This Savage Song Review

Author: Victoria Schwab

Genre: Fantasy,Young Adult, Paranormal

Rating: 4.5 stars

“Plenty of humans are monstrous, and plenty of monsters know how to play at being human.” 

This Savage Song is a lyrically and hauntingly beautiful story about humans who act monstrously and monsters who crave humanity. The novel had light, darkness and shadows. The novel had two sides; good and evil. But.... strangely one does not know which side is which. This is not your ordinary good versus evil it is....

good versus evil,
good versus good,
evil versus evil. 

“Every weakness exposes flesh,” he’d said, “and flesh invites a knife.” 

This Savage Song begins with the introduction of Kate Harker. Kate has been to 6 boarding schools in 5 years. She is tired of being away from home, away from her father. With drastic measures, she finally gets the attention of her father and moves home. Home is North City of Verity where her father is the ultimate ruler. A war 6 years ago divided the city into two sides the North and the South. The South is under the protection of Henry Flynn. These cities might as well be different countries. In the South, the buildings look like skeletons, a reminder of the damage of war. While in the North, the streets are clean and the people are protected. 

“People are users. It’s a universal truth. Use them, or they’ll use you.” 

August Flynn is the son of Henry Flynn. Hmm... son is not the right word for it. How can you be a son if you were never born? This is what August Flynn struggles with; he is a being but not a being at the same time. He is a monster in human skin hidden from the world. He loves music and loves to play music especially the violin. However, as the story advances, it is clear that playing music comes with its consequences. 

There was light. There was darkness. There was music. There was peace. 

August and Kate's destinies were never supposed to cross. (UN)Fortunately, they are both sent to Colton Academy, a private school in the suburbs. Within Colton, both worlds clash together. August and Kate find companionship, friendship and a shaky alliance with each other. Despite coming from different worlds, they both share a lot of similarities; the need to rise to their responsibilities, the itch of not quite fitting in, and an emptiness. 

In a school that clung to the illusion of safety, he didn’t shy from talk of violence. 

Victoria wins the award for one the best settings of a story. Once you read this gem you will understand. Her world-building is a magical skill, woven elegantly. There isn't too much of an info-dump but you aren't left blind either. The characters in This Savage Song oddly remind me of The Grisha Series. There was a depth to them that is has to replicate. They were smoke, constantly shaping and reshaping. I can't wait to see the growth of both August and Kate. They began as teenagers in high school but soon turned into characters who had seen too much, done too much and didn't really know their place in the world. 

Living hurts. 

I wait anxiously to read the fate of Verity and the individuals living in it. 

"You’re a monster.” “It’s a monster’s world."

Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads.

Goodreads | Tumblr | Instagram | Photoblog

And I Darken Review

Author: Kiersten White

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Historical 

Rating: 5 stars

If there is one thing I trust, it's my gut. And my gut knew one page in, thatAnd I Darken would become my favourite novel of the year. 

"The price of living seems to always be death.And that is why you become a dealer of death. You feed death as many people as you can to keep it full and content so its eye stays off you.” 

I feel as though 5 stars is an under-statement to the EPICNESS that is this novel. It was pure gold. It was beautiful, complex and encompassing. Most importantly, It was very smart. 

“We are that tree,” he said, then rode ahead. Lada pulled on the reins to make her horse, a docile and dull-brown creature, pause. She studied the tree squeezing life out of stone. It was twisted and small but green, growing sideways in defiance of gravity. It lived where nothing had any business thriving. 

And I Darken is a story about Lada, the daughter of Vladimir Dracul, The Dragon, and the Emporer of Walachia. (This is not a paranormal novel, there are no vampires and Vladimir is not portrayed as such). Lada and her little brother Radu are kept as "prisoners" by the Ottoman Empire to ensure cooperation from Vladimir. At the capital, they both take companionship with the Sultan's third and outcasted son, Mehmed. And I Darken is a story of Lada and Radu's journey in this foreign land. There is a lot to be learnt, a lot of mistakes to be made and a lot of loyalty to gain and maintain. There is a lot of court politics, espionage, alliances, back handed dealings, power and sacrifice. 

A dragon burned everything around herself until it was purified in ash. 

If I would take anything from And I Darken is the power of Sacrifice. 

