Review: Harry Potter Crochet (Crochet Kits) by Lucy Collin

Harry Potter Crochet (Crochet Kits)
by Lucy Collin

Release Date: 27th November, 2019
Genre: Hobbies and Crafts 

Publishers: Thunder Bay Press

Source: For Review
Amazon: Buy from Amazon

 

Create your own magic with this Harry Potter crochet kit!

Create your own magic and conjure up these adorable figures of "the boy who lived" and his friends. All the spells you need to make amigurumi dolls of Harry Potter and Dobby are included: yarn, stuffing, needle and thread, safety eye beads, and the special magic wand crochet hook! A 76-page instruction book gives step-by-step directions to make ten more magical models, and the full-color photos will ensure your projects turn out completely enchanting.

The Review: I will admit before starting this review that I haven’t yet had the chance to start the Harry design. When being asked to review this set, I was completely thrilled because it’s something completely different and it’s also something I can get my daughter involved in especially being a big Harry Potter fan and we are hoping to give it a start over the holidays. 

As soon as it arrived we took everything out had a good look at everything that was included. You have all the tools to help you make little Harry and Dobby. Different coloured wool are included as well as a plastic hook (although a metal hook may be easier to handle). There is also a step by step guide book which is so useful with full descriptions and photos to help guide you throughout. For anyone who is learning this really is a helpful and descriptive present and a good way to start learning. It’s also really affordable to buy and the presentation of the complete box is wonderful as well. Harry and Dobby is included in this pack but you also have designs for many more characters which is fantastic. All you need to do is supply the wool. 

If you are looking for a good present for a child or adult who would like to learn how to crochet then this is a great way to start. Even for someone with experience as well will have fun with these designs, especially if they are Harry Potter fans as it will provide someone with many hours of fun. 

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

                                                                        Rating: Really Liked It - 4 Flowers 

Review: Storm Born (Mortal Enchantment #1) By Stacey O'Neale

Storm Born (Mortal Enchantment #1)
By Stacey O'Neale 
Release Date: May 20th, 2014

Publishers: Phoenix Reign Publishing

Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 230
Goodreads: Add to TBR

 

Book #1 in the award-winning YA fantasy series Mortal Enchantment. Discover a world of elemental powers, courage, duty, sacrifice, forbidden romance and a war for the very elements of life.

Kalin Matthew's never had a choice. An unbreakable contract decided her destiny at birth. Live in the mortal world with her mother until the stroke of midnight on her sixteenth birthday, then leave the only life she's ever known and move to Avalon, the land of Arthurian myth and legend, to rule at her father's side, the king of the air court.

But before she enters his powerful and dangerous world, she's attacked by a fire court assassin and saved by Rowan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring.

Not long after, she learns her father is missing. Now she must take over his duties, which include shifting control of the elements -- a power she has yet to harness. As Rowan attempts to train her, war looms between the four courts. If she fails, her father will die, and the courts will fall, but the betrayal she's about to uncover may cost her even more.

The Review: After first being introduced to the Mortal Enchantment series with The Shadow Prince novella, I’ve always wanted to dive back into this world and read the first book in the series Storm Born, which follows Kalin Matthew, a princess who has been living in the mortal world until the night of sixteenth birthday where she is to return to Avalon – a world full of elementals. But upon her arrival in Avalon, her father the King of the Air is missing and Kalin has no choice but to take over his duties while trying to learn how to harness her elemental powers because war is coming and somehow Kalin is in at the very centre of it.  

Storm Born is a fantastic start to a very promising series and if you’re fans of fast paced stories with forbidden romances, plenty of magic and fierce characters, then this is definitely one to read. Once I started reading it was definitely hard to put down. 

I really liked Kalin from the start. She’s strong-willed and faces things head on – which is rare in YA stories. Although she can be vulnerable at times – mainly towards the start of the story but by the end of the book, she has more than found her path and is dedicated to do whatever she needs in order to grow stronger, protect her father and her kingdom. 

