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boezaaah's reviews
273 reviews
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
4.0
“I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives.”
Wonder is the story of a 10 year old boy with severe facial abnormalities. It follows August (Auggie) who has been home schooled by his mother up until it is time for him to enter middle school. After being sent to a private school, Auggie is faced with the challenges that come with creating new friends, dealing with bullies and having to go through the shock of each person upon seeing his face for the first time. Told through multiple perspectives of different characters, this book is about Auggie's story and the people involved in his epic adventure.
Although I loved it, I wish I had read it when I was a little younger. I really think that it would have benefited me in my development and acceptance of other people. Although I'm now in high school and have long since come to my senses, it would have been good for me in my childhood to know to be just a little kinder than necessary. Nonetheless, it is still a beneficial read for anyone who should cross paths with it.
This book was all I could ask for. It made me laugh, cry and most of all, it gave me hope. It was a beautiful story of acceptance, tolerance, friendship and kindness. Wonder helps to teach the reader lessons through the variety of characters and perspectives.
Categorised as a children's book, Wonder is a book with short, easy to read chapters and a simplistic writing style. I would highly recommend it to anyone, of any age, who is willing to open up their mind.
Wonder is the story of a 10 year old boy with severe facial abnormalities. It follows August (Auggie) who has been home schooled by his mother up until it is time for him to enter middle school. After being sent to a private school, Auggie is faced with the challenges that come with creating new friends, dealing with bullies and having to go through the shock of each person upon seeing his face for the first time. Told through multiple perspectives of different characters, this book is about Auggie's story and the people involved in his epic adventure.
Although I loved it, I wish I had read it when I was a little younger. I really think that it would have benefited me in my development and acceptance of other people. Although I'm now in high school and have long since come to my senses, it would have been good for me in my childhood to know to be just a little kinder than necessary. Nonetheless, it is still a beneficial read for anyone who should cross paths with it.
This book was all I could ask for. It made me laugh, cry and most of all, it gave me hope. It was a beautiful story of acceptance, tolerance, friendship and kindness. Wonder helps to teach the reader lessons through the variety of characters and perspectives.
Categorised as a children's book, Wonder is a book with short, easy to read chapters and a simplistic writing style. I would highly recommend it to anyone, of any age, who is willing to open up their mind.
The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
1.0
"Strange how something that only affected me was decided by you"
The Star-Touched Queen is a novel centred around Princess Mayavati who has lived as an outcast in the royal court of Bharata thanks to her horoscope. Her horoscope promises death and destruction and ultimately leads her to live a life among the Harem wives and the mistrust they hold towards her. Maya is thrown into a realm of which she believed to be no more than ancient folklore, and it is here that she finds freedom within herself.
I was not fond of this book. I didn't find the story to be gripping, the characters weren't as memorable as I would have liked them to be (not to say I didn't like them, because I did) and the writing was too flowery. The diversity and the character development that was woven throughout the story were the best aspects. This book was loosely based on the Hades and Persephone myth but with added Indian culture, although I can't comment on the accuracy.
When I started reading this, I thought that maybe it just had a slow beginning. As I progressed I think I realised that it didn't, but instead was just the way it was written. I had a hard time concentrating on the book and found myself becoming increasingly bored as it went on. This was no doubt a result of getting extremely distracted by the excessive descriptions of literally everything. At times I found myself forgetting about what the author was actually describing in the first place.
I LOVED the way Maya's character grew throughout the story. She really found herself at the end of the story and proved to be just as powerful as Amar told her she could be. They had a really great relationship and neither saw themselves as more important than the other. They were equals and I loved it. Also Kamala (the demon, undead, flesh eating horse) was one of the greatest characters I've ever read.
One thing I really didn't understand was the insane time jump in this book. I know that this was my fault entirely for getting distracted whilst reading, but it completely threw me off for the second half of the book and resulted in me becoming very bored and very confused.
I really wanted to enjoy this more. It just wasn't for me. I'll no doubt be forgetting everything by this time next year, unfortunately. I really didn't enjoy it. But I can see how people really would and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't have a short attention span and isn't bothered by excessively flowery writing.
The Star-Touched Queen is a novel centred around Princess Mayavati who has lived as an outcast in the royal court of Bharata thanks to her horoscope. Her horoscope promises death and destruction and ultimately leads her to live a life among the Harem wives and the mistrust they hold towards her. Maya is thrown into a realm of which she believed to be no more than ancient folklore, and it is here that she finds freedom within herself.
I was not fond of this book. I didn't find the story to be gripping, the characters weren't as memorable as I would have liked them to be (not to say I didn't like them, because I did) and the writing was too flowery. The diversity and the character development that was woven throughout the story were the best aspects. This book was loosely based on the Hades and Persephone myth but with added Indian culture, although I can't comment on the accuracy.
When I started reading this, I thought that maybe it just had a slow beginning. As I progressed I think I realised that it didn't, but instead was just the way it was written. I had a hard time concentrating on the book and found myself becoming increasingly bored as it went on. This was no doubt a result of getting extremely distracted by the excessive descriptions of literally everything. At times I found myself forgetting about what the author was actually describing in the first place.
One thing I really didn't understand was the insane time jump in this book. I know that this was my fault entirely for getting distracted whilst reading, but it completely threw me off for the second half of the book and resulted in me becoming very bored and very confused.
I really wanted to enjoy this more. It just wasn't for me. I'll no doubt be forgetting everything by this time next year, unfortunately. I really didn't enjoy it. But I can see how people really would and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't have a short attention span and isn't bothered by excessively flowery writing.
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
2.0
I usually hate the term 'guilty pleasure'. But if I had to consider one thing my guilty pleasure, it would definitely be this series. Hush, Hush is always a fun and careless read of mine. The characters are easy to relate to (flaws and all), the plot is interesting enough to keep anyone reading and the writing is simple and quick. Although it no doubt has it's flaws, it's enjoyable.
