Review: Seraphina

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

I had very high expectations when I started this book and I'm glad to say that it didn't disappoint. Seraphina is an enticing tale about a girl who is skilled in the art of music and the art of lying. Her life is full of secrets and lies, things she dare not tell anyone else. The blurb immediately captured my interest and the story held it all the way to the end and beyond.

I absolutely loved the setting of this story. I have a love for court life and handsome princes. This book was full of love, mystery and action. Seraphina is a very interesting character, she is strong and yet scared of herself. What she is terrifies and disgusts her, yet she is so determined and courageous in her dealings. The Queen and Princesses in this book were written beautifully. We got to see the public side of them first and then slowly devoured into their real personalities to see who they actually were.

Prince Kiggs was a lovely character to read about, he is obsessed with finding the truth and then meets the girl who's whole life is a lie. Engaged to the Princess of the realm, we realise from the start the the road to love for him and Seraphina will not be a easy and carefree one. Orma constantly breaks my heart, his love for her is so true and real yet for him it is a crime. I loved him as a character so, so much, never have I felt so strongly for a side character. The challenges in his life and the decisions he makes is plain for the reader to see, making the reader sympathise with him so effortlessly.

The mystery in this book was very well written, many things unpredictable yet so reasonable. I loved the feeling of surprise when something was revealed (most book these days are so predictable that it just ruins the whole book) and how everything revealed made so much sense. The action towards the end was stunningly beautiful, dragons in action are so fun to read about.

Hartman's version of dragons are not completely original, but she gives a edge to them that makes them refreshing and interesting to read about. She did a fabulous job of showing us slowly throughout the book what the dragons she created were exactly like. It made the book feel like a journey where at each stage something new was shown to us. One thing that pulled the rating of this book down slightly was how at the beginning/middle-ish part of the book I wasn't that engaged in the story. I liked it, but it wasn't until the end that I felt like this was the best dragon book ever written.

Dragons in this book could not feel emotions unless in their human form, and it was so exhilarating to see how different emotions effected our lives. I loved the range of love Hartman wrote in her book, the love between friends, siblings, family, teacher/student and lovers were all included in her book. It was so nice to read a book where the love of friendship makes my heart warmer than the love between two admirers. I adored the trio of friends at the of this book, I know there will be challenges that may tear them apart, but I believe that together they could lead their kingdom into a golden time (or maybe I just love them because its so much like Merlin). 

I'd recommend this book to those who have a love for dragons, mystery and intriguing court dealings. Seraphina was a beautiful read, a story I won't forget any time soon. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series and see more of this fabulous tale. I can definitely see this series get better and better, I'm hoping for a lot more action in the next one book and excited to see how the author will write the love storyline.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Review: Pure

Book Two of the Covenant series (therefore contains spoilers for the previous book)

There is need. And then there is Fate...

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her.

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon... and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude... or killing her.

When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

When I picked up Pure, I never expected to love it so much. Half-Blood was hardly original and although I loved it, I was scared that Pure would ruin it. The beginning of Pure was what I expected, cool but not awesome and then BAM! everything exploded and I was trapped inside Alex's world. Pure was beautiful and heartbreaking. Very, very heartbreaking.

Alex is still pretty much the same as ever, although she has grown up and seems to be more mature. Aiden is still as sexy as ever. He's the honourable man who loves Alex with all his heart, she's just too stupid to see it. Nearly throughout the whole story my heart was breaking for him. Seth... now this is where it gets complicated. In the first book, I liked Seth on sight and then everything went downhill. I was Team Aiden all the way. Pure shows you a side of Seth that makes you love him too, I wouldn't say this was a love triangle since I don't think Seth's intention is to marry her but he does love her and in a way she loves him too. I'm still Team Aiden, but my love for Seth grew in this book and I can only hope he'll continue to deserve my love in the next books.

The storyline this time was completely different from the first book, Alex and co. go to another Covenant and she has to deal with the council of ministers. The head minister is out to see her sent into servitude and everything is at stake in this book.

