Eona (Eon #2) by Alison Goodman | Book Review

Eona by Alison Goodman

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Dragons
Publication Date: March 29th, 2012

Synopsis:
(from Goodreads)

Once she was Eon, a girl disguised as a boy, risking her life for the chance to become a Dragoneye apprentice. Now she is Eona, the Mirror Dragoneye, her country’s savior – but she has an even more dangerous secret. She cannot control her power. Each time she tries, it twists into a killing force. And more destruction is on her trail – High Lord Sethon’s army. She and her companions must find Kygo, the young Pearl Emperor, who needs Eona’s power if he is to wrest back his throne. But to help him, she must drive a dark bargain with an old enemy, which could obliterate them all.

–Possible Spoilers! Read at your own risk!–

“We are all more— and less—than what we seem.”

This series has been one heck of a ride. Never have I gone from hating to loving as much as I have with this crazy cast.

But man, Alison Goodman can tell an amazing story. It’s complex and well written and has such an amazing cast of complex and flawed characters.

I loved the political battle, and the struggle all the characters had with power and their humanity. I loved dragons, the entire energy world was absolutely fascinating. This story and this world that Alison Goodman has created is so unique and I even though this book was 600+ pages I was really sad when it ended.

I really loved Eona’s character. I’m not saying she didn’t frustrate me, oh she did. But gosh, she faces and has to make many tough decisions throughout the novel. Granted they’re not always the correct ones. She’s someone who has all this power and it’s because of that power she has a tough time trusting those around her. And also trusting in herself, for with great power comes great responsibility.

“You have seen me at my worst and at my weakest. Let me show you my best.”

Ido, I’ll admit it, I didn’t love him in the first book, but I was drawn to him. He intrigued me in a way Kygo didn’t. And even though he’s a murderer and possibly a psychopath, I couldn’t help but feel for him. Whether it’s by Sethon or Kygo, or even Eona, he was always being controlled by someone. Used for his power, used for killing. Is that what shaped him to be the person he is? To be this selfish character who only looked out for himself and was fueled by his own ambition? I don’t know. But I want to know, I want to know so much more about him.

“I know that love is about power, too. Who gives, who takes. Who is willing to risk showing their true self.”

I had a major love-hate relationship with Kygo as well. Surprising since I almost always fall for the royalty character. He’s emperor and because he’s an emperor he has to make tough decisions that will be best for the empire and his people. In his own way, I knew he cared for Eona, but at times I wondered if that was enough. Or if his quest to reclaim his throne would turn him into someone just like his uncle.

“In the end, power is always used to gain more power. That is the nature of the beast.”

Now the ending, most readers will be satisfied. It tied up some loose ends without exactly making it a happily ever after. But I really wanted more, I still have questions!

Overall, Eona was everything you could ever ask for in a fantasy series: great world-building, complex characters, political battles for power, and my personal favorite, moral ambiguity. Oh and dragons! Can’t forget that. Definitely, recommend if you’re looking for an awesome fantasy series!

“You lie even to yourself. Now that is the mark of a fool.”

5 out of 5 stars

★★★★★

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Shadow and Crow (Silver and Bone #3) by Claudia Cain | Book Review

Shadow and Crow by Claudia Cain

Page Count: 492
Genre: Paranormal, Mystery
Publication Date: July 13th, 2018

Synopsis:
(from Goodreads)

Tick. Tock.
Jennifer Jones is no stranger to trouble. She’s been framed for murder, hunted by the government, and just stopped a sorcerer from summoning murderous entities. By now, trouble is an old friend.
But there is always something worse to come. Something smarter. Something darker.
For the first time in three hundred years, Jennifer might be outmatched.
And as shadows gather and events draw towards a cataclysmic close, she can’t ignore the curse that now plagues her – or the fact that she’s rapidly running out of time

–Possible Spoilers! Read at your own risk!–

Disclaimer: A huge thank you to the author for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

“Sometimes there are no good decisions. There are only decisions that aren’t as bad as others.”

What a fun and wonderful journey this has been.

Shadow and Crow was a thrilling, mysterious, very creepy and chilling finale to such a wonder trilogy.

I will admit I forgot a couple of the side characters, but I did remember our wonderful main cast: Jennifer, Ian, Oliver, Dave, Gabrielle, Cameron, and beautiful mysterious Mosi.

It had been a while since I had read the second book of the trilogy and while the third book does give a couple of recap paragraphs, I definitely recommend maybe a skim read through the ending scenes of Smoke and Mirrors to refresh your mind.

I have said this in my precious reviews, but Claudia Cain has such a nice writing style that keeps the reader engaged throughout the entire story. With a little less than 500 pages for practically all three books this series can get a bit exhausting to read.

It always takes me a bit of courage to bring myself to start an almost 500 paged story, Shadow and Crow captures your attention and pulls you into its story.

I really enjoyed unpacking the mystery of this story, and I have to admit the villain of the story as well as the descriptions of the creepy shadow creatures from across the veil that can only be seen if cursed really freaked me out.

However, while I love a good paranormal mystery, for me the heart of this trilogy lies in its amazing main character, Jennifer Jones.

“I had a family once.”
“Do you not have a family now?”

Words cannot even begin to express my love for Jennifer. She has done terrible things, things she will never truly forgive herself for, but she is so dang selfless and wonderful and badass.

