Dual Book Review: The King & The Shadows by JR Ward

 

The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood #12) 
Summary: After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle—with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything—and everyone—at risk.
591 Pages
My Rating: B+

The Shadows (Black Dagger Brotherhood #13) narrated by Jim Frangione
Summary: Trapped between his heart and a fate he never volunteered for, Trez must decide whether to endanger himself and others- or forever leave behind the female he’s in love with. But then an unimaginable tragedy strikes and changes everything. Staring out over an emotional abyss, Trez must find a reason to go on or risk losing himself and his soul forever. And iAm, in the name of brotherly love, is faced with making the ultimate sacrifice...
590 Pages
My Rating: A-

Supernatural/Romance
By JR Ward

I was so glad to finally get back into this series after so long. I love these characters, and couldn't wait to find out what else they would get up to, and how they would deal with some of the problems they had when last I read. I've read the first eleven twice now, but I'd also seen the emotional impact these two and the next had on one of my friends who has also read these. The King was a roller coaster ride, but it was the Shadows that really killed me. I finished this this afternoon with tears running down my face. I won't say why, but I will say it's a harder ending than we've gotten from this series in the past, so just beware of that.

Now that I've finished the Shadows, I get to start the side-series about the training group, which I am very much looking forward to. On the other hand, I am dreading getting into the Beast, as I have big fears about Rage's story and what might be coming, especially after his own reactions in the Shadows. Still, great additions to this series if you have not read them. I can't wait to see where this series goes from here.

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Audio Book Review: Kushiel's Justice by Jacqueline Carey

 

Kushiel's Justice (Imriel's Trilogy #2) by Jacqueline Carey, narrated by Simon Vance
Romance/Historical/Fantasy
Summary: After a year abroad to study at university, Imriel returns from his adventures a little older and somewhat wiser. But perhaps not wise enough. What was once a mere spark of interest between himself and his cousin Sidonie now ignites into a white-hot blaze. But from commoner to peer, the whole realm would recoil from any alliance between Sidonie, heir to the throne, and Imriel, who bears the stigma of his mother's of his mother's misdeeds and betrayals. Praying that their passion will peak and fade, Imriel and Sidonie embark on an intense, secret affair.
703 pages

My Rating: A

I really love this series, and this is definitely a great addition to the universe. I do wonder what will happen next, given who Imriel's parents were, but I can't wait to find out. Jacqueline Carey does an amazing job of drawing you along, and the world she's created here, a very distinct offshoot of our own, feels as real as ours is. And every time she reminds you of things that happened in the past of these stories, it really is like recalling a memory. Far more than the usual "oh, right, that happened," of other books.

I have to mention that this is the first time I have listened to this series, and I was delighted to realize that the narrator is the same one in the Temeraire books. It feels somehow fitting that he is reading them both, what with the historical, English, and French connections in both series.

While this is not a light series (I mean, 700 pages is not shocking for this series...), its richness, and the things she's implanted in this world that I am sure will crop up in future stories, just makes it wonderful to read. Nothing just vanishes in this world, and everything that happens has an effect on what will come. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants an adult series, doesn't mind a little sex, and loves fantasy and history. This one just does not disappoint.

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Audio Book Review: Straight on Till Morning & So This Is Love

 

Straight on Till Morning (Twisted Tales #8) by Liz Braswell, narrated by Lorna Bennett 
Fantasy/Fairy Tales
Summary: What if Wendy first traveled to Neverland… with Captain Hook?
496 Pages
My Rating: B

So This Is Love (Twisted Tales #9) by Elizabeth Lim, narrated by Esther Wane
Fantasy/Romance/Fairy Tales
Summary: What if Cinderella never tried on the glass slipper?
416 Pages
My Rating: A

More Twisted Tales. Of these two, I'm surprised to say that I enjoyed the Cinderella one more than the Peter Pan one. Generally, with this series, I've had issues with the classic fairy tale princess ones more, but So This Is Love did better than the others have, and I found it very enjoyable. Straight on Till Morning was good, but I've never been a huge fan of the Disney Peter Pan, and there are some distinct issues with the world that the story couldn't work past. I did enjoy the actual friendship between Wendy and Tinkerbell, and I enjoyed the end of her story in this far more than in the original story, but I don't think this is one I would pick up again.

