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!

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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!

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Saving Francesca Review

Author: Melina Marchetta

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Coming of Age

Rating: 5 stars

"Left alone with a dial tone....excuse me, operator, why is no one listening?"

I reinvented my blog last night to suite my tastes and personality. With the layout to my pleasing, it seemed necessary to refresh my content to project my personality and who I am. My blog can not fully represent me without having Saving Francesca somewhere. Reading is a huge part of my life but at times it does become monotonous and uninspiring and this summer I NEEDED a novel to PUSH me. Saving Francesca did just that and after months from my reading, I am still musing over it. 

"I was born seventeen years ago," I tell him. "Do you think people have noticed that I'm around?"

"I notice when you're not. Does that count?"

People may read this novel and come back and say "Diana, nothing much really happened..." and I will tell them "you missed the point". Saving Francesca is not a novel involving a vast physical plot or action; it is pretty stagnant in that department. And yet, I loved it as much as I loved Heir of Fire or the Grisha Series. Why am I praising this novel so much? It is because it does something MAGICAL by touching everyone. It takes a small middle class family and projects our needs, wants and fear in life. Saving Francesca is characteristically normal and common and because of this, Melina Marchetta creates a universal work. Saving Francesca is truly a story about enduring life; it is a journey to self-discovery and acceptance. It is a shout to society saying "NO, this is ME, I am who I am, and I love myself for that". 

“It's a weird smile, but it reaches his eyes and I bottle it. And I put it in my ammo pack that's kept right next to my soul and Justine's spirit and Siobhan's hope and Tara's passions. Because if I'm going to wake up one morning and not be able to get out of bed, I'm going to need everything I've got to fight this disease that could be sleeping inside of me.” 

Francesca wakes up one morning going from a world of music, of life, to a world of silence. She wakes up to this stillness that makes someone's heart stop. Her energetic and charismatic mother does not get up. This once vicarious and lively woman is bedridden from a sickness that leaves a ghost of herself. Without Francesca's mother telling her who to be, she is lost, confused and in a state of turmoil. The big question is who is Francesca? Who is she truly, away from society's expectations?

I want to go around the neighbourhood saying, “We’re depressed.” If my mum can’t get out of bed in the morning, all of us feel the same. Her silence has become ours, and it’s eating us alive.

Her journey of self discovery begins in a reformed all boys school, St. Sebastian. Here, Francesca stumbles upon her misfit group of friends that makes her come to terms with the person she became. Her home situation slowly deteriorates as depression takes hold of her mother. Francesca is forced to accept her mothers depression and the facade she has been living under. Once the lies have been revealed, it becomes difficult to hide under the facade of a perfect family. The ultimate fall out is ugly, brutal, raw and shockingly beautiful. 

Just ask how I'm feeling, I want to say. Just ask and I may tell you.... No one does.

Melina Marchetta creates a true and authentic depiction of the effect of an illness upon a family. Not only that, she shows how everything can change from a single moment.The novel is soft spoken and delivers a clear message through Francesca's narration. She is funny, sarcastic, intelligent and critical of the life around her. It is refreshing yet poignant. There is something heartbreakingly beautiful about the day to day struggles and what it makes of a person. 

I want to be an adjective again. But I'm a noun. A nothing. A nobody. A no one.

Melina Marchetta crafts a work that is vital and universal to any demographic. By the end, you begin to appreciate the beauty and struggle around you because it means YOU are LIVING.

Tara Finke nudges me. "Fascism at its best here. They train them young."

Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads !

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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!

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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! 
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Not You It's Me Review

Author: Julie Johnson

Genre:Contemporary, Romance

Rating: 4 Stars

“I can’t imagine there’s any man on earth who would regret kissing you.”

As I read more and more contemporary romance, I begin to feel disappointed in myself for thinking novels like 50 Shades of Grey were a great novels (besides the erotica). As the years continue and romance novels move back to Romance instead of Sex, I feel grateful. Don't get me wrong, sex is a huge part of most relationships, but it is not everything. I loved Not You It's Me because it had the perfect balance of both. First of all, Julie Johnson has a name that is just made to be published. I don't know why I find this important but it is! 

I might have given my heart to this novel.I can tell a novel is great from my body's response to it. There were shivers going through me. My body was saying; Yes, MORE of THIS! A novel is great, in my opinion, when it unifies not only your mind but your body, your soul. There is a certain magic in that that I rarely encounter. 