“I’ve never felt self-conscious about immortality until I have to try and explain it.”

She would do anything for her friends even if it means harm upon herself. She cares so much for Ian whom she takes under her wing, for Oliver who is the closest thing to family she has, for Mosi who has been with her for so long.

Seeing the affects of the curse on her, especially when it pertained to those she cared for, honestly broke my heart.

“I’m a person. I’m your friend. The fact that I could live forever doesn’t change the fact that your death would make ever day beyond this one worse.”

Jennifer and Oliver’s familial relationship is the sweetest thing ever. They have been through so much together, would do anything for each other, and I love it so much.

“He’s walked in darkness enough times to know when there’s something in darkness with him.”

And here comes my second favorite character of the trilogy: Mosi. Ahh, beautiful mysterious Mosi. His despair and his guilt broke my heart. Cain does a great job portraying the immense guilt and grief Mosi has, for he’s ancient and has been around for a long time. His protectiveness of Jennifer was so adorable and sweet, and I really love Mosi’s character.

There’s still so much about him that we do not know.

This trilogy honestly has so much lgbt+ representation and I just love it so much? Jennifer is bi and there’s a lesbian romance that’s super sweet and it’s just great.

Heads up though, after the first book the series isn’t really big on romance. I personally did not mind and that’s coming from someone who loves to ship people.

A quick honorable mention character: I really do love Igor, he is so strange and mysterious, but helpful in his own way. I loved how he was sort of a rock for Jennifer in her darkest times.

And finally, the ending. The ending was perfect. I loved how Cain finished off the series with room open for a possible companion/continuation series, but also how it all came back full circle.

“It mattered,” I say. “It doesn’t make a difference how much or little time it was. It mattered. All of it.”

Even if I cried a little bit, even if I was desperately hoping for something else, I am satisfied with the ending and could not have seen any other outcome.

There is clearly still so much in store for a lot of the characters and I wish them all the happiness in whatever goals they may choose.

“There is nothing in the world as definite as a total end. There is only change.”

4.5 out of 5 stars

★★★★½/5

–

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A Wrinkle in Time | Movie Review and Unboxing

A Wrinkle in Time

Directed by: Ava DuVernay
Cast: Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Levi Miller, Deric McCabe, Chris Pine, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Peña, Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Childrens
Run Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Release Date: March 8th, 2018
Rated: PG

–Possible Spoilers! Read at your own risk!–

Disclaimer: A huge thank you to A Wrinkle in Time (@wrinkleintime) on behalf of Walt Disney Studios (@disney) for sponsoring this post and sending me a lovely package with the book and movie for me to watch, as well as the other lovely props featured. I am so completely grateful. All thoughts and opinions on the movie are my own.

Curiouser and curiouser. I honestly do not even know where to begin let alone how to explain my thoughts on this absolutely crazy movie.

A Wrinkle in Time follows Meg Murry and her little brother Charles Wallace as they brave a thrilling journey to find their scientist father, Mr Murry after he disappeared discovering a new planet.

The movie is based on Madeleine L’Engle’s young adult fiction novel, A Wrinkle in Time which is a part of the beloved Time Quintet series.

I have not read the books, this will not be a comparison and all plot points are from the movie as I watched and observed it.

Somehow A Wrinkle in Time managed to be way too fast and way too slow all at the same time.

It was very visually appealing, the outfits and the makeup were so crazy and cool! The first world they go to was absolutely stunning and magical.

The characters were interesting, but besides from Meg, quite underdeveloped. We’re introduced to a lot of them and I honestly could not tell you practically any of their names nor their motivations.

I did like Meg, Storm Reid did such an amazing job capturing this awkward and angry and sad girl who loved her dad with all her heart. She is so fierce and brave and beautiful and intelligent and strong. A wonderful role model for young children.

I do wish the bullying thing was better developed rather than just mean for the sake of being mean. But I guess that’s school for you. We learn about Veronica’a struggles and the teacher because of the “IT”; however, I was it honestly wasn’t that important. The bullying was introduced, but I feel like it was underdeveloped.

Actions have consequences and while forgiveness is important, it is not as easy as the movie made it seem.

Can we talk about Calvin?? Where did he even come from? We saw like a glimpse of him in the beginning school scene and I was like, “Oh look, probably the love interest.” But there was like zero explanation? He just popped up out of nowhere? Am I supposed to care about him all of a sudden?? Again, we learn about his problems with his demanding dad, but it wasn’t very well-developed. We do not learn about his dad and why he is the way he is.

Of course, they had to fit it all in an 100 minute movie, so it’s understandable that they couldn’t develop everything.

As for the actual plot of the movie, as someone who hasn’t read the book, I was quite confused as to what was going on. I liked the opening with little Meg and her father teaching her of the wonder of physics, but after that the beginning was kind of dry, and it took me a really long time to get into it. The pacing of the movie felt a bit uneven, some scene changes were very abrupt as well as anticlimactic.

At the end of the day I enjoyed my time watching A Wrinkle in Time, it was filled with magic and childlike wonder. There are some scary scenes that may be a bit too much for really young kids, I would say about 8 and up for an age range.

Honestly the most terrifying moment for me was the scene with the synchronized kids and mothers. Actual. Literal. Chills.