Still, if you've been reading these, and if you enjoy these two tales, these are as fun as the others. And I'm finding myself wanting to try some of the other Disney-licensed tales to see what they're like as well. We'll see which ones I end up picking up.

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Audio Book Review: The Kingdom of Copper & The Empire of Gold by SA Chakraborty

 

The Kingdom of Copper (The Daevabad Trilogy #2) 
Summary: With Daevabad entrenched in the dark aftermath of the battle that saw Dara slain at Prince Ali’s hand, Nahri must forge a new path for herself, without the protection of the guardian who stole her heart or the counsel of the prince she considered a friend. But even as she embraces her heritage and the power it holds, she knows she’s been trapped in a gilded cage, watched by a king who rules from the throne that once belonged to her family and one misstep will doom her tribe.
625 Pages

The Empire of Gold (The Daevabad Trilogy #3)
Summary: Daevabad has fallen.

After a brutal conquest stripped the city of its magic, Nahid leader Banu Manizheh and her resurrected commander, Dara, must try to repair their fraying alliance and stabilize a fractious, warring people.
766 Pages

by SA Chakraborty, narrated by Soneela Nankani 
Fantasy/Romance
My Rating: A

This series is a wonderful exploration into Djinn and what their culture might be like. Also, for those of us of the European/American culture, a nice insight into what it is to be from the middle east, and to the Muslim culture. SA Chakraborty's voice is strong, and she's made a fascinating world here. Nahri and her friends are all such strong characters, and you never quite know what they will do next. I'm actually a little sad this series is done, but I will definitely keep watching her to see what she writes next.

The adventure of this story is vast, and there are so many threads, and yet in the end, they're all gently tied together. As someone from a white, western culture, I'm not sure how much of this is just me not knowing Muslim culture, and how much is completely from the author's ideas of this world, but either way, it's a fabulous story. It kept me guessing the entire time, how this would end, which was very refreshing. I also love the wide sweep of the history of this story. It takes place in the 18th or early 19th century, but the story of the Daeva people stretches into the mythic ages of the middle east. It definitely gave an intensity and depth to the story that I was not expecting at all.

I definitely recommend this to fantasy fans, particularly those who enjoy djinn/genies. It's a gorgeous, rich world with fantastic characters you will definitely enjoy meeting. You should absolutely check this one out.

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Book Review: A Gentleman Never Keeps Score by Cat Sebastian

 

A Gentleman Never Keeps Score (Seducing the Sedgewicks #2) by Cat Sebastian
Romance/Historical/LGBT+
Summary: Once beloved by London's fashionable elite, Hartley Sedgwick has become a recluse after a spate of salacious gossip exposed his most-private secrets. Rarely venturing from the house whose inheritance is a daily reminder of his downfall, he’s captivated by the exceedingly handsome man who seeks to rob him.

Since retiring from the boxing ring, Sam Fox has made his pub, The Bell, into a haven for those in his Free Black community. But when his best friend Kate implores him to find and destroy a scandalously revealing painting of her, he agrees. Sam would do anything to protect those he loves, even if it means stealing from a wealthy gentleman. But when he encounters Hartley, he soon finds himself wanting to steal more than just a painting from the lovely, lonely man—he wants to steal his heart. 
320 pages

My Rating: B

I'm very fond of Regency and Victorian romances, but this one adds an aspect far too many of those ignore. I love that Sam is Black, and that he doesn't give anything up in this romance just to be with Hartley. I also love that their romance allows Hartley to recover from what was done to him. These two are lovely, and I look forward to seeing if the third book in this story looks in on them. I definitely want more of them.

