{Review} Scythe (Arc of a Scythe #1) by Neal Shusterman

Scythe (Arc of a Scythe #1) 
by Neal Shusterman

Release Date: February 1st, 2018

Publishers: Walker Books

Genre: YA, Dystopia
Source: For Review
Pages: 447
Books2Door Website: Buy Link

 

Thou shalt kill.

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery. Humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. 
Now scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own. 

The Review: I was really excited to read Scythe. It’s a series that I have seen around the since it first released and so I’ve always been curious to see why so many others love this series. I’m a big fan of dystopian books so anything that is compared to The Hungers Games is definitely worth my time. Sycthe is an exciting story with an interesting concept and full of shocking revelations that will keep you turning the pages.

Readers will also love that they have the chance to see all points of the story from the two main characters as well as the bad guys. I really enjoyed all points of view, although some are harder to swallow than others and the way the author describes the gleaming’s is very imaginative and can pull on your emotions especially when the mass gleaming’s take place. 

Rowan and Citra were both likable characters who at times were a little boring. I enjoyed the story more when they were together more and I really do wish there was more romance in this story than there was. It definitely would have added to the forbidden romance element more. 

In all, Sycthe was an interesting read and I look forward to reading the next book. 

                                                                  Rating: Liked it - 3 Flowers 

Thank you to Books2Door for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. As a person who is always buying books, I am always on the lookout for good deals especially since I always like to buy the first few books in a series together. They have fantastic deals on box sets that are ideal as gifts or if you are like me, stocking up on series at a very affordable price. They have lots to offer from to young adult and there is plenty of choice with good value for money and a fast delivery service. You can view their website at: https://www.books2door.com/ 

Review: The Safest Lies by Megan Miranda

The Safest Lies
By Megan Miranda
Release Date: June 6th, 2019
Publishers: Penguin 
Genre: YA, Thriller 
Source: For Review
Pages: 352
Goodreads: Add to TBR

 

From the New York Times bestselling author of All the Missing Girls and The Perfect Stranger comes a captivating psychological thriller about a girl who must face her darkest fears - but can she outrun the past?

Kelsey has lived most of her life in a shadow of suspicion, raised to see danger everywhere. Her mother hasn't set foot outside their front door in seventeen years, since she escaped from her kidnappers.

Kelsey knows she's supposed to keep a low profile and stay off the grid for their protection, but that plan is shattered when her dramatic car accident and rescue by volunteer firefighter and classmate Ryan Baker sparks media coverage.

A few days later, she arrives home to find her mother missing. Now, to have a chance at a future, Kelsey will have to face her darkest fears. Because someone is coming for her. And the truth about the past may end up being the most dangerous thing of all.

The Review: It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book by Megan Miranda and I remember it was amazing, so I was more than happy to dive to The Safest Lies which is a YA thriller and it’s one I enjoyed.

The Safest Lies follows teenager Kelsey. All of her life she has lived under her mother’s strict rules for privacy and safety. Her mother was a victim of kidnapping years ago but she managed to escape and has never got over what happened to her. It’s when Kelsey is involved in a car crash and is rescued by a student from her school that the events hit the news and therefore putting Kelsey and her mother in danger. Kelsey’s mother has been taken once again and this time, they want Kelsey as well. 

I started the story really not knowing what to expect but I was honestly really surprised. I’m not a big thriller reader. I love my romance stories so I always tend to stick with the same reads. So this was a nice change. And it mainly came from just having read another thriller story, so two together was a big thing for me. But this is the kind of story I like. It had the right amount of suspense, secrets, action and romance for me to keep me turning the pages. Kelsey and Ryan were great to get to know. I enjoyed their story and there romance was super sweet and their moments together were ones to look forward to.  

There is one major twist to the story though that really flipped this story upside-down. Did I like it? Maybe. No, I don’t think so. I spent the first part of the story sympathising for Kelsey’s mother. Her past was horrible and I could understand why she was the way she was. I do think she could have dealt with things better – for the sake of her daughter. But by the end, I couldn’t help but dislike her. I really won’t say more because it will honestly spoil the story for others but the twist for me definitely changed how I felt for her. 