But overall, while the movie had its faults, it wasn’t particularly bad. Did it blow me away? No, it was enjoyable, and there were moments that really touched my heart. The acting was solid for such a young cast. It’s targeted toward kids and it teaches many valuable lessons in a somewhat cheesy way. The movie captures themes of believing in and loving yourself. It’s filled with lovely family moments and lovely friendships.

I loved the discovery and magic and childhood imagination. It has important messages. Unfortunately, I wonder if it can capture a child’s attention long enough for it to teach and spread those messages.

I do think I should have read the book first, but alas. Perhaps I will check it out soon.

Also, shout out to the Hamilton reference, honestly my favorite part of the entire movie. Next to that leaf scene.

6.5 out of 10 stars

★★★★★★½/5

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Unboxing!

The media team of A Wrinkle in Time were also kind enough to send me a box filled with amazing goodies! A huge thank you to them for sponsoring my movie night!

Be sure to check it out when it releases on Blu-ray June 5th! It’s already out on digital! 👏🏼

The contents of the box included:

1. a digital code of the movie so I could watch it for free!
2. a copy of the A Wrinkle in Time movie tie-in book, which I am super excited to read
3. an absolutely beautiful A Wrinkle in Time Journal, it’s so stunning!
4. A Wrinkle in Time Mug featuring the Misses (Oprah, Reese, Mindy, my queens)
5. A super soft A Wrinkle in Time blanket
6. and finally a branded book light! (not pictured below)

 

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Bring Me Their Hearts by Sara Wolf | Book Review

Bring Me Their Hearts by Sara Wolf

Page Count: 400
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Witches
Publication Date: June 5th 2018

Synopsis:
(from Goodreads)

Zera is a Heartless – the immortal, unageing soldier of a witch. Bound to the witch Nightsinger ever since she saved her from the bandits who murdered her family, Zera longs for freedom from the woods they hide in. With her heart in a jar under Nightsinger’s control, she serves the witch unquestioningly.
Until Nightsinger asks Zera for a Prince’s heart in exchange for her own, with one addendum; if she’s discovered infiltrating the court, Nightsinger will destroy her heart rather than see her tortured by the witch-hating nobles.
Crown Prince Lucien d’Malvane hates the royal court as much as it loves him – every tutor too afraid to correct him and every girl jockeying for a place at his darkly handsome side. No one can challenge him – until the arrival of Lady Zera. She’s inelegant, smart-mouthed, carefree, and out for his blood. The Prince’s honor has him quickly aiming for her throat.
So begins a game of cat and mouse between a girl with nothing to lose and a boy who has it all.
Winner takes the loser’s heart.
Literally.

–Possible Spoilers! Read at your own risk!–

“I am no flower to be ravaged at your whim, angry wolf—I am your hunter, bow cocked and ready. I am a Heartless.”

I THOUGHT THIS WAS A STANDALONE.

spoiler alert: this is not a standalone

Okay not going to lie, this book was a bit cliché and predictable plot wise (you can tell from the blurb who’s probably going to get together), but honestly it was buckets of fun.

Bring Me Their Hearts is filled with killer, heart stealing witches, mischievous royalty, magic and swords and pretty dresses and so much witty and sarcastic humor.

The story follows Zera who is a Heartless, bodyguards to whatever witch cut out their heart to keep preserved in a magical jar, as she infiltrates court life in an attempt to steal the heart (literally) of the Prince in order to stop a war and obtain her freedom.

There is some nice world building with a complex history of past wars and religions and kings. It was interesting to learn the hidden world of the court with all its lies and deceits.

“Does he keep count? Does his number haunt him as my own haunts me?”

I really enjoyed Zera’s character even if she was a bit over the top and extra. She’s so hilarious, I love her dry, witty humor, and though she may be heartless she is so filled with heart and empathy.

She uses dark humor in uncomfortable and awkward situations in order to cope, which I found super relatable.

Prince Lucien and Malachite were a bit cookie-cutter, in my opinion, but honestly, I don’t even mind because they were both just so absolutely charming and hilarious.

Malachite was kind of the typical “guard-best-friend” type who treats the prince differently and tells Zera of all the ways he treats her differently from the suitors etc. etc.

“T’ragan him af-artora, af-reyun horra: As we all should be, but as we all cannot be.”

However, he was also sassy and funny as hell and I found him adorable. I really loved learning about the Beneather culture and language.

Lucien was your typical “arrogant-bored-prince-that’s-actually-a-huge-softy”, and again, it was fine. I still liked him. He has his flaws, he makes his mistakes, but he genuinely cares for his people and that’s very admirable.

Many of the characters are complex and interesting and just so charming. I loved all the friendships with all its witty banter, and the instructor-esque relationship filled with mutual respect and eventual love.

“Allow me to impart a bit of wisdom from my teacher; a blade is a blade—no matter who wields it, it can still cut.”

There’s some sexism, but there were also a ton of powerful women, some who carried swords and some who were strong in all different types of ways.

“This city is afraid. And fear turns the wisest and kindest men stupid and cruel.”

The witches are not all inherently bad, the Heartless are not only just raw flesh-eating monsters, the King is not completely a heartless villain, nor do I believe that of the Archduke even if I dislike him very much.

“Killing only makes more hate, and the world’s got enough of that right now.”

