Tag: Young Adult (Page 60 of 159)

BOOK REVIEW – The Thief (The Queen’s Thief #1) by Megan Whalen Turner

August 6, 2017 / Anna

The Thief (The Queen's Thief #1)
by Megan Whalen Turner
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The king's scholar, the magus, believes he knows the site of an ancient treasure. To attain it for his king, he needs a skillful thief, and he selects Gen from the king's prison. The magus is interested only in the thief's abilities.

What Gen is interested in is anyone's guess. Their journey toward the treasure is both dangerous and difficult, lightened only imperceptibly by the tales they tell of the old gods and goddesses.

Huh. I really, really liked this? True enough, I’ve decided to start The Thief in order to get to the sequels – that all my friends adore – and somehow I was at peace with the probable boredom I would feel during this first novel and… My enjoyment felt so
effortless?
From the characters to the world and the writing, I’ve been enchanted. Truly.

“I hate horses. I know people who think that they are noble, graceful animals, but regardless of what a horse looks like from a distance, never forget that it is as likely to step on your foot as look at you.
“What?” I dissembled.
“Get on the horse, you idiot.”
“Me?”

So there’s a lot of walking around as I’m sure Fantasy writers are somewhat paid by hiking brands but eh! I wasn’t bored. I said that! So. We’re not confronted with Frodo and Sam level of walking, therefore I’m still here and not sleeping on my couch, drooling. That’s something! And for those of you who swear by TLOTR, that’s okay! We can be friends still! I’m not lending you my couch though. YOUR CHOICE.

Anyway, in The Thief, Gen and his *cough* companions have a mission : to steal a magical stone that will have the deplorable effect to give immense powers to the King of Sounis, a… complete asshole. Don’t be too hard on Gen, though : that’s not as if the boy had a choice, being a prisoner and all. Their journey gives us the opportunity to learn more about the world Megan Whalen Turner created, as well as the characters and the complex relationship they develop between each other – there’s more than meets the eyes, and I live for this stuff, okay?

And how I loved following these characters!

“For my part, I wanted Ambiades to understand that I considered myself a hierarchy of one.”

● Sophos, you’re too sweet for this world, let me cuddle you what stop blushing
● Ambiades, what’s your deal shut up shut up I am annoyed
● Magus, I’ve still not forgiven you for the beating
● Pol, ehhhhhhhhhhhhh
● Gen! Little filthy mouth! Quick-witted and arrogant little thief! I ADORE YOU. He shows just the right amount of selfishness and cleverness to appeal to me and I can’t hide that I loved his voice. Indeed the story’s told through his POV, and having started The Queen of Attolia, which is told in 3rd person POV, I can say this : The sequel’s writing is objectively more elaborate and I really enjoy getting to know other characters and seeing Gen through other people eyes, but in my opinion the choice of the first POV for this debut is perfect, needed, even, as it makes it so much easier to connect with Gen at first and I’ve never wanted to let go. Now I’m ready to meet more characters, and the author’s choice is perfect.

Ohhhhh, and I know that some readers were annoyed by the Mythology bits but have you met me? Sure, the folklore is not so discreetly ripped straight from Greek Mythology, but as I LOVE these tales I was damn pleased. In the end, I am so, so curious about the directions Megan Whalen Turner will choose for her story, I cannot wait a day to find out. I need more.

Now, let me confess you something : The Thief tricked me… and I couldn’t be more happy. If you’re curious to know where my weird mind went, and you HAVE READ THE BOOK, please look at the spoiler below and… shake your head at me, I guess. I am shameless though, because being so far off made the experience even better.

View Spoiler »

Oh, well. In the end, I am so glad I was wrong, and I can’t recommend The Thief enough : even if this first novel is by no means astounding, it’s short, fun, and you’ll meet the most endearing thief I’ve ever read about. What more could a reader ask for, really?

PS. I’m sorry, this review is TERRIBLE, but I need to get to The Queen of Attolia so… priorities, you know.

BOOK REVIEW – Mafiosa (Blood for Blood #3) by Catherine Doyle

August 4, 2017 / Anna

Mafiosa (Blood for Blood #3)
by Catherine Doyle
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A blood war rages on the streets of Chicago.

Protected by an infamous mafia family, Sophie is living a dangerous lie, pretending to lead a normal life. But the deceit can’t last for ever. Her heart belongs to a killer and Sophie’s the prime target of a rival clan. She’s determined to seek revenge on her mother’s murderers, but can she pay the price – can she be a mafiosa?

The third and final instalment in the explosive YA Blood for Blood series which started with Vendetta and Inferno.

Don’t get me wrong, I would fight tooth and nail for Luca, who was, again, amazing. I don’t think he’s ever disappointed me, and given my usual contempt for this kind of mafia ish male-lead, that’s saying something : he’s respectful, smart, protective in all the ways that count and absolutely adorable. Yet even him couldn’t make me stomach the absolute bullshit that was Mafiosa.