In all, The Safest Lies was a good turn paging reader and one I think many will enjoy and I will definitely be adding more of Megan’s book to my TBR pile. 

Thank you to Penguin for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

                                                                  Rating: Liked it - 3 Flowers 

Review: Defy Me (Shatter Me #5) by Tahereh Mafi

Defy Me (Shatter Me #5)
Tahereh Mafi 
Release Date: April 4th, 2019
Publishers: Egmont 
Genre: Dystopia, YA
Source: For Review
Pages: 368
Goodreads: Add to TBR

 

The gripping fifth installment in the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling Shatter Me series. Will Juliette’s broken heart make her vulnerable to the strengthening darkness within her?

Juliette’s short tenure as the supreme commander of North America has been an utter disaster. When the children of the other world leaders show up on her doorstep, she wants nothing more than to turn to Warner for support and guidance. But he shatters her heart when he reveals that he’s been keeping secrets about her family and her identity from her—secrets that change everything.

Juliette is devastated, and the darkness that’s always dwelled within her threatens to consume her. An explosive encounter with unexpected visitors might be enough to push her over the edge.

The Review: Anyone who knows me knows I absolutely adore the Shatter Me series. I’ve been a massive fan since day one and so, I was more than happy to hear that the author had decided to write more books in the series. Defy Me is the fifth instalment and it definitely had a lot of expectations to live up to. The previous four books were nothing short of amazing and I was eagerly excited to see what the next instalment would bring.

After the events of Restore Me, Juliette and Warner are now in the hands of an enemy who claim to be long lost family. Being kept imprisoned and weak, being put through experiments is all a part of the test. But Juliette and Warner’s bond is stronger than ever even though they are apart but they are unable to escape without outside help. So it’s down to Kenji to try and rescue his friends in time. 

Defy Me was a good instalment and it’s one I’m glad I read, however without sounding to negative this book was a little repetitive. I kind of felt like I had go back to the start of the series where Juliette is locked up and weak. It had very much the same feeling and I honestly hate seeing Juliette like that when she is such a strong character. I was just waiting for the story to progress but I guess you could say this book kind of felt like a filler book. Not much really happens until the end. 

Kenji has always been a character I have loved and I was very excited to hear we would have his point of view in the story.  It makes sense why she would add in his point of view because so much is happening behind the scenes when Juliette or Warner aren’t present. This book very much felt like Kenji’s story.  While I love him, I love Juliette and Warner more so I would much prefer the author to focus on them more. 

One thing that the author never fails to deliver on is shocking revelations and yes, there is plenty to keep you on the edge of your sit throughout Defy Me. And we finally find out the truth about Warner and Juliette’s childhood. And it was definitely worth the wait. I adore soulmate stories so their story was perfect for me.

While Defy Me wasn’t my favourite from the series, it was still very enjoyable and one that still kept me turning the pages.  I was so very happy to be back with my favourite characters and I cannot wait to see how this series ends in Imagine Me. 

Thank you to Egmont for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

                                                                      Rating: Liked it - 3.5 flowers 

{Review} Top Ten by Katie Cotungo

Posted by Donna
Release Date: October 3rd, 2017 
Finished Date: August 15th, 2018

Publishers: Balzer + Bray
Genre: Contemporary, Romance 
Source: For Review
Format: eARC 

Pages: 320
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

Ryan McCullough and Gabby Hart are the unlikeliest of friends. Introverted, anxious Gabby would rather do literally anything than go to a party. Ryan is a star hockey player who can get any girl he wants—and does, frequently. But against all odds, they became not only friends, but each other’s favorite person. Now, as they face high school graduation, they can’t help but take a moment to reminisce and, in their signature tradition, make a top ten list—counting down the top ten moments of their friendship: 

10. Where to begin? Maybe the night we met.
9. Then there was our awkward phase.
8. When you were in love with me but never told me…
7. Those five months we stopped talking were the hardest of my life.
6. Through terrible fights…
5. And emotional makeups.
4. You were there for me when I got my heart broken.
3. …but at times, you were also the one breaking it.
2. Above all, you helped me make sense of the world.
1. Now, as we head off to college—how am I possibly going to live without you?