The book poses the question of monstrosity and what it means to be a monster. In this society there is so much morally grayness. It is filled with people who were wronged, and people who would do practically anything to avenge those they love even at the cost of their own humanity.

The people at court are horrid, and do horrid things to those below them and even to each other, but at the end of the day, they are all people just trying to survive.

BUT THAT FREAKING ENDING! I am so upset, I hate cliffhangers and now I’ll be forced to wait probably more than a year for the next one.

Totally recommended if you’re looking for a super young adult fantasy read! It had a semi-predictable plot, and I wouldn’t go into it expecting anything new or particularly mind-blowing, but the characters are lovely and their relationships are complex and wonderful.

It’s entertaining and filled with humor, and I had a lot of fun reading it. I am so excited to see how the series progresses!

“What’s worse, Reginall—to be a monster, or to make monsters?”

Disclaimer: A huge thank you to the publishers for sending me an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and all quotes used are from the ARC copy and might change in the final version.

4 out of 5 stars

★★★★/5

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The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon | Book Review

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Page Count: 348
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult
Publication Date: November 1st, 2016

Synopsis:
(from Goodreads)

Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.
Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.
The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

–Possible Spoilers! Read at your own risk!–

“The thing about falling is you don’t have any control on your way down.”

Okay wow. When I imagined writing this review I did not expect it to go like this, but I finished the Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon and I actually really enjoyed it.

Now I’m going to be 100% real with you, the romance? It was alright.

I like my romance to be the slowest of slow burns, I want to be tortured by how slow it is, I want to melt by the time it finally happens.

And this book is the opposite of slow burn, but despite that I really liked it anyway.

The underlying story about family and friendship, and racism and the struggles of being an immigrant really connected with me.

“I wonder if she realizes how passionate she is about not being passionate.”

I really liked Natasha’s character, we are so similar in so many ways, realists (*cough* cynics) through and through. I loved how passionate she was about physics.

“Because it doesn’t matter what I say. People take one look at me and believe what they want.”

Daniel’s struggle with his family’s racism and his struggle with identity reminded me so much of myself. That being said, my family isn’t quite as bad as him, no one is forcing my to be a doctor, but the whole section of “you should marry a Asian American girl/boy”. Oh yes. That is my family.

Daniel and I are honestly nothing alike, not like me and Natasha, but when he was talking about his struggle with identifying himself to others my heart went out to him.

“My parents think I’m not Korean enough. Everybody thinks I’m not American enough.”

He is a Korean born in America. You try to be both and you can never be enough of either. You try to be one, but you can never change how others perceive you.

Nicola Yoon captured that feeling, that helplessness so well, for one can never change what others think of you, especially if it has to do with something superficial like your race.

“I don’t believe in love.”
“It’s not a religion,” he says. “It exists whether you believe in it or not.”

Natasha and Daniel really connected with me. Maybe not their relationship and their love, but definitely their characters.

The Sun is Also a Star is a perfect young adult novel for people who want to know what it’s like to be an immigrant in America. To any Asian American you will find a small part of yourself in Daniel.

I loved the “A History” chapters, Irie and Half-Life being my favorites. I loved reading side character point of views, those were really fun.

I do think a much more romantic person than me would have enjoyed this book even more than me, but I am so happy to say I quite liked it.

A whole lot more than Everything, Everything at least.

Her romances aren’t really for me, but I cannot deny that Nicola Yoon’s writing is just so lovely and wonderful.

I think this just goes to show how not liking one book by an author doesn’t mean you can’t like another! I am happy I gave this book a shot because I was really pleasantly surprised, which is nice.

“We are capable of big lives. A big history. Why settle? Why choose the practical thing, the mundane thing? We are born to dream and make the things we dream about.”

Overall, this was a really cute and fun novel that touched on some really tough topics. I loved the diversity, and I still cannot believe most of the book takes place over the course of a day.

If you’re a romantic you’ll definitely enjoy it, and even if you’re not, the story is also one that deals with family, identity, and morality, which I personally really enjoyed.

Also, can I just say I love the title for this book? So fitting and perfect.

“Most poems I’ve seen are about love or sex or the stars. You poets are obsessed with stars. Falling stars. Shooting stars. Dying stars.”
“Stars are important,” I say, laughing.
“Sure, but why not more poems about the sun? The sun is also a star, and it’s our most important one. That alone should be worth a poem or two.”

4 out of 5 stars

★★★★/5

–

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Underneath It All by Patricia Vanasse | Book Review

Underneath It All by Patricia Vanasse

Page Count: 300
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult
Publication Date: March 6th, 2018

Synopsis:
(from Goodreads)

Gossip Girl meets The Great Gatsby in this competitive prep school drama that tackles issues of class, diversity, peer pressure, addiction, and first love.
Seventeen-year-old London Mendes is the son of a Cuban mother and Seattle-native bookseller, and he knows exactly what he wants: to be the first in his middle class family to reach the Ivy Leagues. Specifically Princeton, alma mater of his favorite author Mia Merkley, a local mystery writer whose national fame and recent suicide have put her in the news again. Luckily for London, his own fiction and high grades put him on the radar of Birmingham Academy, a prep school that offers him a scholarship to leave public school and study with the richest students in the country.
There London meets Aria: the captivating, mysterious daughter of Mia Merkley. Her grief and darkness draw him in further than any of her mother’s novels. But soon, London learns that Aria is off limits—her blueblood boyfriend Dillon Astor is London’s newest friend and the one who decides London’s acceptance into the academy’s elite. When Aria and London become partners in a creative writing class, their friendship grows and an undeniable attraction threatens to blow London off course. 
London knows he has to work harder than ever for a shot at Princeton. He knows he should stay away from drugs, parties, and Dillon’s girlfriend. But as Dillon slowly reveals his true nature and Aria’s secrets, London fails to see what is underneath it all. Now London can’t help playing hero, and he’ll have to decide what he loves more: Aria, or his own dreams.