✘ The plot was erratic at best, throwing the most unbelievable twists in our face over and over, and if the whole series has been a rocky challenge to go through, at least it used to kept a semblance of consistence. Not so much in that last installment ; not at all, if I’m being honest. After we hit the 70% mark, nothing made sense anymore, and more and more I found myself side-eyeing the endless drama pilling up. Until then, I had been clutching my kindle and swallowing the distaste I felt for most of the characters, and I did enjoy several scenes (<3). But the nonsensical drama got to me in the end, and spoiled my read.

✘ Sophie’s behavior was so out of character that I’m still debating she’s been cloned, or something, and nine times out of ten I just couldn’t stand being in her head anymore. So much that I had to skim some parts, otherwise I’d have thrown my kindle on the wall. Sure, she did get better in the end, but it hardly lessened my annoyance. Too little, too late. And don’t get me started about the Falcones and the Marinos. I just – no. Their characterization was all over the place and as it was, I couldn’t comprehend their choices and reactions. Honestly, I got the impression that they would do anything, as long as it was convenient for the plot, and to hell with the coherence.

► Ultimately, the scenes that brought the biggest smile on my face – yes, they involved Luca, and yes, I’ll most definitely reread them – were too far in between for me to enjoy my reading experience. I’m not quite regretting reading the series, but god, I’m glad I’m done^^

BOOK REVIEW + GIVEAWAY – The Invasion (The Union #4) by T.H. Hernandez

August 3, 2017 / Jen / 2 Comments

If you haven’t discovered this series yet, I can’t recommend it highly enough! It’s a young adult romantic adventure set one hundred years after the second civil war. And it's soooo addicting! Check out my 5 Star Review below and enter a giveaway for the series along with a gift card! Enjoy!

BOOK REVIEW + GIVEAWAY – The Invasion (The Union #4) by T.H. Hernandez

The Invasion (The Union #4)
by T.H. Hernandez
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
They failed. Evan and Cyrus risked everything to keep the Uprising from attacking the unarmed Union, but something went terribly wrong. Evan’s home has been invaded by soldiers who are killing government officials and occupying the homes of her fellow citizens.

Captured by the Uprising, Evan fights for her life and her sanity, desperate to escape so she can find Cyrus and her family.

Reeling from an unexpected discovery, Cyrus is adrift until he uses his Uprising training to find a way to fight back against the invading force the only way he knows how.

With the help of old friends and new, they will do whatever it takes to protect each other and those they love, even if it means sacrificing being together, their way of life, and even their very lives.

Review:

If you haven’t read this series yet, you can check out my review for the first book, The Union, by clicking here.

The Union Series continues to be one of my top favorites! Especially since romance, action, torture, twists, friendship and political intrigue filled the pages! So it was impossible for me to put this book down. I had to know what happened next, since so many of these characters have become embedded in my heart. I treasure the time I get to spend with them, and they make my emotions run from gut wrenching to over the moon happy. So of course The Invasion continued to cement my love for this series. I mean each time a new book comes out I think now this one is my favorite. There’s no way she can top it. And then she does. I’m always floored! The Invasion is definitely one of my favorite books!

The chill becomes ice, turning my blood to slush. Two words repeat in my head: ***we failed*. – Evan**

So I thought I would talk about certain aspects or moments in The Invasion that made this a solid 5 Stars for me. And they are –

* Evan’s Struggle With Torture –

Death will be welcomed when we’re done.
They have finally broken me. – Evan

The level of pain and the events that happened to Evan made this book so much more than I ever thought it could be. It was intense, emotional and I sobbed for Evan. I tried to be strong for her, but the extent of what happened to her, I just couldn’t. I felt gutted to the core, it was all so real and I was beyond terrified for her. I’m not one who can usually handle torture, but I survived through it and it made me feel that much closer to Evan. Plus the ramifications of what happened to Evan, and how it affected others, was brilliant.

* Evan & Mateo’s Bond –

Mateo cradles my face, forcing me to meet his dark gaze. “No one’s ever gonna hurt you again. I promise.” – Evan

I loved that Mateo became such a great friend to Evan. He quickly became a favorite in the last book, The Invasion, so I was ecstatic to see he had such a prominent role in The Uprising! We got to witness Mateo be fierce, protective and caring towards Evan. And that made me fall so hard for him. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed that when this series wraps up, he’ll get his HEA. Possibly with someone I will not say, but if you read this series then we may be on the same page? *wink wink*

* Character’s Growth – Lisa and Colin have grown up so much in my eyes. And in The Invasion, they became true adults and stepped up to the game when they were needed. They were brave, took charge of situations and have become so much stronger than who they were in The Union. I have become so proud of the both of them!

* Evan & Cyrus Figuring Out Their Relationship –

God, I don’t deserve her. That’s the only thing I can focus on as I struggle with my thoughts, wrapped around her, doing my best to protect her, even though I failed her over and over. – Cyrus

Evan and Cyrus have come a long way too, since The Union. They’ve learned that they continually have to work on their relationship and communicating to one another. Especially since so many outside factors try and tear them apart. And while they still fight at times, I love that their relationship is built on trust, respect, friendship and love! Their struggles individually and together have made their relationship that much stronger. I truly believe they’re almost to the point where together they will be a force to be reckoned with!