Definitely for lovers of gay historical romance. Cat Sebastian could easily become a favorite author for me, I think. I also recommend the first in this series, It Takes Two to Tumble. Sweet romance with a touch of angst, just the way I like it.

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Audio Book Review: The Invisible Ring & Dreams Made Flesh by Anne Bishop

 

The Invisible Ring (Black Jewels #4) 
Summary: Jared is a Red-Jeweled Warlord bound as a pleasure slave by the Ring of Obedience. After suffering nine years of torment as a slave, he murdered his owner and escaped -- only to be caught and sold into slavery once again. The notorious queen who has purchased him, known as the Gray Lady, may not be what she seems. Soon, Jared faces a difficult choice: his freedom, or his honor.
398 Pages
My Rating: A

Dreams Made Flesh (Black Jewels #5) 
Summary: Jaenelle is the most powerful Witch ever known, centuries of hopes and dreams made flesh at last. She has forged ties with three of the realm’s mightiest Blood warriors: Saetan, the High Lord of Hell, who trains Jaenelle in magic and adopts her as his daughter; Lucivar, the winged Eyrien warlord who becomes her protector; and the near-immortal Daemon born to be Witch’s lover. Jaenelle has assumed her rightful place as Queen of the Darkness and restored order and peace to the realms…but at a terrible cost.
439 Pages
My Rating: A

by Anne Bishop, narrated by John Sharian
Fantasy/Romance

I'd forgotten how much I loved this world until I started listening to The Invisible Ring. Even before one of my favorite characters of all time appeared, I was enjoying it. The second Daemon appeared, I loved it. He and his father and brother are just wonderful, all of them. And seeing them again, watching their affects on their worlds, made me very happy. Invisible Ring is a lovely story, and was my favorite book of January, and Dreams Made Flesh is probably going to be my favorite of this month. If you haven't done yourself the favor of reading this series, definitely start. It's such a rich, lush world, I just want to sink into it, even with all its inherent darkness.

Jared's story is one that gives a great view into how this world works, but with the happiest ending possible. And the Meaning of what the Invisible Ring is will make you smile, even as he fails to understand it time and again. Dreams tells the story of Lucivar falling in love, and of the aftermath of the original Black Jewels Trilogy, and the way this world treats men (ie, much the way ours treats women). Not a pretty or happy story, that second part, but the story of Daemon and Jaenelle finally coming to terms with what happened in the final book of the trilogy is perfect.

I will say this world won't be for everyone. I want everyone to love it as much as I do, but it's got a darkness that will definitely make it too much for some readers. Still, if you don't mind darkness and bad things happening to people, definitely give them a try. And if you've read the first three books, but haven't read more? These are must reads. I can't wait to read more.

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Audio Book Review: A Gentleman's Guide to Getting Lucky & A Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

 

A Gentleman's Guide to Getting Lucky (Montague Siblings #1.5) narrated by Christian Coulson
Summary: Monty’s epic grand tour may be over, but now that he and Percy are finally a couple, he realizes there is something more nerve-wracking than being chased across Europe: getting together with the person you love.
125 Pages
My Rating: B+

A Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy (Montague Siblings #2) narrated by Moira Quirk 
Summary: A year after an accidentally whirlwind grand tour with her brother Monty, Felicity Montague has returned to England with two goals in mind—avoid the marriage proposal of a lovestruck suitor from Edinburgh and enroll in medical school. However, her intellect and passion will never be enough in the eyes of the administrators, who see men as the sole guardians of science.
450 Pages
My Rating: A-

by Makenzi Lee
Romance/LGBTQIA/History

The first is a PG13 story, and utterly adorable. If you have read A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue, you will definitely enjoy this. It doesn't go any further than that book did, so it should be comfortable for most readers, so long as you are okay with two boys in love. And yes, that Christan Coulson is the one who played young Tom Riddle in Chamber of Secrets, for those to whom that is interesting. Percy and Monty are adorable.