Of course it was lovely to see Rowan again which was like reuniting with a friend who you haven’t seen for ages. He will always be a favourite character from this series because of his willingness to do whatever it takes to protect the kingdoms either it means turning against his own. I was glad Kalin could rely on him and had his protection. 

I’m definitely eager to see what happens next in the series and hopefully I’ll find time to read them soon!

Thank you to Stacey O’Neale for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

                                                                        Rating: Really Liked It - 4 Flowers 

Blog Tour: The Sky Weaver (Iskari #3) by Kristen Ciccarelli

The Sky Weaver (Iskari #3) by Kristen Ciccarelli

Release Date: November 12th, 2019

Publishers: Gollancz

Genre: YA, Fantasy 
Source: For Review
Pages: 400
Goodreads: Add to TBR

 

Lavish, romantic and magical, The Sky Weaver is a new standalone story set in the world of The Last Namsara - one that fans of Leigh Bardugo, Holly Black and Laini Taylor will flock to. 

At the end of one world, there always lies another.

Safire, a soldier, knows her role in this world is to serve the King of Firgaard-helping to maintain the peace in her oft-troubled nation.

Eris, a deadly pirate, has no such conviction. Known as The Death Dancer for her ability to evade even the most determined of pursuers, she possesses a superhuman ability to move between worlds.

When one can roam from dimension to dimension, can one ever be home? Can love and loyalty truly exist?

Then Safire and Eris-sworn enemies-find themselves on a common mission: to find Asha, the last Namsara.

From the port city of Darmoor to the fabled faraway Sky Isles, their search and their stories become threaded ever more tightly together as they discover the uncertain fate they're hurtling towards may just be a shared one. In this world, and the next.

The Review: There are no words for how amazing the Iskari series is! The Last Namsara and The Caged Queen were two of my favourite reads from last year so I have been dying to get my hands on the finale, The Sky Weaver. And as much as I have been dying to read it, turning the very last page in this book was such a bittersweet moment because I am so not ready to say goodbye to these characters and captivating storytelling. 

The Sky Weaver tells Safire and Eris’s story – one being the Commandant to the King of Firgaard and the other, a deadly pirate and thief. Two of the most unlikely of characters to be thrown together on the same journey: finding Asha, the last Namsara who is being sort out by dangerous criminals. But not everything is as it seems as Safire and Eris begin to unravel of huge web of lies with some very startling revelations. 

The book is told from both character’s points of view and chapters telling the back story. This is such a fantastic way of telling a story, where both past and present are so important to the storyline. The different chapters helped me to separate the past and present so they didn’t get lost in the other story being told. And while the focus of this book was on Safire and Eris, their story was connected to the other character’s stories and we were able to see how their stories ended.   

I’ve always liked Safire so having her as the main character this time around just made me like her even more. She is such a strong and honourable character that it’s hard not to like her. Eris is a new character altogether and her story brought many unlikable characters with it, but she was a really likable and relatable character. The romance between the two was very sweet as well and I couldn’t help rooting for them. And Sorrow was such a perfect addition to Safire’s story! 

In all, I am very sad to see this series go because Kristen Ciccarelli’s spellbinding and powerful writing is truly magical to read but I am also very eager to see what she comes up with next. 

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

                                                                        Rating: Really Liked It - 4 Flowers 

Blog Tour: The Shadow Prince (A Mortal Enchantment Novella) by Stacey O'Neale

The Shadow Prince (A Mortal Enchantment Novella)
By Stacey O'Neale 
Release Date: March 25th 2014

Publishers: Phoenix Reign Publishing

Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 100
Goodreads: Add to TBR

 

Prequel novella to the award-winning YA fantasy series Mortal Enchantment. Discover a world of elemental powers, courage, duty, sacrifice, forbidden romance and a war for the very elements of life.

Sixteen-year-old Rowan is an elemental prince. Banished to the mortal world, he doubts he will ever return to Avalon and claim the fire court throne. Until he receives a challenge from his estranged mother. If he slays Kalin, the half-human, half-elemental, princess of the air court, she will abdicate her throne. Is he capable of completing such a heinous task? And what price will he pay if he refuses?

Perfect for fans of Holly Black and Sarah J. Maas.