When they prayed together, Radu felt it more deeply than when he prayed alone, as though Mehmed’s very soul was stronger than everyone’s around him. 

I kept my review short because everyone should experience this novel with a naked un-adulterated eye. Make what you will from it. Some people love it and some people hate it. No one can deny the lasting impression.....

....... And I Darken forces you to listen. 

"It would mean I was set aside and forgotten, and I would rather die than be forgotten.”
"I am no longer the daughter of the dragon.” She lifted her chin, sights set on the horizon. “I am the dragon.”

                                             Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads.

Goodreads | Tumblr | Instagram | Photoblog

Wolf by Wolf Review

Author: Ryan Graudin

Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy

Rating: 5 stars

Wolf By Wolf by Ryan Graudin is one of the greatest examples of a "what if?" story told well. That is an understatement. It is the best YA alternate reality novel I have read so far. This not because it was overly complex, it is actually the opposite. I fell in love with the simplicity of the world. It also scared me. How easy this world could have been ours. Graudin makes us remember and most importantly, acknowledge our own past history. 

She was going to cross the world and change it. Or die trying. 

In this alternate universe, Germany wins World War Two, the science experiments done on patients have actually succeed, and lebensraum is occurring in full force. A whole world is being oppressed with no one brave enough to try and change it. Yael sets out to change the world, not intentionally at first. Her destiny seems to be already written, her story sung through the howls of her wolves. She is not your typical heroine, who naturally has macho strength and an unwavering confidence in her goal. She is human, she has to work for everything, literally sweating blood and tears. She isn't infallible and her vulnerability adds so many layers to her personality. She is one of the strongest heroines.

The death camp’s song rose from every corner of the night. Not wolves. Just people. Crying and crying and crying. She howled with them. 

Yael's story begins at the concentration camps, where her and her mother are sent when she is young. From the offset, a doctor at the camp sees something unique in her, something Yael can't even see yet. He picks her out of the line immediately and she becomes his experiment. Every few days, drugs are pumped into Yael, changing her from the inside. Yael begins to experience the side effects of these drugs. She slowly loses her innocence and her identity within the concentration camp. It is hard to remember who you are when you existence is compounded down into numbers on your arm. 

She’d already lost her face. She could not let the rest of herself (however dark, however broken) slip away. So she traced and she named. She hurt and she raged. She remembered. 

However, Yael gets the opportunity to escape the camp and she takes it. She joins a rebel force that is planning on bringing an end to the Third Reich. Yael is essentially a lone wolf in the world. Being part of a cause lets her feel needed, wanted and most importantly seen. The only way the Third Reich can end is if Hitler himself dies. Now finding an opportunity to execute (pun intended) the plan presents itself in the Axis Tour, a motorcycle competition around the globe. 

"They need to know they’re not alone.” Not alone. It was a cruel irony that this was the message she had been chosen to deliver. She, the loneliest of all. The girl without a people. Without a face. The girl who was no one. Who could be everyone. 

Yael impersonates last year's victor Adele Wolfe and joins the game. The winner gets one dance with Hitler at the ball, which is the opportunity the resistance needs. She soon realises that this competition is the last of her problems. With Adele's love interest and brother watching her every move, her walls begin to crack. She has to win this competition, keep her secret from Luka and Felix, and ultimately save the world. 

"But there are two truths I’m sure of.”

“What?”

“I care for you.” 

It was the most sincere, unflinching thing Yael had ever heard him say. 

I honestly loved everything about this story down to its core. The themes of finding one's identity, sacrifice for the greater good, and love are poetically and beautifully presented inWolf By Wolf . There isn't much action or plot but a lot of introspection. It is psychologically and emotionally captivating. The side characters were all so unique and enigmatic. I honestly think they can all get their own story. This novel wouldn't have been the same without Felix's unwavering love for Adele and his family, Luka's charismatic personality, which constantly tested and confused Yael, and finally Yael's five wolves. 

“I decided I couldn’t be afraid of my own life. My own reflection. So every morning I make myself look in a mirror for five minutes. Face it all.” 

Wolf By Wolf is an extraordinary story. Ryan Graudin should be so proud. 

There was still beauty in this world. And it was worth fighting for.

Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads.

Goodreads | Tumblr | Instagram | Photoblog

Magic Shifts Review

Author: Ilona Andrews

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Let’s play who can be a better killer. My sword and I love this game.

Magic Shifts is the eighth novel in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. I still cant believe she has published over eight amazing novels! Kate and Currans' story is endless and timeless and flawless. I just cant get enough! This series just gets better with every book and Magic Shifts is living proof of that. 

Pay attention to this moment. Look at the stars. Breathe in the cold air. This is your last night. These are the last breaths you will take.

What I would give to live in this world Ilona created! Atlanta is a city with a mixture of magic and technological elements that make it such an interesting place to live in. There are Vampires, the Pack, Ghouls, Witches, and other weird shit rooming within the city boarder! 

“Off your chain. So dangerous, Your Majesty.” He glanced at me. “You might be too scary to let into the house. I don’t know if I can risk falling asleep next to you, Unchained One. Who knows what would happen?”

Magic Shifts is a transition from the previous novels, especially Magic Breaks,allowing the reader to settle into the world again. It begins with a normal opening and goes downhill from there. This novel is EXPLOSIVE! Kate is once again put in the forefront of these mysterious events that begin occurring in Atlanta. However, the pressure is on as she has to juggle between saving Atlanta and yet not shinning a spotlight on herself. 

“You’re a fucking bitch, you know that?” Mac said. “I’ll have to live with myself.”

It shouldn't be a surprise that the characters are just as awesome, if not better, than they previously were! Kate and Curran grow both in their relationship and also individually. There are some characters introduced in this novel are just so enigmatic and different. Magic Shifts really does bring in a wave of uniqueness and diversity.   

“That’s what I love about you, Your Furriness. Your humility and modesty.” “Don’t forget my razor-sharp wit and boyish good looks.”

What I loved most about Magic Shifts was the fact that it didn't feel like just ONE episode out of a TV show. It was its own TV show with a mixture of twists and turns, up and downs, calm moments and pure kick ass storms. It was grittier, funnier and multilayered. The novel wasn't just trying to solve one mystery but various problems that simultaneously occurred. 

This was what happiness felt like.

I am in awe of this series as a whole. 

"Curran!” “Yes?” I could hear controlled laughter in his voice. Unbelievable. I sped up. “We’re tracking ghouls and you’re grabbing my butt.” “I always make sure to pay attention to important things.” “Sure you do.”

Goodreads | Tumblr | Instagram | Photoblog

Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads.

Breathing Fire Review

Author: Rebecca K. Lilley

Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 Stars

" Things have been too fucking calm lately.  I’m ready for a storm.”

Breathing Fire has been on my to-be-read for far too long. I curse at my previous self for never having the balls to read this. Breathing Fire is a great urban fantasy novel. It encompasses all the good attributes of the genre. We are introduced into a compelling society with magic and mischief. After reading Eragon, stories involving dragons and folklore have always interested me. Breathing Fire is a cup of fresh air in the Urban Fantasy department, continuously engaging the reader.

“Kinda?” “Yes, I have a plan, kinda-ish.” “Ish?” “Ish.  Worst-case scenario, I’ll have to go see Dom.  But I should have it under control.  Ish.” “Your confidence is inspiring-ish.”

The heretic sisters are two siblings who come from an infamous dragon line. Both sisters escaped in order to escape the brutality that is forced upon women with dragons. Being on the run for a few years leaves them apprehensive and anxious of the people around them. Especially the druids, the guards and watchers of the magical society. This all goes to hell when Jillian unintentionally falls in-love with the most powerful druid. And leaves him.

“But I suppose, in the dark, lying down, it’s all the same to you.”

Fast forward to the present, two druids enter jillian's book store  in order to retrieve their registration documents. The danger of being recorded on the public druid system is their exposure to the dragons they are running away from. In order to prevent this, Jillian takes some harsh measures to ensure that her dragon family will not find them. This means asking help from the one person who loved, now vehemently hates her... the highest ranked druid, the Arch. This is a crazy journey around Las Vegas filled with action, mischief and classic banter. 

The pain was sharp and enduring.    He was the only thing in my life I’d ever wanted badly enough that it made me shake like an addict.