The second is the full sequel, and focuses on Felicity and her trying to live in a world that finds little use for women. She's very stubborn, though, and ends up in one issue after another trying to find the place she wants. Percy and Monty are in this, but not through the entire story, so it is very much Felicity's story. She also goes through the learning of her own feelings when it comes to romance, in a way you just don't see in most stories.

Definitely both recommended, particularly if you enjoyed the first book. And there will be one more, at least, about their baby brother. I'm looking forward to that, though it won't be out until November. I might make that one of my rewards for NaNoWriMo this year. Especially if he's even slightly as fun as his siblings.

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Book Review: The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J Maas

 

The Assassin's Blade (The Throne of Glass Prequels) by Sarah J Maas  
Fantasy/Romance/YA
Summary: Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. 
448 pages

My Rating: B

I read this before starting Throne of Glass on the advice of a friend who has read the series. I still haven't read the first book yet, but I'm glad to know the beginning of her story, though I'm not sure what I will think of the series once I start it. I will say that she grew on me over the course of the novellas, of which there are five in this collection, all of which follow in succession. 

I knew where it would end to some degree, though one bit, which I won't spoil here, surprised me. When I got to the end, I was definitely ready to start the second, despite this book ending in a dark place, which I also won't spoil here, given if you don't know the series, you might not be aware of. It's a great intro to the world, and she grew on me over the course of her story, though despite what she knows in this world, she has a shocking amount of innocence for being an assassin.

Overall, if you like darker fantasy, I say Maas is a great one. I'm enjoying all of her books so far. I'm looking forward to seeing where this one goes, and I can't wait to try more of her books in the future. She's definitely on a short list of authors poised to become my favorites. I can't wait to try more.

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Audio Book Review: The Heroes of Olympus 3, 4 & 5 by Rick Riordan

 

The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus #3) narrated by Joshua Swanson
Summary: Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war.
586 Pages
My Rating: B

The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus #4) narrated by Nick Chamian
Summary: Hazel stands at a crossroads. She and the remaining crew of the Argo II could return home with the Athena Parthenos statue and try to stop Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter from going to war. Or they could continue their quest to find the House of Hades, where they might be able to open the Doors of Death, rescue their friends Percy and Annabeth from Tartarus, and prevent monsters from being reincarnated in the mortal world. Whichever road they decide to take, they have to hurry, because time is running out. Gaea, the bloodthirsty Earth Mother, has set the date of August 1 for her rise to power.
597 Pages
My Rating: B-

The Blood of Olympus (The Heroes of Olympus #5) narrated by Nick Chamian
Summary: Nico had warned them. Going through the House of Hades would stir the demigods' worst memories. Their ghosts would become restless. Nico may actually become a ghost if he has to shadow-travel with Reyna and Coach Hedge one more time. But that might be better than the alternative: allowing someone else to die, as Hades foretold.
516 Pages
My Rating: A

by Rick Riordan
Urban Fantasy/Romance/YA

This is the second of the Percy Jackson series, and I do like this group of teenagers and their adventures. Hazel and Leo in particular are lovely. I liked Nico in the original series, so I was glad to see him in this, but his romance felt unnecessary and thrown in to please people, rather than actually given time to develop and allow him to grow as a person. Hopefully anything more along those lines will be dealt with better.

I do plan to keep reading Riordan's series, but I think I'll put them on the back burner for now since this one is complete. They are definitely enjoyable, and I'm looking forward to the other Mythologies' stories. If you enjoyed the first series, this one's definitely worth checking out. A great follow-up to the first series.

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Audio Book Review: Fire by Kristin Cashore

 

Fire (Graceling #2) by Kristin Cashore, narrated by Xanthe Elbrick 

Fantasy/Romance/YA

Summary: It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she had the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

480 pages

My Rating: B+

It has been a very long time since I read the first book, but as the two stories are almost completely unrelated, aside from being in the same world, that really didn't affect this story for me at all. I did enjoy Graceling, but I really enjoyed this one much more. I love the romance, and their part of the world a great deal more. And their concept of the abilities of this world is fascinating. Fire and her prince and their love story are really wonderful. Both are strong, unique characters on their own, and together they feel like a force to be reckoned with. I'm looking forward to the third book to see what the two nations coming together will be like.

