Tag: Fantasy (Page 52 of 119)

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

January 9, 2017 / / 20 Comments
BOOK REVIEW – Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers #1) by Brenda DrakeThief 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 brenda drake
Thief of Lies #1
Review:
Jen		guardian-of-secrets-brenda-drake
Guardian of Secrets #2
Review:
Jen
Assassin of Truths #3
Reviews:
Jen

BOOK REVIEW – Island of Exiles (The Ryogan Chronicles #1) by Erica Cameron

January 4, 2017 / / 8 Comments
BOOK REVIEW – Island of Exiles (The Ryogan Chronicles #1) by Erica CameronIsland of Exiles (The Ryogan Chronicles #1)
by Erica Cameron
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

In Khya’s world, every breath is a battle.

On the isolated desert island of Shiara, dying young is inevitable. The clan comes before self, and protecting her home means Khya is a warrior above all else.
But when following the clan and obeying their leaders could cost her brother his life, Khya's home becomes a deadly trap. The only person who can help is Tessen, her lifelong rival and the boy who challenges her at every turn. The council she hoped to join has betrayed her, and their secrets, hundreds of years deep, reach around a world she's never seen.

To save her brother’s life and her island home, her only choice is to trust Tessen, turn against her clan, and go on the run—a betrayal and a death sentence.

Review:

Island of Exiles was one the most unique books I’ve ever read.  The world that was created was fascinating, and I’ve never encountered one even close to how it was described.  On top of that, the characters that appeared on the pages were larger than life.  And the way the plot unfolded was completely entertaining.  Island of Exiles was beyond original.  So I wish there wasn’t a but, but there is.  I never fully connected to any of the characters.  And on top of that, the names that were created for ranks, magic and basic terms in their world was beyond confusing and wouldn’t stick me.

What is pain when death bites at our heels?

In the first chapter alone, you get a good grasp on the harsh lifestyle and what it’s like to live on the isolated island of Shiara.  Each day is a fight to survive.  It’s completely brutal.   From the terrifying creatures, to the intense terrain, to the unforgiving weather, they are constantly under attack.  Khya, our heroine, is a trained warrior.  She scouts, fights and protects those in her group and her Clan.  She is the definition of kick ass!  But at the same time, it’s easy to understand that Khya was raised to put the Clan before herself. The needs and safety of the clan will always be more important than just one person.

“Where’d you learn to fight like that?” It really is galling to know that Tessen was right about Yorri, but my pride in my brother is enough to trump even that.
My brother smirks. “Where do you think? From watching you.”

Well, that is until something happens to her brother, Yorri.  She loves him more than life itself, and finds herself on a different path because of  her brother.  On her journey, her world gets flipped upside down.  Not only in regards to what she knew, but also for who she can and can’t trust.  One of my favorite people that kept appearing in her life was Terren.  He would never go away, no matter how much Khya wished it lol.  I quickly formed an opinion on him, and I loved every single time he graced the pages with his presence. The moments they were together were so much fun!  

I don’t breathe as Tessen reaches out to brush the tips of his fingers along the line of my jaw, an almost sad smile on his lips. “I see you , Khya. I’ve always seen you. And except for your tendency to pretend that you hate me most days, I like what I see.”

So while this book seemed like a huge win win, I unfortunately struggled.  There were so many new terms, and I never could grasp them.  Between their ranks, kind of magic and basic world terms, there was 80ish new words to learn.  And while that didn’t seem like a lot, only a handful stuck with me.  On top of that, I struggled keeping track of who was who.  Their names were so unique, and even though I made a cheat sheet, they just wouldn’t stick.

So I closed the book lost.  Because on one hand, I loved the story.  It was one the most unique book I’ve ever encountered, and I was beyond fascinated.  I loved how the plot was fast paced and where the twists took the story.  But not being able to connect to the characters, and also getting lost in terminology every few paragraphs, definitely pulled me out of the story again and again.  So if you’re looking for a unique fantasy, then definitely give this one a try.  You may adapt easier than I did, and therefore fall head over heels in love with this book.  But for me, it just didn’t work out in the end, so I unfortunately won’t be picking up the sequel.

