Author: GoodeyReads

Book Review: Storm Siren (Storm Siren #1) by Mary Weber

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Rating: ☆☆☆ 1/2
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 333 pages
Author: Mary Weber
Publisher: Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins
Release Date: August 19th, 2014
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

“I raise my chin as the buyers stare. Yes. Look. You don’t want me. Because, eventually, accidentally, I will destroy you.”

In a world at war, a slave girl’s lethal curse could become one kingdom’s weapon of salvation. If the curse—and the girl—can be controlled.

As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn’t merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth — meaning, she shouldn’t even exist.

Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.

Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she’s being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons.

But what if she doesn’t want to be the weapon they’ve all been waiting for?

Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, Storm Siren is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win.

CONFUSED BY MY THOUGHTS.

I have left this review sitting around for about a week now because I couldn’t decide if it worse or better than I thought. I will say this book got better the further I got into it, but also, why does someone want to wait 200 pages to enjoy a book?

I appreciated the way Nym and Eogan’s (Wow, I don’t like that name) relationship built. There was a bit of an enemies to lovers piece. I was freaked out there was a love triangle flying in, but NEVER FEAR, it was nothing. The bugger from Nym though was that she could not stop talking about how attractive he was. I hate when this is repetitively added to books. They’re more things to think about Nym!

Speaking of no love triangle, Nym’s’ friendship with Colin was stellar. I was practically more invested in that at times. They were a fun pair to watch and had great banter and chemistry (friendistry).

One thing I could not wrap my head around was how the girl with all the powers (and she really could destroy a place) was the one not destroying all those who sought to control her!? I guess I was looking for a bada** type, but got a lackluster I don’t want to be used as a weapon character. You don’t have to be a weapon Nym, OWN THE ELEMENTAL POWER.

There were rotating villains in here, but Adora was the worst of all (not in a good way). I found her silly outfits laughable and her whole demeanor a farce. The real wickedness didn’t show up til the last few chapters and that’s the leg this series needs to stand on.

I missed all of the world-building and politicking I’m used to reading in fantasy. For instance, there were multiple animals in here and I couldn’t tell you what they actually looked like. Nothing was ever described enough to paint a picture. And all of the politics were behind closed doors where Nym never bothered to listen to. This made a lot of decisions by other characters seem empty.

I will say, there was a solid plot twist or two at the end. Where I even wrote in my notes: HOLY PLOT TWIST BATMAN. Reading like every other YA fantasy book left me begging for from the story. That ending has me debating picking up book two though. I’ll keep you posted.

Overall audience notes:

  • Language: none
  • Romance: a kiss
  • Violence: knives, physical, magical
  • Trigger warnings: slavery

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Top Ten Tuesday: Inspirational/Thought-Provoking Book Quotes

GoodeyReads9 Comments

Howdy y’all! Happy Top Ten Tuesday to all.

Okay, I’m not a reader that writes out a lot of quotes or remembers them for that matter. The way I came up with these quotes today was in all honesty, remembering books I enjoyed. The only book quote I religiously remember is the first one from, A Court of Mist and Fury. The following are quotes I looked up from Goodreads that stood out to me from some of my favorite books.

“There are good days and bad days for me — even now. Don’t let the hard days win.”

– A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOTAR #2) by Sarah J. Maas

“If you give up what you want most for what you think you should want more, you’ll end up miserable.”

– The Hero of Ages (Mistborn #3) by Brandon Sanderson

“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”

– Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

“The dark does not destroy the light; it defines it. It’s our fear of the dark that casts our joy into the shadows.”

– The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown (I’m clearly a big fan of hers)

“Don’t think of introversion as something that needs to be cured.”

– Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

“Each scar marks me as a survivor. A warrior of the wild.”

– Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller

“Unknowing ignorance is preferable to informed stupidity.”

– Warbreaker (Warbreaker #1) by Brandon Sanderson

“You don’t have to be fast. But you’d better be fearless.”

– Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

“We turn memories into stories, and if we don’t, we lose them. If the stories are gone, then the people are gone too.”

– What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon

“But maybe it’s better to go after something, and not get it, than to not even try.”

– The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms #4) by Cinda Williams Chima

And this is only a small portion of the quotes I could have chosen. Isn’t it amazing how words from all of these books we read affect us? Going back and doing this was actually really enlightening. Like remembering dear friends who hold wise words.

Do you like any of these quotes? What is one of your favorite though-provoking quotes?

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Book Review: The Traitor’s Kiss (The Traitor’s Circle #1) by Erin Beaty

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Audience: YA Fantasy/Romance
Length: 344 pages
Author: Erin Beaty
Publisher: Imprint
Release Date: May 9th, 2017
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

An obstinate girl who will not be married. A soldier desperate to prove himself. A kingdom on the brink of war.

With a sharp tongue and an unruly temper, Sage Fowler is not what they’d call a lady―which is perfectly fine with her. Deemed unfit for marriage, Sage is apprenticed to a matchmaker and tasked with wrangling other young ladies to be married off for political alliances. She spies on the girls―and on the soldiers escorting them.

As the girls’ military escort senses a political uprising, Sage is recruited by a handsome soldier to infiltrate the enemy ranks. The more she discovers as a spy, the less certain she becomes about whom to trust―and Sage becomes caught in a dangerous balancing act that will determine the fate of her kingdom.

