Tag: fantasy

Book Review: The Falconer (The Falconer #1) by Elizabeth May

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 
Audience: Young adult historical fantasy
Length: 378 pages
Author: Elizabeth May
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Release Date: May 6th, 2014
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

One girl’s nightmare is this girl’s faery tale

She’s a stunner.
Edinburgh, 1844. Eighteen-year-old Lady Aileana Kameron, the only daughter of the Marquess of Douglas, has everything a girl could dream of: brains, charm, wealth, a title—and drop-dead beauty.

She’s a liar.
But Aileana only looks the part of an aristocratic young lady. she’s leading a double life: She has a rare ability to sense the sìthíchean—the faery race obsessed with slaughtering humans—and, with the aid of a mysterious mentor, has spent the year since her mother died learning how to kill them.

She’s a murderer.
Now Aileana is dedicated to slaying the fae before they take innocent lives. With her knack for inventing ingenious tools and weapons—from flying machines to detonators to lightning pistols—ruthless Aileana has one goal: Destroy the faery who destroyed her mother.

She’s a Falconer.
The last in a line of female warriors born with a gift for hunting and killing the fae, Aileana is the sole hope of preventing a powerful faery population from massacring all of humanity. Suddenly, her quest is a lot more complicated. She still longs to avenge her mother’s murder—but she’ll have to save the world first.

The first volume of a trilogy from an exciting new voice in young adult fantasy, this electrifying thriller combines romance and action, steampunk technology and Scottish lore in a deliciously addictive read. 

FAE. FAE. AND MORE FAE.

I’m really into anything with faeries y’all. I don’t know why. Maybe all that mystical-ness and gorgeous selves makes me have to pick it up. Either way, that’s my original intention when I grabbed this at the library.

This was fun! I wouldn’t say I thought it was spectacular, but it did get better and better as I went along. I loved the vibe of the world the author built. It was historical 1844 Edinburgh, but with a steampunk aesthetic. They had little devices to dispense tea/punch, others to create stitches and even a version of a helicopter.

Hot dang, I was almost upset about a love triangle, at present, there is none! And therefore, I can be alllll over Kiaran and Aileana. This is definitely a slow burn romance. I’m loving their banter and affinity towards each other.

They’re a lot of typical aspects to this novel. A fierce, warrior fae who’s handsome and brooding. The girl who’s in society, but secretly is a chosen-one type to help save the lands. She’s fueled by the death of her mother, etc. While this was a little eh, the different influences of everything else made this book worth the read.

A lot of secrets were left out for the next book. It was often chalked up to the fae “not answering” because they can’t lie kinda thing. I’m intrigued and interested because it seems each book is stronger than the previous. This is great, standard YA that I love to read.

Overall audience notes:

  • Young adult historical fantasy
  • Language: damn is used often, but that’s it
  • Romance: a few kisses
  • Violence: knives, explosions, a bit gory physical, faerie magic, guns

Book Review: Age of Myth (The Legends of the First Empire #1) by Michael J. Sullivan

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Fantasy
Length: 432 pages
Author: Michael J. Sullivan
Publisher: Del Ray
Release Date: June 28th, 2016
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Age of Myth inaugurates another six-book series set in Elan.

Since time immemorial, humans have worshipped the gods they call Fhrey, truly a race apart: invincible in battle, masters of magic, and seemingly immortal. But when a god falls to a human blade, the balance of power between humans and those they thought were gods changes forever.

Now only a few stand between humankind and annihilation: Raithe, reluctant to embrace his destiny as the God Killer; Suri, a young seer burdened by signs of impending doom; and Persephone, who must overcome personal tragedy to lead her people. The Age of Myth is over. The time of rebellion has begun.

I’M INVESTED NOW.

I picked this up because of a recommendation from a friend on Bookstagram. She had mentioned if after seeing how much I loved the Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson. Y’all, she was right. This is definitely another great fantasy.

I wouldn’t say [at this time] that it’s on par with Sanderson, but I am not disappointed in what I read. I feel invested in this story now.