"Filled with betrayal and intrigue, The Shadow Prince is a dark and twisty novella from an exciting new author!" Katee Robert, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

The Review: Fast paced, intriguing and enchanting, Stacey O’Neal’s introduction to her new series, Mortal Enchantment was definitely right up my street.

The Shadow Prince follows Rowan, the son of the fire court Queen. Rowan has spent most of his life living amongst mortals, while trying to learn to control his fire element. Rowan’s never been shown any love from his mother, who believes love is a weakness, but when she announces she will be stepping down from her throne and he she wants Rowan to take her place, he’s more than surprised. However he knows his mother and he knows she will not give up her throne without wanting something in return. She wants Rowan to kill, the half-human, half-elemental daughter of the air court king. But can Rowan complete a task that goes against everything he believes in?

I really enjoyed this prequel novella. At only 100 pages, it’s short, but definitely leaves you wanting more. I thought it was a great introduction, to which I believe will be a very promising series by a talented debut author and this novella gives you a lot of insight on what’s to come. 

I really liked Rowan. I found him honest, loyal and very open. I enjoyed the whole set up of the courts and found myself enthralled by them. It kind of reminded me of how I was when I first read Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series. 

In all, Stacey O’Neal has proven this series has a lot of potential with The Shadow Prince and I can’t wait to read more in Mortal Enchantment.

                                                                        Rating: Really Liked It - 4 Flowers 

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Review: The Girl the Sea Gave Back (Sky #2) by Adrienne Young

The Girl the Sea Gave Back (Sky #2)
by Adrienne Young
Release Date: September 3rd, 2019
Publishers: Titan Books
Genre: YA, Fantasy 
Source: For Review
Pages: 336
Goodreads: Add to TBR

 

The new gut-wrenching epic from the New York Times bestselling author of Sky in the Deep.

For as long as she can remember, Tova has lived among the Svell, the people who found her washed ashore as a child and use her for her gift as a Truthtongue. Her own home and clan are long-faded memories, but the sacred symbols and staves inked over every inch of her skin mark her as one who can cast the rune stones and see into the future. She has found a fragile place among those who fear her, but when two clans to the east bury their age-old blood feud and join together as one, her world is dangerously close to collapse.

For the first time in generations, the leaders of the Svell are divided. Should they maintain peace or go to war with the allied clans to protect their newfound power? And when their chieftain looks to Tova to cast the stones, she sets into motion a series of events that will not only change the landscape of the mainland forever but will give her something she believed she could never have again—a home.

The Review: I absolutely adored Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young so I was thrilled to hear she was writing a companion story, The Girl the Sea Gave Back which is set years later. This time the story follows Halvard, Fiske’s younger brother who is in training to become the next chief and Tova, a Truthwitch from the Svell camp and a new character to the story all together. 

I really enjoyed being back in this world, even though it took me a while to get to know Halvard and Tova. Do I wish the story was about Eelyn and Fiske? Yes I do. But I can understand why it wasn’t and it didn’t stop me from enjoying Adrienne Young’s beautiful writing. It’s one of the reason I fell so in love with Sky in the Deep because of just how well the author writes and how compelling it is to read. 

I was pleased to see the story all come together. It was great getting to know Tova. Her story definitely bought something new to the story which I’ve honestly never read about. And it was very interesting to discover a Truthwitch’s ability and how it fit within the Viking world. 

I think my only gripe with the story was it did take a while for the characters to meet and when they do they have very little interaction. The romance is more from a distance and they meet at the end. As reader who loves her romance, I definitely wanted and needed more of it in the story but it didn’t stop me enjoying the story. 

In all, there definitely needs to be more Viking stories in the world and Adrienne Young did a fantastic job bringing this one to life. I for one will definitely be reading more of her work in the future. 

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

                                                                        Rating: Really Liked It - 4 Flowers 

Review: The Ultimate Unicorn Joke Book by by Egmont Publishing UK

The Ultimate Unicorn Joke Book
by Egmont Publishing UK
Release Date: September 6th, 2019
Publishers: Red Shed
Genre: Kids 3 - 8 years old 
Source: For Review
Pages: 96
Goodreads: Add to TBR

 

Get ready to giggle glitter and laugh yourself silly in this hilarious new joke book all about . . .