The end leaves you with lots and lots of things to think about and a million questions you want answered. I can't wait for the next book to come out and see how Armentrout continues with this series. I'd recommend this book to those who don't mind their hearts being broken, it'll also be good if you liked storylines similar to the VA. If you love hot guys who are willing to give up everything for the one they love, then this book is definitely for you.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Review: Crown Duel

Young Countess Meliara swears to her dying father that she and her brother will defend their people from the growing greed of the king. That promise leads them into a war for which they are ill-prepared, which threatens the very people they are trying to protect. But war is simple compared to what follows, in peacetime. Meliara is summoned to live at the royal palace, where friends and enemies look alike, and intrigue fills the dance halls and the drawing rooms. If she is to survive, Meliara must learn a whole new way of fighting-with wits and words and secret alliances.

In war, at least, she knew in whom she could trust. Now she can trust no one.

This edition contained the two books Crown Duel and Court Duel labelled as Part One and Part Two in the book. Mel is a strong, country-bred countess who ran around in the hills barefoot as a child. Since her mothers death her father has locked himself up in a tower and kept himself distant from his two children. Bran, Mel's older brother, is a funny and honest being. On their father's deathbed, they make a promise to overthrow the evil king and put a just and fair king on the throne.

Part One was mainly about Mel and Bran fighting a war with the people from their small town against an entire army. Mel is strong and smart, able to think of devious plans to turn the war in their favour even though they are outnumbered. Bran doesn't have a head for war or tactics, he's brutally honest and has little suspicion for anyone. But they made a promise to their father to fight this war together and to make sure the new king is someone just and good.

Fighting the war alongside Mel, we see how she turns from a girl not yet old enough to dance with the men and have suitors to a woman who takes on an army, an evil king and a Marquis who's mysterious aura irks her. Like everybody alive, Mel makes mistakes, hardly the most experienced warrior Mel makes a lot of decisions and using her quick mind she is able to best the opposing army, until one mistake caused by her recklessness results in her downfall.

Part Two of the story was more enjoyable for me to read, Mel is invited to court where the people talk with false words and hide their intent behind every gesture and smile. A hardened warrior she might be, but when she arrives at court, she feels like a fish among the sharks. Bran however has become fast friends with the soon to be king and is charming the court with his honesty and lack of tact. While others hid their mistakes and talked in soft tones, Bran laughed at his own mistakes and chuckled wildly when something amusing was said.

Romance is also added into the story and we see how all the men fall over themselves to flirt with Mel, however she doesn't take it seriously as she knows the men are only looking for some harmless fun. Until one day she gets a secret admirer. What I loved about Smith's way of writing this romance was how she gave us solid evidence to who the admirer was but kept Mel in the dark, making the letters between her and her suitor more enjoyable to read. 

I loved this book very, very much. However if I had read the two books separately I would have given Crown Duel 4 stars and Court Duel 5 stars. Court Duel is definitely one of my favourite books now, everything from the romance, action, humour, mystery, adventure and charming men was completely and utterly a joy to read. Everything I loved about a book was smashed together perfectly, I especially loved how unpredictable the end was and Mel's secret admirer simply makes me drool from desire.

I would recommend this book to those who love some good war battles, court intrigue, a bit of yummy romance and some brilliantly written mystery. Full of humour, riddles and fascinating characters, Crown Duel won my heart. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Poison Study

Choose: A quick death…Or slow poison…

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust—and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.

As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear…


I had awaited a long time for Poison Study, after reading the amazing Touch of Power I was desperate to read more of Snyder's enticing writing. The beginning of Poison Study whipped me straight in and wouldn't let go, sinking its claws into me slowly until I was trapped with no way out. However this story had many of the same aspects of Touch of Power, mainly the characters but I love the personalities Snyder chooses for them so I don't really mind.


Yelena and Valek are like Avry and Kerrick in the way they act towards one another and their personalities. Valek is the cold-hearted assassin who is the second in command to the Commander, a powerful and respectable man. Yelena is a girl who is forced into doing things that are dangerous and slowly we see that she takes onto doing these things out of free will.