*ARC kindly provided by Entangled Teen via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

BOOK REVIEW: Heartless by Marissa Meyer

December 23, 2016 / / 8 Comments
BOOK REVIEW: Heartless by Marissa MeyerHeartless by Marissa Meyer
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland and a favorite of the unmarried King, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, she wants to open a shop and create delectable pastries. But for her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for a woman who could be a queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the King’s marriage proposal, she meets handsome and mysterious Jest. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into a secret courtship.

Cath is determined to choose her own destiny. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

 

“I do not want his generosity, or his kindness, or any other favors!”
Her mother sneered. “Then you are a fool.”
“Good. I’ve become rather fond of fools.”

I know it has been a while since I promised a ‘review to come’ on this one, but I feel like I’d be letting myself down if I don’t get at least a tiny review posted for this one. This was supposed to be an epic buddy read…but it turns out, like many buddy reads, I was alone on this one. I absolutely ADORED it. From Catherine to the Cheshire Cat, all the way to Jest, I truly found lots of enjoyment from this one.

She swallowed, hard, a twitch starting in her cheek. “What do you mean by that, anyway? Calling me different.”
“It’s true. I knew it from the moment I saw you twirling at the ball, your arms raised as if you hadn’t a care in all the world.”
She blinked.
“Of all those ladies and all those gentlemen, you were the only one who twirled.”
“You saw that?”
“In that gown, it would have been difficult not to.”

I think there were a few things that rubbed me the wrong way, at least a little bit, but nothing that really deterred me from loving this. And, whenever I think back to this book, it’s always a fond memory-no matter the outcome.

“That’s not what I said at all,” she breathed.
“I know, but I’m hoping it’s what you meant.” He licked his lips—a small, cruel movement that made her own lips tingle. “I can’t stop thinking about you, Lady Catherine Pinkerton of Rock Turtle Cove. I’ve been trying, but it’s useless. You’ve had me mesmerized from the first moment I saw you in that red dress, and I don’t know what to do about it, other than to use every skill at my disposal to try and mesmerize you back.”

I mean, come on, there was no happy ending to be had here. I do agree with my good friend, Anna, that Meyer seemed to really be paving her own wonderful path, but somewhere along the way it felt like she wanted to back to that inevitable outline. I do wish there was a way for her to have tweaked it a bit, made it more of a play on the Queen of Hearts instead of the rule, but, in the end, we were left with what we have come to know already.

“I have a personal rule about not entering into business with spineless creatures. No snakes. No slippery eels. And worst of all, no fickle women. Play coy all you like, Lady Pinkerton. Cling to your belief in your own innocence. You know as well as I that you’re going to break at least one heart before this is over, and I want nothing more to do with you.”

But, really, that’s my only sad thought concerning this book. OH! And I hate animal deaths…they bother me a lot-so that wasn’t something I enjoyed. But, again, all small things.

“It wasn’t meant to be, but if it’s a compliment you want…” His gaze softened. “You are stunning in that absurd hat. Absolutely, undeniably stunning. I trust that was Hatta’s goal, but he can’t know how well he accomplished it, else he would have deemed it improper to let you leave his hat shop so adorned.” He hesitated and cleared his throat, looking almost shy. “That’s what I wanted to say before.”

Let’s get to the parts that made it so I couldn’t ignore a review for this book-Jest. Jest and Catherine. Jest adoring Catherine. I. LOVE. JEST. Is that much clear? And I loved Catherine, too. Jest was mysterious, snarky, funny, and, most of all, loyal. Though, in the end, his loyalty broke my heart. Damn this book. Oh, and if it isn’t obvious, I’m running on two hours of sleep, most likely bordering on hysteria, so I assume this won’t be my best review to date.