The Review: I was excited to start Top Ten by Katie Contungo because I’ve read a couple of the author’s other books and have always come away happy. This is no different from Top Ten, I enjoyed it but I definitely thought it could have been better.

Best friends Gabby and Ryan have always had a connection. Their friendship has never made sense to either of them because they are the complete opposite. Ryan is a popular Hockey player and Gabby keeps to herself because of her social anxiety. When one night their friendship changes into something more, this story tells us their story from becoming friends to everything that happens in between being told through their top favourite moments of their friendship. 

I really liked the idea of the story being told through the character’s top ten moments. It was definitely interesting but I have to say it was slightly confusing because the story jumps from different moments in the past in no particular order. So one moment could be from Junior year, while the next could be Sophomore year or Freshman year. It was honestly a little hard to keep track of the story this way. For me I felt like the story would have worked better had they had alternative chapters from past to present. Because in all honestly, it was the present story I was more interested in. 

I liked both characters, Ryan more so than Gabby who struggled with several issues and refused to do anything about it all the while putting pressure on Ryan to deal with his own issues. There was some really sweet moments through the story but also some moments that really made you connect to the characters. 

The ending, really? Can I even say it was an ending? I hate open endings and unfortunately Top Ten provides no conclusion to what actually happens to the characters – did they get together? Did they remain friends? I guess it’s down to each person to decide but after spending the last 320 pages reading about these characters I was really disappointed by this ending. There isn’t even an epilogue. 

Thank you to Balzer + Bray for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} The Other Side of Lost by Jessi Kirby

Posted by Donna
Release Date: August 7th, 2018
Finished Date: April 1st, 2018

Publishers: HarperTeen
Genre: YA, Romance, Contemporary
Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Pages: 320
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

Girl Online meets Wild in this emotionally charged story of girl who takes to the wilderness to rediscover herself and escape the superficial persona she created on social media.

Mari Turner’s life is perfect. That is, at least to her thousands of followers who have helped her become an internet starlet. But when she breaks down and posts a video confessing she’s been living a lie—that she isn’t the happy, in-love, inspirational online personality she’s been trying so hard to portray—it goes viral and she receives major backlash. To get away from it all, she makes an impulsive decision: to hike the entire John Muir trail. Mari and her late cousin, Bri, were supposed to do it together, to celebrate their shared eighteenth birthday. But that was before Mari got so wrapped up in her online world that she shut anyone out who questioned its worth—like Bri.

With Bri’s boots and trail diary, a heart full of regret, and a group of strangers that she meets along the way, Mari tries to navigate the difficult terrain of the hike. But the true challenge lies within, as she searches for the way back to the girl she fears may be too lost to find: herself.

The Review: Summer is the perfect time to read contemporary books and Jessi Kirby’s books always manage to leave me satisfied and The Other Side of Lost is definitely one to read this summer. 

The story follows Mari whose days are filled with taking ‘fake’ daily life photos for Instagram page which include fake boyfriends, fake special birthdays, so pretty much fake everything. But since her cousin passed away Mari realises she needs to stop hiding behind her online persona and start journey in with the real world. When the opportunity arrives for her to go hiking in her cousin’s place, hesitant as she may be, Mari decides to take the plunge and do the one thing her cousin always wanted to do, the 200 mile hike that she died training for.

I really enjoyed Mari’s story. She was an easy character to connect to and as really likable. As a blogger and Instagrammer I could totally relate to her feelings about trying to make photos/reviews perfect and it was really refreshing to read about a character I could relate to and the pressures you can sometimes feel by using social media. 

