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momwithareadingproblem's Reviews (1.18k)
I received an eARC of this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
The Heir and the Human by Siobhan Davis is possibly my favorite addition to The Saven Series. This novella brings light to Axton and Sadie, their relationship, and motives behind Axton’s actions in [b:Saven Defiance|25820867|Saven Defiance (Saven #3)|Siobhan Davis|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1466450976s/25820867.jpg|45677918].
Axton breaks my heart. He is the lonely son of Griselda, the leader of Tor. His entire life has been one hard blow after another. An absent father, a mother that doesn’t want him, and now he has Sadie, a prisoner of his mother’s who he has claimed as his mate. It’s a little reminiscent of Stockholm syndrome, where the captured falls for their captor, except it’s not. Axton is just as much a prisoner of his mother’s as Sadie is. Griselda knows what, or rather whom, to threaten where Ax is concerned. He’s kind, a gentle giant and above all he just wants someone to love him.
Sadie is an entirely different character than what the readers have seen in the past. This novella is set on Tor, prior to Sadie’s return/memory wipe on Earth. I like this Sadie. She’s tough, kind, and secure in her love for Ax. She’s fiercely loyal which is a quality that the character we know has as well. She loves Ax and her entire world is devoted to the only friend she’s ever had. It’s sad, she hasn’t had much choice. She’s been trained to fight, kill really, and her mission is to kill Logan. I’m still not really sure how I feel about what she experiences on Tor.
This novella is really to show the readers some background on Axton and his relationship with Saide. Having read the series to date, going into this novella I knew I was in for heartbreak. It’s an emotional read for sure! If you’ve enjoyed the series to date, are curious about Axton, or just can’t wait for more from The Saven Series, I highly recommend you read this novella!
The Heir and the Human by Siobhan Davis is possibly my favorite addition to The Saven Series. This novella brings light to Axton and Sadie, their relationship, and motives behind Axton’s actions in [b:Saven Defiance|25820867|Saven Defiance (Saven #3)|Siobhan Davis|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1466450976s/25820867.jpg|45677918].
Axton breaks my heart. He is the lonely son of Griselda, the leader of Tor. His entire life has been one hard blow after another. An absent father, a mother that doesn’t want him, and now he has Sadie, a prisoner of his mother’s who he has claimed as his mate. It’s a little reminiscent of Stockholm syndrome, where the captured falls for their captor, except it’s not. Axton is just as much a prisoner of his mother’s as Sadie is. Griselda knows what, or rather whom, to threaten where Ax is concerned. He’s kind, a gentle giant and above all he just wants someone to love him.
Sadie is an entirely different character than what the readers have seen in the past. This novella is set on Tor, prior to Sadie’s return/memory wipe on Earth. I like this Sadie. She’s tough, kind, and secure in her love for Ax. She’s fiercely loyal which is a quality that the character we know has as well. She loves Ax and her entire world is devoted to the only friend she’s ever had. It’s sad, she hasn’t had much choice. She’s been trained to fight, kill really, and her mission is to kill Logan. I’m still not really sure how I feel about what she experiences on Tor.
This novella is really to show the readers some background on Axton and his relationship with Saide. Having read the series to date, going into this novella I knew I was in for heartbreak. It’s an emotional read for sure! If you’ve enjoyed the series to date, are curious about Axton, or just can’t wait for more from The Saven Series, I highly recommend you read this novella!
I received an eARC of this book via I Am a Reader in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Between Heaven and Earth by Michele Paige Holmes is a sweet, slow romance that takes place over the course of a year. Cassandra Webb’s life is on hold and has been for six years since her husband entered a Persistent Vegetative State after an injury on the job. Cassie lives a life of routine, staying in the one bedroom apartment she shared with her husband, working in a dead end job, and keeping his memory alive for their son. Matt is the new guy in town, a single dad to two boys after his wife died 8 months earlier, and is struggling to keep his family together.
This isn’t your typical romance book. Cassie has someone she loves, she’s married, but also alone, living the life of a single parent. She holds onto hope that her husband will make a miraculous recovery. It’s almost delusional the hope she holds, but if I was in her place I would feel the same. She’s weary and she fights and I hurt for her in the book. Matt is no different. He’s lonely, a single parent, and in desperate need of a companion. His struggles with his sons are real, I can only imagine what it would be like to have two small kids and try to explain why mom is never coming home…so heartbreaking!
The circumstances that bring Matt and Cassie together are unconventional, but heartwarming. I felt for them both as they fight their growing feelings and as Cassie realizes that despite the love she feels for Matt she cannot act on it with her husband still alive. She feels guilty and more alone than ever. It’s a difficult, gray area when discussing martial fidelity. Cassie makes the decision that we all know she will and my heart hurt for her. Letting go and moving on are the themes and it is so hard for the two characters. I loved getting the dual POV to see from both Matt’s and Cassie’s perspectives. And of course Miss Pearl plays an integral role.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Cassie and Matt pulled at my heart strings and I read their story in one night. This is definitely one to read with a box of tissues on hand. If you enjoy clean, contemporary, second-chance romances, I highly recommend you pick up a copy.
Between Heaven and Earth by Michele Paige Holmes is a sweet, slow romance that takes place over the course of a year. Cassandra Webb’s life is on hold and has been for six years since her husband entered a Persistent Vegetative State after an injury on the job. Cassie lives a life of routine, staying in the one bedroom apartment she shared with her husband, working in a dead end job, and keeping his memory alive for their son. Matt is the new guy in town, a single dad to two boys after his wife died 8 months earlier, and is struggling to keep his family together.
This isn’t your typical romance book. Cassie has someone she loves, she’s married, but also alone, living the life of a single parent. She holds onto hope that her husband will make a miraculous recovery. It’s almost delusional the hope she holds, but if I was in her place I would feel the same. She’s weary and she fights and I hurt for her in the book. Matt is no different. He’s lonely, a single parent, and in desperate need of a companion. His struggles with his sons are real, I can only imagine what it would be like to have two small kids and try to explain why mom is never coming home…so heartbreaking!
The circumstances that bring Matt and Cassie together are unconventional, but heartwarming. I felt for them both as they fight their growing feelings and as Cassie realizes that despite the love she feels for Matt she cannot act on it with her husband still alive. She feels guilty and more alone than ever. It’s a difficult, gray area when discussing martial fidelity. Cassie makes the decision that we all know she will and my heart hurt for her. Letting go and moving on are the themes and it is so hard for the two characters. I loved getting the dual POV to see from both Matt’s and Cassie’s perspectives. And of course Miss Pearl plays an integral role.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Cassie and Matt pulled at my heart strings and I read their story in one night. This is definitely one to read with a box of tissues on hand. If you enjoy clean, contemporary, second-chance romances, I highly recommend you pick up a copy.
I received an eARC of this book from I Am a Reader in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
I love stories about best friends and King of the Friend Zone is no exception. The story begins with Esme’s engagement to her boyfriend whom she hasn’t been dating all that long. When she introduces Jon to her best friend, insane jealousy ensues. Jon demands an end to their friendship if she’s going to marry him. Hunter, despite loving Esme as more than a friend should, has no plans to ruin Esme’s happiness. No instead it’s Miss Pearl at it again, this time disguised as a baker.
Esme and Hunter are a fun couple, even though they are technically not a couple. They’re best friends, known each other their entire lives, and now they have to decide if their friendship is worth the risk of a different kind of relationship. Hunter is amazing. He’s sweet, patient, not-pushy, and he brings out a side of Esme that her fiancé does not. At the risk of sounding corny, he completes her.
But that isn’t what makes the story. It’s the angst (I know coming from me that’s a shock). The two characters are torn. Do they make a go of their feelings for one another or do they keep the “status quo?” It’s a hard decision and one I do not envy! How do you risk losing the person you love if their feelings aren’t the same? If someone else makes her happy, how do you tell her how you really feel? Shouldn’t you just bow out? That is the premise of this book and I adored it.
I’ve only read one book by Ms. Pratt and loved it so it was no surprise that I loved this one as well. If you enjoy good, clean romance and best friend stories, I highly recommend you grab a copy!
I love stories about best friends and King of the Friend Zone is no exception. The story begins with Esme’s engagement to her boyfriend whom she hasn’t been dating all that long. When she introduces Jon to her best friend, insane jealousy ensues. Jon demands an end to their friendship if she’s going to marry him. Hunter, despite loving Esme as more than a friend should, has no plans to ruin Esme’s happiness. No instead it’s Miss Pearl at it again, this time disguised as a baker.
Esme and Hunter are a fun couple, even though they are technically not a couple. They’re best friends, known each other their entire lives, and now they have to decide if their friendship is worth the risk of a different kind of relationship. Hunter is amazing. He’s sweet, patient, not-pushy, and he brings out a side of Esme that her fiancé does not. At the risk of sounding corny, he completes her.
But that isn’t what makes the story. It’s the angst (I know coming from me that’s a shock). The two characters are torn. Do they make a go of their feelings for one another or do they keep the “status quo?” It’s a hard decision and one I do not envy! How do you risk losing the person you love if their feelings aren’t the same? If someone else makes her happy, how do you tell her how you really feel? Shouldn’t you just bow out? That is the premise of this book and I adored it.
I’ve only read one book by Ms. Pratt and loved it so it was no surprise that I loved this one as well. If you enjoy good, clean romance and best friend stories, I highly recommend you grab a copy!
I received an eARC of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Trial By Charm by Jolene Buchheit is an interesting read, to say the least, about Julia Wright, a high school senior who has zero interest in boys and doesn’t understand her friends obsession with them. She wants to have a fun senior year, one that resembles the movie Grease but when she’s caught breaking into the school’s pool, her coach blackmails her into becoming the male’s swim team’s manager much to her own chagrin. Vander Thelxinoe is the captain of the team, a jerk and the bane of Julia’s high school life. When Julia inadvertently learns that Vander has the ability to charm people’s minds AND that it doesn’t work on her, Vander introduces her to a world that she once thought was myth.
Combining contemporary teen angst with Greek mythology the author has created a fun book, full of snark and wit. I couldn’t help but snort a few times at the banter between Vander and Julia. The two are complete opposites which sometimes works really well for a romantic pairing. It’s a slow burn too instead of insta-love, even though it’s obvious from the reader standpoint they’ll wind up together.
The plot itself though was a little too predictable and all over the place. It was like the author wrote a contemporary novel, but decided it needed something else and wrote in the mythology scenes after. I mean seriously if you were on a quest, would your main concern be prior plans with friends?! I don’t know, I just didn’t buy that part of the book. Plus the blurb brings up the quest like it’s the main part of the book when in reality it isn’t. In fact it’s only the last 4 chapters of the book which left me a little confused. I did however enjoy the build up and suspense surrounded around Vander, what he was and how he could do what he could do. I liked learning the myths from him as he teaches Julia.
Overall the book was an ok read. I’m not a big fan of teen angst so I found the characters a little too immature, but I think it would appeal to the young adult crowd it’s written for. The reason it lost stars for me though was the language. I didn’t like the strong language or the constant talk about boys. I felt that it was a little much for a young adult book. But that’s just my opinion. Otherwise the story was good, the cliffhanger ending (while confusing) piqued my interest for book 2. If you enjoy Greek-inspired urban fantasy, I recommend you check it out.
Trial By Charm by Jolene Buchheit is an interesting read, to say the least, about Julia Wright, a high school senior who has zero interest in boys and doesn’t understand her friends obsession with them. She wants to have a fun senior year, one that resembles the movie Grease but when she’s caught breaking into the school’s pool, her coach blackmails her into becoming the male’s swim team’s manager much to her own chagrin. Vander Thelxinoe is the captain of the team, a jerk and the bane of Julia’s high school life. When Julia inadvertently learns that Vander has the ability to charm people’s minds AND that it doesn’t work on her, Vander introduces her to a world that she once thought was myth.
Combining contemporary teen angst with Greek mythology the author has created a fun book, full of snark and wit. I couldn’t help but snort a few times at the banter between Vander and Julia. The two are complete opposites which sometimes works really well for a romantic pairing. It’s a slow burn too instead of insta-love, even though it’s obvious from the reader standpoint they’ll wind up together.
The plot itself though was a little too predictable and all over the place. It was like the author wrote a contemporary novel, but decided it needed something else and wrote in the mythology scenes after. I mean seriously if you were on a quest, would your main concern be prior plans with friends?! I don’t know, I just didn’t buy that part of the book. Plus the blurb brings up the quest like it’s the main part of the book when in reality it isn’t. In fact it’s only the last 4 chapters of the book which left me a little confused. I did however enjoy the build up and suspense surrounded around Vander, what he was and how he could do what he could do. I liked learning the myths from him as he teaches Julia.
