Review: To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

May 22, 2018May 22, 2018 GoodeyReads4 Comments

Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: YA, some language, a few kiss scenes, violence
Length: 342 pages
Author: Alexandra Christo
Publisher: Fiewel & Friends
Release Date: March 6th, 2018
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

SIRENS, AND PIRATES, AND SEA QUEENS OH MY!

I’m in a realllll mood for all things sea related. My book slump was fixed by this gem! It was devious and well written, and I kinda wish it was at least a duology because I wanted more.

I love that Lira kept up all of her sass and held her own among the 2-legged humans. Elian was so swoon-worthy and his band of friends had their own personalities.

While at times I thought it could’ve used a dash more action, for a stand-alone fantasy YA it worked really well. I was intrigued and enthralled. I was also impressed that the romance still felt [enough] like a slow-burn even though it’s only one book!

It was really cool to see the elements of The Little Mermaid as well. From Lira’s red hair, to the Sea Queen having tentacles, there was definitely some memorable parallels. But the darker edges to this novel make it even better.

Solid YA book, with some [not-distracting from the story] language. A few kissing scenes, and violence as the book portrays sirens vs. humans.

Review: Glitter (Glitter #1) by Aprilynne Pike

May 16, 2018 GoodeyReads2 Comments

Rating: ☆☆☆
Audience: YA, touch of language, some violence/abuse, a love scene, kissing scenes
Length: 384 pages
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Publisher: Random House Books
Release Date: October 25th, 2016
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

DRUG-FUELED ROYALS.

I didn’t finish reading this book satisfied. The concept wasn’t as accomplished as it could’ve been. Or maybe I didn’t find it interesting that Danica was a drug Queen to everyone she knows [without them knowing].

The story played out the same as most. Evil King caught in a bind, a nobody girl who rises in power and a third-party guy who she’s actually in to.

I did find it unique and strange that this group of people live in the palace, Versailles, like it’s the norm. That’s an odd thing to happen, but what if it did happen? This was probably the part I liked best.

The conclusion was seen from a mile away and I found it hard to like most of the characters. Everyone is very self-involved and I was missing the empathy and compassion from a full-fledged personality.

A young adult book, with occasional “adult” phrasing (lots of mentions of breasts and decolletage). One love scene — vaguely detailed — and a few kiss scenes here and there.

Review: Mirage (Mirage #1) by Somaiya Daud

May 14, 2018 GoodeyReads1 Comment

Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: YA, no language, a few kiss scenes, some violence
Length: 320 pages
Author: Somaiya Daud
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Release Date: [expected] August 28th, 2018
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

THEY WERE ON A MOON.

The first thing that made me excited was this fact. That’s so cool. And so different!! It reminded me to a degree of the Red Rising series with the sci-fi esque pieces of this novel. I love when authors take risks and explore cultures and worlds that aren’t often seen!

I loved the depth of the main characters. Amani maintained who she was during all the uproar. Maram had a lovely character arc, and the author left a solid suspense for the second book. Idris was totally adorable and the story between him and Amani is precious and sweet.

The story flowed well as I discovered the world Daud built. There was the right touch of drama that actually let you feel for the characters rather than wondering why there was too much going on. The action scenes weren’t huge, but were written well. There was a larger focus on the politics of Ziyaana [the palace] and how Amani was able to navigate as a body double. Though, unlike some stories the politics enhanced the story rather than took away. You weren’t stuck reading drawn-out council meetings.

They’re aspects of religion throughout the book. It is a guiding factor for different tribes and I thought it was very well done. Nothing was in your face, but you understood the importance of their God to them. It guided their choices and gave more of a background into what characters actions were occurring and better yet, why they were happening.

True YA, no language [which is awesome]. A few kiss scenes that are sweet and appropriate. Some violence, but nothing gruesome.

Thank you to Netgalley and Flatiron Books for the digital ARC!

Review: The Last Namsara (Iskari #1) by Kristen Ciccarelli

May 10, 2018May 10, 2018 GoodeyReads3 Comments

Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
Audience: YA, one curse word, violence, minor kiss scenes
Length: 432 pages
Author: Kristen Ciccarelli
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: October 3rd, 2017
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

DRAGONS.

I already love the movie How to Train Your Dragon. And I imagine every one of those dragons like Toothless haha (though okay, they were described as a lot more ‘intense/scary’).

Toothless

All the dragons aside, this book had me hooked. It had all the components that make a solid series starter.

I appreciated that Asha could hold her own, slaying dragons, and watching out for her family. Her love story wasn’t a true given, and not insta-love. This made the conversation stand out more as I kept trying to figure out how it would all end.

Plenty of betrayal and horrid Gaston-like characters. I was plenty enraged by the twists and turns, most things worked out at least.

There could be some more backstory for a few characters, but I think that’s going to open up in the second book based on the ending.

Having to hold in a spoiler that would mess with your soul, so if you’ve read it, DM me on Instagram!

One curse word, and some violence [non-gory]. A few minor kiss scenes that stay in the appropriate realm for younger audiences. Very clean book in my mind!