What was interesting is that these are all older characters. And I loved that! It was different from the my usual (since I’m a big reader of YA). The characters already came in with experiences and I amazed at how much I enjoyed each one. Persephone is a stunning, brave woman who holds her own among the men who claim she can’t handle her position. UGH, MEN.

Honestly though, that was only a handful. Raithe and Malcom? YES PLEASE. I love their bro-ship. They are so different and are great budding friends. I am obsessed with Raithe. He’s the brooding warrior type I’m always attracted to in books. I’m so pumped to see what happens in book two. Malcom is that witty side character you want to be friends with. He’s there at the right time, saying the right thing, and I loved his comical breaks in a somewhat heavy plot line.

“The worst that can happen is you’ll die.”

In a weird way, a lot happened, but didn’t happen. It’s definitely a first book. A lot more set-up, world-building and politicking happens then actual action scenes. While I minded a little, it was still such an enticing read. I constantly wanted to pick it up and see where the story was going next. The larger plot line was left open while a few ones this book focused on were wrapped up well.

Arion’s POV was the only one that took time to grow on me. At first I was wondering why she was even present. Luckily her story-line wove into the main plot and she definitely has a bigger role to play as these two worlds collide.

I absolutely adored Suri. As the only young main character in this book she was fantastic. Witty, intelligent, a little odd. It was a great mix. Her and Minna (her wolf) made me smile and cheer for them often.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy
  • Language: I think b*tch was used twice, that was it
  • Violence: knives, falling off cliffs, swords, animal attacks, magic, mauling by bears, all things are a bit gory

Bookish Discussion: The Lowest Rated Books On My Goodreads

GoodeyReads11 Comments

Scrolling through the pages I follow I saw that Ally Writes Things had posted about the lowest rated books (on Goodreads) and what she rated them.

Y’all. THIS WAS A BRILLIANT IDEA.

So here I am, definitely doing this. Let’s go. This will be a handful of the lowest rated books based off of Goodreads and then what I ended up rating them. I hope to do one with the highest rated books from my GR as well, future post alert!

Things I’d Rather Do Than Die by Christine Hurley Deriso

Goodreads Rating: 3.25 || My Rating: 2.50

You can actually find my review for this here. Though please pardon the baby blog formatting as it was one of the first Netgalley reviews I ever did. I could not believe this book at all. It tried way too hard to create drama and purpose, but not. Just no.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith (original story from Jane Austen)

Goodreads Rating: 3.29 || My Rating: 4.00

I can’t help it, I thought this book was fun. I even loved the movie (and that never happens!). It’s quirky, ridiculous, but that’s the whole point if you ask me.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Goodreads Rating: 3.39 || My Rating: 2.00

Granted, I read this in high school so it probably deserves a re-read to get a new rating, but I have NO DESIRE to do this.

The Dysasters (The Dysasters #1) by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Goodreads Rating: 3.41 || My Rating: 2.00

If you want to see a rant filled review: click here! My first physical ARC was unfortunately…an absolute dud. Really, a dud. *sigh*

Beowulf by Unknown (Seamus Heaney — Translator)

Goodreads Rating: 3.43 || My Rating: 3.00

This was another read in high school. I remember thinking it was fine overall. Interesting enough.

The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman

Goodreads Rating: 3.45 || My Rating: 3.00

Tried my best to enjoy this because I thought the story was amazing, but unfortunately the way this was portrayed I couldn’t get into the story. I hardly remember it now because I scanned so much of it.

Evenfall (Shadowfire #1) by Gaja J. Kos & Boris Kos

Goodreads Rating: 3.51 || My Rating: 4.00

This was my version of a tale of two books. The first half almost had me DNF but then somehow the second half was astounding enough for me to think highly of it. I’m actually excited for the second book! (AND ALSO SHOUT-OUT TO THIS GORGEOUS COVER Y’ALL)

Have you read any of these? Did you love them more than their average rating? Lets talk in the comments!