Overall the book was an ok read. I’m not a big fan of teen angst so I found the characters a little too immature, but I think it would appeal to the young adult crowd it’s written for. The reason it lost stars for me though was the language. I didn’t like the strong language or the constant talk about boys. I felt that it was a little much for a young adult book. But that’s just my opinion. Otherwise the story was good, the cliffhanger ending (while confusing) piqued my interest for book 2. If you enjoy Greek-inspired urban fantasy, I recommend you check it out.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling is the long-awaited 8th installment of the Harry Potter series that takes place 19 years after the fall of Voldemort. Unlike the other books, this one isn’t a novel, it’s a screenplay for those (like me) who couldn’t attend the play in London this past Summer. Unlike most, I loved having this screenplay. I knew it wasn’t going to be a novel, that most likely it would fall short of my expectations but I was still excited. Can I just say that it met my expectations and then some!
I think the novel of this book is getting to see my favorite characters as adults, my own age, dealing with their kids and the hassle of every day life. Harry and Hermione work for the Ministry of Magic, Ron’s taken over the joke shop, Ginny is her mom….I seriously loved this! Harry after 19 years still has nightmares about the battle of Hogwarts, his role in it and his connection to Voldemort. It’s interesting to see the aftereffects, seeing the post-traumatic stress that surrounds these characters, the fear of Voldemort somehow returning, and the grief they still feel 19 years later for those they lost.
The real draw though is reading about their children and their adventures at Hogwarts. I loved Albus, like absolutely adored him. He’s a miniature Harry through and through. He’s constantly in trouble, an outcast and even in his own family has a hard time relating to his dad. It’s interesting to see how similar and different the story is to Harry’s own story. My favorite character of the book though is Draco’s son Scorpius. He’s misunderstood, an outcast like Albus, and somehow he understands Albus better than anyone. The two strike up a friendship very similar to Ron and Harry and I just love them. Scorpius is the exact opposite of his dad, but at the same time I believe he is who Draco could have been without the pressure to follow Voldemort.
The plot of the play revolves around an outlawed, not-supposed-to-exist time-turner. Albus gets his hands on one and well that’s the story, a misguided attempt to save a boy killed by Voldemort which results in big changes. I didn’t care for the use of the time turner in the story. I felt like it was too familiar for fans of the series as we’ve been there and done that when Sirius was saved. However I still found myself engrossed. I read the play in one sitting, about 4 hours. Remember even though it’s 300+ pages, it’s a screenplay. It does not take long to read dialogue. If you’re a fan of the series, I highly recommend you read it. It’s a fun, nostalgic romp with your best friends…erhm I mean favorite characters.
I think the novel of this book is getting to see my favorite characters as adults, my own age, dealing with their kids and the hassle of every day life. Harry and Hermione work for the Ministry of Magic, Ron’s taken over the joke shop, Ginny is her mom….I seriously loved this! Harry after 19 years still has nightmares about the battle of Hogwarts, his role in it and his connection to Voldemort. It’s interesting to see the aftereffects, seeing the post-traumatic stress that surrounds these characters, the fear of Voldemort somehow returning, and the grief they still feel 19 years later for those they lost.
The real draw though is reading about their children and their adventures at Hogwarts. I loved Albus, like absolutely adored him. He’s a miniature Harry through and through. He’s constantly in trouble, an outcast and even in his own family has a hard time relating to his dad. It’s interesting to see how similar and different the story is to Harry’s own story. My favorite character of the book though is Draco’s son Scorpius. He’s misunderstood, an outcast like Albus, and somehow he understands Albus better than anyone. The two strike up a friendship very similar to Ron and Harry and I just love them. Scorpius is the exact opposite of his dad, but at the same time I believe he is who Draco could have been without the pressure to follow Voldemort.