Overall, I really enjoyed Breathing Fire. I wouldn't say it was my top urban fantasy novel ( that spot is saved for the Kate Daniels series) but it has the potential to be. I really loved Jillian; there is something about powerful, smart and driven women that makes a story more enriching. Yes, there were moments where I was pissed at her, but she remained a strong MC through out the whole novel. Her sarcastic, witty and cynical humour got to me and just made the reading experience that more vibrant. Not only that but the support characters were all complex and unique in their own way. It created a versatile world with enigmatic individuals. Excited to explore more of these character developments in the sequel. 

Sometimes you have to laugh in the face of the things that scare you about yourself, or the fear alone will drive you mad.

As I mentioned previously, the plot is fast paced and hectic, which I love! However, there were some plot developments that just didn't make sense (especially in the end). This didn't necessarily detract from the novel, just something a few readers have picked up. Hoping for more action and battle scenes in the sequel as those were written in a superb manner. 

“Right this way, Barbie and Ken,” Corbin said, heading resolutely towards the house.   “Okay, Buffy,” I murmured to his back.  He’d started the name calling, after all.   He stifled a laugh.  “Guess I asked for that,” he said, his voice pitched-low.    “That round went to Barbie,” Christian added, helpful as always.

I urge and beg you (yes, you!) to read Breathing Fire. It was an amazing and fun-as-hell reading experience!

“Damn you,” he said roughly, kissing me with all of his pent-up rage and anger.  “Damn me,” I agreed, when he finally came up for air.  The storm took us yet again.

Find Breathing Fire on Amazon and Goodreads!

Goodreads | Tumblr | Instagram | Photoblog

Air Awakens Review

Author: Elise Kova

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Magic

Rating: 4 stars

When will you stop being afraid, read, and learn more about who you are?

Air Awakens by Elise Kova really did awaken something powerful in me. It awaken my passion and love for reading after a dark and uncertain time in my life. I don't know what it is about high fantasy that always has a substantial affect on me. People will tell me "magic isn't real, so why do you waste your time reading it?" and I reply, " I am so sorry for you because when I READ I get to feel magic, this whirlwind sensation, while you will never  will experience something like that". Some people are addicted to alcohol or drugs, I am wholeheartedly addicted to novels. This novel just reminded me of all the reasons people should fight to read and experience more. 

Vhalla wanted to feel special. She wanted to feel important. She wanted to feel she was special and important to the crown prince, of all people. But she only felt like an object.

Elise Kova creates an amazing world surrounded by magic, court games, love and friendship. Vhalla is a seventeen year old librarian apprentice who has been content with her life but always felt as though something was missing. She is on her way to becoming a prominent figure in the library due to her love for reading and knowing. The question is, is that enough? One night, tragedy strikes in the palace and a prince is rushed back from war with a bad injury at critical condition. All the librarians are brought together in order to find the cure for a certain poison. The anxiety and pressure get the best of Vhalla and she vehemently writes all the possible solutions to the cure. Her notes then form the catalyst to her new life. 

Something about it terrified her; something about it shamed her; something about it pushed her forward.

Vhalla imprinted her magic in those notes and basically announced herself as a sorcerer. This is not necessarily what she wants, but that doesn't mean she isn't intrigued by the individuals with the black robes and the emblem on their chests. Vhalla is particularly interested in crown prince Aldrik, who personifies darkness himself. ( Little side note,  Aldrik is slightly similiar in character to the Darkling in the Grisha Trilogy). As Vhalla delves deeper into the world of magic, she begins to face the realities of the world around her. Two paths emerge and Vhalla must decide what type of person she wants to be; one who is scared of the unknown due to ignorance or one who accepts the truth about and around herself. 

She simply saw someone who was lonely, someone who could likely count their friends on one hand, and perhaps wanted to one day use two hands.

Most readers will relate to Vhalla in some shape or form. She is, at times, the epitome of our insecurities. Just like us, she is afraid of change and possesses a lot of self doubt. What makes her character so rich is the development; watching Vhalla acknowledge her insecurities and own them ( or they will own you). Both princes are enigmatic and dynamic. This just makes you want to know more. The main characters were approached well but the way the author dealt with Vhalla's previous friends didn't feel right. Her friends could have become complex characters but remained static throughout the novel. 