I think it's extremely important to acknowledge that the relationship between Nora and Patch in this particular book, is very toxic. Their attraction to each other seems almost forced and instalove like. Patch is VERY possessive over her and I'm glad that many readers of this book have the ability to pick it up. I feel as though many younger readers may not be able to understand the problems with their relationship, which could ultimately cause them to believe that it's healthy.
Another thing that I feel as though was unnecessarily portrayed was the argument between Nora and Marcie. The names that they throw at each other were of course very hurtful (as intended) but I feel that they could also cause the reader to be uncomfortable or triggered even. I don't think Nora calling Marcie an 'anorexic pig' should have been put in a book that is aimed at a younger audience. Using an illness as an insult is wrong, no matter the circumstance.
One thing I love about this book is that I feel no emotional connection to the characters. They aren't exactly well developed or constructed. If anything, each one of them annoys me to a certain extent. But it's refreshing to read a series where you aren't too invested in the outcome of each character's story. No connection, no heartbreak.
Overall, this is in no way a literary masterpiece. But it's a book that takes almost no effort to get through and it has a cool plot. Not something I would recommend necessarily, but if you decide to get into this series, don't expect much and definitely don't go in looking for a huge detailed story.
I think it's extremely important to acknowledge that the relationship between Nora and Patch in this particular book, is very toxic. Their attraction to each other seems almost forced and instalove like. Patch is VERY possessive over her and I'm glad that many readers of this book have the ability to pick it up. I feel as though many younger readers may not be able to understand the problems with their relationship, which could ultimately cause them to believe that it's healthy.
One thing I love about this book is that I feel no emotional connection to the characters. They aren't exactly well developed or constructed. If anything, each one of them annoys me to a certain extent. But it's refreshing to read a series where you aren't too invested in the outcome of each character's story. No connection, no heartbreak.
Overall, this is in no way a literary masterpiece. But it's a book that takes almost no effort to get through and it has a cool plot. Not something I would recommend necessarily, but if you decide to get into this series, don't expect much and definitely don't go in looking for a huge detailed story.
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
1.0
I think from my previous review on Hush, Hush, it's quite obvious that I'm not the biggest fan of this series. This was my second time reading this and I can definitely say that my opinions changed a lot with maturity. The first time that I read this I was around 12 years old, but now being 15 and having matured (both reading and personality wise), I did not enjoy this.
The themes discussed in this particular installment are quite childish. With Patch and Nora's relationship going downhill and Patch moving on to Marcie (for reasons intertwined with the whole archangels storyline), I found it quite pointless and I feel as though it didn't add anything to the story. The whole jumping from girl to girl just brings in even more of a typical bad boy trope, which I hate.
That being said, I didn't like Patch at all in this novel. His possessive qualities just progressed into something somewhat even worse than in Hush, Hush. This series being aimed towards younger readers (not to say that I'm not young but you know what I'm getting at) portrays their relationship as unhealthy without specifying that this is not what a relationship should consist of. I find this to be a reoccurring theme in older young adult novels and although it has improved a lot recently, I know of many people who this could negatively affect.
The storyline again, is predictable. My personal favourite part is how easy it is to read. I don't have to use as much brain power as I would other novels. I won't be finishing this series, maybe if I was still 12 I would have been interested, or maybe if I read this closer to it's release date (because look at the range of high quality YA I could be reading instead), but no thank you. I'll be happy to be moving onto bigger and better books!
That being said, I didn't like Patch at all in this novel. His possessive qualities just progressed into something somewhat even worse than in Hush, Hush. This series being aimed towards younger readers (not to say that I'm not young but you know what I'm getting at) portrays their relationship as unhealthy without specifying that this is not what a relationship should consist of. I find this to be a reoccurring theme in older young adult novels and although it has improved a lot recently, I know of many people who this could negatively affect.
The storyline again, is predictable. My personal favourite part is how easy it is to read. I don't have to use as much brain power as I would other novels. I won't be finishing this series, maybe if I was still 12 I would have been interested, or maybe if I read this closer to it's release date (because look at the range of high quality YA I could be reading instead), but no thank you. I'll be happy to be moving onto bigger and better books!
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
3.0
First time read: April, 2017
Second time read: November - December, 2017
Some thoughts after a second time reading it...
I genuinely picked up so many things rereading this. There were numerous scenes I had completely forgotten about and even more qualities of the characters that had been forgotten. I grew to appreciate the characters more this time around, although I still reckon Lucien's character is the most developed (I'm also just still in love with him... maybe even more now).
I also forgot how incredible the ending is? HEART OF STONE? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
EVERYTHING ADDS UP SO WELL. MY GOD. WHY CAN'T I THINK OF SOMETHING LIKE THAT. IT WAS BRILLIANT. I just truly think everyone on the planet should get to experience the last 40 pages of this book at least once in their lives.
Anyway, onto bigger and hopefully better things: A Court of Mist and Fury
Original review:
I really didn't know what I was getting into when I started reading this. It was the first novel by Sarah J. Maas that I had ever delved into and I can say that I was not disappointed. I'm seriously considering picking up A Court of Mist and Fury RIGHT NOW just to find out whyRhysand FREAKED and literally VANISHED on the second last damn page.
This book was action packed and I really enjoyed it. I definitely had my issues but overall it was enjoyable and I 100% will be continuing the series.
The main thing I did NOT like was the scene where Tamlin was 'drunk' on magic.
“Let go,” I said as evenly as I could, but his claws punched out, imbedding in the wood above my hands. Still riding the magic, he was half-wild.