This one is for fans of high fantasy YA, definitely. And I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy Ya or fantasy romance. The details of this world are wonderful and some are distinctly unique. Cashore has a very strong world here, and I can't wait to read or listen to more.

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Audiobook Review: Splintered by AG Howard

 

Splintered (Splintered #1) by AG Howard, narrated by Rebecca Gibel  

Fantasy/Romance/YA

Summary: Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers--precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.

272 pages

My Rating: B+

Alyssa is an interesting character. I'm a long-time fan of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, but I've never been a big fan of most retellings or films of the story. This one is definitely an exception. Alyssa's world is unique, and the characters in her real-world life as well as the ones she meets when she goes to Wonderland are fascinating. I'm definitely looking forward to more in this universe, and to finding out what happens next.

I definitely feel that Howard is a big fan of the original books, as she weaves in details that most retelling authors leave out, whether on accident or on purpose. She gives us things a lot of authors don't touch on in YA, and almost never in YA fantasy, so I'm definitely curious to see where she goes from here.

It's not a pretty world, this story, so if you have squeamishness, this might not be for you. Also, if you have trouble with stories about mental issues, this also might not be for you. However, if you love the Alice stories, this is definitely worth a look.

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Audio Book Review: A Court of Mist and Starlight by Sarah J Maas

 

A Court of Mist and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3.5) by Sarah J Maas, narrated by Amanda Leigh Cobb  

Fantasy/Romance

Summary: Feyre, Rhysand, and their close-knit circle of friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly-changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it, a hard-earned reprieve.

272 pages

My Rating: B

For some reason, the bookish community really hates this book. Is it the best book in the series? No. But it's a short. I don't understand the hate, because I think it's a lovely bridge between the final book in the first trilogy, and the start of the new trilogy, which will be focusing on other characters. I think it does the original story justice, while setting up a few more things for what's to come. And it's a wonderful holiday book. The characters made me smile as much as they ever do, and I'm very eager to see what happens with Nesta and Cassian get up to.

If you're a fan of the original trilogy, I highly recommend this. Especially if you enjoy holiday stories.

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Audio Book Review: The Wicked King by Holly Black

 

The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly Black, narrated by Caitlin Kelly 

Fantasy/Romance

Summary: After the jaw-dropping revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her younger brother safe. To do so, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne.  

336 pages

My Rating: B

I like this series, but I don't think it will ever be one I look back on with great fondness. Jude is hard to like, and Cardan is worse. The only time I really get interested is when they talk, because there is something there, but... it doesn't make me love this series, and I really wish I did. Part of the problem is Black is incredibly adept at making a true faerie realm, where the intrigue is high, and the characters are only out for their own gain, which means they're generally unlikeable to me. I'd say it makes her an adept writer, but possibly not for me. I guess I'll learn if I read any of her other books, because she does write things I think I will enjoy. We'll see if I do, I guess.

But. If you like faerie realm stories, this is definitely worth a try. The first one, at the very least. And this is an excellent follow-up. I'd say if I haven't turned you off the idea yet, definitely check it out. And if I have, but you like the faerie realm as an idea, give the first one a look and see what you think. You might enjoy it. But if you don't like faeries or intrigue, this one's definitely not the series for you.

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Review: The Empire Striketh Back by Ian Doescher

 

The Empire Striketh Back (William Shakespeare's Star Wars #5) by Ian Doescher

Play/Science Fiction/Romance/Comedy

Summary: Return to the star-crossed galaxy far, far away as the brooding young hero, a power-mad emperor, and their jesting droids match wits, struggle for power, and soliloquize in elegant and impeccable iambic pentameter.  

