Bookstagram

Rating: ☆☆☆ 1/2
Audience: Young adult fantasy
Length: 496 pages
Author: Katy Rose Pool
Publisher: Henry Holt
Release Date: September 3rd, 2019
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The Age of Darkness approaches.
Five lives stand in its way.
Who will stop it… or unleash it?

For generations, the Seven Prophets guided humanity. Using their visions of the future, they ended wars and united nations―until the day, one hundred years ago, when the Prophets disappeared.

All they left behind was one final, secret prophecy, foretelling an Age of Darkness and the birth of a new Prophet who could be the world’s salvation . . . or the cause of its destruction. As chaos takes hold, five souls are set on a collision course:

A prince exiled from his kingdom.
A ruthless killer known as the Pale Hand.
A once-faithful leader torn between his duty and his heart.
A reckless gambler with the power to find anything or anyone.
And a dying girl on the verge of giving up.

One of them―or all of them―could break the world. Will they be savior or destroyer?

A WEE BIT TYPICAL.

I have had this on my 2019 list for awhile. Really excited about it. I love multiple POV group books (like The Gilded Wolves, Six of Crows, Aurora Rising, etc.). There’s something magical about having so many thoughts and characters come together that make for a fun read. This was good overall I’d say.

My glaring issues was the amount of typical YA fantasy book related things. It didn’t feel new. I can’t put my finger on the exact time or place in the book other than a general feeling of eh, haven’t I read this before? Don’t get me wrong, I was still entertained and found it an easy read.

I appreciated that the world-building was simple to follow. I understood the politics and dynamics of everything surrounding these characters. I knew what the villain’s goals were, how everyone wanted to accomplish their own goals, how the magic system worked. It was nice not to feel like I was staring at a wall of chaos trying to understand the premise.

Weird tidbit, I’m not sure I liked any of the point-of-view characters? They were all kind of hard to love. A few of them were consistently making poor choices and running away from problems that only caused more issues which had me entirely frustrated. If I had to choose anyone I was enjoying it would probably be Jude. Bless his heart, he’s going to have a rough second book though. I wish I could connect to everyone on a deeper level. This goes for their relationships too. Lots of budding pairings, yet nothing felt REAL. It was all happening too fast in a series. We have time, let’s develop these bonds first.

I have the second book on my TBR and have plans to read it. Whether or not I found this book OUTSTANDING, I am curious what twists will come my way next. There were plenty of side characters that kept me on my toes (much obliged for that). I liked constantly thinking to myself, are they good? are they bad? what’s the truth?!. It made for fast page flipping to get to the bottom of it all.

Overall audience notes:

Young adult fantasy, multi-POV
Language: very little
Romance: a few kisses
Violence: skirmishes, fire, torture (by water/drowning, fire), physical

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Top 10 Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Discoveries I Made In 2019

January 14, 2020January 30, 2020 GoodeyReads

Happy Top Ten Tuesday!

I found this topic to be a bit tricky y’all. I started most of my bookish things last year, yet I ran a blank trying to come up with ideas! At last I had a few breakthroughs, and they’re below.

Y’all. Where has this been all my life? I’ve dabbled in Bookstagram before but had to stop my account when we decided to move states and life got really busy. Now that things have settled I really dove into it this year and have loved getting to know others and adding so many wonderful recommendations to my TBR.

Author: Elise Kova

Uh, guys. FIND THOSE SMALLER AUTHORS AND READ THEIR BOOKS TOO. Because you might stumble upon some amazing books that capture your soul and make you shout for joy. I LOVED this series and it’s now one of my favorite ever. Highly recommend and I can’t wait to read more of her books (she’s on Kindle unlimited if you have that!).

Digital Library

Oh wow, technology is amazing. I LOVE apps like Overdrive, and my personal favorite, Libby. The ease of which have made my life so much easier. While I will also love holding a book more, there’s something that can be said for always having a book in hand (with a phone).

Genre: Contemporary Romance

I never read much (if any) contemporary romances because I thought they all had too much steam for what I personally prefer. I am here to say I was so wrong on this sentiment. I love how broad this category is and that is has a story line (and steam level) for everyone. I read so many last year and am definitely continuing that trend this year.

The Functionality of Audiobooks

I wouldn’t say I was against audio books, but I couldn’t see how I could fit them into my life to make sense. Once again, the power of bookstagram has shown me the error of my ways. I LOVE AUDIO BOOKS. I have an audible account and regularly download them from my library. Seriously wonderful. I read in the car, while doing chores, and many other tasks now.

Kindle

I got a Kindle Fire for Christmas at the end of 2018 without much of an idea as to how I was going to use it: enter Bookstagram, digital libraries, Audible, and more. I now might read on my kindle more than picking up books at the moment. My life is busy and the convenience of this small device has convinced me it was worth the purchase.