“You drove me mad,” he growled, and the sound trembled down my neck, along my breasts until they ached. “I searched for you, and you weren’t there. When I didn’t find you,” he said, bringing his face closer to mine, until we shared breath, “it made me pick another.”
I couldn’t escape. I wasn’t entirely sure that I wanted to.
“She asked me not to be gentle with her, either,” he snarled, his teeth bright in the moonlight. He brought his lips to my ear. “I would have been gentle with you, though.” I shuddered as I closed my eyes. Every inch of my body went taut as his words echoed through me. “I would have had you moaning my name throughout it all. And I would have taken a very, very long time, Feyre.” He said my name like a caress, and his hot breath tickled my ear. My back arched slightly.
He ripped his claws free from the wall, and my knees buckled as he let go. I grasped the wall to keep from sinking to the floor, to keep from grabbing him—to strike or caress, I didn’t know. I opened my eyes. He still smiled—smiled like an animal.
“Why should I want someone’s leftovers?” I said, making to push him away. He grabbed my hands again and bit my neck.
I cried out as his teeth clamped onto the tender spot where my neck met my shoulder. I couldn’t move—couldn’t think, and my world narrowed to the feeling of his lips and teeth against my skin. He didn’t pierce my flesh, but rather bit to keep me pinned. The push of his body against mine, the hard and the soft, made me see red—see lightning, made me grind my hips against his. I should hate him—hate him for his stupid ritual, for the female he’d been with tonight …
His bite lightened, and his tongue caressed the places his teeth had been. He didn’t move—he just remained in that spot, kissing my neck. Intently, territorially, lazily. Heat pounded between my legs, and as he ground his body against me, against every aching spot, a moan slipped past my lips.
He jerked away. The air was bitingly cold against my freed skin, and I panted as he stared at me. “Don’t ever disobey me again,” he said, his voice a deep purr that ricocheted through me, awakening everything and lulling it into complicity.
Is this not blatant sexual violence? She explicitly tells Tamlin to 'let go' and he completely ignores this demand. Why don't more people talk about this scene? This scene completely romanticised the issue. He violated her and FACED NO CONSEQUENCES. Scenes that include any sort of violation of one's self really anger me if not inserted for it to be challenged, because an action not challenged is accepted. And sexual violence is something I refuse to let be accepted in literature and in real life. It was almost as though this scene was used just to be referred to as her 'sensitive spot' when they made out and had sex.
Another case of this is when Rhysand continued to make Feyre drink the faerie wine.
“Feyre, for Cauldron’s sake. I drug you, but you don’t wonder why I never touch you beyond your waist or arms?”
Until tonight—until that damned kiss. I gritted my teeth, but even as my anger rose, a picture cleared.
“It’s the only claim I have to innocence,” he said, “the only thing that will make Tamlin think twice before entering into a battle with me that would cause a catastrophic loss of innocent life. It’s the only way I can convince him I was on your side. Believe me, I would have liked nothing more than to enjoy you—but there are bigger things at stake than taking a human woman to my bed.”
Did he not LITERALLY just state that if he could have it his way he would 'enjoy her' without her consent? I'm not accusing him of being a horrible person or anything, please don't think that, but (unwanted) sexual comments towards women make me uncomfortable. Especially after facing them in real life.
Another issue for me was the characters. I found Feyre to be dull at times and she annoyed me quite a bit throughout the book. But I can definitely agree that she had some really redeeming qualities such as being a kickass heroic huntress with a great amount of wit and class. I didn't particularly like Tamlin either. It's not that anything was necessarily wrong with his character (besides, well, you know) but I don't really care for him at all. The only character that didn't bore me was Lucien. Lucien's character was super interesting and every time he was mentioned I was like 'YES LUCIEN'. I really loved his character. I hope he's around a lot in ACOMAF.
To get off the negative side of things, the good in this book definitely outweighs the bad. The writing was extremely easy to read but not to a point where it was boring or predictable. There was a perfect amount of both description and dialogue, which complemented each other really well (although Maas did overuse certain phrases and descriptions sometimes, which could get quite irritating). I never found myself having to go back and reread a sentence or a paragraph because it just flowed so well.
I LOVED the setting of this novel. I had such a clear image of Prythian in my mind and I'm so incredibly blown away by how well the surroundings were unraveled to the audience. Even the way Maas portrayed Feyre's artistic qualities made me fall in love. It was beautiful. Wow.
The antagonists in this story made it for me. The Attor truly was one of the strangest and creepiest beings I've read about. And don't get me started on Amarantha. Holy SHIT. She was a true villain, one that is now on my top 10 favourite villains list. Her evilness was captivating. She was completely and utterly evil. I loved it
To end this rather shitty (and mildly petty) review, I really hope Lucien and Feyre have as many incredible verbal exchanges in ACOMAF as they did in this. God, I just really love Lucien. I really do. Please let him have a happy ending when the series ends. Please. I really can't wait to continue with the series!!!
Second time read: November - December, 2017
Some thoughts after a second time reading it...
I genuinely picked up so many things rereading this. There were numerous scenes I had completely forgotten about and even more qualities of the characters that had been forgotten. I grew to appreciate the characters more this time around, although I still reckon Lucien's character is the most developed (I'm also just still in love with him... maybe even more now).
I also forgot how incredible the ending is?
EVERYTHING ADDS UP SO WELL. MY GOD. WHY CAN'T I THINK OF SOMETHING LIKE THAT. IT WAS BRILLIANT.
Anyway, onto bigger and hopefully better things: A Court of Mist and Fury
Original review:
I really didn't know what I was getting into when I started reading this. It was the first novel by Sarah J. Maas that I had ever delved into and I can say that I was not disappointed. I'm seriously considering picking up A Court of Mist and Fury RIGHT NOW just to find out why
This book was action packed and I really enjoyed it. I definitely had my issues but overall it was enjoyable and I 100% will be continuing the series.
