My Rating: 2 Stars This was a peculiar reading, but I will admit that it was a challenge to stay engaged with the plot and the characters. I think the world we live in is already violent enough and to have to read about this amount of physical abuse and verbal attacks is not what I want after a day of work and sad news. Natalie is a young girl of 16 years that struggles with her role in society and family responsibilities in an unnamed medieval world where men are divided from women. As she works to sustain her family, Natalie hates being a woman and the treatment they are victims of in the hands of men. Things take a radical turn when there is an announcement for a new Quest from the Kings, an adventure that if it ends in victory will bring glory, influence and gold. When Natalie gets on the bad side of a male adventurer and gets violently beaten, she has to flee to another city in search of Sir Edris for protection and help in the Quest. I really don’t like giving bad reviews, but this one just didn’t cut it for me. Starting with the plot and the setting where the adventure takes place. I was completely at lost about this fantasy reality: there is description of this world, how many countries, continents, cities there are, the distance between them, their political structure. I would have felt the adventure more if I could really feel this new world, and I couldn’t do that with the lack of descriptions. The writing style was a bit disappointing in a sense. It’s very easy to read and to keep up with the plot and the characters but there’s amiss. Since we’re talking about a story that takes place in medieval times, I was expecting the old English type of language and vocabulary that I’m a big fan of in historical novels. But here, the language is modern, the phrases are the same as we use now-a-days and for me it took the colour out of the story. The violence towards women and the sexism of this reality didn’t work out for me either. I understand that this the universe that the author created, but this is based on a reality. Tough to hear but it does exist. I would just expect a rise up of women power with a powerful character or a demonstration of something that would balance this oppressive environment and that didn’t happen at all. In the end, it just gets worse, and I struggled to keep reading when I only saw the mistreatment and abuse of women. The characters were also a bit of a disappointment. I couldn’t understand Natalie at all and I honestly didn’t like her as a main character. For me she’s like an over-emotional teenager that always says she hates man and the freedom they have to do what they want without worrying about consequences but then she expects and counts on the guy to have her from trouble. I really couldn’t feel any strength in her at all, not in her personality or influence in the story. I also felt like she doesn’t learn anything from the events taking place around her; she doesn’t grow as a character. All the other characters, like her friends Hadley and Ida, Brago, Sir Edris and Red are not well developed at all, they don’t have depth and I didn’t feel their connection to the story. I think there is room for improvement, both when it comes to plot details and the character development. Hopefully there will be changes in the next novel. Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Diversion Publishing and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
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My Rating: 5 Stars It seems I started in the middle with this series, but I regret nothing. Little Mermaid is one of all-time favourite Disney film and Ursula definitely one of the best villains, so of course this book is a must-have! The best part? It wasn’t disappointing, quite the opposite: unpredictable, heartfelt and very addictive! This novel tells the story of Ursula, the most feared sea witch of all time and her journey to becoming the villain so known and terrifying in the sea world. Haunted by her past, fuelled by hatred you’ll take a ride to the depths of the witch's' heart and beware, it’s a wild ride. I loved this novel! It was amazing to see her story from the beginning and how it intertwines with the story of Ariel and scenes from the film; To read “Poor Unfortunate Souls” while reading Ursula’s line of thought gave me goosebumps! This story gives depth to the villain and proves that no one is born evil. Being left in a state of fear, loneliness and rejection, turned Ursula to the path of hatred; so strong that she has no chance at redemption. I couldn’t help but feel for her and understand why she is the way she is. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but she has one or two good reasons to be the way she is and to seek revenge, even if I know that it isn’t the answer to the problem. I also could help but wish that the story ended differently and that her fate wasn’t the one we’re all familiar with. My first read by Ms Serena Valentino and it’s my pleasure to highly recommend this book to any Disney villain fans out there! Can’t wait for the next volumes to arrive! My Rating: 5 Stars This book was awesome. No other way to put it. I don’t even know how I only heard about these series now and I will definitely get my hands on a paperback version of both instalments. The story starts with the main character Evelyn and her search for gifted people who are struggling with their powers or simply hiding them out of fear. At the same time, she needs to make sure that she gets to them before the Society of Aberrations does. It’s not a group one should trust… right? With her parents back, Evelyn has to protect herself in two fronts, from the Society and her parent’s intent to marry her off. I fell in love with this book even though I didn’t have the fortune of reading the first volume These Vicious Masks. It is fast-paced, pack with action, not a dull