“You’re one of those weirdos who plays chess against himself, and lays awake at night thinking through strategy, and has a first edition of The Art of War on his bookshelf, aren’t you?” I shake my head in faux-exasperation. “I have a strict rule against dating men like that. I don’t want to be the Luke to anyone’s Yoda, you know what I’m saying?”

Not You It's Me is a story about two individuals, Gemma and Chase, brought together from years of pain, anger and disappointment. Gemma Summers is a 29 year old art curator, who is too scared of showing her art, her soul, to the world. Chase Croft is the soon to be CEO of Croft Industries, crushed by the pressure of expectation and duty. During a basketball game, their worlds combine and set in motion a chain of events that end in their happiness. 

“Stop looking at me like that, Gemma,” he says, his voice so low, it sounds like a threat. Probably because it is one. “Like what?” I ask defensively, my eyes locking with his. “Like you’d like to see what not dating me entails.”

Not You It's Me is a beautifully simple story. That is what makes it so special; it allows the reader to explore emotions rather than plot. I was a completely endearing story about struggle and love. The plot could be easily predicted but that didn't take away from the story too much. However, the ending felt too rushed; it could have been developed better to end on a stronger note. But the characters really did make up for it. Both major and minor characters made the novel flow naturally and realistic. I couldn't help but relate to their issues, laughing at their jokes, and crying alongside them.

“I know how it feels to be disappointed by family — by the people who are supposed to love you unconditionally. It’s a betrayal of everything that makes us human.

Find this on Goodreads and Amazon

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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. 

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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.

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Sugar Baby Beautiful Review

Author: J.J.McAvoy

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Dark

Rating: 5 "freely given" stars

Sugar Baby Beautiful by J. J. McAvoy has been taking the book community by storm. Only released on the 21st of August, and its seen an outpour of high reviews and ratings. It makes people wonder, what makes this novel so special? What does it have that can cause such a stir in a community that at most times is critical and apprehensive about most novels. Having my favourite reviewers singing its praise, almost shocked me. This is the moment where I reveal how I judged a book by its cover (I'm sorry but its the first thing you see when you pick up any novel and even though I have been proven time and time again, I still do it). There is a pretty male and female on the cover, which is pretty standard in any contemporary romance. Nothing new , right? Wrong. Wrong in so many ways. 

I can't justify or excuse myself. I entered this book with my own prejudices and judgments, thinking this might be one of those overrated novels. Anyways, now that we have come to the conclusion that I can be an idiot (It really does happen to the best of us), I can get into the review.

Sugar Baby Beautiful is a beautiful story about two broken individuals finding light within each other and also within themselves. It is about coming out of a dark place and still finding a reason to live. It's about compatibility; finding that one person who accepts you flaws and all. Sugar Baby Beautiful might be categorised as contemporary romance, but from what I read and felt, it went far deeper than it has been credited for. It explored the human mind, depression, societies response to such matters, happiness, love, and this self inadequacy that I KNOW we have all felt at some point in time of our lives. J.J. McAvoy effortlessly and artistically approaches dark, and in some societies, taboo subjects.  From my perspective, this novel acted as a mirror, reflecting all my issues, emotions and scars and forcing me to open that floodgate of emotion. 

“Isn’t that the game we’re playing? You tell me to do something, I say no, yet you get me to do it anyway?”

The reader is introduced to Felicity Harper, a woman just trying to deal with life day by day. She lives in an apartment with her best friends, Marc and Chloe; making up her family.  One night, her friends convince her to go to this Sugar Daddy party where she can meet a rich guy and he can provide for her. At first, she is apprehensive about the party, not wanting anything more than sex from her companion. Finally she goes and meets Theo, the owner of the house, and there is instant intense and dark connection between both of them. It felt like two lost souls gravitating toward each other, forming an impenetrable bond. Felicity's music touches Theo and makes him feel, something he hasn't really done for a while. With both of their guards up, they work through their amazing but at times frustrating relationship. When Felicity joins Theo's entertainment company and gala performance, things get a bit REAL. At this point, I can't say any more without ruining the story. But expect the unexpected. There was this point in the novel where Sugar Baby Beautiful transformed from a contemporary romance to dark and uncharacteristically real story. 