“Let go,” I said as evenly as I could, but his claws punched out, imbedding in the wood above my hands. Still riding the magic, he was half-wild.
“You drove me mad,” he growled, and the sound trembled down my neck, along my breasts until they ached. “I searched for you, and you weren’t there. When I didn’t find you,” he said, bringing his face closer to mine, until we shared breath, “it made me pick another.”
I couldn’t escape. I wasn’t entirely sure that I wanted to.
“She asked me not to be gentle with her, either,” he snarled, his teeth bright in the moonlight. He brought his lips to my ear. “I would have been gentle with you, though.” I shuddered as I closed my eyes. Every inch of my body went taut as his words echoed through me. “I would have had you moaning my name throughout it all. And I would have taken a very, very long time, Feyre.” He said my name like a caress, and his hot breath tickled my ear. My back arched slightly.
He ripped his claws free from the wall, and my knees buckled as he let go. I grasped the wall to keep from sinking to the floor, to keep from grabbing him—to strike or caress, I didn’t know. I opened my eyes. He still smiled—smiled like an animal.
“Why should I want someone’s leftovers?” I said, making to push him away. He grabbed my hands again and bit my neck.
I cried out as his teeth clamped onto the tender spot where my neck met my shoulder. I couldn’t move—couldn’t think, and my world narrowed to the feeling of his lips and teeth against my skin. He didn’t pierce my flesh, but rather bit to keep me pinned. The push of his body against mine, the hard and the soft, made me see red—see lightning, made me grind my hips against his. I should hate him—hate him for his stupid ritual, for the female he’d been with tonight …
His bite lightened, and his tongue caressed the places his teeth had been. He didn’t move—he just remained in that spot, kissing my neck. Intently, territorially, lazily. Heat pounded between my legs, and as he ground his body against me, against every aching spot, a moan slipped past my lips.
He jerked away. The air was bitingly cold against my freed skin, and I panted as he stared at me. “Don’t ever disobey me again,” he said, his voice a deep purr that ricocheted through me, awakening everything and lulling it into complicity.
Is this not blatant sexual violence? She explicitly tells Tamlin to 'let go' and he completely ignores this demand. Why don't more people talk about this scene? This scene completely romanticised the issue. He violated her and FACED NO CONSEQUENCES. Scenes that include any sort of violation of one's self really anger me if not inserted for it to be challenged, because an action not challenged is accepted. And sexual violence is something I refuse to let be accepted in literature and in real life. It was almost as though this scene was used just to be referred to as her 'sensitive spot' when they made out and had sex.
Another case of this is when Rhysand continued to make Feyre drink the faerie wine.
“Feyre, for Cauldron’s sake. I drug you, but you don’t wonder why I never touch you beyond your waist or arms?”
Until tonight—until that damned kiss. I gritted my teeth, but even as my anger rose, a picture cleared.
“It’s the only claim I have to innocence,” he said, “the only thing that will make Tamlin think twice before entering into a battle with me that would cause a catastrophic loss of innocent life. It’s the only way I can convince him I was on your side. Believe me, I would have liked nothing more than to enjoy you—but there are bigger things at stake than taking a human woman to my bed.”
Did he not LITERALLY just state that if he could have it his way he would 'enjoy her' without her consent? I'm not accusing him of being a horrible person or anything, please don't think that, but (unwanted) sexual comments towards women make me uncomfortable. Especially after facing them in real life.
Another issue for me was the characters. I found Feyre to be dull at times and she annoyed me quite a bit throughout the book. But I can definitely agree that she had some really redeeming qualities such as being a kickass heroic huntress with a great amount of wit and class. I didn't particularly like Tamlin either. It's not that anything was necessarily wrong with his character (besides, well, you know) but I don't really care for him at all. The only character that didn't bore me was Lucien. Lucien's character was super interesting and every time he was mentioned I was like 'YES LUCIEN'. I really loved his character. I hope he's around a lot in ACOMAF.
To get off the negative side of things, the good in this book definitely outweighs the bad. The writing was extremely easy to read but not to a point where it was boring or predictable. There was a perfect amount of both description and dialogue, which complemented each other really well (although Maas did overuse certain phrases and descriptions sometimes, which could get quite irritating). I never found myself having to go back and reread a sentence or a paragraph because it just flowed so well.
I LOVED the setting of this novel. I had such a clear image of Prythian in my mind and I'm so incredibly blown away by how well the surroundings were unraveled to the audience. Even the way Maas portrayed Feyre's artistic qualities made me fall in love. It was beautiful. Wow.
The antagonists in this story made it for me. The Attor truly was one of the strangest and creepiest beings I've read about. And don't get me started on Amarantha. Holy SHIT. She was a true villain, one that is now on my top 10 favourite villains list. Her evilness was captivating. She was completely and utterly evil. I loved it
To end this rather shitty (and mildly petty) review, I really hope Lucien and Feyre have as many incredible verbal exchanges in ACOMAF as they did in this. God, I just really love Lucien. I really do. Please let him have a happy ending when the series ends. Please. I really can't wait to continue with the series!!!
The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
4.0
“We're each other's questions, aren't we? The question that never gets an answer.”
The Rest of Us Just Live Here is essentially what it says it is. A novel about a group of teenagers who aren't the 'chosen ones'. This story is about a group of friends. That’s literally it. And I think it was done brilliantly.
The cast of characters were diverse and well developed and they felt like real people. This is the second novel by Patrick Ness that I've picked up and I think it's safe to say that representation of LGBTQ+ individuals is a common and reoccurring theme. The Rest of Us Just Live Here includes exploration and experimentation of sexuality as well as Jared (whom I adore), a gay character. It includes Henna, a young biracial girl (who is a sweetheart), Mel,who suffered from anorexia and who still struggles with harmful thoughts about food and lastly, our narrator Mikey, who suffers from serious anxiety and OCD. I think the way Patrick Ness writes his characters is fantastic and realistic that you can't help but praise him in every way possible.