–Possible Spoilers! Read at your own risk!–

Disclaimer: A huge thank you to the author for sending me a free ARC copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. All quotes could be subject to changes in the final product.

“Dysfunction is the only entertainment when it’s fiction. In reality it would be a whole different story.”

When the first few pages of the book began with a discussion between two book nerds about literature, I already knew that the main character London and I were going to get along just fine.

At it’s heart Underneath It All is a contemporary novel about unexpected friendships that turn into unexpected attraction and relationships.

The story deals with addiction and unhealthy relationships, and about how the choices we make in life for ourselves and those we love can be difficult, especially when school drama and peer pressure is added into the mix.

“I’m not sure a person can simply stop wanting, or thinking about another person, even if it’s for the best.”

I liked London, we did not have much in common besides our mutual love of books. He is much more of a romantic than I am, but even so, London is so sweet and nice and kind, which I think is so undervalued. His character is kind and supportive, and he is such a great friend to Aria.

“One thing was clear—Aria wasn’t the kind of girl who bent rules—she broke them as a matter of principle.”

Aria was a deeply emotionally broken and mysterious character. She is withdrawn and closed off, and often time no one really knows what truly going on in her head, not even her friends.

Her poems at the beginning of most of the chapters gives the reader glimpses of her problems. They were all so heartbreaking and sad, I didn’t love Aria, but I really felt for her.

Her relationship with London was so unbelievably charming. I found myself smiling at their interactions and their antics, and they were just so adorable.

‘“Music is very important because year from now, when you listen to this song, you’ll remember this moment, what you were thinking, what it felt like, everything’”

I guess my main issue with their relationship was I didn’t really get it? I mean, they were adorable together yes, and they clearly got each other in a way that both of them needed.

But she was clearly in a relationship. Did I particularly like Dillon? Not really. Did I like his relationship with Aria? No way.

I just didn’t understand why London was so captivated by her that he would risk everything for her. There were some lines in his narration that made me uncomfortable because it just seemed like London was in love with the mystery of her.

“The more trouble I had figuring her out, the stronger my attraction.”

That may just be a me thing though. I am really not good with understanding romance. He makes so many mistakes, but it’s undeniable that he grows a lot from his experiences.

That being said the story definitely gets darker and more depressing the more London gets entangled into the complex relationship of the Golden Clique.

“They are envied for their mutual devotion, for their bond, for the way they love and protect one another. A friendship written in the stars, forged in fire, bright like gold.”

The friendship between the Golden Clique was so messed up, and yet there is such a strong loyalty there that is slightly unhealthy and toxic.

They were all so real. Did I like them all or always agree with their actions? No, not at all. But they were all so human in the sense of not wanting to admit their mistakes. It was not all happiness and luxury from being wealthy, they all had their problems and their issues.

I really do not know how I feel about them. I cannot say I really liked any of the clique members, they were all pretty mean, and I will never be okay with bullying.

I did enjoyed Jason and Annalisa as secondary characters. I had a lot of fun learning more about them.

There is betrayal and there is heartbreak and mean bullying, there are secrets and there are lies, but the ending, while bittersweet (and made me a tad bit angry) was satisfying to me. I will be okay with how it ended. I am okay.

“I think love is an embellished idea that compels people to turn it into a set of high expectations. No one can live up to that. One way or another, all loves ends in disappointment.”

Overall, Underneath It All was a lovely, emotional, and beautiful book. The author’s writing was poetic and fun to read, I especially enjoyed all of the literature analogies and metaphors. I loved London’s voice, you could practically feel his love for literature.

It is a character driven story with a wonderful cast of flawed characters. Any fellow book lover will find a small piece of themselves in London.

“Aria looked back at me and smiled. ‘Don’t worry, it’s a good kind of pain.’”

3.5 out of 5 stars

★★★½/5

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Top 10 Favorite Books of 2016

The end of the year is near! Now it’s time for one of my favorite (and least favorite) post of the year: top favorite books.

I have honestly read so many great books this year, but here are ten of my absolute favorites! Not counting rereads of course because then it’d just all be Percy Jackson.

1 ) Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Did I surprise you? Probably not. Lady Midnight was so, so amazing. I wish I could be more original, but I am complete and utter shadowhunter trash and not even remotely ashamed of it. Still, the character were absolutely wonderful in this one. Cassie has grown so much as a writer and I’m oh so proud of her.

“When you love someone, they become a part of who you are. They’re in everything you do. They’re in the air you breathe and the water you drink and the blood in your veins.”

2) A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

Another thing that I am; complete and utter Kell Maresh trash. I would go to the ends of the world for him. I love him, and I loved this wonderfully, magical book. Victoria is a brilliant author and this world she has created is so intricately beautiful. I want to live in Red London. I will never stop recommending this series, so if you haven’t picked up a Victoria Schwab novel yet, please go do it!

“Kell would say it was impossible. What a useless word, in a world with magic.”

3 ) Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

If someone were to ask me to define “perfection” I would shove this book into their face. If I had to recommend one contemporary book for someone to read, Aristotle and Dante would be it. This book deserves all of the stars in the universe, and if you haven’t read it yet, I don’t know how else to convince you.

“Another secret of the universe: Sometimes pain was like a storm that came out of nowhere. The clearest summer could end in a downpour. Could end in lightning and thunder.”

4 ) Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

I wasn’t sure about this book going into it, but man is it one of the cutest contemporary novels I’ve ever read. I loved it. The main character Simon is hilarious and so are his friends. The romance is so adorable, I fell in love with Simon’s relationship with Blue. This book made me realize how little LGBT novels I read and how I want to read more.

“People really are like house with vast rooms and tiny windows. And maybe it’s a good thing, the way we never stop surprising each other.”

5 ) The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Two words: SEAN. KENDRICK. I love that boy and I love Puck. Their relationship was super cute, but most of all their relationship with their horses had me tearing up a bit. This was my first Maggie Stiefvater book and it did not disappoint! The writing is beautiful and magical. It’s no question that Stiefvater is a fantastic writer. I’m looking forward to reading more of her books.

“There are moments that you’ll remember for the rest of your life and there are moments that you think you’ll remember for the rest of your life, and it’s not often they turn out to be the same moment.”

6 ) The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

Another great fantasy novel with amazing characters! I love Shazi, she’s stubborn and fierce, but never did I find her too annoying. And Khalid, don’t even get me started on him. He is just so *swoons*

“My soul sees its equal in you.”

7 ) Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson

I don’t think this book will be a book for everyone. There isn’t much of a plot per say, but I completely related and fell for the main character; Emily. We have a lot in common and that’s why Since You’ve Been Gone is on my all time favorites list. It’s a beautiful coming-of-age story with wonderful characters. Emily, Frank, Dawn, and Collins, they were all so great. I had a lot of fun with this book, words can’t even begin to describe how much I loved it.

“Real friends are the ones you can count on no matter what.
The ones who go into the forest to find you and bring you home.
And real friends never have to tell you that they’re your friends.”

8 ) Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

THIS BOOK IS THE CUTEST THING EVER. Have I said that a lot? Well, I abosolutely fell in love with this story. I think Rainbow Rowell’s blurb is perfect, it is full of humor and heart. It was funny, I was smiling at practically every page, but it was also mysterious and a little sad. The ending had me wishing for more. Definitely recommend this wonderful graphic novel! I love Noelle Stevenson’s art style.

9 ) Angelfall by Susan Ee

RAFFE! I’ve always had such a bad streak with paranormal novels about angels (*blatantly throws shade at Halo*), but oh my freaking god did I love this entire trilogy. Penryn was an amazing main character, tough and flawed. I loved her complex relationship with her family and I absolutely loved her and Raffe’s relationship. 10/10 would recommend! It’s a paranormal story that did not disappoint.

“I never thought about it before, but I’m proud to be human. We’re ever so flawed. We’re frail, confused, violent, and we struggle with so many issues. But all in all, I’m proud to be a Daughter of Man.”

10 ) Eona by Alison Goodman

Together Eon and Eona were both so good, Alison Goodman sure can tell an amazing story. It was complex and well written and had such an amazing cast of complex and flawed characters. I loved Eona and not even a little ashamed to say Lord Ido. It was one heck of an amazing ride. I recommend these books to any fellow fantasy and dragon lover.

“Men were always quick to believe in the madness of women.”

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You know what the best part about my list is? Most of these books weren’t even released in 2016. It seems like I’m always behind, but oh well!

I’d love to hear some of your favorite books of the year! I’m making it easy, you can choose more than one. 😉

↠ ↠ ↠

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My True Love Gave to Me edited by Stephanie Perkins | Book Review

My True Love Gave To Me edited by Stephanie Perkins

Genre: Young Adult, Anthology
Publication Date: October 14th, 2014

Synopsis:
(from Goodreads)

If you love holiday stories, holiday movies, made-for-TV-holiday specials, holiday episodes of your favorite sitcoms and, especially, if you love holiday anthologies, you’re going to fall in love with My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by twelve bestselling young adult writers, edited by international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins. Whether you enjoy celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah, Winter Solstice or New Year’s there’s something here for everyone. So curl up by the fireplace and get cozy. You have twelve reasons this season to stay indoors and fall in love.

–Spoiler Free!–

I don’t read many anthologies and for good reason too. It’s strange experiencing so many different writing styles contained in just one novel. But thankfully I ended up enjoying all the stories in this one. Some were obviously better than others, but all of them were a lot of fun to read!

Midnights by Rainbow Rowell
★★★★★/5

Or also known as: How to Fall in Love With Two Characters in Only Twenty Two Pages. This story was so cute, I loved it so much! Rainbow Rowell is such an amazing writer, Mags and Noel were wonderfully written and developed characters. I fell in love with them instantly and I shipped them so hard.
Such a great story to start off with, but it did set the bar pretty high with my expectations for the other stories.
I never wanted it to end. I wanted to stay with Mags and Noel forever.

