Series review | Rae Carson – Fire and thorns.

I have reviewed the first two books before, which you can find here: Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns and Review: The Crown of Embers. I also reviewed the novella in this series: Review The Shadow Cats. That novella is now part of a published book called The Girl of Fire and Thorns short stories. This book includes a story about Elisa's sister, A HECTOR story and one about Mara. I recommend it if you are firm fan of the series, but it is not necessarily for the overall story.

Before I finished the series with the conclusion, The Bitter Kingdom, I reread the first two books. Since this is one of my favorite series, I thought it might be a good idea to highlight it by doing a series review.

This review is spoiler-free! I will only point out all the things I love, without going into details.


The first thing what makes this series so good is the magical writing-style from Carson. It reads so fast and it always makes you want to read more, more, more! She uses enough details to create a wonderful world and interesting characters without information-dumps. I was completely sucked into the story and I had no problems imagining I was there. The pacing is very nice. It’s consistent and there is never a boring moment in this fantastic plot.

The second thing is the emotional rollercoaster. This book takes you from happiness down to the bottom of disaster. I’ve laughed and cried together with Elisa and her friends. I’ve felt triumph and sadness. I felt so connected to the characters and their faith, that I was able to feel all their emotions. It’s one hell of a ride! Be prepared for all the feelings, because there are heart-breaking scenes and moments with a lot of action and tension. There are also touches of romance that made me swoon.

The third thing I want to mention are the characters. We see Elisa develop from someone who isn’t happy with herself to someone who embraces her personality and power. She transforms from the over-weighed, shy girl into a leader with clever decision. I absolutely love Elisa. The only thing that could have been improved is that I would have loved to see her self-image change, instead of her weight. Despite that, I found Elisa strong in her own way and intelligent. Her flaws are her strength and it’s not strange that people are willing to die for her.

No review is complete without mentioning Hector and Humberto. I’m not going to say anything more about them, but you definitely want to meet these guys! There are also more secondary characters, all with distinctive voices and roles. I especially liked Mara, Tristan and Storm. Storm is sarcastic and never afraid to speak his minds, which ends up with blunt and harsh (but honest) words.

The last thing, and that is always important for me, the quality of the story is amazing. There is a build-up in the first two books and it explodes and delivers in the last book. The plot continues to be interesting in every book; there is no second-book-syndrome. It also ends like I wish all books/series ends: everything tied together, satisfying. No anti-climax or disappointing conclusion here!

If you love High-fantasy, strong and interesting characters and a fantastic plot, this is a series you have to read!

Let it go | A mix of different books.

Sarah Strohmeyer – This is my brain on boys.
1.5/5. Contemporary.
eARC from Edelweiss/publisher.

It went from: OH this is really fun and I love Addie! Girls as scientists are my thing! She is such a smart cookie and I love her experiment. To: oh.. This is exactly not good. Addie was a little too serious for my taste. She was a bit like Sheldon in that way and it did not work on the paper for me. Like the scene where someone told her someone 'fell from the face of the earth' and she tells him without blinking that 'the earth does not have a face.'

No shit, Sherlock.

I also did not appreciate how Kris treated his (ex)-girlfriend Kara. He should have stepped it up and simply told her it was over. Instead, he keeps dragging it around and while I did not like the girl at all, I could understood her accusation.

The whole experiment was lots of fun. Addie has this theory that you an make two people who have nothing in common, fall in love when they are in an intense situation. Kris has to make up for something, so now he is part of the experiment (without knowing what is going on) and Addie decides to at some point to make herself a subject too. From the point of view of a scientist, this is something you should NEVER EVER do, because it influences the way you look at the experiment. Being objective is the most important part, so I did not buy this.

I liked Addie's spark with Kris, but things could have been more polished to make this work better for me.

Elizabeth May – The vanishing throne.
4.5/5. Paranormal.
 
I was blown away by The falconer the first time AND second time. May has written a series that ticks off all the elements I look for: a kick-ass heroin, action, fast-paced plot, amazing writing-style and swoonworthy romance. We learn more about Kieran in this book, someone who stayed quite mysterious in The falconer. Aileana is in a pretty messed-up situation and she is such a brave, strong girl. The ending was brutal, just like The falconer, and it makes me want to pick up the sequel right now. It was a brave move from the author, because it could have turned into the worst twist ever, but it worked really well with the story.

V.E Schwab – A gathering of shadows.
ALL THE STARS. 
Fantasy.
 
Schwab is a genius. I don't think I will ever dislike anything she writes, because she is a magician with words. I reread A darker shade of magic and I think I fell in love with it even more. The intriquite world-building, the spectacular characters and the well-crafted villians, I love everything about it. I have lost my heart to Lila, who is now sailing the seas, and Kell, who feels locked up. READ THIS SERIES. I could not find the right words to express my love for this series, so you just have to pick it up and see for yourself.