Yelena (like Avry) is a survivor, at the beginning of the book she is given a choice of death or to live everyday uncertain if she'll die a horrible and painful death. She is determined and strong, with a past that haunts her in her dreams and in broad daylight. Valek is the cold-hearted, stand-offish guy (like Kerrick) who is excellent with poisons, weapons and anything required to kill someone. The relationship between them starts off cold and then Yelena takes to annoying Valek until they have a steady relationship of banter going on, making the story funny to read.


Snyder's side characters are once again amusing and heart-warming to read about. Ari and Janco are like Belen's brothers, they treat Yelena how Belen and his crew treated Avry. Like two big brothers, Ari and Janco love Yelena and strive to protect her and help her in her adventures. 


Falling in love with Snyder's characters was easy, but trying to solve her mysteries proves to be a harder challenge than most books. I think this is the best aspect of Snyder's writing, she can write a mystery that slowly unravels, giving us clues here and there but making the ending still hold an element of surprise. I'd like to say once again that I love her choice of personality for her characters, I'm a sucker for a cold-hearted man who falls in love with a strong, determined girl over a period of time (not so fond of five minute romances). Also her writing style is always funny and easy to read, keeping your attention with all the small side plots and little gifts that help you form a correct picture of what type of people the character's are.


I would definitely recommend this book to those who read Touch of Power and loved it. Full of action, mysteries and humour this book was amazing and heartbreaking to read. Also if you think assassin's are the sexist thing alive (I definitely, absolutely think so), then you'll definitely love this book. 


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Shadow and Bone

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee. 

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. 

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart.


Bardugo creates a fabulous world of magic, war and love. Alina Starkov is the exact opposite of the Darkling, yet they are also alike. A blooming romance forms and slowly we fall in love with the Darkling, someone mysterious and like his name, very, very dark. Alina is a strong girl, learning to use and control her new powers in hopes of saving their kingdom.


But like every good book, there is a twist. When Bardugo first revealed her twist, I was shocked and in denial, I fought to find ways to prove that what is revealed is wrong, that everything was a mistake. The thing I loved most about this book was that it wasn't the cliché 'girl meets guy, falls in love, solves problem, lives happily ever after'. The only thing about this book was that because it went against what most storylines were like, in ways the end made me sad, but that did not make this book any less enjoyable. 


I loved the setting of this book and the hierarchy Bardugo builds, her imagination is beautiful and everything, from the magical powers to the costumes they wore were brilliant and very creative. I'd recommend this book to those who love something a little different and like books set in times of magic and swords. 


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Fire

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she had the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City, The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she weren't afraid of becoming the monster her father was.


After reading Graceling, I was screaming for more, when I found out that Fire was set 25 years before Graceling, I was a little disappointed. However Cashore has shown herself to be a creative and imaginative writer and I was still very excited to read this. Once again Cashore proved herself to be a wonderful creator, the Monsters that she created were beautiful, stunning beings in glamorous colours. Amongst all the hate and death the Monsters bring, Cashore created a girl who's biggest fear was to be a Monster like his father.


Fire has the most stunning red hair, her beauty is a gift and a curse, she can never be ugly and will forever remain beautiful, even when injured or maimed. Fire is a Monster like her father, but she does everything possible to not become her father, a brute who did not care about the humans that he lived among. Fire is gifted with something that could be deadly, she is able to read minds and change a person's thoughts. The King of the Dells wants her for her gift, but he also can't resist her beauty and draw.


From Fire's story, we see a determined, strong-willed girl face things she never thought she would have to face. She found love where it seemed she was doomed to be alone forever and she constantly has to prove that she is a Monster that has a heart and won't misuse her powers on innocents. 


I loved Cashore's setting and time period, the powers she gives her characters are fascinating and intriguing. Her way of writing is easy and interesting to read, although I found that this book was not as enjoyable as Graceling, due to its high amounts of romance and very little action. However I like this book a lot, all of Cashore's characters are interesting and while not all of them are like-able, she takes you on a journey so that at the end, you cannot forgive the evil characters but you understand them.