moment in sight. Intrigue at every corner, I was sitting at the edge of my seat in anticipation. I really couldn’t guess who to trust or to be suspensions of, even though most of the characters are simply amazing. Twists and unexpected events would make anyone hold their breaths. The time-period is simply perfect and definitely one of my all-time favourites. The colours, the dash of steampunk, the language and the manners are so beautifully described I got goosebumps. The style of writing is perfect, words feel like silk when I read them in my mind, it’s breathtaking and hypnotic. Oh, and did I mention highly-addictive? Evelyn is an amazing character and she definitely became one of my all-time favourites. She is one badass lady, with a strong character, spirit and smart mind. She is the picture of independence, the complete opposite of what society requires of a woman in that period. She is the proof that we can break free of society’s rules and how we can break them in style and with grace. Despite everything though, she still feels the need to make her parents proud, and does her best to please them even if she doesn’t agree with their traditional views and beliefs. That’s another thing this character is great: even coming from a family with high social status, Evelyn is kind and treats everybody equally and she truly wants to make a difference in the world, no matter the cost. Her powers are incredible, so, another reason I like her, of course. Utterly brilliant is the only way to describe this amazing novel. I will be ordering the first volume and the second one for good measure because this is definitely a series worth following and having in the bookshelf! I want to thank Xpresso Book Tours for allowing me to participate in this book tours in exchange for an honest review. My Rating: 4 Stars A great storyline and imagination with a memorable set of characters. A refreshing novel that I couldn’t put down! Fate Floyd truly believes that the world of books is way better and far more adventurous than hers. Driven by her passion for the fantasy genre, Fate is tricked and sent into a world where not all fairy tales have a happy-ending. Trapped in the Book of Fables, she most find a way to return home in one peace. How to do that? Turn the unfortunate endings to happily-ever-after. How hard can it be? Changing one’s fate is never easy but if you include sorceresses, not very nice fairies and a mysterious male companion, things tend to get a bit more complicated. Having read Chris Colfer’s Land of Stories I was a bit worried that the story would turn out to be in the same line. I was pleasantly surprised and I loved every minute of this incredible story. I loved the reality where this takes place, or, more correctly, realities. Travelling through fairytales is probably what little children want to do, and this story-line just proves that not all fairytales are for children, they also exist to send messages to adults. This world proved to be full of colour even in its most dramatic parts. It’s action-packed and in some occasions fast paced but not always. The story builds up slowly, it’s not rushed. The writing style really helped me get through the big descriptions and more steal moments, it’s absolutely amazing! Fate is a great main character; she’s a badass writer with a huge imagination and energy that are contagious. She is the link between the secondary characters and they all come together very nicely. The good thing is, not only I was able to follow the characters throughout the story, but I also enjoyed reading how they had to work and go around solving problems and rescuing friends in danger, even if in middle it got predictable. Finn, the male lead, didn’t do much for me. I would have appreciated a bit more background story and to see a build-up in his relationship with Fate. For me it happened too fast: she knows him, trusts him even though he burns books (oh the horror!). This is a novel I recommend for all ages and specially for those that like to read something a little bit more on the steady-paced side. I want to thank Original Mix Media Inc and Netgalley for allow me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. My Rating: 5 Stars I read this book many years ago while I was still in high school and it still gives me goosebumps to know how it represents society still. This classic dystopian novel is one of the most famous of its time and an absolute must-read. This little book tells the story of the rebellion of the farm animals against the farmer Mr Jones, the culprit of their slavery system and poor conditions. The initial idea is to rule the farm themselves as equals. When the farmer is overthrown, problems start to rise when the pigs gain a taste for power and quickly follow a totalitarian regime in which only the brightest animals (aka pigs) can rule. The style of writing and the language used by Orwell are absolutely amazing. Satire and sarcasm are used perfectly to describe and criticize the political and social systems, along with the personification of the animals which represents the different social classes. I don’t think that Orwell is simply referring to the totalitarian regimes but all the systems in general. Every single system has people that think themselves above all others and above the rules, maybe because they had a better education or come from a line of influential people or even because they have more monetary stability than others. Orwell describes perfectly the consequences of jumping into a system based on the illusion of justice and just how easy it is to manipulate people into believing it. This point is made stronger when the animals created their “Seven Commandments”, a set of rules to ensure equality amongst all animals. A fake sense of security and liberty is given, and as all the animals trust the power of these commandments, they fail to see how easily