Some elements of this book tended to be quite poor. This isn’t to say that the novel was weak, but simply that the message it was trying to get across (about not everyone having to be 'the chosen one’), wasn’t as strong as I originally thought it would be. At the beginning of every chapter, a tiny paragraph is written about 'the chosen one', which features the 'indie kids'. This plot felt poor. It seemed as though it wasn't thought through very well.And the whole thing with Jared and the Gods was quite random and I didn't feel like it was a very necessary plot point . But none of this lessened by enjoyment of the book, since this book is heavily character driven and I personally didn't care what happened in the book, as long as I was with my characters and they were well.
I would really recommend this book. I think there's something in it for everyone. I really adore Patrick Ness and I hope to pick up the Chaos Walking Trilogy as soon as possible!
The Rest of Us Just Live Here is essentially what it says it is. A novel about a group of teenagers who aren't the 'chosen ones'. This story is about a group of friends. That’s literally it. And I think it was done brilliantly.
The cast of characters were diverse and well developed and they felt like real people. This is the second novel by Patrick Ness that I've picked up and I think it's safe to say that representation of LGBTQ+ individuals is a common and reoccurring theme. The Rest of Us Just Live Here includes exploration and experimentation of sexuality as well as Jared (whom I adore), a gay character. It includes Henna, a young biracial girl (who is a sweetheart), Mel,
Some elements of this book tended to be quite poor. This isn’t to say that the novel was weak, but simply that the message it was trying to get across (about not everyone having to be 'the chosen one’), wasn’t as strong as I originally thought it would be. At the beginning of every chapter, a tiny paragraph is written about 'the chosen one', which features the 'indie kids'. This plot felt poor. It seemed as though it wasn't thought through very well.
I would really recommend this book. I think there's something in it for everyone. I really adore Patrick Ness and I hope to pick up the Chaos Walking Trilogy as soon as possible!
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
4.0
“One to be a murderer. One to be a Martyr. One to be a Monarch. One to go Mad”
Catherine, one of the most desired girls in all of Wonderland, and the most likely to be wed by the King, wanted nothing more than to open up a bakery of her own (one that would most definitely disappoint her parents). At a ball in which was organised by the King with the intention of proposing, Catherine meets Jest. She and Jest enter a secret courtship (in fear of infuriating her parent and offending the King) full of magic and mystery, but even with the hope of pursuing their own destiny, fate has other plans.
I absolutely LOVED this book with every inch of my heart. From the atmospheric feeling the novel carried out, to the characters and the plot. I think it provided the perfect amount of entertainment and emotion that I could wish for in a novel. As someone who is a HUGE fan of Alice in Wonderland, I enjoyed everything about this, although I can see why some people had their issues.
It's an obvious fact that regarding instalove, almost everyone despises it. But with Heartless, I understood it. I loved the way it panned out. I think the main reason for this is that I also fell in love with Jest from the first moment he made an appearance. Maybe this is because when he was described, I for some reason pictured him as my favourite actor Aidan Turner (although that's another story for another time...). But I really think that Jest had charm that fit so perfectly with his character and I absolutely fell in love with him and could understand exactly how Catherine was overcome with attraction and adoration.
As heartbreaking as the end to this novel was, I loved how the three sisters had warned the characters of their fate. From the poems to the drawings and the doors and then the eventual outcome of their warning. It fit perfectly and made sense. The whole stealing the Queen's heart and her giving it willingly both broke mine and made mine happy. I can't even tell you how much I loved that ending with Catherine, Jest, Hatta and Raven meeting their fate. Raven was also a really interesting character and I wish we got more of a backstory for him. I would without a doubt pick up a book based purely on Raven if one was written.
THE JABBERWOCK. This story line was really, really interesting to me and I had always been suspicious of Peter Peter and his wife of having something to do with something. I'm glad this went the way it did. I also had a really big suspicion regarding Mary Ann and her having something to do with it. She made me really frustrated but I understand why she did what she did out of love (although I wish she didn't).
I'm so happy I picked this up on a whim. I definitely need to pick up more of Marissa Meyer's work.
Catherine, one of the most desired girls in all of Wonderland, and the most likely to be wed by the King, wanted nothing more than to open up a bakery of her own (one that would most definitely disappoint her parents). At a ball in which was organised by the King with the intention of proposing, Catherine meets Jest. She and Jest enter a secret courtship (in fear of infuriating her parent and offending the King) full of magic and mystery, but even with the hope of pursuing their own destiny, fate has other plans.
I absolutely LOVED this book with every inch of my heart. From the atmospheric feeling the novel carried out, to the characters and the plot. I think it provided the perfect amount of entertainment and emotion that I could wish for in a novel. As someone who is a HUGE fan of Alice in Wonderland, I enjoyed everything about this, although I can see why some people had their issues.
As heartbreaking as the end to this novel was, I loved how the three sisters had warned the characters of their fate. From the poems to the drawings and the doors and then the eventual outcome of their warning. It fit perfectly and made sense. The whole stealing the Queen's heart and her giving it willingly both broke mine and made mine happy. I can't even tell you how much I loved that ending with Catherine, Jest, Hatta and Raven meeting their fate. Raven was also a really interesting character and I wish we got more of a backstory for him. I would without a doubt pick up a book based purely on Raven if one was written.
THE JABBERWOCK. This story line was really, really interesting to me and I had always been suspicious of Peter Peter and his wife of having something to do with something. I'm glad this went the way it did. I also had a really big suspicion regarding Mary Ann and her having something to do with it. She made me really frustrated but I understand why she did what she did out of love (although I wish she didn't).
