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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
the cover!!!!!!!!! *swoons*
Loved the story and the characterization, hated the cliffhanger.
Loved the story and the characterization, hated the cliffhanger.
Beautiful. Just beautiful. I believe it's the second sequel that I've read that is better than it's predecessor.
I like this book WAY better than the previous one.
Elisa's character development was actually existent in this book. I found her to be way more likable in this book. Although, what was that one passage? "I lift my right hand to cup my left breast. I squeeze gently, and it is a tiny battle to decide what I want to understand most: the feel of a hand on my breast or a breast in my hand." Is my girl bi?? Then the author never brings it up again! WHY WAS THIS HERE?! She literally has a bath with another girl and thinks nothing of it. Dear author, you can't make our girl questioning for one second, then have no gay panic at the bath scene. These first two books only have 3 love interests mentioned AND THEY ARE ALL GUYS!!
I'm so glad that Hector is a wonderful guy. 8/10
Rosario is still my favorite. Cosme could've been more included in this book.
Otherwise, I rate this 4/5.
Elisa's character development was actually existent in this book. I found her to be way more likable in this book. Although, what was that one passage? "I lift my right hand to cup my left breast. I squeeze gently, and it is a tiny battle to decide what I want to understand most: the feel of a hand on my breast or a breast in my hand." Is my girl bi?? Then the author never brings it up again! WHY WAS THIS HERE?! She literally has a bath with another girl and thinks nothing of it. Dear author, you can't make our girl questioning for one second, then have no gay panic at the bath scene. These first two books only have 3 love interests mentioned AND THEY ARE ALL GUYS!!
I'm so glad that Hector is a wonderful guy. 8/10
Rosario is still my favorite. Cosme could've been more included in this book.
Otherwise, I rate this 4/5.
Book 2 of this series made me super glad I stuck with it. Elisa is newly crowned queen, but is struggling to gain power and respect as ruler of a land she is not from. More information surfaces about her fate as the bearer of the god stone and another adventure awaits her.
The action in book 2 is much more riveting, along with the love story (much more plausible) than book 1. Gone are the terrible body issues (thankfully) although it was a bit weird they were such a focus in the first go around and now they are merely an afterthought. Ah well.
The action in book 2 is much more riveting, along with the love story (much more plausible) than book 1. Gone are the terrible body issues (thankfully) although it was a bit weird they were such a focus in the first go around and now they are merely an afterthought. Ah well.
You guys, I really like this series, for the most part. I find this surprising, honestly, because I really shouldn't. The first book was kinda fat-shamey, and everyone is superrrrr religious throughout the entire series. These are not things that place a book in my comfort zone.
Despite this, the books work. This one was even better than the last. It's a 5 star read. So why only 4 stars, you might ask?
Because of Tristan. I'm super glad that Rae Carson decided to include an admirable gay character in her book. He is smart, talented, athletic, honorable, and loyal. He was one of my favorite characters. I just wish Carson hadn't decided to make him closeted. It sucks that this world is intolerant of people being in love with whoever. Fantasy worlds don't need to perpetuate it.
Despite this, the books work. This one was even better than the last. It's a 5 star read. So why only 4 stars, you might ask?
Because of Tristan. I'm super glad that Rae Carson decided to include an admirable gay character in her book. He is smart, talented, athletic, honorable, and loyal. He was one of my favorite characters. I just wish Carson hadn't decided to make him closeted. It sucks that this world is intolerant of people being in love with whoever. Fantasy worlds don't need to perpetuate it.
3.5
This series is so rando to me. But I like it. Took me forever to get past the first few chapters, but after that I was quite engrossed.
Loved the almost giggly, shared secret between Mara and Elisa.
I'm excited to read the final book, so I guess it did its job.
This series is so rando to me. But I like it. Took me forever to get past the first few chapters, but after that I was quite engrossed.
Loved the almost giggly, shared secret between Mara and Elisa.
Spoiler
I never took birth control pills with my roommates, but it just reminded of all the talking about boys I did while single, which made me smile. I loved Elisa finally putting a foot down on Ximena's 'helicopter parenting'.I'm excited to read the final book, so I guess it did its job.
Full review available at Coffee & Wizards. Here's a sneak peek...