. . . UNICORNS!

Where do unicorns throw their rubbish?
In the glitter bin!

What’s a unicorn’s favourite TV show?
Neighhhhbours!

Which unicorn smells?
The POO-nicorn!

Full of jokes, puns and one-liners about unicorns, mermaids, wizards, rainbows and much, much more. This book is hot-to-trot and you’re guaranteed to laugh yourself HORSE!

With a sparkly foiled cover and purple inside printing for an extra special magical touch, this is the perfect gift for fans of unicorn, mermaids, glitter, sparkles and anyone who loves a uni-corny joke!

The Review: My 8 year old daughter loves getting involved with reviewing books so when The Ultimate Unicorn Joke Book came up for review I immediately said yes because I just knew my daughter would enjoy it, and I was definitely right.

The Ultimate Unicorn Joke Book is a fun, magical and laugh out loud book filled with 160 different jokes about unicorns, mermaids, wizards, horses, rainbows and much more. Sparkly Jim ‘the funniest unicorn’ really is a bundle of laughs. My daughter absolutely loved reading all the jokes and finding her favourite ones where she would tell all the all the family to see if they could guess the answer. She even took it to school to share the jokes with her friends. 

The book is illustrated beautifully with eye catching designs and filled with unicorn’s having fun. I just enjoyed this book just as much as my daughter and it’s the perfect little present for Christmas or birthdays for young girls.

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

                                                                     Rating: Really Liked It - 4 Flowers 

Review: What She Found in the Woods by Josephine Angelini

What She Found in the Woods 
Josephine Angelini
Release Date: July 25th, 2019
Publishers: Macmillan Children's Books
Genre: YA, Thriller 
Source: For Review
Pages: 384
Goodreads: Add to TBR

 

After a scandal breaks in her elite New York City private school, Magda is shipped off to her grandparents’ sleepy Pacific Northwest town to spend a summer recovering under the radar. Over-medicated and uninspired, she spends her days in a fog, hiking in the woods behind her grandparents' cottage.

But then gorgeous wildboy, Bo, stumbles across her picnic blanket and Magda starts believing she might be able to move on from her past. The only problem seems to be the series of crimes breaking out across town, and when a body is found in the woods near Bo’s encampment, it’s clear that Magda’s nightmare is just beginning. She's no longer sure who she can trust. . .

What She Found in the Woods is an addictive and all-consuming thriller with a twist from the internationally bestselling author of the Starcrossed series, Josephine Angelini.

The Review: Josephine Angelini is back with What She Found in the Woods and this time it’s a YA thriller. I’ve been a huge fan of the authors work ever since her debut novel Starcrossed released so I was very excited to see she was writing something different. And it was honestly a fantastic read.  

The story follows a teenage girl Magda, who following a huge scandal at her private school in New York moves to a quiet town to go live with her grandparents after her psychotic break. There Magda tries to get her life back together by trying to become a better person and tries to reconnect with her old friends. It’s when she is out hiking one day she meets Bo, a teenage boy who lives in the woods with his family that things finally start to turn around for her, but when a woman is found dead near where Bo’s family live, Magda starts to question everything that is around her.

I have to say I don’t read many thriller stories, I’m entirely sure why but I’m really glad I read What She Found in the Woods. It’s a compelling and page turning story that gives you insight of what it’s like to be a teenager, but one that is also dealing with life changing experiences and the consequences that follows after.

Magda for me was an interesting character to get to know. I immediately sympathised with her, even without knowing the full extent of her story. She was very likable and also very relatable. When she meets Bo he starts to bring her out of this sort of depression she has been in for several months and I found I really enjoyed the story when they were together. Bo and his family were honestly a mystery but I found I really liked them all from the start. 

There are a few mysteries to try and solve throughout this book that really keeps you guessing and I really enjoyed the reveals when they happened. I was honestly sad to reach the end of the story, and although I would have loved an epilogue just to see where the characters ended up, I also liked how it ended so I can imagine it for myself. 