Mari’s story really starts when she starts the hike that her cousin was supposed to do. I think it was such a nice idea for Mari to this seems as her cousin could no longer, however, it was totally unrealistic. Mari had no training, she’s inexperienced, she didn’t know the terrain and she didn’t have a clue how to hike. For me this was my major gripe about this story because every time something came up relating to the hike it didn’t feel real enough. Especially considering her cousin died while training for this. 

I did like however when Mari meets a group while hiking and I enjoyed their scenes together more than when Mari is on her own walking in her cloud of grief. This group helped her overcome things or deal with her issues better. There is a hint of a romance which I really wanted more of – seriously more and I also wanted an epilogue. 

Thank you to HarperTeen for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} Smoke in the Sun (Flame in the Mist #2) by Renee Ahdieh

Posted by Donna
Release Date: June 5th, 2018
Finished Date: May 20th, 2018

Publishers: Hodder & Soughton
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: ARC

Pages: 432
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

The highly anticipated sequel to Flame in the Mist—an addictive, sumptuous finale that will leave readers breathless from the bestselling author of The Wrath and the Dawn.

After Okami is captured in the Jukai forest, Mariko has no choice—to rescue him, she must return to Inako and face the dangers that have been waiting for her in the Heian Castle. She tricks her brother, Kenshin, and betrothed, Raiden, into thinking she was being held by the Black Clan against her will, playing the part of the dutiful bride-to-be to infiltrate the emperor's ranks and uncover the truth behind the betrayal that almost left her dead. 

With the wedding plans already underway, Mariko pretends to be consumed with her upcoming nuptials, all the while using her royal standing to peel back the layers of lies and deception surrounding the imperial court. But each secret she unfurls gives way to the next, ensnaring Mariko and Okami in a political scheme that threatens their honor, their love and very the safety of the empire.

The Review: Smoke in the Sun is the finale in the Flame in the Mist series by author Renee Adhieh and while I really enjoyed Flame in the Mist along with the free novellas, I didn’t quite think Smoke in the Sun lived up to my expectations but it was still a pleasant conclusion to the series. 

After the nail-biting cliff-hanger in Flame in the Mist, Mariko and Okami are now headed to the Heian Castle after Okami is captured by Mariko’s betrothed and brother. However what they do not know is that Mariko didn’t need rescuing and she was with Okami and his clan of her own free will. Now she will do anything to protect Okami from being killed even if that means heading into the lion’s den herself to free him.

I couldn’t wait to start this book knowing that Mariko Okami were both heading to the same place even though one was a prisoner. I was eager to see how the story would play out and of course I was looking forward to more special moments between my two favourite characters. But the characters hardly had any time together which was disappointing. I could understand the difficult situation the characters were in but I was hoping we’d get more time of them together than we actually did. 

While I did enjoy some parts of the story such a Mariko’s character development, Okami realising who is really is along with the pleasant ending, I still felt like something was missing from the story. It was very slow paced with not much happening plot wise until the very end. I was expecting for Mariko to do more than she actually did to help saving Okami which unfortunately was very little. She didn’t have enough power at the Heian Castle to be able to do more which was frustrating. And while I enjoyed the story, I will admit there are plenty of plot holes that have left a few unanswered questions. 

In all, although the series doesn’t quite live up to The Wrath and the Dawn series, I’m still glad I’ve read it and I will continue to read more books by Adhieh in the future. 

Thank you to Hodder & Soughton for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} Wild Hunger (The Phoenix Pack #7) by Suzanne Wright

Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 29th, 2018
Finished Date: May 10th, 2018

Publishers: Montlake Romance
Genre: Adult, Romance, Paranormal
Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Pages: 320
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

When half–wolf shifter Frankie Newman receives an e-mail from a family member she didn’t know existed, a secret is revealed: as a child, Frankie witnessed her father killing her mother…and then himself. Frankie was torn from her pack by her mother’s human relatives, and the trauma was erased from her memory. Realizing that she’s been lied to her entire life, she’s never felt more alone. Until she catches the scent of an old friend—warmly familiar and intoxicating.