“I’m simply learning where I’m meant to be.” It was the only response because it was the truth.

Air Awakens is the first novel from the series and acts as an introduction into the world. Due to this, there isn't a lot of the 'conventional' plot or action seen here. It is mostly the physiological exploration of the characters and the high court, preparing the reader for the sequel. It does its job. Well. I drank up this novel so fast I am surprised I didn't choke. It was THAT good. 

They were sending her to war, so she would go and become something they had every right to fear.

And in the words of Taylor Swift: " This (book) is sick!"

Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads!

Goodreads | Tumblr | Instagram | Photoblog

Black Lies Review

Author: Alessandra Torre

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Dark

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Alessandra Torre once again surprises everyone with a dynamic and complex story of love, devotion and decisions. This summer, Hollywood Dirt was released and to be brutally honest, it didn't live up to my expectations from such a authentic author! This right here, reading Black Ties, restored my faith in Alessandra Torre. She has an epic craft of creating the most original and entertaining love stories out there. It is an ingenious craft. 

The synopsis remains intentionally vague and indistinct. For this reason, my review will take on the same theme. I beg anyone planning to read this to go into to blind. Having a blank slate makes the reading experience so much more vibrant and enjoyable. It is like going to a horror movie and knowing what will happen; it takes off the edge factor.... You REALLY don't want to lose the edge factor with this novel. 

“You been hurt?” 

“Not yet.” 

He stared at me so steadily, an odd emphasis placed on the words, as if he was giving his heart to me with both hands, certain that it would lead to his demise.

At the age of 29, Layanna is placed at the pinnacle of her life, she loves two men wholeheartedly. Now some people would justifiably say that is not a good enough excuse for "stringing" along two men. However,  Alessandra Torre takes us into this world of greyness, a world where everything isn't as seems. One has to maintain their wit in the hopes of not being too disillusioned. More than being a good read, the novel is a real life game between reality and abstraction. 

“Yeah. I couldn’t even tell you where I’ve been. Everything…” he grew quiet. “Everything fades unless I’m with you.” It should have been a compliment. Instead, it felt more like a prison sentence. A statement of fact. 

I didn’t respond.

The characters were all so complex and evolutionary. The development is phenomenal and really bring together the ending (can we call it an ending with that prologue though? who knows...). They were all so distinct, flawed and human. Torre personified human ambitions and faults through her characters, adding substance and complexity to Black Lies. 

“Why’d you leave with me?” Open curiosity in his eyes. Like any woman needed to explain running off with a billionaire. “I figured you should have one night you didn’t have to pay for.” 

His eyes smiled. “I like paying.”

 I was honestly enamoured throughout Black Lies. It pulls you into the core and everything else around ceases to be real. I was hypnotised and spellbound. I really recommend this novel for anyone who loves romance and is willing to have your mind challenged, if not, misled. 

“I loved you. I still love you. Even when I hate you, I love you. I always will. I’m not a smart man, but I know that."

Find this gem on Goodreads or Amazon!

Goodreads | Tumblr | Instagram | Photoblog

Before We Were Strangers Review

Author: Renée Carlino
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 5 stars

We both cried together, surrendering to the reality that we had to accept. 

I have been so scared of reviewing Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino for some particular reason. Maybe it's the fact that it affected me so much that every time I think about the novel, I want to burst into tears. This is not a normal reaction. It is also not a rational or explainable reaction. It is what it is. And Before We Were Strangers is definitely brilliant.

Friends forever might have been a tired expression, but when he asked, it was like music or poetry. I knew it meant something else. I knew it meant I need you in my life.

Matt and Grace met in NYU at what was arguably the best time of their lives. They were both artists with strong pasts. They became fast friends, creating such a unique and poignant bond that almost nothing could tarnish it. Both leaned on each other and complemented each other on a physical, emotional and psychological level. This is hard to achieve. It is even harder to create such a distinct and raw relationship in a novel; Renée Carlino achieved it all. 

Three seconds doesn’t seem like a long time, but when you’re gazing into someone’s eyes, it’s long enough to make a silent promise.