In all, What She Found in the Woods was a good read and one I really enjoyed, so it’s one I would definitely recommend if you are looking for something different. 

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Books for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

                                                                    Rating: Really Liked It - 4 Flowers 

Review: A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

A Curse so Dark and Lonely (Cursebreakers #1) 

Brigid Kemmerer

Release Date: January 1st, 2019
Publishers: Bloomsbury UK
Genre: Fantasy, Re-Telling, YA
Source: For Review
Pages: 496
Goodreads: Add to TBR 

 

In a lush, contemporary fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Brigid Kemmerer gives readers another compulsively readable romance perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer.

Fall in love, break the curse. 

It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she's instead somehow sucked into Rhen's cursed world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom. 

A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what's at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin. 

The Review: I’m a huge fan of Brigid Kemmerer’s work. From her paranormal books to contemporary books, everything I have read by her I have always really enjoyed, so as soon as I heard about A Curse so Dark and Lonely I just knew I had to read it and I honestly couldn’t contain my excitement when a review copy turned up and I literally dived straight in to read it. And once again Brigid wow’s me because this definitely didn’t disappointed.

A Curse so Dark and Lonely is a YA fantasy re-telling of the classic Beauty and the Beast with a modern contemporary twist. It follows a teenage girl named Harper who has Cerebral Palsy while trying to look after her struggling family. It’s when she is trying to help her brother that she is kidnapped and taken to another world called Emberfall, a world that has fallen under a deadly curse and she may be the key to breaking it.  

The characters of this story are really likeable. Harper is an interesting girl that after all her struggles in life, remains strong through the story. She doesn’t let her Cerebral Palsy stop her from doing the things she loves and refuses to be judged on her condition. We honestly need more refreshing YA characters like her and she was a pleasure to get to know. 

Rhen is also immediately likable. It takes a while to really find out who is he because he’s so used to hiding behind the curse that has affected his whole life and he is suffering because of how much his people are suffering. I really loved the banter between him and Harper. I’m always a sucker for true love stories and this really hit the spot. 

And then we have Grey. A character that became a friend to Harper but who is also hiding so much. I’m so glad we will get to find out what happens with him because how this story ends was something I definitely wasn’t expecting. It was a very good twist! 

I thoroughly enjoyed A Curse so Dark and Lonely and will eagerly look forward to reading more. I’m so glad Brigid decided to write something like this because there is always room for more fantasy books and Brigid has fit right in. 

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

                                                                       Rating: Really liked it - 4 flowers

{Review} Fire in You (Wait for You #6) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted by Donna
Release Date: November 28th, 2016 
Finished Date: August 12, 2017

Publishers: Hodder & Stoughton 
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 392
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

From the # 1 New York Times bestselling author of Wait for You and Be With Me, comes a richly moving story about heartbreak and guilt, second chances and, most of all, hope...

Six years ago, Jillian Lima's whole world was destroyed. The same night her childhood love Brock Mitchell broke her heart, her life was irrevocably altered by a stranger with a gun. After years spent slowly rebuilding the shattered pieces of her life, Jillian is finally ready to stop existing in a past full of pain and regret and is determined to start living. The one thing she never expected was the impossibly handsome Brock walking back into her life...

Brock can't believe that the breath-taking woman standing before him now is the little girl who used to be his shadow growing up. Unable to stay away from each other, their tentative friendship soon sparks into something more and the red-hot chemistry sizzling between them can no longer be denied.

But falling for Brock again risks more than just Jillian's heart. When the past resurfaces, and a web of lies threatens to rip them apart, the fallout could lay waste to everything they've ever cared about...

The Review: Being one of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s biggest fans I just knew I had to finish reading her Wait for You series because as much as I didn’t want to say goodbye to these characters, I still wanted to see how all their stories ended.

Like all the previous books in the series, Fire in You features a different couple Jillian and Brock. These books can be read as standalone but because all of the characters’ lives intertwine I would highly recommend reading them in order.