Review 249. Leigh Bardugo – Six of crows.

Title: Six of crows.
Author: Leigh Bardugo.
Pages: 465
Published: September 29th 2015 by Henry Holt and Co.
Sort: Part one of Six of crows.
Review Shadow and Bone.
Review Siege and Storm.
Review Ruin and Rising.

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...
A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith.
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.
Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first.

Rating:

This book is set in the same world as the Grisha trilogy. This could have turned out as a lazy way to skip all the word-building, but Leigh brings amazing new details to her world and perfectioned it. This book actually makes me want to reread the Grisha trilogy again. I was a big fan of Shadow and Bone, loved Siege and Storm, but was disappointed by Ruin and Rising. She made me fall in love with her world all over again and it was great to find out that Six of Crows is set in The Netherlands! 

This is definitely my favorite work by Leigh so far, because it has everything I was looking for. This is one of those books that I will reread often.

Review 244. Renee Ahdieh - The wrath and the Dawn.

Title: The wrath and the dawn.
Author: Renée Ahdieh.
Pages: 388.
Published: May 12th 2015 by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Sort: Part 1 of the duology The wrath and the dawn.

One Life to One Dawn.
In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all. Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected begins to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she'd imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It's an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid's life as retribution for the many lives he's stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets?

Rating:

The wrath an the dawn is inspired by A thousand and one nights and it is all I could have wished for. I fell in love with both characters, their chemistry and the true reason behind the sacrifices Khalid makes. The ending definitely leaves you hanging and wanting for more. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year and I am so happy this is a hyped book that truly lived up to my expectations.

Review 225. Sarah J. Maas – A court of thorns and roses.

Title:  A court of thorns and roses.
Author: Sarah J. Maas.
Pages: 432.
Published: May 5th 2015 by Bloomsbury Children's
Sort: A court of thorns and roses #1.
Source: I got to borrow the ARC from Judith. THANK YOU.

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world. As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Rating:

This book is steamy, I’m not kidding. The chemistry sparks right from the pages and we get some sexy times that made me swoon. How often do you hear me say that? Let me tell you: I hardly say it, but only master Sarah can make me feel that. It’s also not hard when you keep imagining Richard Armitage as Tamlin (and other hot actors I picked for my movie cast).

Review 298. Robin LaFevers – Mortal heart.

Title: Mortal Heart.
Author: Robin LaFevers.
Pages: 480.
Published: November 4th 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Sort: His fair assassin #1.
Review 1. Grave Mercy.
Review 2. Dark Triumph.
Source: My blogging friend Christina reads YA let me borrow her copy. THANK YOU! <3

Annith has watched her gifted sisters at the convent come and go, carrying out their dark dealings in the name of St. Mortain, patiently awaiting her own turn to serve Death. But her worst fears are realized when she discovers she is being groomed by the abbess as a Seeress, to be forever sequestered in the rock and stone womb of the convent. Feeling sorely betrayed, Annith decides to strike out on her own. She has spent her whole life training to be an assassin. Just because the convent has changed its mind doesn't mean she has. But across Brittany, the tides of war are drawing ever nearer, with France pressuring the beleaguered duchess from all sides. Annith’s search for answers threatens to rip open an intricate web of lies and deceit that sit at the heart of the convent she serves. Yet to expose them threatens the very fabric of her existence and risks an unforeseen chance at love, one that she can no longer deny. Annith must carefully pick a path and, gods willing, effect a miracle that will see her country—and her heart—to safety.

Rating:

I am speechless. The best feeling in the world: when one of your most anticipated books of the year exceeds your expectations. Robin did it again and this series holds it's rightful place on my favorite list of all time. I must admit that I wasn’t blown away in the beginning, but that changed soon. While Sybella will always be my favorite, I really liked Annith. So now I'm extremely happy and sad, because it was amazing and I don't want it to be over!

This review is spoiler free for the entire series and book, but if you still want to be careful I will give you one sentence to describe it: This series is the perfect blend of sweet romance, kick-ass yet flawed females, action and history. I know I can’t do this book justice with my words, but I will try.

Review 269. A.C Gaughen – Lady thief.

Title: Lady thief.
Author: A.C Gaughen.
Pages: 304.
Published: February 11th 2014 by Walker Childrens.
Sort: Scarlet #1.
Part 1. Scarlet.
Source: I won a copy from Christina - A reader of fictions.

Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again.