The operative word used previously was "almost" when stating that few things could have endangered Matt and Grace's relationship. There were a few instances where their relationship was tested and pulled. What I loved most about this story was the authenticity and rawness in the conflicts. It felt so authentic, mimicking real life and its struggles. This makes the reader relate to the issues presented. It makes you care. It makes you feel. It makes you think and question your own life. While reading, thoughts popped up like; I am truly happy? I am living to my most potential? When I look at myself, am I the person I wanted to be? These are simple thoughts but the fact that someone else story could make me question my own was a bit unnerving. 

Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash.

A truly great novel doesn't need flash, glitter or a production. It just needs to break the barrier between the reader and touch the heart. Great novels makes you feel. I state this a lot in my reviews, but its the truth. Feeling reminds us we are human, we are vulnerable and susceptible to the world. Before We Were Strangers felt like drinking wine after a long day. The writing was poetic and basically flowed across the page,as if a song and dance was going on.  The plot remains haunting beautiful, tragic and so so raw. It was gut wrenching and somber. The characters.... were not characters in the manner where you know they are fictional. Before We Were Strangers felt like a glimpse into the genuine lives of two individuals and the world around them.

I became acutely aware of everyone around me carrying on, living life. I was static, standing on the platform, watching train after train go by, wishing I knew which one to be on.

Matt and Grace fought fate and ended up together at the end. The fact that they conquered all odds is heart warming. I really, really enjoyed this novel. It just made me wonder and hope... 

She was perfect . . . poetry in motion—the evidence of a life burning well and bright.

Find this novel on Goodreads and Amazon! 
Goodreads | Tumblr | Instagram | Photoblog

The Darkest Minds Review

Author: Alexandra Bracken

Genre: Dystopian, YA, Romance

Rating: 3 stars

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken is one of the most original stories to come out in 2012. The boom of dystopian novels brought upon a series of similiar, if not same, novels in the genre with the same very obvious formula. It is a very acclaimed genre, however, the amount of unoriginal stories makes dystopia very tedious and repetitive. The true founders of dystopia are George Orwell with 1984 and Margaret Atwoods' The Handmaid's tale. These two novels revolutionised the literary world and set the standard for great dystopian and Post Apocalyptic novels. 

Alexandra Bracken might have broken the tedious cycle with the Darkest Minds. This was not romance placed in a futuristic world or a contemporary forced into the distinct genre. The creativity, passion and work from Bracken placed into this novel makes The Darkest Minds are household name. The world is meticulously dark and despondent. The societal values, rules and guides are authentic and genuine, making the story all that more believable and enjoyable. With these factors, Alexandra Bracken has created a work that reminds reader why they continue to read dystopian novels.

With that said, its time to get to the tough part. The Darkest Minds had everything I needed to love it, but this didn't occur. I liked and respected it but throughout the whole reading process I felt disconnect from the general plot as it lacked a goal or aim despite the great world building and writing style. The beginning of the novel was stellar; seeing the children camps from inside created an intense atmosphere that pulled you into the story. However, as the novel progressed and the main character distanced herself from the camps, the plot lost a lot of heat and halted my personal progress from liking to loving. Three fourths of the novel became a cat-and-chase road trip between 4 young teenagers. Slowly, the Darkest Minds loses its strength and dulls in comparison to the first few chapters. 

Ruby wasn't the strongest protagonist. This is not saying that all protagonists have to be instantly strong and brave, because that isn't realistic either. Ruby lacked major character development and the novel suffered from that. She is seen as a leech, first in the camp where her best friend takes punishment for her and on the road where Liam and the others sacrifice themselves to protect her.She is one of the most "powerful" users in the US and yet she refuses to use her power to better her own world. She cowers to danger and runs, figuratively and literally, from the problems in her society. Ruby wasn't the greatest of protagonists but she was kind, loyal, caring and funny at times. The supporting character really made this story phenomenal; I loved them all for all their quirks and all! 

Overall, this could have been a great novel and a game changer. It had a lot of potential but the execution was lacking . Please take into consideration that this is my personal comments and opinions. It might not be accurate an indicator of the novels value and merit! I truly believe a large amount of readers will and have enjoyed this series. Alexandra Bracken does really know her craft and I applaud her for her dedication and work drive.