Jillian and Brock’s story was a great way to end this series. Their story not only has struggles in their present story but it also has struggles from their past which makes this a very suspenseful read. I’ve always had a soft spot for stories where the character already know each another and Jillian and Brock’s story didn’t disappoint. Their story is a little heart-breaking because Brock feeling obligated to Jillian’s father for taking him in when he was a teenager felt like he could never be with Jillian. He broke her heart to protect her. But with Jillian struggling with her life changing trauma where she believes that Brock let her down in a serious way and the events of that night kind of leave Jillian broken, it’s only Brock that can help her overcome these struggles even though she really is trying on her own.

I loved these two character. I loved reading their back story and seeing what the present and future held for them. They were great characters to get to know and even with their struggles their story was very addictive. As a reader I could definitely relate to Jillian who loves reading books as much as I do so it was really nice to connect with her that way.

And of course all the other characters popping up through the story it definitely was a great way to end this series. Jennifer L. Armentrout really is a fantastic writer and I really need to get myself up to date with all of her other books. 

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

{Review} War Storm (Red Queen #4) by Victoria Aveyard

Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 15th, 2018
Finished Date: June 2nd, 2018

Publishers: Orion
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Hardcover

Pages: 672
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

VICTORY COMES AT A PRICE.

Mare Barrow learned this all too well when Cal’s betrayal nearly destroyed her. Now determined to protect her heart—and secure freedom for Reds and newbloods like her—Mare resolves to overthrow the kingdom of Norta once and for all… starting with the crown on Maven’s head.

But no battle is won alone, and before the Reds may rise as one, Mare must side with the boy who broke her heart in order to defeat the boy who almost broke her. Cal’s powerful Silver allies, alongside Mare and the Scarlet Guard, prove a formidable force. But Maven is driven by an obsession so deep, he will stop at nothing to have Mare as his own again, even if it means demolishing everything—and everyone—in his path.

War is coming, and all Mare has fought for hangs in the balance. Will victory be enough to topple the Silver kingdoms? Or will the little lightning girl be forever silenced?

In the epic conclusion to Victoria Aveyard’s stunning series, Mare must embrace her fate and summon all her power… for all will be tested, but not all will survive.

The Review: War Storm is the final book in the Red Queen series by author Victoria Aveyard and if like me you have been following this series from the start then you will be seriously excited to know this finale didn’t disappoint!

I was really excited to read War Storm because even though I don’t want it to end, I do want it to end so I can see what happens. Catch 22! The Red Queen series has been one full of danger, deception, betrayal and sacrifice and let’s not forget the romance – because that’s what we’re all really here for, or I am. 

Plot wise War Storm was very slow to start with but it definitely picked up towards the 200 page mark and from then on out, I was glued to see what would happen. I laughed, I cried and I really felt every emotion each character was going through. Aveyard’s words are very compelling it’s hard not to love them. 

Cal & Mare have been through so much turmoil during this series and I desperately wanted a happy ever after for them. Not only that I wanted all my favourite characters to get the ending they deserved as well. The secondary characters are second to none throughout this series, Farley, Mare’s family, Kilorn to name a few. And even some characters that I hate to love like Evangeline. But Mare really has come on so far from the little lightning girl she was in Red Queen. And I’m really glad she finally discovers more about herself during this book.

I bet you’re wondering why I only rated it 4 stars even after I loved it so much? Well, that ending. Seriously? After four books waiting to find out how things end for Mare & Cal and that’s the ending we get? No epilogue? No ten years later? Completely gutted. I’m not one for open endings, I need closure and this ending did not provide that for me when it comes to Mare and Cal’s relationship. I guess it’s up to the reader to decide what happens next but me, I need an epilogue and I really hope the author considers writing one. 

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

{Review} Legendary (Caraval #2) by Stephanie Garber

Guest Review by Jess from Jess Hearts Books
Release Date: May 29th, 2018
Finished Date: May 17th, 2018 

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

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

 

A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.

The stunning sequel to the Sunday Times bestselling Caraval

After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister Scarlett from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn't yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend's true name.