I'm so happy I picked this up on a whim. I definitely need to pick up more of Marissa Meyer's work.
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
4.0
“When you erupt, girl, make sure it is felt across worlds.”
Initial reaction:
Holy shit. HOLY SHIT. Okay. I am composed and my emotions are completely not all over the place.
First and foremost, I’m pretty sure the mating bond between Azriel and I has snapped into place. I love Azriel. So much. He deserves an entire 3000-page book dedicated to him, and if no one else does it, I will. I'm so upset that we didn't get more of him but every moment he was present I was a mess. When he offered to teach Feyre how to fly because he knew what it was like to learn as an adult, my heart broke into a million little pieces. The scene where Azriel told Feyre about Nephelle had me emotional as hell. AND IT WAS MADE EVEN MORE EMOTIONAL AT THE END OF THE BOOK DURING THE MEETING WHEN NEPHELLE SHOWED UP AND FEYRE GLANCED AT AZRIEL AND HE JUST NODDED. GOD.
And Lucien. My sweetheart who I’ve had faith in since A Court of Thorns and Roses. I knew he would redeem himself in this book, and I’m so unbelievably happy about it. My favourite thing about book one was the friendship between Feyre and Lucien, and this confirmed it. It’s still one of my favourite things about this series. Lucien is so fragile, and I don’t think anyone really realised until it was announced that Elain is his mate. But I wish nothing but happiness and joy for Lucien, I hope we get to see a lot more of him in the coming novels (I also want to see Lucien kick Tamlin’s ass, it’s what he deserves).
Remember my ACOTAR review? Where I said I didn’t give two shits about Feyre? WELL. THINGS HAVE CHANGED. I’d just like to take this moment to say that this is some of the best character development I’ve ever read. I went from not giving two shits about her, to CRYING over her. She is such a strong character who has faced her demons and PUSHED THROUGH THEM. I love her so much. I always will.
I love Cassian.
Is it horrible to admit that when Tamlin told Feyre that he wishes her happiness, I cried out of joy? I hated Tamlin so much throughout the majority of A Court of Wings and Ruin, but when he stepped in to help Feyre and Azriel escape Hybern’s army when they rescued Elain, my heart did a 180 and I was like “HANG ON SIR. YOU CAN’T JUST GO AND DO THIS. NOT NOW. NOT WHEN I WANT TO HATE YOU.” I really wanted to see Feyre kick his ass, but after everything, I’m glad that things were (KIND OF) resolved? I guess I hope he finds his mate and they live happily ever after in a non-controlling relationship. It’s safe to say that all of our characters have gone to hell and back (almost literally), so the least they deserve is a sliver of happiness.
If I must read one more of Sarah J. Maas’ sex scenes, I might burst into flames. It’s literally like reading bad fanfiction smut. To be honest, I’ve read better fanfiction smut. I really have nothing else to say about it. It’s just poorly written and awkward.
I'll admit, when Helion rocked up and was announced as a raging bisexual who LOVES threesomes, I was disappointed. That whole storyline completely played into the stereotype that bisexuals can't control themselves and are unfaithful, and is just a derogatory and offensive stereotype. And then with Mor, a lesbian, not being able to come out, and being closeted for THREE BOOKS. God... That felt completely unnecessary and thrown in there randomly. I mean at least SJM tried... I guess? I don't know. This could have been done so much better. SO MUCH BETTER.
Mate? MATE? THEY HAVE NAMES. This was so overdone. I couldn't handle the amount of times Feyre and Rhysand referred to each other as "my mate". You could honestly turn this book into a drinking game and be drunk by the second page. I wish I kept track of how many times this phrase was used.
If you’re looking for a song that sums up this series perfectly, and one scene in specific (you’ll know which scene I’m talking about as soon as you listen to the lyrics of the song), listen to A Little Death by The Neighbourhood.
AND CAN I JUST SAY THAT I RECKON A COURT OF WINGS AND RUIN WOULD MAKE THE BEST VIDEO GAME? LIKE THE WAR AGAINST HYBERN? CAN YOU IMAGINE GETTING TO PLAY AS AN ILLYRIAN SOLDIER? THAT WOULD BE SO EPIC.
Initial reaction:
Holy shit. HOLY SHIT. Okay. I am composed and my emotions are completely not all over the place.
And Lucien. My sweetheart who I’ve had faith in since A Court of Thorns and Roses. I knew he would redeem himself in this book, and I’m so unbelievably happy about it. My favourite thing about book one was the friendship between Feyre and Lucien, and this confirmed it. It’s still one of my favourite things about this series. Lucien is so fragile, and I don’t think anyone really realised until it was announced that Elain is his mate. But I wish nothing but happiness and joy for Lucien, I hope we get to see a lot more of him in the coming novels (I also want to see Lucien kick Tamlin’s ass, it’s what he deserves).
Remember my ACOTAR review? Where I said I didn’t give two shits about Feyre? WELL. THINGS HAVE CHANGED. I’d just like to take this moment to say that this is some of the best character development I’ve ever read. I went from not giving two shits about her, to CRYING over her. She is such a strong character who has faced her demons and PUSHED THROUGH THEM. I love her so much. I always will.
I love Cassian.
Is it horrible to admit that when Tamlin told Feyre that he wishes her happiness, I cried out of joy? I hated Tamlin so much throughout the majority of A Court of Wings and Ruin, but when he stepped in to help Feyre and Azriel escape Hybern’s army when they rescued Elain, my heart did a 180 and I was like “HANG ON SIR. YOU CAN’T JUST GO AND DO THIS. NOT NOW. NOT WHEN I WANT TO HATE YOU.” I really wanted to see Feyre kick his ass, but after everything, I’m glad that things were (KIND OF) resolved? I guess I hope he finds his mate and they live happily ever after in a non-controlling relationship. It’s safe to say that all of our characters have gone to hell and back (almost literally), so the least they deserve is a sliver of happiness.
