Review: The Beautiful (The Beautiful #1) by Renée Ahdieh

The Beautiful (The Beautiful #1)
By Renee Ahdieh

Release Date: October 8th, 2019

Publishers: Hodder Books

Genre: YA, Paranormal
Source: For Review
Pages: 448
Goodreads: Add to TBR

 

In 1872, New Orleans is a city ruled by the dead. But to seventeen-year-old Celine Rousseau, New Orleans provides her a refuge after she's forced to flee her life as a dressmaker in Paris. Taken in by the sisters of the Ursuline convent along with six other girls, Celine quickly becomes enamored with the vibrant city from the music to the food to the soirées and—especially—to the danger. She soon becomes embroiled in the city's glitzy underworld, known as La Cour des Lions, after catching the eye of the group's leader, the enigmatic Sébastien Saint Germain. When the body of one of the girls from the convent is found in the lair of La Cour des Lions, Celine battles her attraction to him and suspicions about Sébastien's guilt along with the shame of her own horrible secret.

When more bodies are discovered, each crime more gruesome than the last, Celine and New Orleans become gripped by the terror of a serial killer on the loose—one Celine is sure has set her in his sights . . . and who may even be the young man who has stolen her heart. As the murders continue to go unsolved, Celine takes matters into her own hands and soon uncovers something even more shocking: an age-old feud from the darkest creatures of the underworld reveals a truth about Celine she always suspected simmered just beneath the surface.

The Review: Anyone who knows me knows that my love for reading first came from reading paranormal books.  Over the years, my reading tastes have changed and while I do now favour fantasy books over all others now, I’ve never forgotten about paranormal stories. It’s honestly been so long since I’ve read a good vampire story until I read The Beautiful which if I may say, may even be my favourite read of the year. 

Set in 1872, the story follows seventeen year old Celine Rousseau who moves to New Orleans after fleeing from her home in Paris following a terrifying encounter. It’s in New Orleans Celine wishes to start to a new life for herself where she can try and make a name for herself a dressmakers. But it’s not long after her arrival that Celine gets tangled up with the La Cour des Lions after catching the eye Sebastien Saint Germain, the leader of the group. La Cour des Lions is a dark and mysterious place that Celine cannot help become intrigued by. It’s there one night that a girl is murdered and all signs point to Sebastien, however New Orleans’s streets are full of terrible and dangerous creatures.

This book is phenomenal and so unputdownable. The world that Renee Ahdieh has created is captivating and enthralling. The plot was very original and although a little slow at times, I was still hooked and didn’t want to put it down. I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans and the author describes the city beautifully, it’s made me want to visit even more. I honestly felt like I was walking the streets while Mardi Gras was happening. 

The characters are unforgettable and very likeable. I love that Celine is such a strong character, one that definitely stays true to self and one that could be a role model. Bastien is mysterious and dark and really enjoyed getting to know the real him. The romance between Celine and Bastien is a slow burn but one full of tension which I absolutely loved. 

There are plenty of secondary characters for you to fall in love with as well. And while I’m still trying to figure some out, I cannot wait to see how the story goes for these characters. And the vampires are something else. It’s definitely unique and something I’m very intrigued to read more about. 

I honestly just want more of everything. This book was over way to quickly and I really wish I had taken my time with it because it was a fantastic read and one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. 

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

                                                                                    Rating: 5 Flowers - Amazing

Review: Till Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Till Death
By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release Date: February 28th, 2017

Publishers: William Morrow

Genre: Adult, Thriller, Suspense
Source: Bought 
Pages: 400
Goodreads: Add to TBR

 

In New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s gripping new novel, a young woman comes home to reclaim her life—even as a murderer plots to end it. . .

It’s been ten years since Sasha Keaton left her West Virginia hometown . . . since she escaped the twisted serial killer known as the Groom. Returning to help run her family inn means being whole again, except for one missing piece. The piece that falls into place when Sasha’s threatened—and FBI agent Cole Landis vows to protect her the way he couldn’t a decade ago.