I would recommend this to fantasy lovers who greatly enjoy romance with a teeny bit of action. Also to people who love to read something different and unique.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: A Conspiracy of Kings

Book Four of the Queen's Thief series (therefore contains spoilers for the previous books)


Sophos, under the guidance of yet another tutor, practices his swordplay and strategizes escape scenarios should his father's villa come under attack. How would he save his mother? His sisters? Himself? Could he reach the horses in time? Where would he go? But nothing prepares him for the day armed men, silent as thieves, swarm the villa courtyard ready to kill, to capture, to kidnap. Sophos, the heir to the throne of Sounis, disappears without a trace. 
In Attolia, Eugenides, the new and unlikely king, has never stopped wondering what happened to Sophos. Nor has the Queen of Eddis. They send spies. They pay informants. They appeal to the gods. But as time goes by, it becomes less and less certain that they will ever see their friend alive again. Across the small peninsula battles are fought, bribes are offered, and conspiracies are set in motion. Darkening the horizon, the Mede Empire threatens, always, from across the sea. And Sophos, anonymous and alone, bides his time. Sophos, drawing on his memories of Gen, Pol, the Magus and Eddis, sets out on an adventure that will change all of their lives forever.

After finishing The King of Attolia I was desperate to see if Gen would take power in the court of Attolia and I had wanted to see how the people reacted to him going from the spineless cripple to the great king he is. When I got to this book, I realised that this was written from the view of Sophos and my heart died a little, believing that I wouldn't see Gen much but as a side character.

Whereas The Thief, The Queen of Attolia and The King of Attolia were all a teeny bit boring at the beginning and then escalated to so much more, this book was the opposite. I loved the prologue and then from chapter one I was engrossed in the story of Sophos, watching him live as the useless heir of Sounis. I had loved Sophos in The Thief and seeing him go through his journey made me love him even more. 

A Conspiracy of Kings truly makes you think, from the beginning to the end I tried to analyse every baron and noble that Sophos met to see who would support him and who would see him as a puppet. We do get to see some of Gen, Attolia and Eddis, there presence makes the whole story even more intriguing. Like always Gen has a plan, and like always the plan is not revealed but Turner gives you bits of clues scattered around for you to find. I thoroughly loved how Turner always times her revelations at the right time, just when you figure out nearly the whole truth with a single tiny hole, she reveals what Gen is up to and everything falls together like pieces in a jigsaw.

Once again I have to praise Turner for her great mystery writing, her ability to create wonderful suspense and anticipation and well as a exhilarating adventure. Although there is always a down point in her story were everything seems to get a bit boring, it isn't too long and unlike some stories that go down and stay down, Turner always manages to bring back the excitement and riddles.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: The King of Attolia

Book Three of the Queen's Thief Series (therefore containing spoilers for the previous books)


By scheming and theft, the Thief of Eddis has become King of Attolia. Eugenides wanted the queen, not the crown, but he finds himself trapped in a web of his own making.

Then he drags a naive young guard into the center of the political maelstrom. Poor Costis knows he is the victim of the king's caprice, but his contempt for Eugenides slowly turns to grudging respect. Though struggling against his fate, the newly crowned king is much more than he appears. Soon the corrupt Attolian court will learn that its subtle and dangerous intrigue is no match for Eugenides.


After finishing the The Queen of Attolia I couldn't wait to get my hand on The King of Attolia, and I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed at all. From the end of The Queen of Attolia, I was desperate to see how Gen would act as King, to say his love for Attolia was a surprise would be an understatement, but this book shows their love for each other in an unique and heart-warming way.


The book is many written in the perspective of Costis, an Guard that physically attacks the King and instead of getting thrown in the dungeon, he is thrown into a world of intrigue and mysteries. Following the King around, Costis slowly gets to see what it is like to be the unwanted King of Attolia. I loved the cunning and devious plans that were set in place by Gen. Seeing him as King is refreshing and intriguing, watching how the others such as the Queen and the Ambassador of Eddis react to his actions (or lack of actions) as king is funny and encourages you to join in with the fun of deciphering the Ex-Thief of Eddis.