172 pages

My Rating: B+

I'm surprised that I didn't enjoy this as much as the first, since this is my favorite of the movies. I think most of it had to do with expectation, and also some with visuals lacking, but overall, still great fun. I love how they translated the action sequences into stage production ideas. That was a lot of fun. I do wonder if somewhere out there, someone will try to do these as actual stage plays, and whether or not that will work.

I plan to read these in the same order I would watch the movies, which is to say next I will read the Phantom Menace, though I have no plans to buy it. I'll probably get it from the library in ebook form, which might actually be more enjoyable. We shall see. For those who want more explanation about the best movie order, for me, the main line movies, I like to do the first two, then go back and watch the prequels once we're given the info that Darth Vader is Luke's father, then go back forward to watch Jedi after Revenge of the Sith, which ends on such a down note. And then go forward with the new movies after Jedi. It makes it a much happier experience then watching them in order might otherwise do. I highly recommend it if you're a fan. 

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Audio Book Review: The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

 

The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1) 
Summary: Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.
409 Pages
My Rating: A

The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2) 
Summary: Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. 
439 Pages
My Rating: A-

Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3) 
Summary: Blue Sargent has found things. For the first time in her life, she has friends she can trust, a group to which she can belong. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one of their own. Their problems have become hers, and her problems have become theirs.

The trick with found things, though, is how easily they can be lost.

391 Pages
My Rating: A-

The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #4) 
Summary: All her life, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love's death. She doesn't believe in true love and never thought this would be a problem, but as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore. 
439 Pages
My Rating: A-

Opal (The Raven Cycle #4.5) 
Summary: An enchanting story from Maggie Stiefvater featuring Opal, Ronan, and Adam from her bestselling Raven Cycle, taking place after the events of The Raven King.
38 Pages
My Rating: B+

by Gina Showalter, narrated by Will Patton
Urban Fantasy/Romance

So I started reading these about mid-December, and just couldn't stop. This gang of young adults are just fabulous. And Blue's family made me itch to play with my Tarot cards. Every reading they give is filled with so much meaning. Gansy and the boys are each so unique, and I just want to hug them all and Blue. 

I love how deep Showalter goes into the legends, and the detail of the story and of the legend around the sleeping king is amazing. The kids each have their own unique ability that they bring to the table, and because of how they work as a group, you feel confident that despite everything, they will succeed, whatever it takes. The secrets each holds are also carefully bound together, and I can't help but wonder if there are some secrets still unrevealed. I'd love to see more in this universe, but with the Raven King, it all feels complete, and tied up in a bow, so nothing more is needed.

If you like Arthurian stories, young adult coming of age stories, or Tarot cards and psychics, this one is definitely a must-read. I highly recommend it.

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Audio Book Review: Twisted Tales books 3 - 6

 

As Old As Time (Disney Twisted Tales #3) by Liz Braswell, read by James Patrick Cronin

Summary: What if Belle's mother had cursed the Beast?

484 Pages

Rating: B+

Reflection (Disney Twisted Tales #4) by Elizabeth Lim, read by Emily Woo Zeller

Summary: What if Mulan had to travel to the Underworld?

416 Pages

Rating: A-

Part of Your World (Disney Twisted Tales #5) by Liz Braswell, read by Saskia Maarleveld

Summary: What if Ariel had never defeated Ursula?

475 Pages

Rating: C+

Mirror, Mirror (Disney Twisted Tales #6) by Jen Calonita, read by Emily Woo Zeller

Summary: What if the Evil Queen poisoned the prince?

344 Pages

Rating: C+

Fantasy/Romance/Dystopia

Still having fun reading these, although the last two are two of my least favorite so far in the series. But that has more to do with my disagreements about what Disney thinks these books should be vs the original stories these came from. As Old as Time added some wonderful value to the original story, and a great deal more adventure, and Reflection even more. If you love those two Disney movies, I highly recommend them. 