The plot of the play revolves around an outlawed, not-supposed-to-exist time-turner. Albus gets his hands on one and well that’s the story, a misguided attempt to save a boy killed by Voldemort which results in big changes. I didn’t care for the use of the time turner in the story. I felt like it was too familiar for fans of the series as we’ve been there and done that when Sirius was saved. However I still found myself engrossed. I read the play in one sitting, about 4 hours. Remember even though it’s 300+ pages, it’s a screenplay. It does not take long to read dialogue. If you’re a fan of the series, I highly recommend you read it. It’s a fun, nostalgic romp with your best friends…erhm I mean favorite characters.
I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Reliquary by Sarah Fine is an interesting take on the world of magic. Mattie Carver’s life is planned out and the engagement party should have been the start of her wonderful life. Instead it ends with her fiancé Ben’s violent abduction and Mattie following him down the rabbit hole.
I like Mattie and at times I wanted to scream at her. She is a strong, independent woman who loves fiercely and is loyal to a fault. When she learns of the world Ben has been hiding from her, she’s equal parts appalled and intrigued. When she finds his brother who she’s heard nothing but bad things about, she’s confused. Is this the man she’s heard about? I like the character’s reactions to everything she encounters. It’s real and honest, and her reactions are justified.
Now as much as I liked Mattie, I LOVE Asa. Asa is Ben’s older, absent brother. He’s rough around the edges, brutally honest, and spares no one’s feelings. Yet he’s got a soft side, one that rarely comes out but when it does, it’s gorgeous. He’s deep into the world of magic and he knows his way around. He’s cunning and protective. Honestly I want an Asa!
So the plot of this book really sets up the series in my opinion. Mattie is new to the underworld of magic. Her fiancé has hid it from her and now with him gone she has to learn it on her own and fast. Not only that but she learns this is in her blood. She has a special ability that allows her to hold magic inside of her, hiding it from others who seek it. Asa plans to use this power to save his brother if she’s willing. The people who took Ben send Asa and Mattie across the world in search of ancient magic. It’s up to them to bring it back in exchange for Ben.
Overall I loved the imagery and world-building. I loved the tense romance, the loyalty shown by Mattie and the emotions portrayed by Asa. I loved every word. It’s a little slow to start, and I’ll admit even a little confusing which is why it lost one star for me. If you enjoy urban fantasy, paranormal romance, I highly recommend it!
Reliquary by Sarah Fine is an interesting take on the world of magic. Mattie Carver’s life is planned out and the engagement party should have been the start of her wonderful life. Instead it ends with her fiancé Ben’s violent abduction and Mattie following him down the rabbit hole.
I like Mattie and at times I wanted to scream at her. She is a strong, independent woman who loves fiercely and is loyal to a fault. When she learns of the world Ben has been hiding from her, she’s equal parts appalled and intrigued. When she finds his brother who she’s heard nothing but bad things about, she’s confused. Is this the man she’s heard about? I like the character’s reactions to everything she encounters. It’s real and honest, and her reactions are justified.
Now as much as I liked Mattie, I LOVE Asa. Asa is Ben’s older, absent brother. He’s rough around the edges, brutally honest, and spares no one’s feelings. Yet he’s got a soft side, one that rarely comes out but when it does, it’s gorgeous. He’s deep into the world of magic and he knows his way around. He’s cunning and protective. Honestly I want an Asa!
So the plot of this book really sets up the series in my opinion. Mattie is new to the underworld of magic. Her fiancé has hid it from her and now with him gone she has to learn it on her own and fast. Not only that but she learns this is in her blood. She has a special ability that allows her to hold magic inside of her, hiding it from others who seek it. Asa plans to use this power to save his brother if she’s willing. The people who took Ben send Asa and Mattie across the world in search of ancient magic. It’s up to them to bring it back in exchange for Ben.
Overall I loved the imagery and world-building. I loved the tense romance, the loyalty shown by Mattie and the emotions portrayed by Asa. I loved every word. It’s a little slow to start, and I’ll admit even a little confusing which is why it lost one star for me. If you enjoy urban fantasy, paranormal romance, I highly recommend it!
I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
As much as I enjoyed book one of Reliquary by Sarah Fine, I LOVED Splinter! In six weeks, Mattie will get the happily ever after she’s dreamed of. She and Ben will be married and everything that’s happened can go away. But she’s sick. She knows deep down the something is wrong. She’s losing weight, her chest feels like it will split open and that doesn’t even begin to touch the emotional trauma at having made her choice over Asa. Did she chose wrong?