First one woman disappears; then another, and all the while, disturbing calling cards are left for the sole survivor of the Groom’s reign of terror. Cole’s never forgiven himself for not being there when Sasha was taken, but he intends to make up for it now . . . because under the quirky sexiness Cole first fell for is a steely strength that only makes him love Sasha more.

But someone is watching. Waiting. And Sasha’s first mistake could be her last.

The Review: It’s been a while since I’ve read anything by Jennifer and I’ve honestly been feeling so guilty because she is one of my favourite authors and whenever I do pick up her books, I absolutely love them and Till Death was no exception.

Till Death is a standalone adult romantic suspense/thriller novel and follows 29 year old Sasha Keaton who is still trying to get over the horrible events that happened to her 10 years ago. It’s when she moves back home to West Virginia that the past won’t stay in the past and everything that Sasha is trying to forget, the killings suddenly starts happening again and once again Sasha’s life is in danger.

This was such a good read. As soon as I started it, it was impossible to put down so much that I ended up going in between the paperback copy and the audiobook, just so when I was doing day to day chores I wasn’t missing out on the story. 

Sasha and Cole were such fantastic characters to get to know. I immediately liked them and was rooting for them from the start. And with everything going on, Sasha remained such a strong character throughout the novel. 

The story was interesting and exciting and I was fully engrossed in who the killer was. I have to say I did work it out before the big reveal but it didn’t stop me enjoying the story any less. 

All in all, Till Death is a fantastic read and one I’m so glad I read and I am looking forward to reading another one of Jennifer’s book very soon.

                                                                                     Rating: 5 Flowers - Amazing

{Review} Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel by Val Emmich + UK Giveaway

Posted by Laura (Guest Reviewer)
Release Date: October 9th, 2019
Finished Date: October 2nd, 2019

Publishers: Penguin
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, YA
Source: For Review
Format: Hardcover 

Pages: 368
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

From the show's creators comes the groundbreaking novel inspired by the Broadway smash hit Dear Evan Hansen.

Dear Evan Hansen,

Today's going to be an amazing day and here's why...

When a letter that was never meant to be seen by anyone draws high school senior Evan Hansen into a family's grief over the loss of their son, he is given the chance of a lifetime: to belong. He just has to stick to a lie he never meant to tell, that the notoriously troubled Connor Murphy was his secret best friend.

Suddenly, Evan isn't invisible anymore--even to the girl of his dreams. And Connor Murphy's parents, with their beautiful home on the other side of town, have taken him in like he was their own, desperate to know more about their enigmatic son from his closest friend. As Evan gets pulled deeper into their swirl of anger, regret, and confusion, he knows that what he's doing can't be right, but if he's helping people, how wrong can it be?

No longer tangled in his once-incapacitating anxiety, this new Evan has a purpose. And a website. He's confident. He's a viral phenomenon. Every day is amazing. Until everything is in danger of unraveling and he comes face to face with his greatest obstacle: himself.

A simple lie leads to complicated truths in this big-hearted coming-of-age story of grief, authenticity and the struggle to belong in an age of instant connectivity and profound isolation.

The Review: “Even when the dark comes crashing through, when you need a friend to carry you and when you’re broken on the ground, you will be found.”

Having been constantly obsessed with the Dear Evan Hansen soundtrack and watching YouTube videos of the cast singing on repeat. I was overjoyed to receive a early copy. As I don’t see myself visiting Broadway anytime soon. As much as I wish I was. 

So the novelisation of The Broadway show is the closest I’ll get. From the first page I was pulled into this fabulous story and all its characters had me gripped. 

I read this book in two sittings and was so sad when I had no more pages left to read. It’s official I’m Dear Evan Hansen trash, I’m even more in love than before. 

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

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{Blog Tour} The Caged Queen (Iskari #2) by Kristen Ciccarelli

Posted by Donna
Release Date: September 25th, 2018
Finished Date: September 19th, 2018

Publishers: Gollancz
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: paperback

Pages: 400
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

Once there were two sisters born with a bond so strong that it forged them together forever. When they were angry, mirrors shattered, and when they were happy, flowers bloomed. It was a magic they cherished - until the day a terrible accident took Essie's life and trapped her soul in this world.