This series. This series has bumped Rae Carson onto my must-read authors list. It takes a lot to impress me in a book these days. I don’t just want an interesting plot or a swoony romance, though those things are both great and are both found in these novels. I need to see character growth. And to be blunt, I need to see an active feminist edge. When I read a book with one or two female characters who both might as well be made of cardboard, I want to punch something. Hard. Carson’s trilogy instead made me want to hug everything. Hard.
This series. This series has bumped Rae Carson onto my must-read authors list. It takes a lot to impress me in a book these days. I don’t just want an interesting plot or a swoony romance, though those things are both great and are both found in these novels. I need to see character growth. And to be blunt, I need to see an active feminist edge. When I read a book with one or two female characters who both might as well be made of cardboard, I want to punch something. Hard. Carson’s trilogy instead made me want to hug everything. Hard.
A series review: 5+ Stars
A wonderfully rich, engaging, brilliantly plotted, and thrilling story. The Girl of Fire and Thorns series took me on an adventure filled with twists, turns, thrills, terrors, and tantalizing triumphs.
These series caught me by surprise because it’s not my usual style. I mainly read adult romance, be it contemporary or historical, and I’ve never been into YA or teen novels. Well, shame on me for being close-minded, because this series was spectacular! This young adult story was so deeply engrossing and wickedly juicy, and I know that I’ll be reading and rereading all three books for years to come.
This trilogy is about Elisa. It chronicles a time in her life when she is thrusted into a position of power and responsibility, and Rae Carson skillfully shows how tribulations spark growth and build strength. Lucern-Elisa de Riqueza is the second princess of Orovalle. When the story begins, we learn that she’s to marry King Alejandro, the leader of Invierne, a country in turmoil. Elisa is 16-years-old, and Alejandro is a beautiful, charismatic, older man who she knows nothing about. Once Elisa marries and leaves her home for a new land and new title, she is immediately thrown into a world of politics, intrigue, and shadow.
I’ll give a brief synopsis review, but I won’t really go into any details. I didn’t know anything about this series before I read it – I just went in based on a recommendation alone, and I hope you trust me enough to do the same. This series is exceptional, and I know you’ll enjoy it!
In the first book of the trilogy, Elisa is very young and naive, but she has an innate strength and intelligence that makes her formidable. Still, she’s a teenager who’s unsure, and I loved how the author showed her vulnerabilities and insecurities, because it realistically portrayed how someone her age acts, feels, and thinks. She’s beautiful, but she doesn’t see it, she’s fierce, although she thinks she’s fragile, and she’s special, even though she feels unloved. I fell in love with this heroine pretty much from the first chapter, and I just loved seeing her develop. Her growth was organic and believable. She doesn’t just become this infallible, badass heroine with all the answers. No, she falters and she falls, and she struggles to figure out who she is and who she wants to become. With each book she grows a little bit more, and by the end of this series, she’d become one of my favorite heroines, maybe even my favorite now that I think about it! I love her!
As the story develops, we’re introduced to a brilliant cast of characters and taken on some thrilling adventures. I can’t emphasize enough how brilliant the plot and storytelling in this series is. It’s simply amazing how it flows, seamlessly. The pace is perfect and every scene is enthralling. There wasn’t one moment when I was bored, or distracted. There were moments when I was furious because I couldn’t find an appropriate place to pause reading. I can’t tell you how many times I said I was going to stop reading after a chapter, only for it to end on a jaw dropping note, so that I HAD to continue, to find out what was happening next. Not that I’m complaining, because isn’t that the best thing that can happen when you’re reading?
With themes including fate and destiny, bravery, self-discovery, trust and unity, truth, growth, and love, this trilogy has it ALL. I love every thing about it. Seriously. The characters are strong; each one more than they seem, and each playing an important role. There isn’t any filler in this series. Every word matters, and each scene unfolds purposefully. I experienced the gamut of emotions ranging from excitement, fear, anger, nervousness, devastation (yep, some scenes will make you cry), hope, love, joy, and the purest happiness. Simply put, this series was perfect. I loved it and can’t wait to read it again!