Rating:

This book destroyed me. She stomped on my heart and completely shattered me. It contains all the feelings and this is a book where the inside is just as pretty as the outside.  I do need to warn you for spoilers if you haven’t read Scarlet or the blurb for Lady Thief. I know some of you guys don’t read blurbs. If you did, it’s okay to read this review :)

Review 230. Rosamund Hodge – Cruel beauty.

Title: Cruel Beauty.
Author: Rosamund Hodge.
Pages: 352.
Expected publication: January 28th 2014 by Balzer & Bray
Sort: Stand-alone.
Source: ARC from Publisher for a honest review.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him. With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people. But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her. As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

Rating:

Like you all might know by now, Beauty and the beast is my favorite fairytale, so I was excited and scared for this book at the same time. There was no need for this, because it not only lived up to my expectations - it exceeded it. The first and most important thing I need to say is: I personally LOVED this book, but I don’t think this will work for everyone. It was a magical journey through a complex and interesting mix of fairytales and mythology for me, but I don't think everyone will feel that way.

I had a lot of trouble trying to write a coherent review to convey my love for this book and I hope it works.

Review 214. Robin LaFevers - Dark Triumph.

Title: Dark Triumph.
Author: Robin LaFevers.
Pages: 385.
Published:  April 2nd 2013 by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Sort: Part 2 of ‘His fair assassin’
Part one: Grave Mercy.

Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. The convent views Sybella, naturally skilled in the arts of both death and seduction, as one of their most dangerous weapons. But those assassin's skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?

Rating: 

This book gave me a huge case of fangirling, because damn, this book is perfection. I was blown away by Grave Mercy, so it seemed impossible to top that – not. LaFevers created another brilliant story which comes together with Ismae and Duval *swoon* I can only imagine how good part three is going to be. I recently found out that this book is partly based on Beauty and the beast, so perhaps it's not a coincidence I love it so much.

Review 207. Sarah J. Maas – Crown of midnight.

Title: Crown of midnight.
Author: Sarah J. Maas.
Pages: 432.
Published: August 15th 2013 by Bloomsbury Childrens
Sort: Part two of ‘Throne of glass.’
Review part 1: Throne of glass.

Eighteen-year-old Celaena Sardothien is bold, daring and beautiful – the perfect seductress and the greatest assassin her world has ever known. But though she won the King’s contest and became his champion, Celaena has been granted neither her liberty nor the freedom to follow her heart. The slavery of the suffocating salt mines of Endovier that scarred her past is nothing compared to a life bound to her darkest enemy, a king whose rule is so dark and evil it is near impossible to defy. Celaena faces a choice that is tearing her heart to pieces: kill in cold blood for a man she hates, or risk sentencing those she loves to death. Celaena must decide what she will fight for: survival, love or the future of a kingdom. Because an assassin cannot have it all . . . And trying to may just destroy her.

Rating: 

You need this book in your life. If you haven’t read Throne of glass yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? I recently reviewed the novella's for this series and I recommend reading these first to get to know Celaena. Throne of glass rocks and this is by far one of my favorite sequels. This book blew me away. With all the unexpected twists, heart-breaking scenes and awesome characters, this book earns his place in my all time favorite list. I’m going to keep this review non-spoilery if you haven't read any book, because I want to persuade you to read this series. It’s perfection.

Review 196. Leigh Bardugo - Siege and storm.

Title: Siege and storm.
Author: Leigh Bardugo.
Pages: 435.
Published:  June 4th 2013 by Henry Holt and Co.
Sort: Part two of The Geisha.
Part one: Shadow and bone.

Darkness never dies.
Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long. The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

Rating:

This book is amazing. Excuse me for fangirling, but it has been a while since I’ve read such a fantastic YA fantasy series. There is absolutely nothing to criticize and I highly recommend this. I tried to read this book as slowly as possible, because I didn’t want it to end. It was hard.

Review 185. Juliet Marillier – Heart’s blood.

Title: Heart’s blood.
Author: Juliet Marillier.
Pages: 405.
Published: October 2nd 2009
Publisher: Tor.
Sort: Part one of ‘Whistling Tor.’
THIS IS A REREAD.

Whistling Tor is a place of secrets and mystery. Surrounded by a wooded hill, and unknown presences, the crumbling fortress is owned by a chieftain whose name is spoken throughout the district in tones of revulsion and bitterness. A curse lies over Anluan's family and his people; those woods hold a perilous force whose every whisper threatens doom. For young scribe Caitrin it is a safe haven. This place where nobody else is prepared to go seems exactly what she needs, for Caitrin is fleeing her own demons. As Caitrin comes to know Anluan and his home in more depth she realizes that it is only through her love and determination that the curse can be broken and Anluan and his people set free.