“You’re a kaleidoscope. You change every time I look away.”

The Lady and the Fox by Kelly Link
★★★/5

This story was a bit…strange. It started off a bit slow and confusing, but I actually ended up liking it! It was very magical and nice.

“We all lose,” says an acerbic voice. “We all love and we all lose and we go on loving just the same.”

Angels in the Snow by Matt De La Peña
★★★/5

This one was kind of sad, I’ll admit I teared up a little, but I still liked it. Plus there was a cat, cats are my weakness.

“Sometimes I feel liked a shook-up bottle of soda. Like, I have all those passion that wants to explode, but don’t know where to aim it yet.”

Polaris Is Where You’ll Find Me by Jenny Han
★★★/5

I liked this one, it was unique and original, but it was way too short and open ended for me to really fall in love with it. I don’t know, I just wish it were longer. We didn’t really get to know any of the characters, which was sad because Natalie, Flynn, and Lars seem like character I could fall for.

“Flynn looks up at the sky, at the North Star above us. Polaris, it’s called. A fixed point, more accurate than any compass. You always know where you are when you look up at it. Home.”

It’s a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown by Stephanie Perkins
★★★★★/5

Okay how does she do it? How does she constantly make such adorable and swoon worthy characters? I absolutely loved North, he’s such a sweetheart! He’s funny and kind and caring and I’m already swooning. I loved his and Marigold’s relationship. They’re so cute. This story was so cute. My poor little heart. I’m dead.
Their story continues in Summer Days and Summer Nights, another anthology edited by Stephanie Perkins. That one was super fabulous as well.

“That you still don’t realize I’m willing to do anything, anything to stay in your company. You don’t need to pay me.”

Your Temporary Santa by David Levithan
★★★/5

Hooray for an LGBT romance! This one was really cute, but I didn’t really feel much connection to the characters. This story was definitely one of the shorter ones in the bunch, only about sixteen pages. Not much happens, but still, it was sweet and nice dealing a bit with family issues. The ending left me feeling hopeful.

“He says presents aren’t important, but I think they are–not because of how much they cost, but for the opportunity they provide to say I understand you.”

Krampuslauf by Holly Black
★★★/5

Ahhh, this story was a lot of much fun! I really liked all of the characters and could relate a little with the main one. I absolutely loved the slight magical elements added into it, and the ending was really nice and satisfying.

“He punished the naughty and rewarded the nice. Just like someone else who wore a lot of red. Scramble the letters in S-A-N-T-A and you get S-A-T-A-N.”

What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth? by Gayle Forman
★★★★½/5

SOPHIE AND RUSSELL ARE SO CUTE. As someone who communicates mostly in sarcasm, their humor and banter left me feeling oh so happy and giddy. Their relationship was so adorable and I never wanted to leave them. The ending was nice and left me hopeful for their future.

“Sophie wondered when was she going to learn that lots of things seem like a good idea but a small amount of analysis might uncover that such seemingly good ideas are, in fact, intrinsically faulty.”

Beer Buckets and Baby Jesus by Myra McEntire
★★★/5

Another cute one! Kind of cheesy, sad at parts, relating to our main character’s family life, but it was still a nice story. Vaughn was a delight! I loved reading about all the pranks he pulled.

“Soon enough, people forget you altogether. So you do things that make them remember.”

Welcome to Christmas, CA by Kiersten White
★★★★/5

This one was so adorable! I absolutely loved Ben, not only is he a complete sweetheart who genuinely loves Christmas, he can also cook. Hello dream husband. Loved his relationship and banter with Maria, those two are really good together. And while the story was super cute and fun, it also dealt with family and relationship issues that had me tearing up a bit.

“If you were a food, you’d be a gingerbread cookie. Spicy enough to keep life interesting, but with just enough sweetness to balance it out.”

Star of Bethlehem by Ally Carter
★★★★/5

Star of Bethlehem was such a heartwarmingly cute read! I do wish it were a bit longer and that we had more background information on the characters, but overall I really enjoyed this one and I’m hopeful for Lydia and Ethan’s future.

“But I was not in the mood to hear what I couldn’t do. The list had been too extensive for too long.”

The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
★★★★½/5

This one was so magical! I loved the Dreamer, I loved all the magical gifts that he gave Neve. Laini has such a wonderful and whimsical kind of writing style. The story was very unique and interesting. I’ll definitely be checking out more of her works in the future.

“I will free you, and I will lift you. I will learn a thousand ways to make you laugh. Your smiles will be the honey in my mead, your enchantment my delight.”

3.5 out of 5 stars

★★★½

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P.S. I Like You by Kasie West | Spoiler Free Book Review

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Publication Date: July 26th, 2016

Synopsis:
(from Goodreads)

What if the person you were falling for was a total mystery?
While Lily is spacing out in Chemistry one day, she picks up her pencil and scribbles a line from one of her favorite songs on the desk. The next day, someone else has written back to her on the desk! Soon enough Lily and the mystery student are exchanging notes, and lyrics, and even sharing secrets. When Lily finds out that her anonymous pen pal is a guy, she’s flustered — and kind of feels like she’s falling for him. She and her best friend set out to unravel the identity of the letter writer — but when the truth is revealed, the guy is the LAST person Lily could have ever imagined it to be. Now that Lily knows the truth, can she untangle her feelings and gather the courage to listen to her heart?