P.S. I also listened to this on audio, and the production is amazing. Jennifer Ikeda narrates the whole series and she is top class! There are a lot of characters in this series, and a plethora of accents, and she does an outstanding job narrating every single one of them. I know that audiobooks are pricy, but I recommend you listen to these. She really brings the story to life! I’d even choose the audio production over simply reading it, it is that good. Give it a try!
A wonderfully rich, engaging, brilliantly plotted, and thrilling story. The Girl of Fire and Thorns series took me on an adventure filled with twists, turns, thrills, terrors, and tantalizing triumphs.
These series caught me by surprise because it’s not my usual style. I mainly read adult romance, be it contemporary or historical, and I’ve never been into YA or teen novels. Well, shame on me for being close-minded, because this series was spectacular! This young adult story was so deeply engrossing and wickedly juicy, and I know that I’ll be reading and rereading all three books for years to come.
This trilogy is about Elisa. It chronicles a time in her life when she is thrusted into a position of power and responsibility, and Rae Carson skillfully shows how tribulations spark growth and build strength. Lucern-Elisa de Riqueza is the second princess of Orovalle. When the story begins, we learn that she’s to marry King Alejandro, the leader of Invierne, a country in turmoil. Elisa is 16-years-old, and Alejandro is a beautiful, charismatic, older man who she knows nothing about. Once Elisa marries and leaves her home for a new land and new title, she is immediately thrown into a world of politics, intrigue, and shadow.
I’ll give a brief synopsis review, but I won’t really go into any details. I didn’t know anything about this series before I read it – I just went in based on a recommendation alone, and I hope you trust me enough to do the same. This series is exceptional, and I know you’ll enjoy it!
In the first book of the trilogy, Elisa is very young and naive, but she has an innate strength and intelligence that makes her formidable. Still, she’s a teenager who’s unsure, and I loved how the author showed her vulnerabilities and insecurities, because it realistically portrayed how someone her age acts, feels, and thinks. She’s beautiful, but she doesn’t see it, she’s fierce, although she thinks she’s fragile, and she’s special, even though she feels unloved. I fell in love with this heroine pretty much from the first chapter, and I just loved seeing her develop. Her growth was organic and believable. She doesn’t just become this infallible, badass heroine with all the answers. No, she falters and she falls, and she struggles to figure out who she is and who she wants to become. With each book she grows a little bit more, and by the end of this series, she’d become one of my favorite heroines, maybe even my favorite now that I think about it! I love her!
As the story develops, we’re introduced to a brilliant cast of characters and taken on some thrilling adventures. I can’t emphasize enough how brilliant the plot and storytelling in this series is. It’s simply amazing how it flows, seamlessly. The pace is perfect and every scene is enthralling. There wasn’t one moment when I was bored, or distracted. There were moments when I was furious because I couldn’t find an appropriate place to pause reading. I can’t tell you how many times I said I was going to stop reading after a chapter, only for it to end on a jaw dropping note, so that I HAD to continue, to find out what was happening next. Not that I’m complaining, because isn’t that the best thing that can happen when you’re reading?
With themes including fate and destiny, bravery, self-discovery, trust and unity, truth, growth, and love, this trilogy has it ALL. I love every thing about it. Seriously. The characters are strong; each one more than they seem, and each playing an important role. There isn’t any filler in this series. Every word matters, and each scene unfolds purposefully. I experienced the gamut of emotions ranging from excitement, fear, anger, nervousness, devastation (yep, some scenes will make you cry), hope, love, joy, and the purest happiness. Simply put, this series was perfect. I loved it and can’t wait to read it again!
P.S. I also listened to this on audio, and the production is amazing. Jennifer Ikeda narrates the whole series and she is top class! There are a lot of characters in this series, and a plethora of accents, and she does an outstanding job narrating every single one of them. I know that audiobooks are pricy, but I recommend you listen to these. She really brings the story to life! I’d even choose the audio production over simply reading it, it is that good. Give it a try!
5 stars!!!! I loved this one even more than the first one!
Oh goodness, this book BLEW ME AWAY. I thought I loved The Girl of Fire and Thorns and then this book comes and blows the last one of the water. Everything improved (even in the places I thought the series needed no improvement). I didn't want it to end! And now I have to WAIT? Ugh.
