Tag: leigh bardugo

Book Review: The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

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Rating: ★★★★☆
Audience: Historical Fantasy
Length: 387 pages
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Release Date: April 9th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

From the New York Times bestselling author of Ninth House, Hell Bent, and creator of the Grishaverse series comes a highly anticipated historical fantasy set during the Spanish Golden Age

In a shabby house, on a shabby street, in the new capital of Madrid, Luzia Cotado uses scraps of magic to get through her days of endless toil as a scullion. But when her scheming mistress discovers the lump of a servant cowering in the kitchen is actually hiding a talent for little miracles, she demands Luzia use those gifts to better the family’s social position.

What begins as simple amusement for the bored nobility takes a perilous turn when Luzia garners the notice of Antonio Pérez, the disgraced secretary to Spain’s king. Still reeling from the defeat of his armada, the king is desperate for any advantage in the war against England’s heretic queen—and Pérez will stop at nothing to regain the king’s favor.

Determined to seize this one chance to better her fortunes, Luzia plunges into a world of seers and alchemists, holy men and hucksters, where the line between magic, science, and fraud is never certain. But as her notoriety grows, so does the danger that her Jewish blood will doom her to the Inquisition’s wrath. She will have to use every bit of her wit and will to survive—even if that means enlisting the help of Guillén Santangel, an embittered immortal familiar whose own secrets could prove deadly for them both.

BETTER THAN I HOPED.

I really enjoyed this audiobook and story. I didn’t quite know what to expect and I hadn’t read the synopsis. I just knew I love Leigh Bardugo and went for it.

This had my attention from the beginning. I loved the gothic atmosphere and the intensity of the story. The unique way the historical aspects wove into the fantastical was a great combination. It’s haunting and has awesome horror vibes too.

I liked the main characters and enjoyed the romance between them too. The last quarter had me on the edge of my seat because I truly had no idea where things were going to land for them.

This is multiple POV and I think helped build the story. The differences between those speaking gave way to insight and decisions made from multiple facets of the plot. I do think it slowed down a bit too much in the second half during a particular moment that dragged out, but otherwise, a great book.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical fantasy + romance
  • Language: moderate-high
  • Romance: fade to black
  • Violence: high
  • Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, suicide, antisemitism, colonization, abuse, sexual assault, torture, forced nudity, blood/gore depiction

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Book Review: Rule of Wolves (King of Scars #2) by Leigh Bardugo

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 1/2
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 592 pages
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Orion
Release Date: March 30th, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The wolves are circling and a young king will face his greatest challenge in the explosive finale of the instant #1 New York Times-bestselling King of Scars Duology.

The Demon King. As Fjerda’s massive army prepares to invade, Nikolai Lantsov will summon every bit of his ingenuity and charm—and even the monster within—to win this fight. But a dark threat looms that cannot be defeated by a young king’s gift for the impossible.

The Stormwitch. Zoya Nazyalensky has lost too much to war. She saw her mentor die and her worst enemy resurrected, and she refuses to bury another friend. Now duty demands she embrace her powers to become the weapon her country needs. No matter the cost.

The Queen of Mourning. Deep undercover, Nina Zenik risks discovery and death as she wages war on Fjerda from inside its capital. But her desire for revenge may cost her country its chance at freedom and Nina the chance to heal her grieving heart.

King. General. Spy. Together they must find a way to forge a future in the darkness. Or watch a nation fall.

AMAZING CONCLUSION.

WOW. This book was fantastic!! I didn’t know how things were going to shake out and I felt like everything wrapped up beautifully (and left the perfect opening for SIX OF CROWS 3).

“Because I am greedy for the sight of you. Because the prospect of facing this war, this loss, without you fills me with fear. Because I find I don’t want to fight for a future if I can’t find a way to make a future with you.”

I LOVE Nikolai and Zoya. LOVE THEM. The only thing I could have asked for in this book was more romance. I wanted it allllll. I love Nikolai and his banter (it only got better, I couldn’t help but laugh). His strength and ability to see himself and the things he wants and needs for his country. I love Zoya and her resilient nature. Coming to terms with all before her and making the ulitmate decision in the end. WHAT A QUEEN. I don’t think any of this could have gone any better.

I also liked Nina’s story line much more in RoW compared to KoS. I got to see some real development between her and Hanne. I love the roles both of them played and how they took Fjerda into their own hands. It was STELLAR.

“His life had been stolen from him, and Matthias had never had the chance to find his own purpose. I served it, my love. I protected you. To the very end.”