I loved this book very much, it is hard for me to decide which book I enjoyed better, The Queen of Attolia or The King of Attolia. While one book is set in the hilarious and kind court of Eddis, the other is set in the cold and bitter court of Attolia where everyone planned Gen's demise. I am very glad to have started this series and to have pushed through the first half of The Thief when I had half a mind to abandon it due to the lack of- well, everything. Turner has once again proven herself to be an adept writer that likes plot twists and turns that make your mind spin on end without giving it an rest even after the last page.


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: The Queen of Attolia

Book Two of the Queen's Thief Series (therefore containing spoilers for the previous book)


Revenge
When Eugenides, the Thief of Eddis, stole Hamiathes's Gift, the Queen of Attolia lost more than a mythical relic. She lost face. Everyone knew that Eugenides had outwitted and escaped her. To restore her reputation and reassert her power, the Queen of Attolia will go to any length and accept any help that is offered...she will risk her country to execute the perfect revenge.
...but
Eugenides can steal anything. And he taunts the Queen of Attolia, moving through her strongholds seemingly at will. So Attolia waits, secure in the knowledge that the Thief will slip, that he will haunt her palace one too many times.
...at what price?
When Eugenides finds his small mountain country at war with Attolia, he must steal a man, he must steal a queen, he must steal peace. But his greatest triumph, and his greatest loss, comes in capturing something that the Queen of Attolia thought she had sacrificed long ago...

I started this book nearly straight after I finished The Thief, I couldn't wait to see more of Gen. I had anticipated seeing Gen in court and watching him interact with the Queen and court members, however I was disappointed with Gen appearing in Attolia a year after the end of the last book. A bit like the first book, I found the beginning a little boring and not very satisfying, but once Gen returned to Eddis the action and intrigue soon began.

I can happily say that this book is my favourite out of the two I have read so far, unlike the first one, The Queen of Attolia is more to do with the workings of the court and the relationship between the kingdoms. A war has broken out and I loved reading about how the three kingdoms tried to outwit each other and to win this war. More political and with more riddles to solve, The Queen of Attolia surprised me and I was reluctant to put it down even after the last word.

In this book, Gen turns more dark and dangerous, he becomes more cunning and willing to do things that he previously wouldn't do. They say 'all is fair in love and war' and Gen proves this with his brilliant plans to help Eddis survive the war. I also grew to love the Queen of Eddis very much in this book, she proves herself to be a smart, kind and loving Queen, her love for Gen is something special and to be treasured.

Once again the ending is a bit unrealistic when you first read it, but then things are explained (just like the first book) and you realise that its not so unrealistic at all. I can't say the ending was the one I wanted from the beginning, however it did leave me wanting to read the next book very, very much. Gen has once again gotten himself into a situation that might just be the death of him, and I can't wait to see how he plans to survive this in the next book.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Casket of Souls

More than the dissolute noblemen they appear to be, Alec and Seregil are skillful spies, dedicated to serving queen and country. But when they stumble across evidence of a plot pitting Queen Phoria against Princess Klia, the two Nightrunners will find their loyalties torn as never before. Even at the best of times, the royal court at Rhíminee is a serpents’ nest of intrigue, but with the war against Plenimar going badly, treason simmers just below the surface.

And that’s not all that poses a threat: A mysterious plague is spreading through the crowded streets of the city, striking young and old alike. Now, as panic mounts and the body count rises, hidden secrets emerge. And as Seregil and Alec are about to learn, conspiracies and plagues have one thing in common: The cure can be as deadly as the disease.

When I first picked up the first book in the Nightrunner series, I was captured into a world of adventure, mystery and humour. After reading the first 5 books in this series, I have waited as patiently as possible for this book. The first 3 in this series were some of the best fantasy books I've read, to me they were like a grown up version of the Tamora Pierce books which I had adored as a child. The 4th and 5th book were a little disappointing, but Casket of Souls makes me extremely glad that I stuck to this series.