“Far be it for me to intrude upon a lady’s untarnished reputation. But to be clear, which part of our encounter should remain undisclosed?” Jest watched her from the corner of his eye. “The part when you fainted in the grass and I heroically revived you? The part where we took an unchaperoned stroll through the gardens?” He clucked his tongue in mock disapproval. “Or perhaps the part where you confessed to having had a dream about me, and that I must be quite the rake to hope it wasn’t as boring as you’ve suggested?”

Jest and Catherine’s journey was unexpected and something I couldn’t help but to fall in love with, even if every little thing didn’t happen as I wanted them to. The vivid imagery and descriptions of all food related things and the world surrounding them more than made up for any shortcomings, and I was fully engrossed from the first page.

“It is a dangerous thing to unbelieve something only because it frightens you.”

^^My actual favorite non lovey-dovey quote. I love it.

And I know people were pretty hard on this book, and hey, I thought I would be too, but I don’t 100% see why. I’d say that if you’re on the fence about reading this, just think about what your heart is willing to go through, and whether you want a HEA or not…because, come on, I won’t say it, but we all know how this ends, right?? So, even though I didn’t say even half of what I wanted to say or word it right, at least I know I put all my thoughts on the table. An unexpected gem of a read from an author I really have never fallen in love with or followed, I am more than pleased I was coaxed into reading this. I hope anyone that sees this review will look at both sides of the spectrum and make an informed decision, then I’ll have succeeded in what I wanted to do with this review.

PS. Chesire reminded me so much of Grim from the Iron Fey series. LOVED that. 😛

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BLOG TOUR+REVIEW+GIVEAWAY-Crystal Storm (Falling Kingdoms #5) by Morgan Rhodes

December 8, 2016 / / 0 Comments

BLOG TOUR+REVIEW+GIVEAWAY-Crystal Storm (Falling Kingdoms #5) by Morgan Rhodes

Falling Kingdoms has easily became my favorite series I read this year-With deep, flawed characters and rich storytelling, I was putty in Morgan Rhodes's hands. Magnus is easily my favorite character, so it should come as no surprise to anyone that this story pleased me from beginning to end. Below you will find my FIVE star review, a giveaway, pre-order links, and the rest of the tour schedule. Not only do I hope you enjoy this post, I hope it encourages you to pick up this book immediately upon release. I am honored to have been given this ARC, but you don't have much longer to wait until the release. Enjoy!

BLOG TOUR+REVIEW+GIVEAWAY-Crystal Storm (Falling Kingdoms #5) by Morgan RhodesCrystal Storm (Falling Kingdoms #5)
by Morgan Rhodes
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

An epic clash between gods and mortals threatens to tear Mytica apart . . . and prove that not even the purest of love stands a chance against the strongest of magic.

MAGNUS and CLEO are forced to test the strength of their love when Gaius returns to Mytica claiming he's no longer the King of Blood but a changed man seeking redemption.

LUCIA, pregnant with the child of a Watcher, has escaped the clutches of the unhinged fire god. Her powers are dwindling as she goes forth to fulfill a prophecy that will keep her baby safe . . . but could mean her demise.

JONAS treks back to Mytica with a plan to overtake Amara, but fate takes hold when he runs into the beautiful Princess Lucia and joins her on her perilous journey.

AMARA has taken the Mytican throne, but with no way to unleash the water magic trapped within her stolen crystal, she'll never be able to seize glory and get sweet revenge.

And what kind of darkness will descend--and who will be safe--after Prince Ashur reveals the dangerous price he paid to cheat death?

Review: 

I feel like its so far and few between that I get a chance to write a (well thought out) review for a book I love. For example, I’ve been sick off and on for five months, and my reading has been basically non-existent…but in the last couple months, I’ve managed to read some of my favorite books this year-and maybe 3 of them have gotten even close to the reviews I’m capable of and that they deserve. So, when I received the email telling me I got one of my most (ummm come on, basically THE book that I pined for most) anticipated reads of this year…I just knew I would give it the best review I could muster.

