Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Audience: YA+, no language, some intense-ish make-outs, violence super minimal
Length: 416 pages
Author: Stephanie Garber
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Release Date: May 29th, 2018
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

LEGEN…wait for it…DARY!

Oh my goodness, this book truly had me from the first page. I was drawn in and taken on such an adventure I never wanted to end!

Seriously, I spent the entire book shouting: WHO IS LEGEND? Garber made my head spin in so many circles til it finally made sense. It was such inventive writing that kept me on the edge. Tella, Dante, Legend, and Jacks were amazing characters. Each was unique and you could feel their voices coming through as you read.

Also, ladies, don’t want ALL of those dresses?! Their descriptions had me drooling for a ball where I could have Jacks create me a dress. The world itself sounded straight out of my dreams as well. The descriptions had me craving to be there and enjoy the balls, and all that Carval has to offer.

Dante stole my heart. The tangle of him and Tella left me wanting more, more, more. The witty banter had me giving all the heart eyes. Their story was perfectly woven within the magic of Caraval.

No language, some make-outs, nothing too crazy. Violence super minimal, barely there status.

But remember, it’s only a game.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Flatiron Books for the digital ARC! Publication date and length are subject to change before publishing.

 

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Audience: YA+, a few love scenes, some language, definitely some gun slinging
Length: 448 pages
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publisher: Harper Collins
Release Date: March 6th, 2018
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

#WARNER

OKAY WHAT JUST HAPPENED.

*tries to gather self*

Uh, first off. WARNER JUST WANTS TO BE LOVED. Is that so hard everyone? Why can’t he have the things that he loves? Why the will they / won’t they? WHY. I mean, I get it, it’s the start of the ‘second half’ of the series, so ya gotta up the ante. I will sit here until I get the next book though because Mafi BETTER NOT LET ME DOWN.

Okay, after that caps parade, this book was great! I was super nervous when I heard that she was adding on more to the original trilogy, but this one rose above. It had all of the twists and turns that make for a wondrous novel. It had everything the first group did. So many emotions were put in, and I loved feeling for all of the characters. The emotions were raw. They were powerful. And I could barely handle it half the time.

When I figured out where Mafi was taking us, I was flabbergasted. That is such an amazing twist. I have no idea where the roller coaster will take us next, but I am buckled in for the rid.

Definitely some language. There were a few love scenes. I’d call them PG-14+. Nothing too descriptive. You did truly get the love between characters though. I always applaud an author who can convey that kind of emotion without it being raunchy. Minor violence compared to the battles from the previous books.

 

Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: YA, no language, a love scene, plenty of gore
Length: 352 pages
Author: Adrienne Young
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Release Date: April 24th, 2018
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

WE ARE FAMILY.

…got all my sisters [and brother] with me!

This book was so good! The Vikings essence of it was what originally drew me to this book and it didn’t disappoint. It was the first one I’ve happened to come across about Vikings that was written beautifully.

There was a big focus on blood and family being first. Eeyln dealing with her brother’s betrayal forces her to see the big picture. Does her hate for the Riki really outweigh the fact her brother is alive?

The fact that it isn’t a ‘love at first sight’ kind of concept was FANTASTIC. I love bitter angst between characters before they come together. And a well written [tasteful] love scene…*SWOON*.

Eeyln’s character really evolves through the book. She loses herself and finds that fire within her to gain it back as the final battle descends. Fiske, Inge, Halvard and every Iri help her gain what she’s been missing. Her family and peace.

No language, some kissing and one love scene [written appropriately for younger audiences]. Clearly, lots of throat slashing, arrows hitting their mark, and sword stabbing, because Vikings.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher, Wednesday Books, for the digital ARC!

 

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Audience: YA+, [redacted] language, some kissing, shooting & explosions galore
Length: 615 pages
Author: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Release Date: March 13th, 2018
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

SO GOOD. SO GOOD.

I have too many feelings going on right now. I LOVE THESE BOOKS. This series was so unique, so mind-blowing, and so very very good.

These books are crafted so cleverly. The time it must’ve taken to decide what should go on each page (video footage, artwork, notes, explosions, etc.)?! Can’t even fathom, can’t even deal.

You are taken on a roller coaster of emotions never knowing who died, who actually died, and which part of the universe is still around. The love between characters is great and the group dynamics are amazing. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses that add to the collective story.

Also, totally feel this is how all of BeiTech feels about the situation muwhaha.

It’s really nice to see authors collaborate and create great reads that you just can’t put down.

There is quite a bit of language, but it’s all redacted [to explain: the story is presented as a file to go over what happened previously so they ‘blacked-out’ the language], but you definitely know what they meant to say haha. Plenty of guns going off, and ships exploding. Some kisses here and there, but clean.