Trick Hardy, enforcer of the Phoenix Pack, can sense the rush of mutual attraction when he sees Frankie again. He knows immediately that she’s his true mate. But he also knows that, given her fragile state, he needs to tread with care—no matter how fierce his surging desires.

As aroused as Frankie is by Trick’s darkly dominant air and simmering desire, her priority right now is her past—not her future, no matter how tempting. But as more secrets emerge and Frankie’s life is threatened, Trick must do everything he can to keep her close and safe. After all, it’s their destiny

The Review: Wild Hunger is the seventh book in the Phoenix Pack series by author Suzanne Wright. I adore this series and I always look forward to reading a new book featuring these awesome characters.

The story follows Frankie Newman, a half shifter, who has always known her shifter father murdered her human mother and then himself, however what Frankie doesn’t know is the extended family she was forced to leave behind when her grandparents took her in. When she is contacted by Lydia, her aunt and who is also a member of the Phoenix Pack its then she realises her life has been a lie and she desperately wants to discover the truth. And it’s there she is reunited with Trick Hardy, an enforcer of the Phoenix Pack. Trick instantly knows that Frankie is his mate. The problem is the connection is blocked from Frankie’s and Trick knows he needs to tread lightly if he wants to keep Frankie in his life. So as Trick works his way into Frankie’s life its then dark secrets start to emerge. 

I enjoy Suzanne Wright’s books regardless of enjoying some more than honest. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the last book and I’ll be honest with you, Wild Hunger failed to appeal to me as much as her recent Mercury Pack books did. 

I’ve been desperately waiting for the author to write a story where the characters know their mate from the first meeting. I’ve been waiting for what feels like ages and I have to say now that I have it, I’m kind of disappointed. I just can’t understand why I didn’t enjoy it as much as I was hoping. It might have been because the story suspense between the two main characters, or maybe it was because the story was just a little bit predictable, and I can’t help feel like while I enjoyed getting to know these characters more, the plot of the story just felt a little bit too convenient and it was very easy to work out who the real bad guy was in the story. 

I have to say I was glad for once that Greta wasn’t her usual normal annoying self. I complained about her in my last review and I’m glad my prayers were answered. She was much more bearable in this book and I’m hoping we can see more of her like this. 

In the end, while Wild Hunger wasn’t a favourite, I still look forward to more books in the series. I understand I’m not always going to enjoy every book but I can still be hopeful that I will.  

Thank you to Montlake Romance for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} The Smoke Thieves by Sally Green

Posted by Donna
Release Date: 3rd May 2018
Finished Date: April 28th, 2018

Publishers: Penguin UK
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Source: For Review
Format: ARC

Pages: 512
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

A princess, a traitor, a hunter and a thief. Four teenagers with the fate of the world in their hands. Four nations destined for conflict. 

In Brigant, Princess Catherine prepares for a loveless political marriage arranged by her brutal and ambitious father. In Calidor, downtrodden servant March seeks revenge on the prince who betrayed his people. In Pitoria, feckless Edyon steals cheap baubles for cheaper thrills as he drifts from town to town. And in the barren northern territories, thirteen-year-old Tash is running for her life as she plays bait for the gruff demon hunter Gravell.

As alliances shift and shatter, and old certainties are overturned, our four heroes find their past lives transformed and their futures inextricably linked by the unpredictable tides of magic and war. Who will rise and who will fall? And who will claim the ultimate prize?

The Review: The Smoke Thieves is the first book in a new YA fantasy series by author Sally Green and as soon as I heard about this book I was intrigued. As you know I am always on the lookout for new fantasy books to read and so this immediately went on my TBR list. If you’re a fan of Six or Crows and Falling Kingdoms then I’d definitely suggest you taking a peak at this book. 

The story follows five different characters – a princess, a traitor, a thief, a soldier and a hunter whose lives are all woven together, even though they don’t know it yet, until fate steps in and they all eventually meet. 