So, this is me taking the opportunity to talk about one of my top book boyfriends this year-Magnus. And doesn’t he deserve the whole review to himself, honestly?? I mean seriously…he’s Magnus, the prince of blood. Do I really need to say anything more?

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Well, I think I do, for those who want to know about more than my darling boy. And let’s be honest-Everyone who reads this series is obsessed with him, and some might only be reading it because of him, so what more can I possibly push?

Basically, even after all the trials and tribulations surrounding all the books before…this one broke my heart the most. It was absolutely the most brutal. I’ll admit that it isn’t near as brutal in the way of battle and death and destruction, but more brutal in matters of the heart. My soul was ripped to shreds in more ways than one, and more times than one. I might be a bit of a drama queen, but my heart has always ripped in two when a couple like Cleo and Magnus, so in love, have to keep themselves a secret with literally everyone around them.

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This was definitely a tremulous chapter for the new couple, bringing heartaches and new issues bubbling to the surface. But not once did my confidence in them waver. Not once did I think one or the other would cheat (even with easy access) or give up on their new love. And not once did I think they wouldn’t believe in the best of each other, in the end, keeping their relationship stronger than ever. But I did foresee some bumps in the road…and that prediction aimed true.

“And you listen to me, Princess.” Gaius’s voice followed her like a rancid odor. “This love you think you feel for my son? The day will come when you will have to choose between Magnus and power. And I know, without a doubt, that you will choose power.”

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So many book series these days drag out unnecessarily for so many books you can’t help but roll your eyes at them-but there are some that shine brighter with each book, building into something so tangible that you can’t breathe when it’s left unfinished. You aren’t thinking, ‘Oh, come on, another book?!’, you’re rejoicing that there’s another and you have the opportunity to follow the paths these relationships and evil plots continue to pave. This is one of those series.

Even as I worried there were going to be too many books when I started this series, I remain surprised each and every time I open a Falling Kingdoms book. They grow dramatically richer and more complex with each additional storyline, and you can’t help but to love each character, good or bad, more with each new installment.

For example, had I only stayed on book one, I only would have lightly pined for Magnus. Sure, he was the reason I even considered continuing onward with the story, but I put this series down for a couple months after finishing, if only because there was so much more to read in my TBR pile and nothing had truly hooked me, aside from the not-so-sweet man candy. But, the minute I was urged to continue on, I was immediately hooked.

The deep love, the betrayals upon betrayals, the needless slaughters…they spoke to my evil self in a way I’ve not been accustomed to, in a while. This series (and especially these last three stories) touched on so many nerves that I couldn’t help but to be hooked. Now, months later, I’m a ravenous fangirl who can never have enough Magnus and Cleo.

I think it’s safe to say who my two favorite characters are, hmm? But even as the series has progressed, I find I have many favorites, especially in this one-Even the evil Amara. There’s just something about an extra feisty bitch added to the character pool that enriches the story and adds just the right amount of turmoil.

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And, truthfully, this book wasn’t as action packed as the rest, the more I think about it. In all truth, I think that’s why I loved this book so much and it became my absolute favorite of the 5. We really got time to sit and see where everyone stood, who was loyal and who wasn’t, what relationships were real and which were smoke and mirrors. I even found the guard relationships to be enriching to the story. By our main cohorts all staying in the same place for an extended amount of time, we really had the opportunity to see the chaos as it slowly descended upon them.

When a story is just go-go-go, you lose a little something, I think. But as Mags and Cleo sat in one particular area for a prolonged amount of time, surrounded by both friend and foe, we got to see some relationship turmoil that ripped me apart, but filled me with ceaseless obsession for the two. I don’t know why this book spoke to me the most (maybe because I’m messed up in the head and love jealousy so much its sick), but it did, and I already am dying to re-read it and the whole series. I might just do it!! WATCH AND SEE!