Like every other book in this series, Casket of Souls is full of mystery and humour, Seregil is still the 'party all night' noble that secretly becomes a Nightrunner when the sun is down. His relationship with Alec is still a little rocky and not quite perfect, however they are still adorable and can make you laugh at every turn. This book has a similar air to the first one, where Seregil and Alec charm the nobles and work their way in the social circles to try and obtain information. 

This adventure of their's is set inside the city, with two opposing forces trying to put two different princesses on the throne. While they try to uncover who is doing what and who is on whose side, a 'sleeping death' is spreading around the lower city. With some questionable deaths in the noble families, Seregil and Alec can't fathom if the deaths were natural or a cause of the internal war of power and thrones.

Things get desperate as the ones close to them start to fall ill to this new disease and they are pressured by two sides to solve the mystery of the disease and to find evidence of who is plotting against who, trying to start a civil war. This book is full of unanswered questions and mysteries that are begging to be solved, Flewelling worked several mysteries into this one book and in the end, they came together to a stunning conclusion. I loved this book very much, the game of politics Seregil and Alec played was very enjoyable to read and the ending was very good, although a bit short.

I would love to read more of Alec and Seregil's adventures however it seems Flewelling won't be writing another book for this series any time soon. Perhaps it is my love for spies and thieves set in the time of kings and queens, or my passion for reading about court intrigue and the dance of politics, that I found this book so enjoyable and fun to read. I would recommend this book to those that have read the previous 5 and really enjoyed the first 3. I would also recommend this whole series to those that love books set in times of queens in glamorous dresses and magicians in great robes, also to those that love spies among nobles with excellent swordplay and archery scenes.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Bitterblue

Eight years after Graceling, Bitterblue is now queen of Monsea. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisors, who have run things since Leck died, believe in a forward-thinking plan: Pardon all who committed terrible acts under Leck’s reign, and forget anything bad ever happened. But when Bitterblue begins sneaking outside the castle—disguised and alone—to walk the streets of her own city, she starts realizing that the kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year spell of a madman, and the only way to move forward is to revisit the past.

Two thieves, who only steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck’s reign. And one of them, with an extreme skill called a Grace that he hasn’t yet identified, holds a key to her heart.


When I first picked up this book, I was very weary. I'd been told by a fortunate friend who got to read the book nearly straight after it came out that it wasn't as good as the other two books in this series and that it was a major disappointment. However from the very first page my attention was grabbed and held onto by a giant pink bear that refused to let go, I forgot about my friend's words of the terrible ending and got stuck into the story.


From the very beginning, with the watermelons and the graves, to the very end, when everything came to light and our hearts were broken and yet the sun still shined, I was trapped inside this book, oblivious to the world as I travelled through Bitterblue's journey with her. When I reached the end, I was very satisfied and didn't quite understand the 'unfinished ending' that I was warned of. However I am a very action and mystery centred person so that advice is not to be ignored if you are mainly interested in romance.


Teddy and Saf are the two 'thieves' that steal back what was stolen in the first place. I loved Teddy from the very beginning, he's a funny, loveable person that makes you laugh every time he is present. Saf is more cold but I love him even more for it. Po and Giddon is very involved in this book, I enjoyed their presence very much. Po and Saf have a very funny relationship, the way they meet is hilarious. Fans of Raffin and Bann will be in for a nice surprise, although I had hopes of keeping Raffin as my Prince Charming, he is now officially taken. 


Bitterblue is a story full of adventure and mysteries, from coded messages to the weird watermelon man. Everyone is trying to adjust from Leck's reign, some trying desperately to forget, some trying to bury the past at all costs, in hope that burying it will make it go away and stay away. I loved the mystery of this book, all the riddles that needed to be solved and every question that demanded to be answered. Bursting with love, hurt, passion, betrayal and humour, Cashore had outdone herself with this magnificent tale.


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Graceling

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.     When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone. 

     With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more.