The story is told from five different points of view which is a bold move to make when writing a book like this because of how complex this fantasy world is especially with so many different worlds which all have their own rules and traditions. It could at times can get slightly overwhelming and some characters parts where a slower than others but it’s clear from the first couple of chapters that you know which characters you favour most. For me that was Tash and Catherine. I would happily just read a book about these two characters because I wasn’t as invested in the other characters so much. 

The story moves at a slow pace and with not much action until the last part of the book which is the bits you don’t want to miss. But just as the story is starting to get interesting, when all the characters finally meet, it finishes. As a reader we are seriously left hanging and I have to say I am intrigued to see what happens next. 

Thank you to Penguin UK for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} The Course of True Love (and First Dates): A Magnus Bane Story

Posted by Donna
Release Date: February 1st, 2018
Finished Date: April 10th, 2018

Publishers: Walker Books
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Hardback 

Pages: 96
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood might fall in love—but first they have a first date. 

When Magnus Bane, warlock, meets Alec Lightwood, Shadowhunter, sparks fly. And what happens on their first date lights a flame...

A Magnus Bane story set in New York. Both new readers and those already familiar with the world of the Shadowhunters will enjoy this collectable hardback gift edition

The Review: Put your hands up if you love Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood? I do! I love these guys from the books and I love them even more from the TV series and, I love that Walker books have started publishing these collectable gift novellas because not only are they so lovely to look out but, they really are the perfect gift for any fan. 

I really enjoyed getting inside Magnus’s head as this novella is told from his perspective. I haven’t read The Bane Chronicles so this novella was something completely new for me and gave me a different outlook at how Magnus and Alec’s relationship develops –which of course you don’t see in the Shadowhunter books. 

It’s a good look at their first date and how wrong it can go but because everything isn’t perfect, that makes it all the more special and definitely strengthens their bond. 

My only complaint is there was too much telling and not showing which as a fan of this world, I want to see it all for myself. 

Thank you to Walker Books for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} Truth or Dare by Non Pratt

Posted by Donna
Release Date: June 1st, 2017
Finished Date: June 1st, 2017

Publishers: Walker
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 304
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

A powerful and moving novel about bravery from the Guardian's "writer to watch" Non Pratt, perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell, John Green and Holly Bourne. 

How far is too far when it comes to the people you love? 

Claire Casey hates being the centre of attention. But if it means getting Sef Malik to notice her, it’s a risk she’s happy to take. 

Sef is prepared to do anything to help his recently disabled brother. But this means putting Claire’s love – and life – on the line. Because when you're willing to risk everything, what is there left to lose?

The Review: Truth or Dare by Non Pratt is a book that I was really excited to read. After reading and loving her debut novel Trouble, I was more than excited to see what this author could do next.

This story is about two teenagers, Claire and Sef, who are both going through some serious life issues mainly bulling and disabilities. The story tells the characters journey of trying to raise money for Sef’s brother who has been hurt and trying to afford the cost of his treatment. This brings Claire and Sef to create Truth or Dare, where they record themselves online doing crazy dares to raise money. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story because it was not something I’d read before and trying to bring awareness to an illness to a great achievement so bravo to the characters for doing something selfless and brave.

The story is also told from both main characters narratives, so different points of view and for a story like this I definitely think it was needed. It made the story that much more real and enjoyable to get the feeling from both characters. And I loved how you have to flip the book to get the other characters story. Very unique!

I have to say I really did want something more from the end. I’m not a big fan of open endings – I like closure so I can move on from a story but this felt much unfinished to me.

In all, Truth or Dare is an enjoyable read. I didn’t quite like it as much as Trouble but I’m excited to read more from Non Pratt.