However, if you are a fan of the original stories of the Little Mermaid, and Snow White over the Disney versions, these might be lacking for you. Also, if you have a problem with the plotline of "children saving the universe," these will both grate on your nerves. Part of Your World has some lack of comprehension of things that really annoyed me and dropped the rating a good deal. Mirror Mirror had Snow White blaming herself for the Wicked Queen taking over the kingdom which made no sense when she was literally a CHILD when the woman took over. So... if you think those things might bother you, these are definitely ones to skip.

The positive? These are completely unconnected to each other in any way aside from the Twisted Tales series title. So each can be read in any order, and can be ignored entirely for any reason. For myself, I plan not to read book number seven, which is one of my least favorite Disney films, as well as number eleven, which I also dislike. But it's a great variety of story which don't all even have strong romance elements to them, which makes them especially nice for sharing with the kids, so long as they don't mind a little bit of scary stuff.

Overall? I intend to keep going with this series for as long as they publish, though I will be avoiding certain Disney movies that I dislike. But at least they made that very easy to do.

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Audio Book Review: The Blood Spell by CJ Redwine

 

The Blood Spell (Ravenspire #4) by CJ Redwine, read by Khristine Hvam
Fantasy/Romance/YA
Summary: A dark and romantic epic-fantasy retelling of the Cinderella story, about a girl who must team up with the prince she despises to defeat an evil creature threatening their kingdom. 
438 pages

My Rating: A-

Currently the final book in the Ravenspire series. This came out in 2019, so it's possible there will be more, but I haven't seen anything one way or the other. I'd definitely love to see more, as this world is great fun. I'd love to hear more about the dragon race, and also about the fae people in this world. And there are so many more fairy tales she could cover, so I guess we'll see.

This story is Cinderella, as the summary above says, but it goes well beyond Cinderella. Blue and her Prince, Kellan, are not your usual Cinderella and Prince Charming. And Blue's "stepmother" is something else entirely. 

I love this world, and hope she does more, as I love the darkness she weaves into her stories, and how she uses bits of the fairy tale to influence that world. Whether this is the end or not, I definitely recommend this to anyone who wants fairy tales with a new twist. Redwine does an excellent job of making the stories her own. Definitely a fun series to lose yourself in.

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Dual Book Review: Winter & Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) 
Summary: Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter claim their happily ever afters by defeating Levana once and for all?

827 Pages

Stars Above (The Lunar Chronicles Shorts) narrated by Rebecca Soler  
Summary: The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories—and secrets—that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies? With nine stories—five of which have never before been published—and an excerpt from Marissa Meyer’s novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.
400 Pages

by Marissa Meyer
Sci Fi/Dystopia/Romance

My Rating: B+

With Stars Above, this is the first series I have completed this year. Winter is a massive book, but it's an excellent end to the series, though you don't get the ultimate ending until the short "Stars Above" in the short stories collection. I read Winter, but I listened to the shorts. I probably should have done it the other way around, but they're both lovely if you are already fans of the series. Definitely worth checking out. I like that all the main couples got their happy endings in one or both books. I also quite like the short story of the Little Android, which I had read before, but it means just a little bit more, even though the ending is a little melancholy.

I'm still debating reading Fairest. I think if I'd tried it before reading Winter, I might have managed, but after Levana's ending in Winter, I'm less inclined to read a story about how she was done wrong. We'll see if time changes that opinion. 

Overall, if you haven't read the Lunar Chronicles, give it a try, because it's an excellent weaving of these well-known fairy tales, but giving them all their own new twists. And if you have read Winter, but never picked up Stars Above, trust me, you want to. The final story in the collection gives the ending that Cinder properly deserves.

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Audio Book: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

 

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, read by Frazer Douglas
Fantasy/Mythology/Romance
Summary: Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the kingdom of Phthia to be raised in the shadow of King Peleus and his golden son, Achilles. “The best of all the Greeks”—strong, beautiful, and the child of a goddess—Achilles is everything the shamed Patroclus is not. Yet despite their differences, the boys become steadfast companions.
352 pages

My Rating: B+

I have so much to say about this one. I'm a huge Greek Myth nerd, and given the angle of this story into gay romance, I knew I had to give this a try after enjoying Circe as much as I did. And I plan to check out her other stories once I get my hands on them. However... This is the ultimate origin of the "Kill the Gays" trope. And I knew that going in. But I had hopes that she would find a way to twist it to mitigate the ending. Unfortunately, Miller is a Greek studies scholar. And this story is too well known for her to easily twist it. So... If "kill your gays" is something you avoid, this one unfortunately has to be a pass. Because they both die just as they do in the Illiad. There is a little twist at the very end which I won't give away, but I certainly wouldn't call it a happy ending. 

So now that you are warned, here are my feelings about the story itself. To start off, I was surprised at her choice of telling this story from Patroclus's point of view, given his role in the ending of their story. At the same time, I think it was the right choice. He goes through a much greater story arc than Achilles, who knows himself to be a Great Hero from the very beginning of his life. Unfortunately that means he really has no big change over the story, while Patroclus's story has great arcs in several ways that make his pov far more interesting. In the end, his choices make sense, and at least he keeps up the narration even after his ultimate fate, though I won't tell you what he tells us, so that you can experience that for yourself.

All said, it's a wonderful telling of their tale, as her Circe was for those characters. It was interesting seeing Odysseus in this after seeing him in Circe, and she's very consistent of her characterization of him, and his story. The boys are sweet together, especially during their time training with Chiron, which is my favorite part of the book. I say if you're a fan of greek myth, particularly the Illiad, you will enjoy it. So long as the big warning above doesn't scare you away. Madeline Miller is someone I will definitely be reading more from.

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Audio Book Dual Review: The Forest of Good and Evil #1 & 2

 

The Evil Queen (The Forest of Good and Evil #1) narrated by Caitlin Kelly 
Summary: Far, far away, in the realm of Enchantia, creatures of legend still exist, magic is the norm and fairy tales are real. Except, fairy tales aren’t based on myths and legends of the past—they are prophecies of the future. Raised in the mortal realm, Everly Morrow has no idea she’s a real-life fairy-tale princess—until she manifests an ability to commune with mirrors.

544 Pages

The Glass Queen (The Forest of Good and Evil #2) narrated by Caitlin Kelly 
Summary: Princess Ashleigh Charmaine is known as the Glass Princess, fragile enough to shatter with a whisper of wind. Born with a weak heart, she dreams of being treated like anyone else. Unlike her headstrong sisters, she received no magical ability at birth and lives every day expecting to die. Until an oracle announces that Ashleigh is fated to play the part of Cinderella, wed a handsome royal and save the Kingdom of Sevon from the evil king and queen who once ruled the land.
552 Pages

by Gina Showalter
Fantasy/Romance

My Rating: A-

I do enjoy Gina Showalter's Lords of the Underworld series, so I was curious to see what this was like. These are so good. Highly enjoyable, with characters that pull you in hard. Everly is a spoiled brat who tries to do better, while Ashleigh is a child destroyed by circumstance. Both characters make  you care for their paths, and want to see them get only the best. And when they do... you just want to cheer. 

Yes, looking at the summaries and the names of the main characters might make you roll your eyes, but by the time you've hit Enchantia in the first book, you just don't want to stop. Everly's so much fun. And since she was raised on Earth, she's very American, which is just fun to watch her confuse her Enchantian friends with. Ashleigh is a much softer heroine who grows into her power, and just blooms from it. And their Princes are definitely worth all the things they go through. I will say this falls into the New Adult category more than YA, but it should be okay so long as a little spicy is okay.

I have tried to find out more about this series, because I want so much more, but Glass Queen only came out last year, so there are only hints of what we might get from this series, though I did see one thing saying it was currently listed as a trilogy. Still, I hope it goes much farther than that. There are so many characters in this world that I'd like to see settled and happy. They all deserve their happily ever afters. And their villains all need to be punished.

If you like fairy tales, especially twisted ones, this is a must read. I highly recommend.

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