Graceling was the first book of the Seven Kingdoms series that I read. I was pleasantly surprised by the awesome characters, exciting plot and unexpected twists. Kristin Cashore created a action packed tale about a fierce yet vulnerable heroine. The idea of a Graceling is new and refreshing, although not unheard of to have special and unique skills in other fantasy books, the different coloured eyes to show their Grace is something I'd never heard of before.


Katsa is one of the best heroines out there, her strength and determination is something to be admired. I loved Cashore's characters, from the mysterious Po to the healer Prince Raffin who has a brute for a father. The mystery that is to be solved in this story is brilliant and not very predictable. While they journeyed to find the answer to their query, Katsa and Po also learn more about their unique Graces.


This book had just the right amount of romance, adventure, action and mystery for me. The ending was bittersweet and broke my heart, yet I can't utter a single complaint. I loved reading this book and will always treasure it. Cashore created a fantasy world that would not soon be forgotten.


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Vampire Academy Series

Two races of vampires walk our world. One, the Moroi, are alive and wield elemental magical. The other, the Strigoi, are undead and evil--feeding on the innocent to survive. Rose Hathaway--a half-vampire with poor impulse control--is training to be a bodyguard for a Moroi princess. Learning to decapitate and stake is hard enough, but Rose's real danger may lie in an illicit romance with one of her instructors... 


Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires--the ones who never die.

The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.

After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking hearts.

Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir's--but their world is fraught with danger both inside and out of the Academy's iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever...

I had heard many good things about the Vampire Academy but I didn't really believe how good it was until I read it. Richelle Mead wrote an award winning series of vampire books full of romance, adventures and heartbreak. Rose is one of the strongest female characters out there, her courage and determination makes you admire and love her. This series is another love triangle and normally I strongly dislike books with love triangles but I can honestly say that I enjoyed this love triangle and that it is one of the best out there.

Dimitri is a Dhampir and becomes Rose's teacher at the academy. I loved him from the beginning, his cool exterior and firm but kind teachings warmed my heart. He is no doubt one of my favourite male characters ever. However then there is Adrian, he doesn't arrive until the second book but he is a classic 'bad boy', when you first meet him, he isn't someone that like-able, but slowly he worms his way into your heart and keeps you interested in him.

The series has many twists and turns that surprise you and constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved Mead's writing and nearly all her characters had me cheering them on, each of them unique and different, but still able to appeal to me in their individual ways. The idea of vampires isn't exactly original but Mead's idea of mixed races that fight to protect the 'royals' is something that hadn't come up before in the 
vampire universe.

I enjoyed reading all six books and flew through them in my haste to see how it ended. I ended up going back and reading them again to make sure I didn't miss anything and enjoy it again. This series is definitely one of my favourite series out there and definitely makes my top 5. I absolutely recommend this to all paranormal lovers and those who love strong female heroines.

Average Rating for Whole Series: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Waterfall

What do you do when your knight in shining armor lives, literally, in a different world?

Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives among the romantic hills with their archaelogist parents. Stuck among the rubble of the medieval castles in rural Tuscany, on yet another hot, dusty archaeological site, Gabi and Lia are bored out of their minds...until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces.

Suddenly Gabi's summer in Italy is much, much more interesting.


I didn't really know what to expect from this time-travelling story. The beginning of Waterfall is not very gripping, leaving you wondering if this book is worth reading at all. However as I got past the first 50 pages, I was trapped inside the beauty of the world that Lisa T. Bergren created.


Waterfall is set in Italy, 700 years in the past. Gabi arrives in the past and finds herself in the middle of a battle between two opposing forces. She is saved by one of the leading knights, Marcello, and is taken to his castle. Bergren created characters that were chivalrous young men that charmed their way into your hearts. I must admit that I had little love for Marcello, instead my heart was captured by the sweet Fortino and charming Lucas.


Bregren's writing was a little boring to read at first but it is clear that she researched the history of Italy well and made the story more interesting and captivating. The challenges that she set Gabi to face were not what a person who wishes to go back to the past would think of to face. I really enjoyed the danger and humour in this story, from Gabi welding a sword to her having to ride side-saddle. I really enjoyed going through Gabi's journey with her and seeing the choices she makes, I would recommend this book to those that like historical romance with some handsome knights and a lot of danger.


Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Review: The Immortal Rules

"In a future world, vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity."Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of "them." The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked--and given the ultimate choice. Die...or become one of the monsters.
Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.
Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend--a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.
But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what--and who--is worth dying for.

I was very hesitant to start The Immortal Rules due to the large number of vampire books out there. I have read and loved the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa and I feared this new release would ruin her writing for me. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement.


Kagawa came up with an ingenious world that, if vampires were real, could become our future. The way she expresses her vampires is unlike any other book out there, her idea is original and captivating. Allie is a young girl who despises vampires, until the day she becomes one. Even though her fate is sealed and she must now learn to live as the one thing she had hated for her whole life, Allie doesn't give up in hope that she can be a vampire with human virtues. She tries her hardest to remain as human as possible, fighting the vampire that she is.


Kanin is her creator, the guy that saved her life and damned her future. I loved his character from the beginning and their seperation nearly killed me. Zeke is the human boy that sees something in her that warms her non-beating heart. She tries everything in her power to hide who she really is, travelling with Zeke and his crew to search for the mysterious Eden. 


I loved this story but for some reason I enjoyed the second and fourth quarter of the book best, the other two quarters got a bit slow and boring at times. However, overall, I absolutely adored this book. It had just the right amount of action, romance and mystery in it. I would recommend it to anyone who loves paranormal adventures and want to read something refreshing and original.


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Raised by Wolves

Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it.  That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.  

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?


Jennifer Lynn Barnes' Raised by Wolves creates a little something special to the normal werewolf tales. I loved her characters, each of them unique, with faults and skills. Her writing style is one of the best I've read, she makes everything seem more real, all the emotions and feelings are easy to connect with and this book brought out many laughs and giggles. 


Written in first person, Raised by Wolves is told through Bryn's POV. As a human girl raised by a pack of wolves, Bryn has a couple more skills than the average teenager. She knows her pack laws well and tries her hardest to do things her way, trying to resist the power her Alpha has over her. Bryn's telling of the story is funny and easy to read, capturing your mind and not letting go until the last world.


Devon, Bryn's best friend, is a humorous guy that knows how to have fun and also knows how to protect his human friend. Chase is the newly turned wolf, something Bryn didn't think was possible until he said, "I got bit." and changed right in front of her eyes. His creation brings Bryn many queries and sends her on a mission to uncover the truth. Callum is her Alpha, the father figure in her life, as the leader of his pack, he must show power and dominance and Bryn shows that she is many things but submissive is not one of them. Their relationship is one that I really enjoyed reading about, its something new and unique, a bond that tears your heart in two.


I loved Raise by Wolves and its fabulous characters and magnificent plot, Bryn's journey to uncover the truth is a must read. Barnes has created another masterpiece that is enjoyable and emotional. I loved reading this very much and would recommend it to anyone who loves werewolves and action with a drop of romance.


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Touch of Power

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life....

Touch of Power was an amazing story to journey through, Avry is a strong, determined girl who makes decisions that both break your heart and warm your soul. In a world where healers were hunted and killed, Avry must travel discretely and try to hide from the authorities of each town she resides in. Snyder wrote a story that is unique and original, I've never read something quite like Touch of Power, her choice of setting is one of my favourites and her humour embedded in her writing makes reading enjoyable and emotional.

The characters in this book are all different and, in a way, they are all understandable and real. Kerrick is a cold-hearted man desperate to save his leader, his emotions are locked away and he carries on in the world in hope of curing his Prince of an deathly disease. I liked his character from the beginning, even though he was cold and heartless. The choices he make in this story are sometimes heartbreaking and sometimes sweet. Belen is one of my favourite characters and I love his relationship with Avry and Kerrick. To me he represents what every girl wants for a big brother.

Overall, I loved Touch of Power and would definitely read it again. Snyder created a magnificent place full of wonderful characters that together formed a beautiful story. I cannot wait for the next book to come out, this book is awesome and hopefully the next one will be even better.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars