later on :P).

So why was this book so cute? Do you ever just want to get away? To escape real life and just laugh? To smile, to giggle, to swoon, to just know that when you pick up your book, you are immediately in for a wonderful treat and an out of this reality read? Well, this is that book.

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See, I’ve been pregnant since July, and I know I mention it a lot, but it’s a big player in my life-for more than the obvious reason. Now that I am finally, finally past the sickness part (5 months, people. FIVE.), I find that I get depressed…A LOT. Very very much. So, it’s harder to know my mood when picking out a book. So, naturally, when I find a book that literally takes my breath away, makes me smile even when, moments before, I had been bawling or crying or deep within myself brooding or upset or extremely hurt for no apparent reason, I’m going to hold onto it like a life raft after the Titanic hit the iceberg. And perhaps I DID have a reason that day or moment to be depressed, who knows? My point is…this book? It made me giddier than anything has in a very long time. And that is why, a month later almost, I still smile when I think of this book and am forcing myself to write a review-it brought me out from the darkness.

And, if you didn’t gather already, I pick this book up frequently, looking at all my favorite parts, all my highlights, all the funniest or swooniest or sexiest quotes. It simply makes me happy. The transition from bickering, resilient, resentful co-workers, to reluctant friends, to a somewhat new relationship was so heartwarming-my heart swelled so many times it was almost unbearable. But I guess that’s what happens when two people who are clearly meant to be together finally connect.

His smile is worth a thousand of anyone else’s. I need a photograph. I need something to hold on to. I need this entire bizarre planet to stop spinning so I can freeze this moment in time. What a disaster.

This book wasn’t without its issues, sure, but the issues were so minuscule, so insignificant, so small…you just don’t care. And I know I said I wouldn’t say anything, but you must know-Josh is an instant book boyfriend for a reason. He is sweet. He is selfless. He is kind. He is caring….and he’s fucking lonely-Just like Lucy. He’s grumpy. Stiff. All about doing everything right….he’s a ‘by the book’ type of guy…but he’s the most loyal man you’ll ever meet.

It sounds like the first time he’s spoken those words. He looks at the ground, miserable. I creep closer to him. Another weird kaleidoscopic twist? His hurt makes my own heart hurt.

And Lucy? She’s spunky. Sweet. Clingy. And, truth be told…she’s ferocious. I loved this about her. She didn’t take shit, but it doesn’t mean she doesn’t hurt inside, that she isn’t extremely lonely and vulnerable. She reminded me so much of…well, me. No, I wouldn’t push someone away like Josh as much as she did (see above-this book isn’t without its fair share of issues) and I wouldn’t be so body hungry when its clear it hurts the other person, but in general, I saw a lot of myself…and that’s always so fun. To top it all off, I just love when the people she adores get attacked…just-you better watch out, is all I’ll say. Me-OW.

“So. Nervous?”
“Why would I be?”
“Your big date, Shortcake. You haven’t had one in a while. As long as I’ve known you, I think.” He indicates quotation marks with his fingers at big date. He’s positive it’s all a lie.
“I’m way too picky.”
He steeples his fingers so hard it looks painful. “Really.”
“Such a complete drought of eligible men here.”
“That’s not true.”
“You’re searching for your own eligible bachelor?”
“I—no—shut up.”

So, it should say something that I am writing this review three weeks later, or more. I don’t do that. Once I close the final page on a book and finish another book, I begin to push previous books into the back of my mind. Like…who cares? After a certain amount of time, no one wants to hear my thoughts anymore. Honestly, people might never want to hear them period (sorry, you’ll hear them whether you want to or not). But hey, that’s what Goodreads is for, right?

“I’d better get to bed.” I’m talking to my parents. I’m also gently cleaning the two-dollar eBay Smurf I got a few weeks back with a baby’s toothbrush. Law & Order is on in the background and they are currently pursuing a false lead. I’ve got a white clay mask on my face and my toenail polish is drying.