Dax - the heir to Firgaard's throne - was responsible for the accident. Roa swore to hate him forever. But eight years later he returned, begging for her help. He was determined to dethrone his cruel father, under whose oppressive reign Roa's people had suffered. Roa made him a deal: she'd give him the army he needed if he made her queen.

Together with Dax and his sister, Asha, Roa and her people waged war and deposed a tyrant. But now Asha is on the run, hiding from the price on her head. And Roa is an outlander queen, far from home and married to her enemy. Worst of all: Dax's promises go unfulfilled. Roa's people continue to suffer.

Then a chance to right every wrong arises - an opportunity for Roa to rid herself of this enemy king and rescue her beloved sister. During the Relinquishing, when the spirits of the dead are said to return, Roa can reclaim her sister for good.

All she has to do is kill the king.

The Review: The Caged Queen is the second book in Kristen Ciccarelli’s Iskari series and this time around we have Roa and Dax’s story and don’t worry, this book features some very interesting old stories that keep you captivated from start to finish.

The starts only a few days have passed since the events of The Last Namsara so as a reader you really don’t miss out on anything. I was so pleased when I finished The Last Namsara I had this book ready and waiting for me because I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.

Both characters are in the first book so, it was nice to already be familiar with them. Dax is Asha’s brother and Roa is Dax’s new wife. They married to join their forces together to overcome the Dragon King. I really wasn’t sure what their story would bring. There is a lot of miscommunication between the pair and as a lot of history to uncover as well. They each don’t know if they can trust the other and both having to play a role made for a lot of drama and suspense to the story while you could see that these two characters deeply character for one another.

What made this book for me was that we got chapters from the past from when the characters were younger. It made me understand their friendships and relationships with each other as well with Roa’s sister Essie. It made me root for these characters all the more, I wanted them all to have that happy ending that they all deserved. But I also love how each characters story is linked with the other. Even though Asha and Torwin aren’t a big part of this story, they stories are still entwined and brings the story all together.

I was literally on the edge of my seat the whole time while reading this book because it’s just so captivating and compelling. The authors writing is so addictive that I wish I’d savoured this book more but it was simply impossible to put down.

The Caged Queen is a fantastic follow up to The Last Namsara. These books are definitely a favourite of mine and I’m dying to hear news on the third book because I just can’t wait to get my hands on it.

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

{Review} The Last Namsara (Iskari #1) by Kristen Cicceralli

Posted by Donna
Release Date: October 12th, 2017
Finished Date: September 18th,  2018

Publishers: Gollancz
Genre: Fantasy, Romance 
Source: Bought
Format: Hardback

Pages: 420
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

In the beginning, there was the Namsara: the child of sky and spirit, who carried love and laughter wherever he went. But where there is light, there must be darkness—and so there was also the Iskari. The child of blood and moonlight. The destroyer. The death-bringer.

These are the legends that Asha, daughter of the king of Firgaard, has grown up learning in hushed whispers, drawn to the forbidden figures of the past. But it isn’t until she becomes the fiercest, most feared dragon slayer in the land that she takes on the role of the next Iskari—a lonely destiny that leaves her feeling more like a weapon than a girl.

Asha conquers each dragon and brings its head to the king, but no kill can free her from the shackles that await at home: her betrothal to the cruel commandant, a man who holds the truth about her nature in his palm. When she’s offered the chance to gain her freedom in exchange for the life of the most powerful dragon in Firgaard, she finds that there may be more truth to the ancient stories than she ever could have expected. With the help of a secret friend—a slave boy from her betrothed’s household—Asha must shed the layers of her Iskari bondage and open her heart to love, light, and a truth that has been kept from her.

The Review: Who loves a story about dragons? Well I do and all I knew going into The Last Namsara was that this story was about dragons and about a warrior girl who told forbidden stories. And I’m so glad that it didn’t disappoint!

The Last Namsara is a spellbinding and powerful story and one that once I started was so hard to put down. Author Kristen Ciccarelli provides a story that is story telling at its best where stories are woven into each chapter making it a captivating read. I adored getting to the story parts of the book because I could try to and see how they would connect to Asha’s story.

Asha is an interesting character, one that develops and opens up more with the development of the story. She’s been trained all her life to hate dragons because the first dragon, Kozu burned her when she was a little girl and since them she does her father’s bidding in hunting and killing them. It’s when the opportunity comes for her to get out of an arranged marriage by killing Kozu, it’s there that fate steps in and Asha starts questioning all she’s believed in.

I really loved Asha. I loved her story, I loved how she adapts to the things around her and I loved how she cares for the people around her. I definitely think Torwin and Kozu soften Asha and make her open her eyes and think for herself. Towrin, Safire, Dax, Shadow and Kozu also all play a huge part in the story and I came to care for each and every one of them.

I also loved that the story isn’t over! I’m glad there are more books to come even though they will be about different characters. The Caged Queen which is Dax and Roa’s story is next and they played a big part of Asha’s story that I can’t wait to see what happens next.

The Last Namsara is definitely an instant favourite of mine and it’s one I highly recommend.

{Review} Poison Princess (Arcana Chronicles #1) by Kresley Cole

Posted by Donna

Release Date: October 2nd, 2012

Finished Date: August 28th, 2018

Publishers: Simon & Schuster 

Source: Own

Format: Hardback 

Pages: 384
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US/ The Book Depo

Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.
But she can’t do either alone.
With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?
Who can Evie trust?
As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side….

The Review: This was my first book by author Kresley Cole and honestly she couldn't have done it any better. She had me compelled from the very first page with her amazing talent for storytelling and also for her intense and incredible scenes. It's safe to say, Poison Princess is a gripping page turner! 

This story follows the life of teenager Evangeline 'Evie' Greene. She's a popular girl, with a loving boyfriend and awesome friends, but even though her life appears to be normal, it's anything but. Evie experiences hallucinations but mostly they are disturbing and horrifying. Not only that but Evie also gets visions of people that she's never met and they come with warnings. But soon it's to late for Evie to figure these warnings out because her hometown - including the rest of the world has been hit by an apocalyptic event called 'The Flash' where most people are wiped out. 

Evie is among the survivors and soon enough she finds out that the one person she hates is alive - Jackson. Evie needs answers about her visions and decides she needs to travel to see her grandmother - who she thinks is still alive. Jackson agrees to protect Evie on her mission but as her visions get worse, she soon comes across other people who have been having the same call, and she realizes she is not the only who is meant to play out their destiny. 

Let me tell you right now, this book is so unique! Twenty-two teens who all have special abilities based on their characteristics of their Tarot card so they can play their part in an ancient game made by the Gods and Goddesses. Honestly, I've not read anything like this book before and I'm still in awe with how brilliant it really is. 

Evie is a strong protagonist - one I instantly loved. She has the weight of the world on her shoulders and still she tries to remain upbeat, happy and generally tries to stay sane. Even after the flash, she tries to remain the same even though as Jackson points out on a number of occasions, she can't hunt, start fires or protect herself - but you know there's something bubbling under the surface of Evie and it's just waiting to be unleashed. At time's my heart broke for her because whatever is happening to her, she has no control over and at times it is very scary. I'm glad she had a person like Jackson to lean on because without him, I think she would have struggled. 

Now Jackson, oh gosh, he's a complete bayou boy through and through. However, he can be so harsh and mean sometimes and yes, he does do stupid things but really, you can overlook everything because he's a total sweetheart at heart. It was pretty clear from the start that he was attracted to Evie - despite how he acts and even in the end, he'll always go to her. Their relationship is pretty intense and I was just waiting for something to happen. 

Then, that ending comes in and no sooner than you started....it's all finished...I could have cried. This book is simply unputdownable and I couldn't stop reading until I knew the how the book would end and it was absolutely breath-taking and heart-breaking all at the same time! 