Wonderful and Clever Heroine: CHECK
Elisa: Elisa just got better and more developed as a character. She was so clever and sure of herself. She was smart enough to get herself and everyone out of trouble multiple times. Sure, from the first book to this one she made a slight regression, but being the Queen of a vast country that is at war and falling apart is a far cry from being the leader of an impromptu, relatively tiny rebellion force that is expected to die out anyway. And yes, that prepared her to rule, but it didn't make her impervious to all problems all the time. I like that ruling didn't always come naturally for her, she had to work at ordering things and telling people what to do. And she made a lot of mistakes, but not frustratingly so. I think her character definitely reached new heights in this second book and I can't wait to see where the third one takes her.
Brave and Loyal Hero: CHECK
Let's just talk about Hector for a moment.
BASICALLY HE'S PERFECT.
Okay, now that I got that out there I think I can go on with this portion of the review in a semi-collected manner (but don't get me wrong, it's going to be hard. Given how much I love Hector this part could just be me shouting words at you like LOVE. WONDERFUL. ADORABLE. But I'll try to refrain.). I said it before in my review of The Girl of Fire and Thorns, but I love this series for the fact that it doesn't pander to the reader's expectations for the romantic aspect. First in that Elisa has had three different possible romantic interests, but not at the same time and not in the typical love-triangle way. Second in that the real romance doesn't enter into the story until the second book (not even sort of). And third in that Hector and Elisa's relationship started out as a very strong friendship and developed over a sizable amount of time.
Extraordinary Supporting Characters: CHECK
Ximena: I find her character really interesting, but she annoyed me so badly in this book. I was glad when Elisa finally told her off for always insisting she knew what was best for Elisa and for being SO willing to risk other people's lives to keep her safe.
Belen: I'm glad he got a second chance to do some good. It shows how good of a ruler (and friend) Elisa is for forgiving him so willingly. It's what they both needed in the end.
Conde Eduardo and General Luz-Manuel: I was so fascinated by the idea that Elisa had enemies on both sides, both in her own Quorum as well as from Invierno. Their motives made sense and they were pretty well thought out as far as villainy goes.
Storm: His exchanges with Elisa are priceless! I love there reluctant acquaintanceship (I might even say friendship by the end of this book). I'm glad that he's going with Elisa on her journey in the next book because it means there will be more of him.
Leaf (The Gatekeeper): I'll just say that I may or may not have pictured him as King Bumi from Avatar: The Last Airbender. Go ahead, judge me. ;)
Doctor Enzo: That man was HILARIOUS. It got to the point where I was almost glad when people got injured because it meant more of Doctor Enzo's ridiculousness (note: I did say almost... ;) )
Incredible Plot and World-Building: CHECK
Another thing I love about these books is how much happens in them. It feels more like a journey than just one adventure. I love the feeling that the series is going somewhere important at the same time that this one particular book is. It's really hard to describe, but what I mean is the hints at something deeper going on, something more important. I guess it's a sort of ominous feeling about what is going on in that world and about all the things that we don't know yet. That feeling is one of my favorite things about fantasy books and this series does it perfectly.
The religion is just as well done in this book. I loved how accurate how they studied their holy scriptures was. They took the words back to their meanings and looked at how many times and where those words were used. That's how scriptures are studied (at least in Christianity) in real life and so it felt more real and genuine. I also love how Rae Carson doesn't just allude to the religion (as a lot of fantasy series do), but takes the time to make passages and quotes that her characters come back to. I appreciate how religion is portrayed and how it affects everything the main character does. I think it gives light to some important aspects of faith and belief that aren't often addressed in YA literature.
And the expansion of the world she built felt very natural and authentic. I'm so interested in learning the history of the Inviernos in the next book and seeing how the world expands even beyond what it did in this book.
Great Writing: CHECK
Once again, Rae Carson manages to turn ordinary sentences into tiny works of art. I love how so many details are added in just for the sake of telling the story, rather than because they all have a huge and important meaning. It makes the book so much more immersive. You feel like you are living it with Elisa, and that takes talent as a writer. I also would love to compliment the timing of these books. By that I mean that I think it's wonderful how time is dealt with in this series. One chapter could cover one day or one week and yet everything flows so naturally.