So, yeah, I get the hype surrounding this one. And, frankly, I don’t know everyone else’s motive for loving this story, I only know mine. It may not be everyone’s idea of perfect….but it’s my happy place…and that’s more than enough for me. It’s perfection.

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BOOK REVIEW – Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers #1) by Brenda Drake

January 9, 2017 / Jen / 20 Comments

Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers #1)
by Brenda Drake
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Gia Kearns would rather fight with boys than kiss them. That is, until Arik, a leather clad hottie in the Boston Athenaeum, suddenly disappears. While examining the book of world libraries he abandoned, Gia unwittingly speaks the key that sucks her and her friends into a photograph and transports them into a Parislibrary, where Arik and his Sentinels-magical knights charged with protecting humans from the creatures traveling across the gateway books-rescue them from a demonic hound.

Jumping into some of the world's most beautiful libraries would be a dream come true for Gia, if she weren't busy resisting her heart or dodging an exiled wizard seeking revenge on both the Mystik and human worlds. Add a French flirt obsessed with Arik and a fling with a young wizard, and Gia must choose between her heart and her head, between Arik's world and her own, before both are destroyed.

Review:

***Updated Review After Re-Read***

Thief of Lies was addicting and completely entertaining. And I’m so glad that I re-read this book! You see, the first time I picked this up, I struggled connecting to the characters. The story was so much fun, but I never felt as though I was fully immersed until Bastien appeared on the pages, and well I’ll talk more about him later. But this time around, it all clicked into place. I was so happy because Thief of Lies was an adorable story filled with adventure and magic! And I can’t wait to see how this series unfolds!

Time crept by as I waited for Bastien, and I closed my eyes. But the nightmare of where I was and who I didn’t know I was, strangled my breath. Gia Kearns didn’t exist anymore. She’d been lost somewhere on that first day when the gateway book ripped her from her world, dumping her in a dark hole. A fog surrounded me.

But to start, can you imagine what it would be like to jump from library to beautiful library? Well Gia and her friends accidentally jumped through a book and landed in a library in Europe. Yet it’s not all ahhh this library is breathtakingly gorgeous and I’m going to sit here and read some fabulous books. They become witness to the Sentinels, who protect the libraries with magic, kill a demonic hound that almost took out Gia, our heroine. Within the group of magical knights that saved them was Arik.

“Did you just check out my boobs?” I whispered. Please say yes.
“No.” He smirked. “Okay, yes. I am a guy.”
That you are. I yanked the covers up to my chin and suppressed a smile.

At first, Arik was everything I adore. Sexy, secretive, protective and with a wounded past. He had so much potential! Yet I had a love hate relationship with him. Luckily, this time around I got why he was being standoffish and cold to Gia. But at other times, he could be so sweet and charming. Yet, I never felt any electricity between Gia and Arik. Their moments together didn’t leave me all smiley and giddy, so I truly don’t feel like he’s the right guy for Gia. Especially when he said things like the quote above. So I nicely stepped off Team Arik.

I gulped down my fear, drew my sword from its scabbard , and kept it close to my side.

Gia had a lot on her plate, and she tried her best adapt while leaving her old life temporarily behind (I can’t say why, but you learn the why early on in the book). Yet it took me a while to warm up to Gia. At times, she got caught up in being jealous and boy obsessed. It came across as immature, and I wanted her to work harder on finding herself. But as I watched her deal with her new world and a new set of people/creatures I loved her resilience. Even though she kept getting thrown into situations that were way above her head, I loved how she reacted realistically while she also jumped right in to help others. Gia is someone who showed huge possibilities for growth, and I can’t wait to see how much she’ll learn and improve as the series progresses.