Overall, Kresley Cole has leaped into the YA market by a storm and it's left me wanting more of her work. 

{Blog Tour} Ash Princess (Ash Princess Trilogy #1) by Laura Sebastian

Posted by Donna
Release Date: June 14th, 2018
Finished Date: June 10th, 2018

Publishers: Macmillan Children's Books 
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Paperwork 

Pages: 448
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

The queen you were meant to be
The land you were meant to save
The throne you were meant to claim

Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Fire Queen, was murdered before her eyes. Ten years later, Theo has learned to survive under the relentless abuse of the Kaiser and his court as the ridiculed Ash Princess. 

When the Kaiser forces her to execute her last hope of rescue, Theo can't ignore her feelings and memories any longer. She vows revenge, throwing herself into a plot to seduce and murder the Kaiser's warrior son with the help of a group of magically gifted and volatile rebels. But Theo doesn't expect to develop feelings for the Prinz. 

Forced to make impossible choices and unable to trust even those who are on her side, Theo will have to decide how far she's willing to go to save her people and how much of herself she's willing to sacrifice to become Queen.

From author Laura Sebastian comes Ash Princess, a nail-biting YA fantasy debut full of daring and vengeance.

The Review: I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Ash Princess because it sounded like something I would enjoy and I am so pleased that I exceeded my expectations because it was simply amazing. 

Ash Princess is about Theo, a teenage girl who has lost her kingdom, mother and people to a tyrant king who invaded Astera ten years ago. In the ten years of Astera being ruled by the The Kaiser, Theo has endured pain and brutal punishments but no matter what Theo knows she has to remain strong. She cannot show weakness and must pretend to be loyal to the Kaiser no matter what. But it’s now Theo’s time to help her people regain all that has been taken from them even if that means betraying those closest to her. 

What a promising start to a new fantasy trilogy! As I said before Ash Princess definitely exceeded my expectations because I was hoping it would be great but it was better than great. I was thrown into Theo’s world from page one and couldn’t put it down, admittedly it is a little bit of a slow started but that did not stop me from enjoying this book as much as I did. I loved discovering the facts about each kingdom with their customs and I definitely cannot wait to find out more. 

Theo is such a good character that you can’t help but connect with her immediately. For a character that has so many bad things done to her from bullying and beatings she remains completely strong willed and determined and I really admire that about her. I could understand why she would become docile under the Kaiser care because she had no other choice, it was down to her survival but what I loved was that when help comes for her, she is 100% committed to help her people. This is her time for revenge for all the things she has lost and I was so glad she had loyal people helping her. 

Now most people will want to know if there is a love triangle and yes there is. We have Soren and Blaise but for me I think I’m wholeheartedly team Soren. I do really like Blaise but I much prefer Soren because I think the things that Theo and Soren could do together would make their world that much better. 

In all, I really enjoyed Ash Princess and I am already eagerly awaiting for Lady Smoke to release.

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

Laura Sebastian on ‘unlikeable’ heroines

The word unlikable has become ubiquitous in talking about heroines, used to describe everyone from Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games to Lada Dragwlya in And I Darken to Princess Katherine in Three Dark Crowns. You see it pop up in reviews and discussions, and it’s usually meant as a good thing, a way of saying “this character is not easy to digest, they have flaws, they’re sometimes difficult to root for, just as any real person would be.” But I’ve long been bothered that it’s only ever used to describe female characters. Male characters with the same traits are termed “well-rounded” or “fully fleshed out.”
Maybe it’s because for so long, heroines weren’t complex or layered or flawed—they were merely pretty, hollow, wholly likable cutouts who existed only in relation to the hero. They didn’t have to make difficult choices or reckon with consequences—those journeys were saved for their male counterparts. They simply had to support the male protagonist along the way or be there waiting for him at the end. There was no opportunity for them to be unlikable because there simply wasn’t enough of them on the page to dislike.
But we aren’t talking about disliking them, are we? After all, most people like Inej and Nina from Six of Crows and Mare Barrow from Red Queen—but not everyone does. Just as no person can be universally liked, it stands to reason that no well-developed character should be, either. And that is what we’re talking about when we call a female character unlikable. We’re saying that they’re real, that they’re relatable.
These girls tend to be ambitious and desperate and bitter and reckless and stubborn, and they have the audacity to want things and the grit to take them. They make mistakes, they trust the wrong people, and sometimes they outright fail, but they wouldn’t be nearly as compelling—or human—if they didn’t.
There’s nothing inherently unlikable about so-called unlikable female characters, and we should stop pretending that there is.