Find The Darkest Minds on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

Goodreads | Tumblr | Instagram | Photoblog 

Queen of Shadows Review

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Fantasy, YA, Romance

Rating: 5 stars

She had once believed that she’d been born to be queen. She had since learned that she’d been born to be a wolf.

Queen of Shadows is the fourth highly anticipated novel in the Throne of Glass series. Thank the Gods that Sarah J. Maas did not make this into a trilogy. Set place in Erilea, Queen of Shadows begins where Heir of Fire ended with the return of Celaena, assassin, king's champion, and queen . But not everything is as it seems as all the characters undergo a complete make over, creating almost a juxtaposition to their previous selves. Rifthold is slowly falling apart with more executions and brutality from the king. Darkness seeps into the world of Erilea and morality blurs. It seems as if the world is on Celaena's shoulders and the people anxiously wait to see what she will do with it....

She was the heir of fire. She was fire, and light, and ash, and embers. She was Aelin Fireheart, and she bowed for no one and nothing, save the crown that was hers by blood and survival and triumph.

Queen of Shadows deserves 5 stars if not only for the bar it set for any other YA fantasy in the future. Do not get me wrong I loved the first three books in this series, but they always tethered on 4 to 4.5 stars. It seemed as if Sarah J. Maas was a bit tentative about exploring the world of magic and fantasy. And even with her attitude as such, she did create a master piece. However, no one can dispute that she put everything into Queen of Shadows! Nothing was stopping her. 

“If you are allowed to change so greatly in two years, may I not be permitted to have changed as well?”

The characters surpassed any of my expectations. There was an air of maturity and civility that wasn't there previously. Most of the characters finally established their role in Erilea and their actions became more conscious and  perceptive. I commend Maas for telling the story in third person omniscient, allowing everyone's story to be heard. It made the world more vibrant and blurred the lines between good and bad. Being forced to acknowledge everyones' past and story, the reader placed in a situation where they can't dehumanise the other side. This is what makes a great fantasy, the ability to understand that the world is not made of definitive and absolute elements. 

The Wing Leader said from behind her, “Do you believe monsters are born, or made?” From what she’d seen today, she would say some creatures were very much born evil. But what Manon was asking … “I’m not the one who needs to answer that question,” Elide said.

There is no way I can articulate the power, drive, passion that is Celaena. Gone is the brute, who would act first and think later. What emerges is a woman, not a girl, a woman so confident and sure of herself. Celaena does not hide, but embraces everything she is, the good and the bad. She becomes a predator, watching everyone's steps with a killing calm. She become the shadow itself, always moving, shifting, changing. With her intelligent golden eyes, her panther-like body and her deadly court, she is unstoppable. Finally! After so much anticipating, the readers were introduced to a QUEEN.

“You bring my court into this, Chaol,” Aelin said with lethal softness, “and I don’t care what you were to me, or what you have done to help me. You betray them, you hurt them, and I don’t care how long it takes, or how far you go: I’ll burn you and your gods-damned kingdom to ash. Then you’ll learn just how much of a monster I can be.”

The plot was slower than usual, but for a purpose. We had to relearn everything because everyone and everything has dramatically changed. The plot also mirrored Celaena's new personality by reflecting on her new intuitive and keen manner. With Rowan by her side, everything felt RIGHT. The build up was phenomenal, when two worlds crashed into each other. Epicness.  People have been complaining about Manon's story but honestly by the end, I was CRAVING more Manon! Everyone played an instrumental role at the end of the novel and those 656 pages were well presented. 

That wildness, that untamed fierceness … They weren’t born of a free heart, but of one that had known despair so complete that living brightly, living violently, was the only way to outrun it.

Objectively, I believe Queen of Shadows deserves all acclaim is shall receive. Its moments like these that remind me why I keep reading until my eyes burn and my body shuts down. There is no better high in the world than reading a great book. I just know I will be floating for a long while. 

“What if we go on,” he said, “only to more pain and despair? What if we go on, only to find a horrible end waiting for us?” Aelin looked northward, as if she could see all the way to Terrasen. “Then it is not the end.”

You can find Queen of Shadows on  Goodreads, Amazon, iBooks.

Goodreads | Tumblr | Instagram | Photoblog