“With time, I’ll prove to you we belong together. Go ahead and have your fun with Arik, but it’s my arms you’ll end up in one day.”He kissed my cheek and headed over to the gathering crowd. – Bastian to Gia

I have to talk about Bastien now, or I will burst. Oh Bastien. From the first moment that he appeared on the page, I was captivated. He was a wizard who was confident, sexy and strived to do great things while dealing with a broken heart. He fascinated me. And whether it was his sense of knowing himself or knowing what he wanted, he felt so much more grown up than Arik. The words and manor that Bastien spoke to Gia always left the hugest smile on my face. He was respectful, caring and I loved that he seemed in control. So I truly hope Gia sees what I see and comes around. Please oh please don’t end up with Aric by the end of this series and break my heart.

“I take it you’re not used to rejection,” I said.
He lifted a smile. “I’ll admit it’s a rare occurrence.”
Arik took a step toward us. “All right, we’re finished here.”
Bastien stood and leaned over to my ear. “You not wanting nobility intrigues me. I’m curious to learn more about you, Gianna.” His whisper tickled my neck and sent a shiver down my back. I held my breath, every inch of my body at attention. He straightened, gave me a wink, and swaggered to the door with Arik on his heels.

Besides Bastian, Gia and Arik, we’re introduced to a lot of characters who range from witches, wizards, sentinels, fae etc. On top of that, we learn about many different places and kinds of magic. But I never once felt overwhelmed or lost. We’re slowly introduced with little bits of info here and there, except for a few info dumps that were relatively quick. So it was easy to take it all in. And ironically, I thought the story was somewhat simplistic a few chapters in, but I couldn’t be more wrong. It continually grew and become more elaborate and layered as each chapter went by. Especially when I started to discover clues and meet people err creatures? who were bent on not only revenge, but also ruling their world and the humans world too. It was so entertaining! So I can’t wait to see how the story proceeds, and here’s hoping you’ll join me and be on Team Bastien!

I grabbed a stapler and crouched behind the nearest cabinet. Nick and Afton ducked down beside me. I pulled the leg down on the stapler, held it up, and readied it to shoot.
“Yeah, that’ll work,” Nick said.

PS I have to give a shout out to her best friend Nick who could be grumpy at times, but I adored him. And Afton, her other best friend, was this lovable girl who warmed me heart! Ohhhh and Lei, she’s a Sentinel that is funny, sweet and kick ass. I can’t wait for you to meet all of them!

PPS I finished Guardian of Secrets (the 2nd book in the series) last night and LOVED! It’s 4.5 Stars and this series just gets better and better! My review will be posted on February 6th with the Blog Tour. ♥

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)
Thief of Lies #1 Review: Jen	Guardian of Secrets #2 Review: Jen	Assassin of Truths #3 Reviews: Jen

Category: Review (Page 186 of 297)

BOOK REVIEW: Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

Synopsis:

BOOK REVIEW – Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas

Synopsis:

Review:

I don’t know what I did, but it had to be something, because when you find that everyone hates you, it’s not them. It’s you. – Ryen

Fuck. I put the pen to the paper and scrawl what my goddamn heart can only whisper.
I miss you every day, I write. You’re my favorite place.
And then I drop the pen and tear the paper out of my notebook. – Misha

What am I going to do with this girl? Just when I think I have her figured out, she pulls at me a little more.
Just when I think I can’t stand her, and I can leave, never looking back, I turn right around and want to make sure nothing hurts her. – Misha

She straightens and turns to fix me with a look. “You called me a cunt and cut my hair. You think I’d actually trust you to protect me? Don’t blink too hard, Shit-for-Brains. You might lose your last few brain cells.” – Ryen to Misha

I part my lips, running them over the lip ring and savoring the feel as he groans and digs his fingers into my thighs. I tighten my legs around him, needing to feel him.
“Bitch,” he whispers.
“Loser.”

“They don’t get you and me. I know that’s what you’re afraid of. You’re perfect. I’m never in line. You’re beautiful, and I’m bad, right?” – Misha to Ryen

BOOK REVIEW: Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas

Synopsis:

BOOK REVIEW: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Synopsis:

BOOK REVIEW – Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers #1) by Brenda Drake

Synopsis:

Review:

“Did you just check out my boobs?” I whispered. Please say yes.
“No.” He smirked. “Okay, yes. I am a guy.”
That you are. I yanked the covers up to my chin and suppressed a smile.