With a cliffhanger that took my breath away (and made me gleeful, yes I’m THAT crazy and THAT sick) I am already eagerly anticipating how it will all turn out in the final book. Hearts will be broken. Not everyone will survive. Loyalties and friendships will be tried and tested…and I can’t help but long for the final book to be in my hands at this exact moment. It hurts…but I guess I’ll just have to remember all the hot Magneo moments to get me through the next year. And, hey, I can always re –read this series multiple times as I wait. 😉

*Many thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy!*

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Pre-Order Here:

Amazon  Barnes & Noble  Itunes  Book Depository  Kobo

Link for pre-order buttons:

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Enter for a chance to win a set of the Falling Kingdom books by Morgan Rhodes, which includes paperback editions of Falling Kingdoms, Rebel Spring, Gathering Darkness and Frozen Tides and a hardcover edition of Crystal Storm (Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”): $63.00). In addition, four (4) Runner-up Winners will each receive a paperback edition of Falling Kingdoms ($11.00 each).

 
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:01 AM (EST) on December 5, 2016 and 11:59 PM (EST) on December 16, 2016.  Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about December 19, 2016. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

About the Author:

morgan-rhodesMorgan Rhodes lives in Ontario, Canada. As a child, she always wanted to be a princess — the kind that knows how to wield a sharp sword to help save both kingdoms and princes from fire-breathing dragons and dark wizards. Instead, she became a writer, which is just as good and much less dangerous. Along with writing, Morgan enjoys photography, travel, reality TV, and is an extremely picky, yet voracious reader of all kinds of books. Under another pen name, she’s a national bestselling author of many paranormal novels. Falling Kingdoms is her first high fantasy.

 

 

 

And follow along with the rest of the tour below!

12/5: Steph in Wonderland (Book Look)
12/5: Young Adult Hollywood (Book Playlist)
12/6: Live to Read (Review)
12/6: Adventures of a Book Junkie (Reasons to Read Falling Kingdoms)
12/7: Take Me Away to a Great Read (Falling Kingdoms Mood Board)
12/7: Fiction Adventure (Character Fancast)
12/8: A Page with a View (Favorite Fictional Princes)
12/8: Star Crossed (Review)
12/9: Seeing Double in Neverland (Guest Post)
12/9: Bibliophile Gathering (The Series So Far)
 
WEEK TWO:
12/12: Once Upon a Twilight (Quotes + Review)
12/13: Dark Faerie Tales (Excerpt)
12/13: Mundie Moms (Review)
12/14: The Book Nut (Reasons to Read Falling Kingdoms)
12/15: Scifi Chick (Spotlight)
12/15: Tales of the Ravenous Reader (Guest Post)
12/16: Two Chicks on Books (Q&A)

 

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BOOK REVIEW – Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky #3) by Veronica Rossi

October 17, 2016 / / 6 Comments
BOOK REVIEW – Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky #3) by Veronica RossiInto the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky #3)
by Veronica Rossi
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The race for survival comes to a thrilling close in the earth-shattering conclusion to Veronica Rossi's New York Times bestselling Under the Never Sky trilogy.

Their love and their leadership have been tested. Now it's time for Perry and Aria to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to find the fabled Still Blue and bring balance to their world.

Perfect for fans of the Hunger Games and Divergent series, Veronica Rossi's trilogy has been called "inspired, offbeat, and mesmerizing" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) and "incredibly original" (Seventeen.com). Brimming with romance and danger and building to a climax that will leave you breathless, Into the Still Blue brings this "masterpiece" trilogy to an unforgettable close (Examiner.c

Review:

*Spoilers for previous books*

Into the Still Blue was an action packed, stunning conclusion!  And just like the two previous books, this story was an emotional journey.  Torture, love, sacrifice, it honestly felt like my heart would stop beating at times.  Even while they were strategizing, since the risks they were willing to take felt monumental.  This series has easily become one of my favorite dystopian series ever, and I can’t recommend it highly enough!