AUTHOR BIO

I write YA books and I'm also entrusted with taking care of other people's children. I write books about girls who are strong in all different ways, usually with a healthy dollop of magic and a few dragons.

I live in NYC with my extraordinarily fluffy dog, Neville.

You can find out more at http://www.laurasebastianwrites.com 

{Review} Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

Posted by Donna
Release Date: July 27th, 2017
Finished Date: August 10th, 2017

Publishers: Simon & Schuster 
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 400
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

The one guy Bailey Rydell can’t stand is actually the boy of her dreams—she just doesn’t know it yet.

Classic movie fan Bailey “Mink” Rydell has spent months crushing on a witty film geek she only knows online as Alex. Two coasts separate the teens until Bailey moves in with her dad, who lives in the same California surfing town as her online crush.

Faced with doubts (what if he’s a creep in real life—or worse?), Bailey doesn’t tell Alex she’s moved to his hometown. Or that she’s landed a job at the local tourist-trap museum. Or that she’s being heckled daily by the irritatingly hot museum security guard, Porter Roth—a.k.a. her new archnemesis. But life is whole lot messier than the movies, especially when Bailey discovers that tricky fine line between hate, love, and whatever it is she’s starting to feel for Porter.

And as the summer months go by, Bailey must choose whether to cling to a dreamy online fantasy in Alex or take a risk on an imperfect reality with Porter. The choice is both simpler and more complicated than she realizes, because Porter Roth is hiding a secret of his own: Porter is Alex…Approximately.

The Review: I adored Jenn Bennett’s Night Owl a few years ago so as soon as I heard she had a new release coming out I dived at the chance to read it, so thank you Simon Kids UK for the review copy.

Alex, Approximately is everything a summer read should be and so much more. It’s a heart-warming retelling of the movie You’ve Got Mail but written to reflect our modern times with a sweet YA setting. The story is compelling, fun, sweet, romantic and suspenseful story and did I say sweet? It’s super sweet to the point where I couldn’t stop grinning all the way through. From the banter between the characters to the romance, this really is a stinking cute read. But not only that but it does touch of some heavier issues such as drug addiction and abandonment, so it’s not all hearts and flowers all the time but gives the reader a more entertaining read.  

I adore the characters and I seriously loved their communication texts is written. It makes you feel like you are really there with the characters who are going through this journey of self-discovery and to finding each other. 

So when someone asks me what my favourite read of Summer 2017 is, my answer is so simple. It was Alex, Approximately! If you love YA reads then this one is definitely for you. 

Loved this book?

Then I highly suggest you checking out Bookworm Candles and Crafts Alex, Approximately inspired candle smelling like emails, vesta rides and moon muffins.

You can purchase this candle here:  

http://bookwormcandlesandcrafts.bigcartel.com/

and don’t forget to use DONNABOOKWORM20 to save you 20% on all purchases. 

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

{Review} Avenged (Ruined #2) by Amy Tintera

Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 2nd, 2017
Finished Date: July 12th, 2017

Publishers: HarperTeen
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Source: For Review
Format: Hardback

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

 

A war that will fuel her. A bond that will destroy her.

Emelina Flores has come home to Ruina. After rescuing her sister, Olivia, from imprisonment in rival kingdom Lera, Em and Olivia together vow to rebuild Ruina to its former glory. 

But just because Em and Olivia are out of Lera doesn’t mean they are safe. Their actions over the past year have had consequences, and they are now targets of retaliation. Olivia will destroy everyone who acts against Ruina. Em isn’t as sure. 