Mattie is distraught to say the least this book. She’s struggling to survive, day to day. These anxiety attacks that aren’t really anxiety keep coming and there’s no way around it. The clinic, Ben’s clinic, is bankrupt and now he’s forcing her back to the world of magic to make some quick money. Except she doesn’t want to and when he betrays her in a way she could never anticipate, there’s only one person she can turn to.
Asa…Asa comes to the rescue but he’s angry. He believes that Mattie has been fooling with magic all along and now it will kill her. He plans to help her and then leave but there’s always more to the story. He’s loyal and protective of her and so easy to fall in love with. I fell for him in the first book but his gentle care of Mattie, even his tolerance of Ben puts him on a pedestal in my eyes!
The plot revolves around Ben’s gross betrayal of Mattie and a splinter of magic still trapped inside her. I love the continued world-building in this book. Asa takes them to a carnival of fellow magic users and I’m amazed at the gypsy life they live. I loved it! The intense action, the fantastical elements, and even the romance that continues to add tension to the story drew me in. If you’re a fan of the series or looking for a good paranormal romance/urban fantasy, I highly recommend you grab a copy and start today!
As much as I enjoyed book one of Reliquary by Sarah Fine, I LOVED Splinter! In six weeks, Mattie will get the happily ever after she’s dreamed of. She and Ben will be married and everything that’s happened can go away. But she’s sick. She knows deep down the something is wrong. She’s losing weight, her chest feels like it will split open and that doesn’t even begin to touch the emotional trauma at having made her choice over Asa. Did she chose wrong?
Mattie is distraught to say the least this book. She’s struggling to survive, day to day. These anxiety attacks that aren’t really anxiety keep coming and there’s no way around it. The clinic, Ben’s clinic, is bankrupt and now he’s forcing her back to the world of magic to make some quick money. Except she doesn’t want to and when he betrays her in a way she could never anticipate, there’s only one person she can turn to.
Asa…Asa comes to the rescue but he’s angry. He believes that Mattie has been fooling with magic all along and now it will kill her. He plans to help her and then leave but there’s always more to the story. He’s loyal and protective of her and so easy to fall in love with. I fell for him in the first book but his gentle care of Mattie, even his tolerance of Ben puts him on a pedestal in my eyes!
The plot revolves around Ben’s gross betrayal of Mattie and a splinter of magic still trapped inside her. I love the continued world-building in this book. Asa takes them to a carnival of fellow magic users and I’m amazed at the gypsy life they live. I loved it! The intense action, the fantastical elements, and even the romance that continues to add tension to the story drew me in. If you’re a fan of the series or looking for a good paranormal romance/urban fantasy, I highly recommend you grab a copy and start today!
Ash & Bramble by Sarah Prineas wasn't exactly what I was expecting. It's a fairy tale retelling of the classic Cinderella but with a fresh twist and unique villain. Pin is a seamstress in the Godmother's fortress. It's the only life she knows, but she knows there was a Before and she is determined to breakout. With the help of Shoe the shoemaker (how's that for originality?!), Pin finds it takes courage, bravery, and cunning to get the happily ever after she wants.
So I could easily rate the three parts of this book: Part 1 four stars, Part 2 three stars, and Part 3 five stars (the author's already divided the book in parts for me). The first part is exciting, a little confusing, and more than intriguing. There's a ton of world building and set up for the story but then part two happens and the plot loses steam. The actual retelling occurs in this part and I really struggled. Finally in part three everything ties together with part one and I was reminded why I was intrigued. I say all of this to say that when reading tough it out through the slow middle ;)
Pin and Shoe are fun characters. Pin is bold, courageous and thinks outside of the box. Shoe is sweet and kind, his attention to detail is endearing. The two together make an unstoppable force. I <3 them!
Overall I really enjoyed the story from the beginning to the end. I liked the idea of Story being an actual evil force behind the characters' lives. It made for an interesting, unique take on fairytale retellings. If you enjoy clean, YA romance/fantasy, I highly recommend it!