If I must read one more of Sarah J. Maas’ sex scenes, I might burst into flames. It’s literally like reading bad fanfiction smut. To be honest, I’ve read better fanfiction smut. I really have nothing else to say about it. It’s just poorly written and awkward.
I'll admit, when Helion rocked up and was announced as a raging bisexual who LOVES threesomes, I was disappointed. That whole storyline completely played into the stereotype that bisexuals can't control themselves and are unfaithful, and is just a derogatory and offensive stereotype. And then with Mor, a lesbian, not being able to come out, and being closeted for THREE BOOKS. God... That felt completely unnecessary and thrown in there randomly. I mean at least SJM tried... I guess? I don't know. This could have been done so much better. SO MUCH BETTER.
Mate? MATE? THEY HAVE NAMES. This was so overdone. I couldn't handle the amount of times Feyre and Rhysand referred to each other as "my mate". You could honestly turn this book into a drinking game and be drunk by the second page. I wish I kept track of how many times this phrase was used.
If you’re looking for a song that sums up this series perfectly, and one scene in specific (you’ll know which scene I’m talking about as soon as you listen to the lyrics of the song), listen to A Little Death by The Neighbourhood.
AND CAN I JUST SAY THAT I RECKON A COURT OF WINGS AND RUIN WOULD MAKE THE BEST VIDEO GAME? LIKE THE WAR AGAINST HYBERN? CAN YOU IMAGINE GETTING TO PLAY AS AN ILLYRIAN SOLDIER? THAT WOULD BE SO EPIC.
By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho, Alan R. Clarke
4.0
“And we came to understand the cycle of creation, because our bodies repeat the rhythm of the moon.”
Paulo Coehlo truly captured the idea of lost love, being found once again. This story follows two characters (one of which, we are NEVER told the name of) who begin to fall in love for a second time after going their separate ways. Pilar is a character of lost faith who was content living just a satisfactory life, whereas her counterpart who remained unnamed throughout the entirety of the novel, was in search for something more than himself. This story was beautifully written and was full of incredible quotes. I think everyone can get something out of this read.
One thing I struggled with, was that this book was almost completely centered around love, and religion. Firstly, I am not a romance type of person, but considering I rated this 4 stars, I think it was done pretty well. But I really do struggle with the topic of religion, and not because I am against religion, but because I have no background knowledge about Christianity or the Bible, which this book features heavily. I had a hard time grasping what the characters felt about their faith, and I sometimes fell out of the story whilst reading this due to lack of understanding. This by no means made this a non-enjoyable book for me, I loved it, but just due to the fact that I've never been religious made it difficult to stay interested in certain important aspects of Coehlo's novel.
I'll definitely be reading more of Coehlo's works, I think he's incredibly talented and his books present something different to every reader. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, short read featuring strong emotion and the question of: 'Is there more out there for me?'
Paulo Coehlo truly captured the idea of lost love, being found once again. This story follows two characters (one of which, we are NEVER told the name of) who begin to fall in love for a second time after going their separate ways. Pilar is a character of lost faith who was content living just a satisfactory life, whereas her counterpart who remained unnamed throughout the entirety of the novel, was in search for something more than himself. This story was beautifully written and was full of incredible quotes. I think everyone can get something out of this read.
One thing I struggled with, was that this book was almost completely centered around love, and religion. Firstly, I am not a romance type of person, but considering I rated this 4 stars, I think it was done pretty well. But I really do struggle with the topic of religion, and not because I am against religion, but because I have no background knowledge about Christianity or the Bible, which this book features heavily. I had a hard time grasping what the characters felt about their faith, and I sometimes fell out of the story whilst reading this due to lack of understanding. This by no means made this a non-enjoyable book for me, I loved it, but just due to the fact that I've never been religious made it difficult to stay interested in certain important aspects of Coehlo's novel.
I'll definitely be reading more of Coehlo's works, I think he's incredibly talented and his books present something different to every reader. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, short read featuring strong emotion and the question of: 'Is there more out there for me?'
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
5.0
“To the stars who listen - and the dreams that are answered.”
My initial reaction to finishing this book:
I TOLD MYSELF I WOULDN’T BE VULGAR ON GOODREADS BUT FUUUUUUUCK LMAO
I had super high expectations for this, for obvious reasons. And this book completely succeeded at surpassing those expectations. This installment to the series was such a jump from ACOTAR that it felt like they were from two completely different series, even two different authors. I really enjoyed A Court of Thorns and Roses and I was excited to continue on with the series, but I LOVED A Court of Mist and Fury, so much more than I thought I would.
The biggest jump between these two books was that it went from being a romance book with fantasy elements in ACOTAR to being a fantasy book with romance elements in ACOMAF. It felt like a true fantasy book, with the incredible world building and the magic system. The pacing was perfect along with the slow burning romance... God, Sarah J. Maas is a TEASE.
Something I really adored was how I envisioned the Summer Court. I have this idea ingrained in my head that the High Lord's palace would look somewhat like Rivendell in the Lord of the Rings films. And if you know anything about me, you would know how much I adore the cinematography and visuals in the LOTR and Hobbit films. Also everything that happened in the Summer Court was epic. I loved every bit of it.