I’m learning that not facing the horror doesn’t make it disappear, instead it eats away at my subconscious, waking me at night with hoarse screams that rip from my soul. – Evan

Now how this book ended?! It left me SO excited for what’s to come! While I’m dying to know what happens next, I love where it left off. And I love how we got more answers to some questions and more pieces to the puzzle. It’s continually coming together, and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

Fuck fate, I’m done here. – Cyrus

PS My hatred of Bryce was cemented again in this book *smiles hugely*. Is it wrong that I’m happy that others could possibly seethe with anger or hatred towards him because of what he did in The Invasion?! Gah, I just love to hate that guy, and I’m not sorry at all lol!

*ARC kindly provided by Author in exchange for an honest review*

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), & Book Depository (click on book #)
The Union #1 Reviews: Jen	The Ruins #2 Reviews: Jen	The Uprising #3 Reviews: Jen
The Invasion #4 Reviews: Jen

Add To Goodreads:

The Union #1: Goodreads
The Ruins #2: Goodreads
The Uprising #3: Goodreads

About TH Hernandez:

When not visiting the imaginary worlds inside my head, I live in San Diego, California, with one husband, three children, two cats, and one dog. In addition to my day job as a technical writer and editor, I write young adult fiction. I love the intensity of teen emotions and the way they’re still figuring out life. When I’m not writing, you can find me with my nose in a book, hanging out with family and friends, hiking, or knitting. I’m obsessed with Facebook, young adult novels, bad lip reading videos, pumpkin spice lattes, microbrewed beers, and the San Diego Chargers.

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BOOK REVIEW – Inferno (Blood for Blood #2) by Catherine Doyle

August 3, 2017 / Anna

Inferno (Blood for Blood #2)
by Catherine Doyle
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Romeo and Juliet meets The Godfather in the second installment of Catherine Doyle's Blood for Blood series.

Sophie's life has been turned upside-down, and she's determined to set things right. But Nic, the Falcone brother who represents everything she's trying to forget, won't give up on their love - and it's Luca's knife she clutches for comfort. Soon another mafia clan spoils the fragile peace - and with her heart drawn in one direction and her blood in another, Sophie's in deeper than ever.

Don’t be fooled by my positive rating, it only means that I can’t come to terms with giving a low rating to Luca. Luca, who is life and absolutely fabulous, ‘kay? But please keep in mind that this 3 stars rating is nothing more than the average between the 2 stars this mess of a book deserves as a whole and the 5 stars every scene involving Luca earned. Yes he’s that good.

I want to save him from that book. That boy deserves better, okay?

Would I go as far as saying that the series is worth it thanks to him? I WOULD, but my brain might be malfunctioning right now, so, you know, don’t trust me for one second. Also, I skimmed a lot? XD

Now if you would excuse me, I’m gonna read allllll the short stories in Luca’s POV <3

PS. For PROS & CONS, you can refer to my review of the first book, Vendetta. Most of them are the same here, with the very important exception that Nic does get what he deserves (did I say that I despised him very much? Yeah?) and that Luca is way more present (and interesting).

BOOK REVIEW – Vendetta (Blood for Blood #1) by Catherine Doyle

August 2, 2017 / Anna

Vendetta (Blood for Blood #1)
by Catherine Doyle
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
When it comes to revenge, love is a dangerous complication.With a fierce rivalry raging between two warring families, falling in love is the deadliest thing Sophie could do. An epic debut set outside modern-day Chicago.

When five brothers move into the abandoned mansion in her neighbourhood, Sophie Gracewell's life changes forever. Irresistibly drawn to bad boy Nicoli, Sophie finds herself falling into a criminal underworld governed by powerful families. As the boys' dark secrets begin to come to light, Sophie is confronted with stinging truths about her own family, too. She must choose between two warring dynasties - the one she was born into, and the one she is falling in love with. When she does, blood will spill and hearts will break.

… That’s YA Mafia Romance for you, apparently?!?

I feel like my brain should be washed in bleach after Vendetta but as I’m a silly bitch who love rolling her eyes and giggling stupidly (apparently?!) I will most definitely read the rest, enjoy Luca and stab the puppy smile out of Nic the Creep’s face. This book is trash, though, and does something I hate : it uses an attempted rape to serve the plot.

CONS : TSTL heroine – Instalove – Bad dialogues – Unbelievable – Predictable – NIC – The cheese, the cheese everywhere – these boys are just so beautiful, beautiful, beautiful BAHAHAHAHA (yes I’m losing it) – Remind me why they care about Sophie oh yes she’s so spechul I’m drowning in snowflakes

PROS : girl friendship + LUCA (I like that he’s not trying to be fed as a good guy like *cough*, and I’m very curious to see what he hides in him hehe – also he does try to tell Sophie to get lost which makes him way more decent than Nic The Creep) + Italian words that make sense + Sometimes Sophie actually thinks and it makes my day + it’s quite addictive, look at me, I should have DNFed on page 10 and I’m probably going to read the sequel XD

TW – Attempted rape, violence because it’s the M A F I A (yeah I’m laughing don’t shoot me)

Oh, and VAFFANCULO, NICOLI! (oops)