I gulped down my fear, drew my sword from its scabbard , and kept it close to my side.

“With time, I’ll prove to you we belong together. Go ahead and have your fun with Arik, but it’s my arms you’ll end up in one day.”He kissed my cheek and headed over to the gathering crowd. – Bastian to Gia

I grabbed a stapler and crouched behind the nearest cabinet. Nick and Afton ducked down beside me. I pulled the leg down on the stapler, held it up, and readied it to shoot.
“Yeah, that’ll work,” Nick said.

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BOOK REVIEW: Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

Synopsis:

Share this:

BOOK REVIEW – Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas

Synopsis:

Review:

I don’t know what I did, but it had to be something, because when you find that everyone hates you, it’s not them. It’s you. – Ryen

Fuck. I put the pen to the paper and scrawl what my goddamn heart can only whisper. I miss you every day, I write. You’re my favorite place. And then I drop the pen and tear the paper out of my notebook. – Misha

What am I going to do with this girl? Just when I think I have her figured out, she pulls at me a little more. Just when I think I can’t stand her, and I can leave, never looking back, I turn right around and want to make sure nothing hurts her. – Misha

She straightens and turns to fix me with a look. “You called me a cunt and cut my hair. You think I’d actually trust you to protect me? Don’t blink too hard, Shit-for-Brains. You might lose your last few brain cells.” – Ryen to Misha

I part my lips, running them over the lip ring and savoring the feel as he groans and digs his fingers into my thighs. I tighten my legs around him, needing to feel him. “Bitch,” he whispers. “Loser.”

“They don’t get you and me. I know that’s what you’re afraid of. You’re perfect. I’m never in line. You’re beautiful, and I’m bad, right?” – Misha to Ryen

Share this:

BOOK REVIEW: Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas

Synopsis:

Share this:

BOOK REVIEW: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Synopsis:

Share this:

BOOK REVIEW – Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers #1) by Brenda Drake

Synopsis:

Review:

“Did you just check out my boobs?” I whispered. Please say yes. “No.” He smirked. “Okay, yes. I am a guy.” That you are. I yanked the covers up to my chin and suppressed a smile.

I gulped down my fear, drew my sword from its scabbard , and kept it close to my side.

“With time, I’ll prove to you we belong together. Go ahead and have your fun with Arik, but it’s my arms you’ll end up in one day.”He kissed my cheek and headed over to the gathering crowd. – Bastian to Gia

I grabbed a stapler and crouched behind the nearest cabinet. Nick and Afton ducked down beside me. I pulled the leg down on the stapler, held it up, and readied it to shoot. “Yeah, that’ll work,” Nick said.

Share this:

Follow Us

Enter Email to Subscribe to Posts

Recent Reviews

Fun Lists About Books

Recommendations

Jen’s Currently Reading

Archives

Follow Us:

Search:

Archives

Recent Reviews

Fun Lists About Books

Recommendations

Fuck. I put the pen to the paper and scrawl what my goddamn heart can only whisper.
I miss you every day, I write. You’re my favorite place.
And then I drop the pen and tear the paper out of my notebook. – Misha

What am I going to do with this girl? Just when I think I have her figured out, she pulls at me a little more.
Just when I think I can’t stand her, and I can leave, never looking back, I turn right around and want to make sure nothing hurts her. – Misha

I part my lips, running them over the lip ring and savoring the feel as he groans and digs his fingers into my thighs. I tighten my legs around him, needing to feel him.
“Bitch,” he whispers.
“Loser.”

“Did you just check out my boobs?” I whispered. Please say yes.
“No.” He smirked. “Okay, yes. I am a guy.”
That you are. I yanked the covers up to my chin and suppressed a smile.

I grabbed a stapler and crouched behind the nearest cabinet. Nick and Afton ducked down beside me. I pulled the leg down on the stapler, held it up, and readied it to shoot.
“Yeah, that’ll work,” Nick said.