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Blog Award: The Liebster Award

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I was nominated by TheGeekishBrunette for this award! She is so sweet and I’ve loved following her blog and Instagram! Definitely make sure to check her blog out and give her a follow.

The Liebster Award Rules:

  1. Acknowledge the blog that gave it to you and display the award
  2. Answer 11 questions that the blogger gives you
  3. Give 11 random facts about yourself
  4. Nominate 11 blogs and notify them of their nomination
  5. Give these blogs 11 questions to answer

What is the weirdest book you have read?

While my husband loved this series, I unfortunately thought it was just to strange for me. I thought it was odd and weird and wasn’t for me.

Favorite book to movie adaption?

ALL TIME favorite book to movie adaptation (The Kiera Knightly version).

What is your favorite book series, and why?

SJM’s ACOTAR series is my absolute favorite. The story that Feyre goes on really hits me in the feels every time. I love the emotions, the plot, the characters, the romance, everything. It has yet to get old to me in any way.

If you could collide two book worlds together, what would they be and why?

Okay, I’m not even really sure which ones. But an interesting concept would be somehow combining a Sci-Fi book like The Illuminae Files with something full of fae (i.e. The Cruel Prince, etc.).

Just thinking about faeries dealing with flying spacecrafts is making me chuckle.

Who is your favorite book couple?

Tara Spruit

Oh of course, Feysand.

If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Guys I’m beating a dead horse, A Court of Mist and Fury. I could re-live that romance all day.

Besides reading, do you have another hobby?

I absolutely love running! Unfortunately at this time I’m still in a boot so I can’t do anything but arm weights. But hopefully I’ll be healed in the next few months.

I also love baking muffins! I make them often and for everyone.

What is a favorite quote of yours?

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

Morrigan – ACOMAF

Favorite book genre and why?

All things fantasy! I love reading worlds that I have no way on conceiving myself. It’s nice to be taken away from the real world for a bit while reading.

What was the last book you gave 5 stars?

Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating. This book was so cute y’all!

You are to go on a date with your favorite book boyfriend/girlfriend, who is it and what would your date consist of?

Since we already know my love of Rhysand, I’ll go with Rowan Whitethorn. Y’all I have no idea what we would do. I’m too starstruck by even the thought of these males being real to concentrate on a date. I’m also a fan of really simple dates. Dinner and a walk through a bookstore. I’m not sure what a date with a fae might consist of, I wouldn’t be mad about it though haha.

11 Random Facts About Me:

  1. I am terrified of flying. I take so much Dramamine before I even get near the terminal. It’s unfortunately hindered me from traveling.
  2. I was bitten by a Copperhead (very poisonous snake) 2 weeks before I got married.
  3. I got married really young (20 years old!) and we’ve been together for 7 years.
  4. I played year-round competitive basketball for 15 years, but didn’t want to play in college.
  5. I love painting/crafting, but haven’t gotten to do it much since I had a baby.
  6. I’m left handed (so is my husband — we’re cool).
  7. I am a true Southerner and NCAA football is my religion (GIg ’em Aggies).
  8. My favorite spice is Lemon Pepper, and I put it on almost everything.
  9. I am a roller-coaster fanatic and love theme parks!
  10. My perfect place to live is a bungalow on the beach.
  11. I am obsessed with french fries, the best kind you ask? Chick-fil-A.

Okay, going a little off the path here and only nominating 5 bloggers and giving 5 questions. Holy mackerel 11 is a lot!

I’m tagging:

Book Allure || LaureGalie || #Bookish (Bibliophile Prints) || The Wolf and Books || Reader Fox

And here’s the questions:

  1. Who was your favorite childhood author?
  2. Do you judge a book by its cover? Or give it a chance?
  3. Who would be your best pal from a book?
  4. Where is the strangest place you’ve read a book?
  5. You’re stranded on a desert island: what book do you bring?

Now that my mind feels like mud from trying to be creative with my questions, no pressure in participating! Just wanted to spread the love.

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