Rating:

This book is a loose retelling of Beauty and the beast and she manages to capture the sphere perfectly. As you might now, Beauty and the beast is my favorite fairytale and she does it justice. The characters are flawed, but have great characteristic features and you have to root for them. I liked the plot, the pacing and the world-building. This book is a re-read for me, but it’s just as good as the first time. It deserves it’s 5+ rating without any doubt and I highly recommend this book (or any of her other work) I’m so happy that I finally can review this book, so more people might pick up this wonderful piece of work!

Review 179. Juliet Marillier – Wildwood dancing.

Title: Wildwood dancing.
Author: Juliet Marillier.
Pages: 407.
Published: January 23rd 2007.
Publisher: Knopf
Sort: Part one of ‘Wildwood.’
THIS IS A REREAD.

High in the Transylvanian woods, at the castle Piscul Draculi, live five daughters and their doting father. It's an idyllic life for Jena, the second eldest, who spends her time exploring the mysterious forest with her constant companion, a most unusual frog. But best by far is the castle's hidden portal, known only to the sisters. Every Full Moon, they alone can pass through it into the enchanted world of the Other Kingdom. There they dance through the night with the fey creatures of this magical realm. But their peace is shattered when Father falls ill and must go to the southern parts to recover, for that is when cousin Cezar arrives. Though he's there to help the girls survive the brutal winter, Jena suspects he has darker motives in store. Meanwhile, Jena's sister has fallen in love with a dangerous creature of the Other Kingdom--an impossible union it's up to Jena to stop. When Cezar's grip of power begins to tighten, at stake is everything Jena loves: her home, her family, and the Other Kingdom she has come to cherish. To save her world, Jena will be tested in ways she can't imagine--tests of trust, strength, and true love.

                                                                      Rating: 

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Juliet Marillier. Books you love are always the hardest to review. How can I describe the magical writing-style, the great fairytale feeling and the amazing characters in just a few words? This is something you have to explore yourself. If someone asks me who my favorite author is, Juliet Marillier is definitely a name I would think of. I’ve read most of her books and I absolutely adore this one, Heart’s blood (will re-read this one soon) and The seven waters series (which I hope to review once) This is the third time I return to this book and it was, again, a great experience. That is why I love re-reading so much. It’s like wrapping yourself in your favorite blanket.

Review 16. A.C Gaughen – Scarlet.

Title: Scarlet.
Author: A.C Gaughen.
Pages: 292.
Published: June 7th 2012 by Bloomsbury Childrens Books
Sort: Scarlet #1.
THIS IS A REREAD.

Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance. Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in. It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.

Rating:

This book is a re-read for me, since it was our book club pick for this month. I recently won a copy of Scarlet and I’ll be getting Lady Thief soon, so it was a perfect timing! I’m very happy to rediscover this book and my love for it. Not to mention the fact that I’m ashamed for my previous review, so I’m more than happy to write another one.

Review 159. Rae Carson – The crown of Embers.

Title: The crown of Embers.
Author: Rae Carson.
Pages: 410.
Published: September 18th 2012.
Publisher: Greenwillow Books.
Sort: Part two of ‘Fire and Thorns.’
Part 1: The girl of fire and thorns.
Part 0.5: The shadow cats.

Elisa is the hero of her country. She led her people to victory against a terrifying enemy, and now she is their queen. But she is only seventeen years old. Her rivals may have simply retreated, choosing stealth over battle. And no one within her court trusts her-except Hector, the commander of the royal guard, and her companions. As the country begins to crumble beneath her and her enemies emerge from the shadows, Elisa will take another journey. With a one-eyed warrior, a loyal friend, an enemy defector, and the man she is falling in love with, Elisa crosses the ocean in search of the perilous, uncharted, and mythical source of the Godstone's power. That is not all she finds.

Rating:

There is something magical about Carson’s writing-style. I absolutely loved The girl of fire and thorns and I also liked The shadow cats, so I had high expectations for this book. And boy, did it deliver! From the moment I started to read this book, I was hooked. There is something about Carson’s world-building and characters that works for me. From now on, I will buy everything Rae Carson writes, because I’m in love with her writing-style. This review contains no spoilers for The girl of fire and thorns.

Review 141. Leigh Bardugo – Shadow and bone.

Title: Shadow and bone.
Author: Leigh Bardugo.
Pages: 358.
Published: June 5th 2012.
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Sort: Part one of ‘The Grisha’
Source: Won in a giveaway.

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee. Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart.

Rating:

First impression: WOW. Why did I wait so long? From the first chapter I was hooked to this exciting story. This book also features one of my favorite things: a map! If you haven’t read this book, please, do yourself a favour and get a copy! Because this is AMAZING.