OKAY. THIS BOOK WAS MADE FOR ME.

Yes, I firmly believe this book was written for me, so if by the end of this review you aren’t feeling it. THAT’S COOL. I’LL BE FINE (but seriously if it’s up your alley you should read it and gush with me).

This is a love story with other components surrounding it. Definitely reminded me of The Remnant Chronicles by Mary Pearson (which I absolutely adore). The plot flowed from action, to new locations, to one heck of an epic battle scene at the end. EPIC.

My angst filled romance between the two main characters WAS EVERYTHING. This didn’t start out as enemies to lovers. It was more who are you to lovers. BUT NEVER FEAR. There was banter, some hate vibes (which created the angst I previously mentioned) and plenty of sweet, precious moments.

My dearest Sage. Girl is stubborn, rash, strong-willed, and independent. I love that she hung with the men and wanted to DO something rather than sit on the sidelines. Even better, our lovely military escort allowed her too. NO HOLDING HER BACK. What I appreciated most was when she found out some information (that of course, as a reader, I already knew) that she responded in a matter that made sense. Sage was angry, yes, but also was able to listen and understand why things were done in such a way. It made me love her character even more.

Don’t even get me started on our male POV — yes keeping his name out. It’s more fun this way, TRUST ME. Y’all he was so swoon-worthy. He’s a new addition to my ever growing book boyfriend list. His final battle scene had me cheering. YOU TAKE DOWN THE DUKE. I loved getting to know him on many levels and watching this love story grow.

There was even one part that brought tears to my eyes. I wasn’t prepared and didn’t think it would happen. I appreciate this in authors though because sometimes, crap has to happen. And that’s okay, even if it pulls at all my heart strings.

Funny tidbit: the opening scenes are straight out of Mulan (the matchmaker scene). Not sure if it was actually inspired by that, but it brought Mulan to mind and I thought it was humorous.

Overall audience notes:

  • Young adult fantasy + romance
  • Language: very little
  • Romance: a few kisses, and make-outs
  • Violence: Knives, poison, physical, arrows, battle scenes (+gore), mentions of torture
  • Trigger warnings: suicide (a random soldier in front of male POV), domestic abuse + miscarriage (mentioned that it occurred to a character not in book), sexual assault (unwanted grab of backside & kiss to female POV)

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Book Tag Saturday: The Currently Reading Tag

GoodeyReads7 Comments

I’ve seen this tag floating around, but not sure who created it initially. If you happen to know I’d love to credit that blog!

For real though, I am SO SORRY to be slacking on my Saturday tags. Wow, I noticed I haven’t posted any for 3+ weeks. It’s been a rough time in our household. I have depression that gets really bad every few months and with my leg injury + getting sick I have run myself into the ground.

Positive note though is that I have some new options for treatment. Hopefully getting a different blood test and seeing a specialist (we’re pretty sure it’s no longer just a stress fracture in both legs). Anywho, here’s the answers to this tag!

How Many Books Do You Usually Read At Once?

Two to three. It depends on what I’m reading, but I DO keep it to only one per device. So I’ll have an audiobook, a physical book, and a digital book going at one time generally (or audio + e-book OR physical). That way I can keep things straight.

How Do You Decide When To Switch Between Multiple Reads?

When I finish it? I rarely stop reading and pick up a different book. I either finish or DNF before I move on. If I’m involved in a book I don’t want to switch.

Do You Ever Switch Bookmarks Partway Through A Book?

WHAT IS THAT MADNESS? NO.

I have one bookmark. It’s a dinosaur holographic one from good ol’ Hastings (RIP). I’ve had it for a few years, and I hope to always have it.

Where Do You Keep the Book(s) You’re Currently Reading?

Wherever I am. No really, sitting on the couch? My book is underneath (hiding it from toddler). Riding in car? It’s in my lap/purse. I can’t help it. My husband calls them my comfort items. He gets me y’all.

What Time Of Day Do You Read The Most?

Before bed. Baby bedtime is at 7 PM. I usually work on my blog til 9 or so then read until 12 PM. Then I’ll get up before she wakes to read some more. It’s too complicated reading with her awake right now (which is fine! It’s a season of life). I like to make sure she’s getting the attention and communication she needs.

How Long Do You Typically Read In One Session?

1-3 hours. I take breaks every 2 chapters though. Either to scroll through Instagram or get up for a snack, drink, bathroom break, etc.

Do You Read Hardbacks With the Dust Jacket Off?

Do you read with them on?

Do you not fear damaging those beautiful jackets!?

The answer is yes, I take it off before even opening the book.

What Position Do You Mainly Use To Read?

I sit in our chair (with ottoman) most often. Other times I read on my side.

Do You Take Your Current Read With You Everywhere You Go?

I mentioned this in a previous question, but yes. It’s my comfort item. I like to make sure I have a book anywhere I go.

How often Do You Update Your Goodreads Reading Progress?

I update regularly when I start/finish reading a book. I don’t take the time to update my progress as I read though. I think it’s tedious and unnecessary. I want to see book reviews, not random babble as you finish the book so I don’t post mine either haha.

Keeping it simple this week and doing a short tag and not tagging anyone. Trying to get back into a groove so feel free to do this one and tag your answers in it!

What are some of your bookish habits? Lets talk in the comments!

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