I really loved how this book dealt with PTSD and it's effects on people. I think the way Maas portrayed and showcased this was really well done, not only because she didn't shy away from the shit that comes along with it, but because she worked hard to incorporate it into a fantasy novel without it seeming out of place, which is something I feel could be hard for some authors to pull off effectively. Throughout the first book, I didn't like Tamlin, almost at all. And during this book I hated him even more. But the more I reflect on it, he was so broken by what he endured Under the Mountain that I understand how he changed to being a manipulative and possessive person, THOUGH HIS PTSD DOESN'T EXCUSE HIS ACTIONS.
I was so heartbroken by Lucien's actions but I somewhat understand him? If you've read my review for A Court of Thorns and Roses, you would know that Lucien was the only character I felt emotionally attached to and honestly, I still am. I feel as though he was so blinded by his loyalty to Tamlin that he didn't completely follow his senses and what he believed. I'm holding onto hope for Lucien, I hope he redeems himself in A Court of Wings and Ruin.
I loved Feyre. I really, really loved Feyre, and considering I didn't care about her in ACOTAR, this was a big thing. I became really attached to her whilst reading this, for one reason or another, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how her character progresses throughout the rest of the series.
THE INNER CIRCLE! I LOVED THEM SO MUCH. MOR AND AMREN AND CASSIAN AND AZRIEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOD. I DON'T EVEN HAVE WORDS FOR HOW I FEEL ABOUT THEM ALL. I HOPE THEY PROSPER.
The way Sarah J. Maas worked to display what a healthy and unhealthy relationship is was my favourite thing about this book. Transitioning from being in a relationship with no freedom to being in a relationship full of respect and equality was absolutely beautiful. And moving on from that point...
Rhysand.
YOU GUYS. I LOVE RHYSAND SO MUCH. I LOVE HOW SUPPORTIVE AND PASSIONATE HE IS. I WASN'T PREPARED ENOUGH FOR THIS. HE WAS SO PERFECT. FUCK.
And lastly. Can we talk about Part 3? AND CHAPTER 54? RHYSAND AND FEYRE ARE MATES?
WHAT? ALL THIS TIME? FEYRE IS NOW HIGH LADY OF THE NIGHT COURT? FEYRE BEING A SPY FOR THE NIGHT COURT? OH MY GOD. LUCIEN AND ELAIN ARE MATES? WHAT x2? Wow. This book really destroyed me.
I'd like to take this moment to thank every single one of you who took the time out of your lives to read this, and then continue to hype it up. I would have never picked up this series if ACOMAF didn't get the hype it did. If you haven't picked up this book yet, what are you waiting for?
My initial reaction to finishing this book:
I TOLD MYSELF I WOULDN’T BE VULGAR ON GOODREADS BUT FUUUUUUUCK LMAO
I had super high expectations for this, for obvious reasons. And this book completely succeeded at surpassing those expectations. This installment to the series was such a jump from ACOTAR that it felt like they were from two completely different series, even two different authors. I really enjoyed A Court of Thorns and Roses and I was excited to continue on with the series, but I LOVED A Court of Mist and Fury, so much more than I thought I would.
Something I really adored was how I envisioned the Summer Court. I have this idea ingrained in my head that the High Lord's palace would look somewhat like Rivendell in the Lord of the Rings films. And if you know anything about me, you would know how much I adore the cinematography and visuals in the LOTR and Hobbit films. Also everything that happened in the Summer Court was epic. I loved every bit of it.
I really loved how this book dealt with PTSD and it's effects on people. I think the way Maas portrayed and showcased this was really well done, not only because she didn't shy away from the shit that comes along with it, but because she worked hard to incorporate it into a fantasy novel without it seeming out of place, which is something I feel could be hard for some authors to pull off effectively. Throughout the first book, I didn't like Tamlin, almost at all. And during this book I hated him even more. But the more I reflect on it, he was so broken by what he endured Under the Mountain that I understand how he changed to being a manipulative and possessive person, THOUGH HIS PTSD DOESN'T EXCUSE HIS ACTIONS.
I was so heartbroken by Lucien's actions but I somewhat understand him? If you've read my review for A Court of Thorns and Roses, you would know that Lucien was the only character I felt emotionally attached to and honestly, I still am. I feel as though he was so blinded by his loyalty to Tamlin that he didn't completely follow his senses and what he believed. I'm holding onto hope for Lucien, I hope he redeems himself in A Court of Wings and Ruin.
I loved Feyre. I really, really loved Feyre, and considering I didn't care about her in ACOTAR, this was a big thing. I became really attached to her whilst reading this, for one reason or another, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how her character progresses throughout the rest of the series.
THE INNER CIRCLE! I LOVED THEM SO MUCH. MOR AND AMREN AND CASSIAN AND AZRIEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOD. I DON'T EVEN HAVE WORDS FOR HOW I FEEL ABOUT THEM ALL. I HOPE THEY PROSPER.
The way Sarah J. Maas worked to display what a healthy and unhealthy relationship is was my favourite thing about this book. Transitioning from being in a relationship with no freedom to being in a relationship full of respect and equality was absolutely beautiful. And moving on from that point...
Rhysand.
YOU GUYS. I LOVE RHYSAND SO MUCH. I LOVE HOW SUPPORTIVE AND PASSIONATE HE IS. I WASN'T PREPARED ENOUGH FOR THIS. HE WAS SO PERFECT. FUCK.
And lastly. Can we talk about Part 3? AND CHAPTER 54? RHYSAND AND FEYRE ARE MATES?
WHAT? ALL THIS TIME? FEYRE IS NOW HIGH LADY OF THE NIGHT COURT? FEYRE BEING A SPY FOR THE NIGHT COURT? OH MY GOD. LUCIEN AND ELAIN ARE MATES? WHAT x2? Wow. This book really destroyed me.
I'd like to take this moment to thank every single one of you who took the time out of your lives to read this, and then continue to hype it up. I would have never picked up this series if ACOMAF didn't get the hype it did. If you haven't picked up this book yet, what are you waiting for?