The only chance of uncovering Legend's identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more - and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets . . . including her sister's. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice. But now the game is asking for more. If Tella can't fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend's name, she'll lose everything she cares about - maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . the games have only just begun.

The Review: Caraval was one of my favourite books of 2017 so when I heard that Stephanie Garber was writing a sequel this time from Tella’s point of view it quickly became one of my most anticipated releases of the year.

Legendary starts where Caraval left off with a new game about to begin to celebrate Elantine’s Day, only this time the stakes are much higher because Tella made a dangerous bargain that her mysterious friend intends to collect on and what he wants is Caraval Master Legend’s true name. To discover Legend’s identity Tella needs to win the game. With her life and the future of those she cares about on the line Tella must navigate Caraval once more.

Reading Caraval was like visiting the most fantastical circus and with Legendary we step inside the fortune teller's tent as we enter a world of tarot cards, destiny and fate. I loved the direction that Stephanie Garber took this series in and I felt like we got some much-needed expansion on this world and its history. However, I didn’t feel like the game of Caraval was as exciting the second time around. Like a magic trick you’ve seen before, some aspects felt a little repetitive and I felt like Legendary lost some of the sparkle and wonder that the first book had. Whereas the plot in Caraval felt enchanting and exciting, in Legendary it felt all too predictable. 

Reading from Tella’s perspective was by far my favourite aspect of this book. She was my favourite character in Caraval and I loved getting to know her better in Legendary. I love that she’s a flirt and very feminine and sensual yet also incredibly strong and independent. Her character busts a lot of YA heroine stereotypes and I find her a total breath of fresh air.

Overall I thought that Legendary was a solid follow up to Caraval. Although it perhaps did not live up to all of my very high expectations I still thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this book. However I think that in finale we need to step off the Caraval merry-go-round and explore the world behind the magic for this series to reach its full potential.

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

{Review} Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 17th, 2018 
Finished Date: May 2nd, 2018

Publishers: Simon & Schuster Children's UK
Genre: YA, Romance, Contemporary
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

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

 

From Jenn Bennett, author of Night Owls and Alex, Approximately comes a sizzling, starry romance, perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell and John Green.

Ever since last year’s homecoming dance, best-friends-turned-worst-enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. It doesn’t hurt that their families are the modern-day version of the Montagues and Capulets. But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together.

Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to try to make their way to safety. But as the two travel deeper into the rugged Californian countryside, secrets and hidden feelings surface. Soon it's not simply a matter of enduring each other’s company, but taming their growing feelings for each other. 

The Review: Starry Eyes is the third book I’ve read by author Jenn Bennett and with each book that has been released I find myself excited to see what she has in store for us because so far, she hasn’t disappointed me and I always look forward to her awesome story telling.

In Starry Eyes we see best friends Zorie and Lennon who have suddenly turned enemies but we don’t actually know why they are no longer best friends. Not only were they best friends but most recently had become involved in a secret relationship with each other. When Zorie is offered to go on a glamping trip, she takes the chance to get away from her family but she soon finds out that Lennon has also been invited which means spending the whole week with him. And after much drama with the other members of their group, Zorie and Lennon find themselves camping alone in the wilderness.

I really enjoyed Starry Eyes and I really enjoyed stories that have best friends/romance as I always find them the best types of reads. I think mainly because the characters already know each other so well and it’s fun to watch them discover their love for one another. Zorie and Lennon really have their issues and I liked that we didn’t find out what had gone wrong for them straight away because it added the right amount of suspense to the story that keep me turning the pages. Their relationship is definitely complicated and they don’t really know what went wrong because they haven’t communicated and I really felt sorry for them. They clearly have deep feelings for one another and I was completely rooting for them from the start. And Zorie’s father? I hated him. I wanted to like him but no, just no way.

I honestly don’t think I’ve read many books about camping experiences in the past and then suddenly I’ve read two in the space of two months. I definitely enjoyed Starry Eyes more than the other book I’ve read but I did feel the story was a little longer than it needed to be. It didn’t quite live up to Alex, Approximately which is still one of my favourite reads from last year but still, Starry Eyes is great read with a hot romance and plenty of drama.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children's UK for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.