Thank you to Walker for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} Fierce Obsessions (The Phoenix Pack #6) by Suzanne Wright

Posted by Donna
Release Date: June 13th, 2017
Finished Date: June 11th, 2017

Publishers: Montlake Romance
Genre: Adult, Paranorml, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Pages: 306
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

When raven shifter Riley Porter was given sanctuary by the Phoenix Pack, she let them believe she had left her flock. Reluctant to divulge the secrets of her past, she was still embraced as family. Only Tao Lukas, the protective and passionate Head Enforcer of the pack, was resistant to the enigmatic shifter. Until Riley started to arouse in him something other than suspicion.

Tao doesn’t trust lone shifters, especially ones so guarded—and tempting. But the sexual tension between them is making them both come undone, and vulnerable to more than desire. All Tao wants is for Riley to stay with him and to trust him with the truth of her past.

As Riley’s mysteries come to light, so does a danger that threatens not only her life but the safety of the entire pack. For Tao, keeping Riley safe means keeping her close—forever—as his mate.

The Review: I hate to say this but is it me or is this series starting to feel a bit repetitive? Gaah! I adore this series and the authors work but with the release of the last few books I’m starting to find more and more faults with them and I honestly don’t want to. I want to love them all but for me Fierce Obsessions was my least favourite book from the series.

This story started WAY too quickly. There was no suspense, no build up, it was just WHAM and the story had already started before I even knew it. I guess I felt a little cheated. Tao has been always been a favourite character of mine so I was majorly excited when he was getting his own story but something about his and Riley’s story just didn’t click. I’m not sure if the author gave us any hints that the story would involve Tao or Riley (maybe I forgot if she did, I don’t know) but I was a little surprised that Riley was Tao’s love interest. And that’s not because she’s a raven shifter which was pretty cool to read about but, because I never felt any hint or spark between the two characters during previous books. It’s like the story starts and Tao is already so in love with Riley that he’ll do anything for her – it was all just so quick.

I also wasn’t a fan that most (I say most, I mean half) of the book taking placed away from the Phoenix territory. Tao and Riley leave pretty early on to go visit her Raven pack and I wouldn’t have minded but it was so early on that I wasn’t invested in Riley that much as a character to care what happened before she became a lone Raven. I wanted to get to know Riley more before having to get to know all the people from her life before and also I wanted more time to explore Tao and Riley’s relationship before being whisked away from my favourite pack, so yes, I felt it took me away from the story a little.

And Greta – I used to find her funny now she just grates on my nerves. Please do something about her!

The rest of the story was pretty enjoyable to read and I loved being back with my favourite characters. I understand with a series this big that I won’t enjoy every book but I feel like the last few have been a little rushed and I’m hoping the author will slow down a little. I will continue to support the author and this series because I do love them, it’s just a shame I couldn’t enjoy this one more. 

Thank you to Montlake Romance for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

Posted by Donna
Release Date: January 31st, 2017
Finished Date: January 21st, 2017

Publishers: Hodder & Stoughton 
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 416
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world . . . 

Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

The Review: I hadn't heard of Caraval until it arrived from the publishers from one day and since it arrived it's all I've been hearing about in the blogging world. When there is a lot of hype about a book even before it's release, I'm immediately interested and so of course, I just knew I had to find out why everyone loves this book already.

Caraval is a story that offers magic, adventure, romance and of course mystery. The mystery aspect really is a big part of this story - such a big part that for most of the story you have absolutely no idea what's going on. It's mind-blogging and interesting that you can't help but want to keep turning the pages. It's quiet a slow burning read - one that doesn't pick up until the last 100 pages of so but even though I found it a slow read, I was still very much interested in how the story was going to play out.

Scarlet's journey wasn't easy - it was hard, brutal and scary and the world of Caraval was more than happy to keep Scarlet from finding her sister. She did have the help of Julian who himself hides more secrets than he's willing to share. Their journey to finding Tella was intriguing and even though I'm not a fan of Tella I did want to see her safe for Scarlet's sake. Their romance for me was the best part of the story because it was unexpected and innocent and they did have a some lovely touching moments in between the craziness that is Caraval. 

In all, I believe Caraval will be a hit for many readers and it's definitely a story I enjoyed - especially with that twist at the end of the story that you won't see coming. 

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.