the pigs evade them and reverse them until it’s too late. The lesson: intelligence and power are a very dangerous mix. Furthermore, the reference to propaganda and the brainwashing typical of the dictatorship is very well represented right there. In the end, the pigs quickly take the place of the farmer. It shows that people don’t learn from their past and keep making the same mistakes over and over again. Orwell shows the danger of blindly and superficially believing in leaders not realising that words and actions can be changed or reversed just as easily as they are said or done. He shows how ignorance and a fake sense of security create the illusion that freedom is permanent and unchangeable, and how serious the consequences may be. A great book that sends many wise messages that everyone should read at least once. My Rating: 4 Stars A great cosy mystery right here! This is the first book I read from Kirsten Weiss and of the Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum Mystery series and I definitely want to read the previous volume and the next ones! The story is told from the perspective of Maddie Kosloski, the owner of the Paranormal Museum in San Benedetto, California. When the museum gets a new acquisition in the form of an old grape press, hell breaks loose. The owner of the press claims that the press was stolen and even after Maddie proves that she bought it, Detective Lauren Hammer makes it her mission to see the grape press returned to its owner. As if that isn’t complicated enough, the body of the accuser is found. Suddenly, Maddie is not just being accused of thievery but murder as well. When everyone asks Maddie to solve the mystery, she travels deep into the rabbit hole and breaking every wall imposed by the police. Firstly, I really enjoyed seeing this dark side of the small town living. I know for sure I couldn’t so it! The setting is refreshing and the fact this is actually about wine makes it even better! I think the idea and the storyline were very well thought and that it was very original. Secondly, about the characters. I have mix feelings about Maddie, it really depends certain events of the story. In the beginning, when she is accused, she throws a bit of a tantrum and walks out in the middle of the police interrogation. I would not expect that from a mature main character since it’s her record that is at stake here. But then, the way she goes about the mystery and by herself discovers clues and puts them together was a treat to read about. I think the character of Lauren goes a bit overboard with her hateful comments and attitude but I get that the heroine must find some walls along the adventure. The thing that I really appreciated is that, in this cosy novel, there isn’t the usual alliance between the amateur crime-solver and the police. It was refreshing to read and it makes it very interesting. It was a very fun read, putting wine, humour, mystery and paranormal all in one. Definitely recommend it! Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Midnight Ink. and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. My Rating: 5 Stars It took me a while to read it and to write since I was sick and decided to read it in full again after recovering! A brilliant novel, there is no other way to say it. Dark Skull Hall has a bit of everything: emotion, adventure, thrilling moments and heart-stopping confrontations. Decades before a massive war broke out between mages leaving a trail of bodies and destruction in its awake. The book tells us the story of Alyx Egalion, the daughter of a noble that knows nothing of war or mages that has her world turned upside-down. When Alyx learns that she is in fact a mage, she must leave everything behind in order to travel to the distant land of Tregaya where she is to learn her magic at Dark Skull Hall. Alyx soon learns that surviving the trip is a mere child play compared to the life that awaits her inside those medieval hallways. Nothing and no one is what they seem, secrets are waiting to be revealed and keeping the peace is not as easy as one would think. I really enjoyed this universe. I would definitely love to jump into the world of Alyx and Dark Skull Hall (despite the life risks). The setting is great, very creative and fresh. I’m a huge fan of the medieval period and to have a fantasy novel with a touch of that is amazing. The style of writing was what made the story so easy to follow for me. I tend to get lost in the characters and mix them all up but here everything was connected so nicely that it is impossible not to relate to one of the students of Dark Hall. Alyx is a great main character; I could see her evolution from the spoiled girl to someone that stands up to what she believes and her friends. I admire her ability to talk to people and integrate herself in a new world but also not being afraid to speaking her mind and keeping a cold-head in dangerous moments. I really liked the twins Dawn and Finn and Tarrick. As characters they bring light and optimism to the life and the adventures of Alyx but also the protection and the memories from home. Definitely looking forward to the next volume and read more about this amazing universe! I want to thank Lisa Cassidy for sending me a paper version of her great novel in exchange for an honest review! My Rating: 5 Stars 5 stars and I regret nothing. I fell in love with this book, it’s perfect and I will definitely buy the paperback version. The story starts with a young woman, injured and passed out on a beach with no recollection of who she is and she got there. When two boys approach her, Ann Baker as no choice but to follow them and hope for the best. When she’s taken to their home, a compound in the mountains, she's facing an impossible reality: she is The Lost One, one of the few Readers in the world with a power so strong it could bring their enemies to their