So I could easily rate the three parts of this book: Part 1 four stars, Part 2 three stars, and Part 3 five stars (the author's already divided the book in parts for me). The first part is exciting, a little confusing, and more than intriguing. There's a ton of world building and set up for the story but then part two happens and the plot loses steam. The actual retelling occurs in this part and I really struggled. Finally in part three everything ties together with part one and I was reminded why I was intrigued. I say all of this to say that when reading tough it out through the slow middle ;)
Pin and Shoe are fun characters. Pin is bold, courageous and thinks outside of the box. Shoe is sweet and kind, his attention to detail is endearing. The two together make an unstoppable force. I <3 them!
Overall I really enjoyed the story from the beginning to the end. I liked the idea of Story being an actual evil force behind the characters' lives. It made for an interesting, unique take on fairytale retellings. If you enjoy clean, YA romance/fantasy, I highly recommend it!
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review
Rose & Thorn by Sarah Prineas is set in the same world as [b:Ash & Bramble|20652088|Ash & Bramble (Ash & Bramble, #1)|Sarah Prineas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1424189549s/20652088.jpg|39947224], 50 years later and is a loose retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty. Story has returned, setting in motion a three-fold curse on a young girl who doesn’t need a Prince Charming to complete her story.
I like Rose. She’s a bit naive, having been raised by Shoe (yes that Shoe) in a cottage in the woods with no interaction with other people. Rose has an innocence about her that instantly makes you like her. She’s soft-spoken, curious and eventually grows a backbone and takes a stand for herself.
Griff is the son of the City’s Lord Protector and a curse eater. He breaks my heart in the beginning. He struggles with showing no emotions, struggles with determining right from wrong, and then his own curse as a curse eater. He basically has the ability to break someone else’s curse with one touch. The problem with this is most people do not want their curses taken away and then for Griff it hurts him to do so. I liked seeing this character’s progression throughout the book.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! If you liked [b:Ash & Bramble|20652088|Ash & Bramble (Ash & Bramble, #1)|Sarah Prineas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1424189549s/20652088.jpg|39947224] or you’re a fan of retellings, I highly recommend it. Please note that this is a standalone in the series and you do not have to read book one in order to enjoy this one, though I do recommend you read them in order
Rose & Thorn by Sarah Prineas is set in the same world as [b:Ash & Bramble|20652088|Ash & Bramble (Ash & Bramble, #1)|Sarah Prineas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1424189549s/20652088.jpg|39947224], 50 years later and is a loose retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty. Story has returned, setting in motion a three-fold curse on a young girl who doesn’t need a Prince Charming to complete her story.
I like Rose. She’s a bit naive, having been raised by Shoe (yes that Shoe) in a cottage in the woods with no interaction with other people. Rose has an innocence about her that instantly makes you like her. She’s soft-spoken, curious and eventually grows a backbone and takes a stand for herself.
Griff is the son of the City’s Lord Protector and a curse eater. He breaks my heart in the beginning. He struggles with showing no emotions, struggles with determining right from wrong, and then his own curse as a curse eater. He basically has the ability to break someone else’s curse with one touch. The problem with this is most people do not want their curses taken away and then for Griff it hurts him to do so. I liked seeing this character’s progression throughout the book.
Story sets out its cogwheels, its driving pistons. It plans its devices: a beauty and a castle, a rose and three curses. And thorns. Always thorns.In my opinion this book is better than [b:Ash & Bramble|20652088|Ash & Bramble (Ash & Bramble, #1)|Sarah Prineas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1424189549s/20652088.jpg|39947224], though I’ll admit that I really missed Pen and Shoe. There is no lag in the plot and it moves at a nice pace. There’s continued world-building as the author explains the changes in the world during the lats 50 years. I loved the way she does this by seeing it through the eyes of the characters. Another thing I loved was the dual POV. The chapters alternated between Rose and Griff. While she did this with Pen and Shoe in the first book, it was more Pen then Shoe. Not the case here. It’s almost even and truly endears Griff to me. I also loved the slow, sweet romance that develops between them.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! If you liked [b:Ash & Bramble|20652088|Ash & Bramble (Ash & Bramble, #1)|Sarah Prineas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1424189549s/20652088.jpg|39947224] or you’re a fan of retellings, I highly recommend it. Please note that this is a standalone in the series and you do not have to read book one in order to enjoy this one, though I do recommend you read them in order