–Spoiler Free!–

“Words brought us together though they almost kept us apart.
You trusted me with your secrets and then you stole my heart.”

This book was so adorable. I cannot stop smiling at all the cuteness.

“Who are you talking to?”
“Myself.”
“You do that a lot.”
“I know. I’m the only one who understands me.”

I want so badly to rate it 5 stars because of the ending alone, but alas, I cannot look past how upset the main character made me. I found Lily to be really funny and awkward. I loved her passion for music and her relationship with her family. In the beginning I really loved her, she reminded me a little of myself–an awkward person who talked to themselves occasionally, didn’t mind being alone and loved indie music–but she’s just so judgmental and it was a huge turn off for me.

“I was fine alone. Sometimes I preferred it that way.”

Especially toward a certain someone and it made me so mad because I loved him. I loved him so, so much. Gosh, he’s a total sweetheart. The last third of the book had me swooning and my heart fluttering with full on excitement.

Kasie West has always been one of my guilty pleasure reads. If anyone else besides her had written this book I most likely wouldn’t have picked it up or put it so high on my to-be-read pile.

But with her, I can’t explain it. You’ll definitely have to read one of her books to really understand what I mean. They cast a spell on you. Suddenly your normal reviewer mind just shuts off and you return to being that casual reader that reads a book simply for pure pleasure.

P.S. I Like You, The Distance Between Us, and On the Fence (still haven’t read The Fill-In Boyfriend yet, shhhh) are books that are a ton of fun. They’re cute, they’re funny, and they’re for pure entertainment. Which at the end of the day, is something everyone needs once in a while.

Will this book win a ton of literary awards? Probably not. But I don’t think it’s a book that sets out to do that either. It’s a book that makes you feel happy.

Overall, I definitely recommend you check out Kasie West’s novels! My favorite is The Distance Between Us, but P.S. I Like You was so much fun to read as well! When you feel yourself succumbing into a dreaded reading slump, I assure you they’ll pull you out of it!

3.5 out of 5 stars

★★★½

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Sea Spell (The Waterfire Saga #4) by Jennifer Donnelly | Book Review

Sea Spell by Jennifer Donnelly

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publication Date: June 14th, 2016

Synopsis:
(from Goodreads)

At the end of Dark Tide, Book 3 in the Waterfire Saga, Astrid leaves her mermaid friends to confront her ancestor, Orfeo, the evil force behind the rise of the monster Abbadon. Orfeo possesses one of the six talismans that the merls need in order to keep the monster locked up forever. But without the ability to songcast, how will Astrid be able to defeat the most powerful mage in history? Meanwhile, Serafina and her Black Fins train goblin troops for battle against her uncle Vallerio’s death riders. Will Sera ever see her beloved home–and her beloved Mahdi–again, or will the Volneros take over the mer realms while Orfeo takes on the gods themselves? Nothing less than the fate of the underwater world is at stake in this breathtaking finale.

–Possible Spoilers! Read at your own risk!–

“Just because you failed today doesn’t mean you’ve failed forever. Falling down doesn’t mean anything. It’s staying down that does you in.”

Sea Spell was a great finale to a series that I ended up liking way more than I thought I would. It was a conclusion that was satisfying, but still left a few unanswered questions. Which I surprisingly am okay with.

“A little while ago, I lost faith in myself. It nearly did me in. You helped me swim back from the brink. Now it’s my turn to help Becca. Because if the six of us lose faith in one another, we’ve lost everything.”

My favorite aspect of this series will always be the relationships. Not necessarily the romantic ones, those I found a bit rushed and wasn’t really attached to, but the relationship between friends.

Sera, Neela, Ling, Becca, Ava, and Astrid, I loved their friendship, their sisterhood so, so much. Each girl grows up to become strong, independent women. They all had to make many tough decisions, but in the end I am so proud of each and every one of them.

“Because it’s time, Des,” she finally said.
“Time for what?”
“Time to play my uncle’s game like a queen, not a pawn.”

Serafina especially, she gets most of the development since she is the main, main character. She started off the series confused and afraid. My heart was breaking for her, but she pushes past all her insecurity and in the end becomes such a strong person, a strong leader. A real queen, and gosh I am so happy for her.

“Was love enough? Was it stronger than her uncle’s brutality, his just for power, his hatred? Was it stronger than fear? Stronger than death?”

The theme of love has always been so prominent in this series. It’s a story about love in all different shapes and sizes. A story with love between friends, allies, and family. And what it means to really risk it all for those you love.

The battle for Cerulea and the one against Abbandon were so much fun to read about! It was heart pounding and had me at the edge of my seat. I couldn’t flipping pages. Absolutely epic and so thrilling.

Oh and don’t worry, the pun game is still going strong. For example, *clears throat* “Holy silt!”
Ahhh, a book looking to catch my pun loving heart.

The epilogue leaves room for spin offs and I’m super excited to see if Jennifer Donnelly decides to expand on this world.

Overall, a really great conclusion! I ended up liking this series way more than I expected and I’m kind of sad to see it go. If you’re looking for a fun, quick, magical, fantasea read with great friendships I definitely recommend giving this series a chance!

“Where there’s life, there’s hope.”

4 out of 5 stars

★★★★

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Start at the beginning! Buy Deep Blue:

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