Review: The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner

April 10, 2018 GoodeyReads1 Comment

Rating: ☆☆☆
Audience: Teen+, very little language, a kiss or two, some violence
Length: 362 pages
Author: Megan Whalen Turner
Publisher: Eos
Release Date: April 26th, 2000
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

THE STRUGGLE IS STILL REAL.

I am continually at odds with this series. Maybe it just isn’t my cup of tea?

I once again had a rough time getting through this and flitted over drawn out scene narrations to get to the actual conversation and plot of the story. THAT part I did enjoy. There is some intrigue to the true story that I like, but the rest can be taxing.

The narration is also unique to me as it hops continually from one person to the next as if I’m watching from afar. I’ve gotten used to having a single person narration that I had to focus and make sure who’s mind I was inside of at the time.

While I love Eugenides, and think he’s sassy and clever, his plot ‘twist’ was so out of place!? There wasn’t enough back story for his reasoning and it all felt forced. I’m hoping in the third book this is resolved.

All in all, not a bad book, really. I personally had some issues with it, but don’t let that hold you back! I’m still going to get to The King of Attolia to see what Eugenides schemes up next.

Very very little language, no love scenes, and minimal violence.

Review: Blood and Sand (Blood and Sand #1) by C.V. Wyk

April 5, 2018 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Audience: YA+, a little language, some kissing and a love scene, gore
Length: 320 pages
Author: C.V. Wyk
Publisher: Tor Teen
Release Date: January 18th, 2018
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

WE ARE…THRACE!

Oh goodness, I love historical YA fantasy mash-ups. This was one of those books I couldn’t put down.

First of all, bad-a, sword wielding, warrior princesses are my jam. Attia kicked butt and took names, never forgetting who she was and what she was fighting for.

With the help of Xanthus, Attia was able to maintain her cool and enjoy a blossoming friendship after watching her kingdom fall to Rome.

XANTHUS. Oh, I love him. The poor soul who never wanted his position and did what he could to be a friend. He had to prove to himself life was worth living and it made my heart ache every time he wanted to give in.

The turns Wyk throws in there, BREAK YOUR HEART. Fair warning, you’ll yell at the sky and mark your calendar for the release of the next book. I haven’t accepted this novels fate and won’t. Praying these are resolved soon.

Some language, a few kisses that lead to a love scene. Barely counts as one, so appropriate for younger audiences. Since Romans and all there’s definitely unnecessary blood shed, but who doesn’t love a good battle?

Review: Hunted by Meagan Spooner

April 5, 2018 GoodeyReads1 Comment

Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Teen+, no language, a kiss, some animals hunted
Length: 384 pages
Author: Meagan Spooner
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: March 14th, 2017
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

TALE AS OLD AS TIME?

For a retelling I enjoyed this. Truly reminiscent of Beauty & the Beast with a twist, of course.

Yeva (Beauty) heads after her Father when he disappears from his hunting trip. Once finding him she is taken in by the Beast who needs her to find his query so he can be free.

What was nice in this version is that Yeva is more self-sufficient. She can hunt and take care of herself in the woods. Very different from the Disney princess version.

The Beast chapters increasingly made me sad because HE JUST WANTED TO BE FREE. And Yeva grasped that a bit late, but it wouldn’t be a love story otherwise, right?

Overall, I was entertained. It was simple and understated, but a solid retelling nonetheless.

No language, and no love scenes. Yeva gets tossed about a bit, but violence is minimal (unless you’re a rabbit).

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

April 3, 2018 GoodeyReads6 Comments

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Audience: New adult, some language, very adult love scenes, some violence
Length: 626 pages
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: May 3rd, 2016
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

CAN’T STOP. WON’T STOP.

I truly read this book (now I also add ACOWAR after) multiple times a year. It is my go to book when I’m in a slump, when I want to relive the romance, when I want to be reminded what I love about reading.

This book conveys every emotion under the sun, and you really understand the pain, love, and hope that flows through each character.

The slow burn of the romance between Feyre & Rhysand is amazing. It’s so far from insta-love that you actually have time to love each character separately, then who they become as a team.

The other members of the Night Court round out the perfect troupe. Each one has a unique voice that makes you laugh, cry, and cheer right along side of them.

Beautiful worlds, with lots of magic create a sight in your mind like no other. The fight scenes are crafted well without being too long and hard to follow. The love scenes are explicit, but loving all at the same time. Pacing flows smoothly from one scenario to the next weaving plot lines to a climax, then speeding to a conclusion that leaves you on the edge of your seat.

Love. love. LOVE these books.