Why was it so hard to bring together the people she loved and keep them safe? Why couldn’t she just wake up and spend a day—one day—without running or fighting or losing someone?

I started out this book feeling overwhelmed.  Their situation had become dire.  The Tides and Dwellers were about to become trapped in the cave and die because of how the aether was changing.  They had to find the Still Blue!  But to do that they needed hoovers and Cinder, which were both in the custody of Hess and Sable.  And while that seemed daunting enough, their relationships with one another were all twisted.  Roar, Aria, Perry.  Nothing felt right.  Oh. My. Gosh.  I just wanted to curl into a ball and cry with how much each of them were struggling or suffering or pretending that they weren’t.  I felt suffocated from their drama, but thankfully there was an awesome distraction coming up!

“Soren,” Roar called. When Soren looked back, Roar flung his knife into the air. The blade spun end over end, heading right for Soren, who yelped and dodged aside.
It missed him by a hair, as Roar had surely intended. Roar never missed.
“Are you insane?” Soren yelled, his face turning red.
Roar jogged over and calmly picked up his knife, but he sheathed the blade with a vicious thrust. “That’s how you do a warning shot.”

They had to form a team to rescue Cinder and obtain more hoovers.  Hmm, I guess I should rephrase that, an unlikely team.  Perry, Aria, Roar, Soren, Brooke and Jupiter.  I definitely was uncertain about this, because while each of them was perfect for the mission, together they were not a good mesh.  They fought.  They didn’t always work together.  And they screwed up because of those issues.  But I will say that I found hope.  Aria played a joke on Soren, which made me laugh so hard.  And that moment led to that hope.  Hope that this mismatched team would pull together and make not only everyone else, but themselves proud too!  I mean, everyone’s survival rests on their shoulders.  No biggie right?

“If we get to the Still Blue,” Soren said, “we should look at how to make more people like you, Aria.”
She laughed. “Make more people like me? You mean half-breeds?”
“No. I mean people who are forgiving and optimistic and things like that.”


I have to say a word about each character that affected me so strongly:

Aria & Perry – She made me so proud with the strategizing she came up with.  Her and Perry have grown immensely since their first encounter.  And Perry now felt like a true leader.  The decisions and sacrifices he made, I’m so proud of him, even if I still can’t talk about it.

Roar – I never thought I’d find two book boyfriends in a story.  But I absolutely loved Roar.  Even when he was being an emotional ass.  I will never be able to get him out of my head.

Soren – That dweller pulled me in, no matter how hard I fought it.  He completely won me over and I was hoping he got a HEA too!

Cinder – He started out as a tag along, and in the Tides he finally found what he was always searching for.  A family.  He was braver than I ever could have been at his age, and I loved his moments throughout the story.

Aria didn’t even see Perry’s face before he hugged her. “I’ll be thinking about you,” he said, lifting her off the ground. “I love you.”
She said it back, and that was it.
All that mattered. Everything there was to say.

The twists and turns kept me on my toes, but the events that unfolded and affected the characters, that’s what moved my heart so deeply.  I sobbed.  I pleaded.  I hoped they would all survive.  Even though I should have known better.  This story was perfectly destructive and uplifting at the same time.  And I won’t be able to get their world or these characters out of my head for a long time to come.

PS Can we please have a novella looking into the future?  My heart desperately needs that!

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)
under the never sky veronica rossi
Under the Never Sky #1
Reviews:
Jen
Chelsea		roar-and-live-veronica-rossi
Roar and Liv #0.1
Review:
Jen
through the ever night veronica rossi
Through the Ever Night #2
Reviews:
Jen
Chelsea
brooke-veronica-rossi
Brooke #2.5
Review:
Jen		into the still blue veronica rossi
Into the Still Blue #3
Reviews:
Jen
Chelsea
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