Netgalley

I love love love that this source is available to readers/bloggers/bookstagrammers. As someone with a smaller following, but a dedication to reading and reviewing promptly it’s been nice to have an opportunity for e-ARCs. I always thought this was out of the realm of possibility for me.

Product: Book Sleeves

WHAT IS THIS MAGIC. I adored these from afar, but hadn’t thought it was a necessary staple in my life. Then I saw a sale for a Feyre x Rhysand one that I could NOT pass up. And now…I’m hooked. Yes, I still only have the one and have plans to get another one this year. They’re so pretty! And honestly do keep books cleaner and safe in a purse/diaper bag/backpack and more.

Christmas Books

This past year I took December to really dive into Christmas books and I LOVED IT. There are so many out there and I had some great recommendations for all the above and definitely think you should get this on your TBR to get into the Christmas spirit.

Author: K.A. Tucker

Another new author to me that stole my heart, K.A. Tucker. I have really enjoyed these 3 books and I hope to read some more backlist titles of hers. And also the second book after The Simple Wild.

What was a bookish discovery you made last year? Do we have any similar ones? Lets talk in the comments!

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Book Review

Book Review: Storm and Fury (The Harbinger #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

January 10, 2020January 30, 2020 GoodeyReads

Rating: ☆☆☆
Audience: Young adult fantasy + romance
Length: 512 pages
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Release Date: June 11th, 2019
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

WHERE AM I?

That’s how I felt most of this book.

My biggest issue was the total lack of world building. I know this is a spin-off from a previous series of hers. I was told by multiple people that you don’t have to read it to be able to understand and enjoy this one. I agree up until the point that if the previous series has better world-building that would have been a major help here.

I finally gathered that it is some type of dystopia / fantasy universe. There were normal US cities, but we had magical powers and people who could transform into gargoyles, so somewhere between all of that is your world. Do I know why it is that way? NOPE, this book’s focus is the romance (not necessarily a bad thing), but since the everything else was sorely lacking, I couldn’t be as involved with the romance.

Though the romance is the part I did like best. I thought the flow between Zane and Trinity was great. It’s sort of slow, with a touch of animosity at first, that gives way to some tender moments. The love scene was kind of odd, but other than that, I ship them.

My other problem with this book was the immaturity of conversation. Using phrases like *douche nozzle* takes me out of the story and I’m clearly still not over that this word was used. The lingo annoyed me as well. Just the whole combination of conversations bothered me the entire time. I didn’t love Trinity as an MC. Never got on board with her.

The plot was focused around finding a lost friend…that was it. There were hints and nods towards some bigger focus, and I wish we had more of that. It made the story somewhat boring because of how intensely focused they were on this one thing. Whoever is really pulling the strings needs to come out of the word work so this book can liven up some more.

Overall audience notes:

Young adult fantasy + romance
Language: some throughout
Romance: kisses, make-outs, once love scene (with some description)
Violence: battles, physical, knives, swords, magical

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Top 10 Tuesday, Uncategorized

Top Ten Tuesday: Things That Make Me Pick Up a Book

April 2, 2019April 1, 2019 GoodeyReads

Helllllllo readers!

Welcome back to Top Ten Tuesday. Today we’re discussing things that make me pick up a book. There’s a handful of reasons I decide to read a book. Check them out below!

A beautiful cover.

I am a sucker for a pretty cover. But I’m also not particular about a cover. I think so many covers are gorgeous. I just love all the covers *shrugs*.

A well crafted synopsis.

This is super important. I want the book to suck me in based off of the summary. I want to know just enough to make me want to read it.

A solid Goodreads rating.

I would consider this probably one of my highest factors for me. I will generally pick up anything with a 3.60+ rating. If it’s lower, it takes a bit more convincing for me.

A recommendation from a friend.

If someone I know recommends me a book, I figure they truly think I’ll enjoy it. And they loved it too, so I respect that opinion and want to check it out for myself.

A new book by an auto-buy author.

I have a fairly big list of authors that I will buy anything from them. And if I hear they have a new book coming out, YOU BETTER BELIEVE I pre-ordered that stat.

Seeing it often on Bookstagram/Blog.

If I see a book absolutely everywhere sometimes I can’t resist. And if it also has a gorgeous cover, those photos are going to make me want to read it.

Fear of missing out.

Hype, hype, hype. This explains itself.

Need of an anxiety/stress reliever.

I’m grateful to have a husband that gets me. When I am seriously having the worst day, he takes the babe, goes to the park and lets me read for an hour to detox. It truly calms me and I feel centered again.

Continuation of a series.

This should be a given. You need that next book? YOU GET THAT BOOK.

The perfect weather.

I am a big mood reader. And honestly, depending on the weather the day I’m starting a new book will influence what I end up choosing! Some days call for a long fantasy read, others call for a short rom-com.