The plot...damn...enough said....

The characters... holy mother.....

The last 20% of the novel....shaking my head...

This novel... left me speechless....

“How about Sugar Baby Beautiful?” I replied. He looked confused. “What does that mean?” “I’d like to think it means the kind of beauty even the richest people can’t buy.”

Sugar Baby Beautiful needs to be read. 

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The Black Mage: First Year and Apprentice Review

The Black Mage is a new Young Adult Fantasy series revolving around the world of Jerar. It is an original and insightful perspective on magic and power. In this world, from a young age, people have the choice of either staying in the traditional route in life or applying to one of the three war schools: The Academy, The Calvary, or the army. The Academy is the most prestigious of them all, as Mages are of high value in their society. 

In this first novel , First Year, we are introduced to Ryiah, an aspiring Combat Mage. With her brother by her side, they begin the tumultuous year trails at the Academy. Not only are there Combat Mages but also Restoration Mages, who deal with healing, and Alchemy Mages that alter and create various potions and weapons. The students' will and magic are pushed beyond limits, friendships are strained and tested, enemies rear their ugly head, and love sprouts. Each student is there  to prove something, most importantly, Prince Darren the Second Heir of the Crown. Darren and Ryiah form a shaky and unlikely friendship, however, everything isn't as it seems. The big question seems to be; does Ryiah have what it takes to become an apprentice? 

Review:4 STARS In terms of story building, Rachel E. Carter gets an A+ as the descriptions felt effortless and the story continued to flow naturally. Rachel builds this beautiful, but harsh world where power and influence are held at high esteem. The vivid imagery takes away any difficulty with the time period and society. The characters were complex, driven, dark, vulnerable, and endearing. I know I have used a lot of adjectives, but trust me, I could have used so much more! It isn't every day you meet a heroine who isn't naturally the best at her field. Ryiah had to WORK for everything she achieved which made her actions even more honourable. The novel showed so much determination, commitment and passion from Ryiah, even if she didn't have the best odds. Yes, she did make mistakes but what was so remarkable is she did learn from them. The supporting cast deserve a round of applause; the banter and rivalry between the characters made it more enjoyable and added some light into an already dark year of study.  The Academy was brutal and harsh but you couldn't help respect and admire what it all stood for. The plot was well placed but it didn't give the reader much time to adjust to the academy, being a reflection on the characters experiences (good technique , hehe). I am so excited to continue on to the second novel and only hope it is as captivating as the first.

In Apprentice, Ryiah has become the unlikely sixth mage of Combat. However, she realises soon that being an apprentice isn't what its cut out to be. She is stuck for four years with a mentor that hates her and Prince Darren, who only continues to confuse and unravel her. The apprentice combines "boarding school" life with the real world. Being a Mage stops being  romanticised  and  idealised when faced with the implications and                  consequences. As rebel groups grow bigger and tensions arise, Ryiah showcases both her strength and intelligence. There is a four year time span where the reader sees the gradual growth of character, maturity and depth. It is very apparent we do not know the true length of her magic. With all the unknowns, Ryiah and the series have no bounds.... 





My Review:4.5 STARS
I know I am idiot for not giving Apprentice 5 stars or more. But something is holding me back. This novel was truly spectacular as it artistically touched of my favourite themes : Magic and power. There was something very uplifting and real about this sequel. The characters were fearless, strong and 'heroic' whilst still remaining vulnerable and impressionable. There was more darkness, more danger, but also more opportunities to prove oneself. I think I am just holding out for the third book for that last star. In my previous review of First Year , I finished by hoping the sequel would live up to the first. What a fool I was for doubting Rachel E. Carter for a second! She got my back and did not disappoint. Her writing in Apprentice might have even surpassed all of my expectations. The reader is thrown back into the realm of Jerar and the apprenticeship begins in full force. If you thought The Academy was tough, you are out of luck. Ryiah and her friends are thrust into the competitive and intense world of magic. Each character is pushed harder both emotionally and physically. Four years of hard work, dedication, mistakes, pain, loss and struggle accumulate to the ascension. There is much more drama and adventure as the characters are thrown into the real world with a war with a rival kingdoms looming. With that said, it's best to go blind with this novel, the surprises and intensity make the novel even more gripping! 

I can't wait for the next one! *squeals*

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