The twists towards the end how things worked out with the Darkling was nothing I imagined, and yet exactly what this duology needed. I loooooved this ending and wrap-up. I had my answers, my sweet moments, plenty of hopefulness and this gorgeous writing accomplished it all.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy
  • Language: a little
  • Romance: kisses & make-outs
  • Violence: battles, skirmishes, physical altercations, magical weaponry, magical creatures

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Book Tag Saturday: 20 Questions

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Good morning. Hope you have a great weekend planned!

I’m hopelessly falling apart and do not remember where I got this from, but hey! That’s okay. If you know I’ll gladly tag them in and credit the original author!

How many books are too many in a series?

Hmm, even when I LOVE a series, I still want it to end before the wait time gets crazy. So I’d say, AT MOST, 6 or 7 books. And it better be a stunner, like Throne of Glass or Falling Kingdoms.

I’m afraid the longer the series goes on that I may fall out of love with it and nobody wants that!!? Better to end things before the situation gets dicey.

How do you feel about cliff-hangers? 

I’m not a huge fan of them. But there’s also levels of cliff-hangers. There’s the ones that are at the end of chapters that don’t quite leave you hanging since it’s really easy to keep going.

The ones where the book leaves you hanging and wanting more, but also that things are fine.

Then the ones where your JAW DROPS and you SHOUT at your book. Those are actually the ones that drive me batty. It often feels like a ploy to get the next book (and sometimes, months later after thinking about it I don’t want it anymore anyways). I’m given time to consider the entire book as a whole.

Hardback or paperback?

Hardback. But mostly for aesthetic bookshelf purposes. Paperbacks are really nice to carry around out and about, but there’s something about a hardback. I love the feeling of finishing it and sliding it onto the picked out place on my shelf. Bookdragon much? Hoarding my bobbles.

Favorite book?

If you’ve even seen one of my posts, you would know this fact. I love this book. It makes me happy.

Least favourite book?

Ooo, to be put on the spot like that. I’m not sure how often I hate books, because I try to find at least one redeeming quality. The most recent one I didn’t like was…

Surprised? Not really. because my rant-y review is here.

Love Triangle… Yes or No?

HARD PASS.

The moment I get a whiff of one I start to get skeptical. It better be the best dang arrangement and plot to make me be okay with it. I am unbelievably picky in this department.

A few that worked out would be ACOTAR, The Kiss of Deception series, The Infernal Devices.

The most recent book you couldn’t finish? 

This is one of those books where I saw everyone reading it, and everyone loving it, yet I COULD NOT get behind the romance. I’m kinda sad about it because I love a good romance. I’m 34% of the way in, is it worth it y’all?

A book you’re currently reading?

Josh & Hazel: absolutely LOVING this and need to finish this post so I can get back to it.

Warbreaker: Listening through Audible and thinks it’s wonderful! I’ve been enjoying listening whenever I get a chance.

The last book you recommended to someone? 

Uhm, that’s a good question. Oh wait!

I told a friend about this series yesterday and she’s excited for it! We both love when historical fiction plays into fantasy books.

Oldest book you’ve read (based on publication date)? 

It appears to be The Odyssey, written in 8th century B.C. That or Beowulf was written in 1000 AD.

So yeah, that’s a long time ago.

Newest book you’ve read (based on publication date)? 

So new it’s not even officially released yet! (review)

Favourite author? 

Quick list of some of my auto-buy authors:

  • Sarah J. Maas
  • Leigh Bardugo
  • Marissa Meyer
  • Laini Taylor
  • Amy Harmon
  • Colleen Hoover
  • Brene Brown
  • Cassandra Clare
  • Stephanie Garber
  • Tricia Levenseller
  • Tahereh Mafi
  • Brandon Sanderson

Whoa that list got out of hand. But as you can see, there’s a lot.

Buying books or borrowing them?

BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY.

I am a book hoarder. I know it, I’ve accepted it, my husband has accepted it, so I’m in the clear. Now, I do borrow from the library a ton too. But I’m a sucker for a new book. Especially when said book is on sale.

A book you dislike that everyone else loves? 

Oh you wanna hear my biggest unpopular opinion? HARRY POTTER. I’ve tried. I did not succeed. My husband plans to read them to our babe when she’s older. So maybe I’ll get the magic then, but until, I will keep on keepin’ on not being a Potterhead.

Bookmarks or dog-ears? 

I let my friends/family borrow books from my “library.” You want to know the first and only two rules?