Ever since Em posed as Prince Casimir’s betrothed in Lera, she’s started to see another side to this war. Lera may have destroyed the Ruined for decades, but Em knows that Cas is different. And now that he’s taken the throne, Em believes a truce is within reach. But Olivia suspects that Em’s romantic feelings for Cas are just coloring her judgement.

Em is determined to bring peace to her home. But when winning the war could mean betraying her family, she faces an impossible choice between loyalty and love. Em must stay one step ahead of her enemies—and her blood—before she’s the next victim in this battle for sovereignty.

The Review: You all know that YA fantasy has fast become my favourite genre and I’m always on the lookout for new series to try, so when I read Ruined by Amy Tintera last year I was instantly sold. With the release of Avenged - the sequel to Ruined, this series is now becoming a favourite because I enjoyed Ruined a lot but I enjoyed Avenged even more.

Emelina Flores has done the impossible. She has infiltrated her enemy’s world to rescue her sister from capture. Now finally free, Em and Olivia gather up the remaining Ruina people and try to rebuild their lives. However, with Olivia hell bent on revenge and with the Lera forces breathing down their necks, Em and Olivia aren’t safe yet. And so Em turns to the one person she never thought she could count on – Casimir, the Lera Prince for help while also trying to battle her feelings for him. While a war is brewing from all sides, Em must decide the right choice for her people while trying to stay true to herself in the process. 

I absolutely loved this book! I was actually quite surprised because you know sequels tend to have that problem of being boring or suffering from middle book syndrome but not Avenged. Avenged was action packed from the start with the story becoming stronger and stronger with each page and the story was very unpredictable. It really was hard to work out what was going to happen next. It also has great chemistry between the characters and the romance - just enough to keep you on your toes!

I really enjoyed reading Emelina and Cas’s point of views in the first book but one of the main reasons I enjoyed Avenged more was because we also saw more from Aren and Olivia. As a reader it was great getting to know them more – okay, maybe not so much of Olivia as I really don’t like her but, it was still interesting to read more about her. 

I honestly cannot wait to read the next instalment when it releases. I already know how I’d like the series to end but I honestly don’t know if that will or can happen. Either way, I’m eager to find out!

Thank you to Harper 360 for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} P.S I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before) by Jenny Han

Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 26th, 2015
Finished Date: May 11th, 2017

Publishers: Simon & Schuster
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover

Pages: 337
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter.
She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever.
When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?

In this charming and heartfelt sequel to the New York Times bestseller To All the Boys I've Loved Before, we see first love through the eyes of the unforgettable Lara Jean. 

Love is never easy, but maybe that’s part of what makes it so amazing.

The Review: PS I Still Love You is the second book in Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series and if you honestly haven’t read this series then I highly recommend adding it to your to-be-read pile because it’s amazing!

This is the second time I’ve read PS I Still Love You and it was just as good as the first time. With the release of the third book I wanted to refresh myself with the series and I’m really glad I did because there was so much information that I completely forgot. Not only that but it was great to familiarise myself with these fantastic characters once again. 

After the events in To All Boys I’ve Loved Before you go into the book with hopes that Lara Jean and Peter are together and happy and while that might be true, there is one certain girl that is willing to disrupt the happiness that the loveable couple have found together. So while I was expecting some fluffy romance, I got a heart-breaking story that really pulled on my emotions and it was still fantastic to read because Han has a way of pulling you into the characters story and not letting you leave until you’ve finished it. 

Now I knew from the synopsis that another one of Lara Jean’s boys would also play a role in this story and that was John Ambrose Maclaren. While Lara Jean and Peter are going through their relationship problems, John was really there for her. John is a great character. One that anyone could easily fall for. However my problem was he just wasn’t Peter. If John had come first then maybe things could have been different but for me, I am firmly and will always be a Peter fan. 

I really did enjoy this book. It has a good mixture of happy, sad, funny and emotional times and the story develops enough for you to want to read more. I can’t wait to dive into the third and final book!