Wonderful and Clever Heroine: CHECK
Elisa: Elisa just got better and more developed as a character. She was so clever and sure of herself. She was smart enough to get herself and everyone out of trouble multiple times. Sure, from the first book to this one she made a slight regression, but being the Queen of a vast country that is at war and falling apart is a far cry from being the leader of an impromptu, relatively tiny rebellion force that is expected to die out anyway. And yes, that prepared her to rule, but it didn't make her impervious to all problems all the time. I like that ruling didn't always come naturally for her, she had to work at ordering things and telling people what to do. And she made a lot of mistakes, but not frustratingly so. I think her character definitely reached new heights in this second book and I can't wait to see where the third one takes her.
Brave and Loyal Hero: CHECK
Let's just talk about Hector for a moment.
BASICALLY HE'S PERFECT.
Okay, now that I got that out there I think I can go on with this portion of the review in a semi-collected manner (but don't get me wrong, it's going to be hard. Given how much I love Hector this part could just be me shouting words at you like LOVE. WONDERFUL. ADORABLE. But I'll try to refrain.). I said it before in my review of The Girl of Fire and Thorns, but I love this series for the fact that it doesn't pander to the reader's expectations for the romantic aspect. First in that Elisa has had three different possible romantic interests, but not at the same time and not in the typical love-triangle way. Second in that the real romance doesn't enter into the story until the second book (not even sort of). And third in that Hector and Elisa's relationship started out as a very strong friendship and developed over a sizable amount of time.
Extraordinary Supporting Characters: CHECK
Ximena: I find her character really interesting, but she annoyed me so badly in this book. I was glad when Elisa finally told her off for always insisting she knew what was best for Elisa and for being SO willing to risk other people's lives to keep her safe.
Belen: I'm glad he got a second chance to do some good. It shows how good of a ruler (and friend) Elisa is for forgiving him so willingly. It's what they both needed in the end.
Conde Eduardo and General Luz-Manuel: I was so fascinated by the idea that Elisa had enemies on both sides, both in her own Quorum as well as from Invierno. Their motives made sense and they were pretty well thought out as far as villainy goes.
Storm: His exchanges with Elisa are priceless! I love there reluctant acquaintanceship (I might even say friendship by the end of this book). I'm glad that he's going with Elisa on her journey in the next book because it means there will be more of him.
Leaf (The Gatekeeper): I'll just say that I may or may not have pictured him as King Bumi from Avatar: The Last Airbender. Go ahead, judge me. ;)
Doctor Enzo: That man was HILARIOUS. It got to the point where I was almost glad when people got injured because it meant more of Doctor Enzo's ridiculousness (note: I did say almost... ;) )
Incredible Plot and World-Building: CHECK
Another thing I love about these books is how much happens in them. It feels more like a journey than just one adventure. I love the feeling that the series is going somewhere important at the same time that this one particular book is. It's really hard to describe, but what I mean is the hints at something deeper going on, something more important. I guess it's a sort of ominous feeling about what is going on in that world and about all the things that we don't know yet. That feeling is one of my favorite things about fantasy books and this series does it perfectly.
The religion is just as well done in this book. I loved how accurate how they studied their holy scriptures was. They took the words back to their meanings and looked at how many times and where those words were used. That's how scriptures are studied (at least in Christianity) in real life and so it felt more real and genuine. I also love how Rae Carson doesn't just allude to the religion (as a lot of fantasy series do), but takes the time to make passages and quotes that her characters come back to. I appreciate how religion is portrayed and how it affects everything the main character does. I think it gives light to some important aspects of faith and belief that aren't often addressed in YA literature.
And the expansion of the world she built felt very natural and authentic. I'm so interested in learning the history of the Inviernos in the next book and seeing how the world expands even beyond what it did in this book.
Great Writing: CHECK
Once again, Rae Carson manages to turn ordinary sentences into tiny works of art. I love how so many details are added in just for the sake of telling the story, rather than because they all have a huge and important meaning. It makes the book so much more immersive. You feel like you are living it with Elisa, and that takes talent as a writer. I also would love to compliment the timing of these books. By that I mean that I think it's wonderful how time is dealt with in this series. One chapter could cover one day or one week and yet everything flows so naturally.