  1. Do NOT break the spine.
  2. Do NOT bend the pages.

And that’s it. So I’d say I’m a bookmark person. I also have been using the same bookmark for 5 years from that long lost land of Hastings. Oh how I miss it!

A book you can reread over and over?

ACOMAF.

I’ve already mentioned my favorite book. I do read it often and will continue to do so.

Can you read while listening to music? 

If it has no words, or is the real quiet, simple “coffeehouse” music.

One of my favorite playlist (that I’m even listening to right now) is “Your Favorite Coffeehouse” by Spotify.

Multiple POVs or one POV? 

ALLLLL the POVs.

My favorite versions are when there’s a romance involved and getting it from the other’s perspective. SO PRECIOUS.

I love hearing things from all sides. It really rounds out the story for me.

Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days on average?

It depends on the book, but now that I’m a Mom it’s usually over multiple days. That being said, I generally finished with 2-3 night reads. So I go through a lot during the week.

During nap-time I take my own nap (no shame here) and read before she wakes in the AM and after she goes to bed.

I also tend to read books 400+ pages and that’s really hard to read in one sitting and I don’t want to rush too much through it.

Who do I want to tag?

Nobody! If you want to do this feel free too. Let me know, I’d love to see your answers if I’m not already following you!

How do you feel about these answers? Do you agree? Lets talk in the comments!

Book Tag: Do I Have That Book Challenge

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I wasn’t tagged in this, but saw on Sara’s (The Bibliophagist) blog and thought it would be a lot of fun! I usually scroll through my Goodreads lists and I like this unique challenge of going through my shelves.

You can see the Youtube video that this challenge originated from here.

Rules:

1. Time yourself trying to find each prompt on your shelf
2. Try and beat the time of the person who challenged you.
3. Don’t forget to tag your challenger and the original creator.
4. Have fun!

1. Do you have a book with deckled edges?

I have a handful, but The Madman’s Daughter, was the first one I found.

2. Do you have a book with 3+ people on the cover?

A Reaper at the Gates, love this cover change. Now if only my first two in the series matched!

3. Do you have a book based on another fictional story?

I absolutely adore this book, My Lady Jane was so cute!

4. Do you have a book with a title 10 letters long?

First one I found, Six of Crows.

5. Do you have a book with a title that starts and ends with the same letter?

Obsidio!

6. Do you have a Mass Market Paperback book?

The Longest Ride, honestly the only one I own!

7. Do you have a book written by an author using a pen name?

I know she uses both Victoria Schwab and V.E. Schwab, so A Darker Shade of Magic it is.

8. Do you have a book with a character’s name in the title?

I love anything Amy Harmon writes.

9. Do you have a book with 2 maps in it?

The same map on both covers of the book, but hey, it counts!

10. Do you have a book that was turned into a TV show?

Having to use Sara’s answer because I own a handful that are now movies, but The Mortal Instruments is the only one I know that’s a TV show. Oh how I wish this was an actually good adaptation.

11. Do you have a book written by someone who is originally famous for something else? (celebrity/athlete/politician/TV personality…)

Initially got this because I love Amy Poehler, but unfortunately didn’t love it as much as I hoped.

12. Do you have a book with a clock on the cover?

I can’t find one with a clock, so another time device will have to work. Evermore has an hourglass!

13. Do you have a poetry book?

My absolute favorite poems from childhood. Reading them as an adult is even more humorous. These were a little more clever than I thought.

14. Do you have a book with an award stamp on it?

Echo.

15. Do you have a book written by an author with the same initials as you?

It doesn’t appear that I own one, so I went with my maiden initials: C.C.

16. Do you have a book of short stories?

Anything Bardugo writes ends up on my shelves and The Language of Thorns was no exception.

17. Do you have a book that is between 500-510 pages long?

A solid 502 pages.

18. Do you have a book that was turned into a movie?

This movie was so precious. A great adaptation!

19. Do you have a graphic novel?

It doesn’t look like I have any…I own a lot of children’s books so those have a lot of pictures, ha! I read with our babe a lot, but it looks like I need to look into some graphic novels!

20. Do you have a book written by 2 or more authors?

This whole series is stunning. And I can’t wait for their next duo series, Aurora Rising!

There we have it! Have you read any of these?

What graphic novel should I read? I would love your suggestions! Let’s talk in the comments.

Also, since I wasn’t tagged, I’m not tagging anyone! If you end up doing this though, please let me know! Would love to see your answers.