knees. Surrounded by both friends and foes, Ann starts the adventure of a lifetime in a compound where everything counts and not everybody is what they seem. A very engaging, fast-paced plot where every detail counts! It’s fresh, creative, passionate and it mixes a bit of everything, from action to the mystery, romance, supernatural and adventure. The style of writing is beautiful and very addictive. I couldn’t put it down and the descriptions were incredible. It was like living the story instead of just reading it. The pace of the story is also great, fast-paced, never a boring moment. As for the characters, Ann is an incredible female protagonist. She has everything: wit, the strength of character, wisdom, instinct and always follows the path she thinks it’s right. I really enjoyed seeing her interaction with other characters, how naturally she fits in. Devon and Archer are every girl's dream: both are handsome, strong, and protective. Devon is the col, closed off type that acts like a bad-boy but deep down he cares; and Archer is the sweet, understanding type that will listen to everything and give good advice. I really enjoyed reading about their own little rivalry when it comes to Ann’s attention. I think they both have a great chemistry with Ann, can’t imagine whom she would pick. The thing is: all the characters are very much human. I couldn’t actually feel that the special abilities the author describes were “supernatural”. It all seems very much “real”, very much human. There are flaws, rivalries, companionship, doubts, problems, which gives them depth. Overall, probably one of the best YA books I’ve read so far. I highly recommend it! Thank you NetGalley, the publisher CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. My Rating: 5 Stars It was a breath of fresh air to read this fantasy novel that merges magic with dragons. It’s a page-turning, fast-paced adventure that had me glued to my Kindle. In a world ruled by magic, where mages rule supreme, Dragonborn (humans born with dragon blood) were slaughtered for unclear reasons. The novel tells the story of Andie, a 24-year-old with a big secret. Descendent from both magic and dragon blood, Andie most hide her true identity as she starts a new life at Arvall University where she will learn to control her magic. Together with her group of friends, the young sorcerer will learn that the Dragonborn line didn’t die completely and embarks on a journey to discover the truth about her people and herself and to bring justice to the falsely accused and abused. It was very hard to put it down and I ended up reading it in two days. I really liked the descriptions; they’re not very long and together with the great writing style is brought out the magic and the colour of the story. It made me want to jump into this world! I enjoyed reading about Andie and seeing the story in her perspective. I think she’s very well built as a character, she’s mature, logical and I could feel the weight of her secret throughout the story. Her courage, strength of character and her determination to correct all the wrongs that were done to her people were incredible to watch and read. I would have enjoyed it more if the ending didn’t end in a cliffhanger because now I’ll have to wait to see what happens! This storyline shows great promise and I hope that the next volume will not disappoint! It was my first time reading a novel from Ms Howell and I definitely wasn’t disappointed! I want to thank N. M. Howell for the chance to review her novel before it is published in exchange for an honest review. My Rating: 5 Stars Perfection! And now I'm depressing since I read it in one sitting and have to wait for the next volume! A brilliant sequel to Crime and Poetry by Amanda Flower in a novel that is more compelling than the first! Prose and Cons is the second book of the Magical Bookshop Mystery series. The main character, Violet Waverly is now the new Caretaker of Charming Books in Cascade Springs, while working at the local university as a professor of Literature and writing her PhD dissertation at the same time. Life is good as Violet and Grandma Daisy prepare for the event of the year, the Cascade Springs Food and Wine Festival. The plan is for the Red Inkers, the writers club, to do a Poe-try reading (reading of works of Edgar Allen Poe) with the historical setting and clothing. When Violet discovers the dead body of Anastasia Faber, one of the writers, in the bookshop all hell breaks loose. When her friend Sadie is accused and all the evidences point to her, Violet takes charge of the case together with the handsome chief of police David Rainwater in order to find the real killer. With the help of the magical bookstore, Emerson the tuxedo cat and Faulkner, the crow, our main character will uncover a big secret and an unexpected visitor will turn Violet's world upside down. A magical novel that I read in a few hours! Impossible to put down, the plot may look simple but it's nothing as such. The characters are so enchanting, so colourful and described in depth that I feel like they are my friends too. I love Violet, her loyalty and her complete faith in her friend Sadie's innocence is a grand part of her strong and stubborn character. I must admit that I was expecting a bit more action with the handsome chief of police, inside I truly believe that David and Violet make the dream couple. It was a delight to read their interactions and I think, reading in between the lines, that David knows more about the secret of the Charming Bookstore than he leads on. The setting is still as bright and colourful as the first time and it gives me the desire to visit Cascade Springs myself. Of course, that visiting the magical bookstore where the perfect book finds you would be a plus! My favourite series of cosy-mystery that I highly recommend! |
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