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raissasreads's reviews
249 reviews
Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard
3.0
I enjoyed the companion stories in this collection - they did fill in gaps with characters we knew little about or never really explored fully in the series. I give it a three star rating as these short stories aren't as substantial to the main plot as some other short story collections I have read, but are still enjoyable.
Queen Song
This was my favorite of the two - Coriane was a difficult character to write in the mindset of as we see her start to fall apart mentally from the struggles she faces as a less fortunate lady of the High Houses and as the unexpected queen. The only thing I could comment on is that it was unclear of Elara's true affect on Coriane, as some passages contradict themselves. It was still an enjoyable piece however.
Steel Scars
This story was a bit too long for what it was worth in my opinion. Reading in Farley's point of view is more than welcome after not seeing much of her true internal struggles through the Red Queen series, and it fills in some important holes in her story. I enjoyed reading the relationship between her and Shade develop, as well as the finer details of the inner workings of the Scarlet Guard.
Queen Song
This was my favorite of the two - Coriane was a difficult character to write in the mindset of as we see her start to fall apart mentally from the struggles she faces as a less fortunate lady of the High Houses and as the unexpected queen. The only thing I could comment on is that it was unclear of Elara's true affect on Coriane, as some passages contradict themselves. It was still an enjoyable piece however.
Steel Scars
This story was a bit too long for what it was worth in my opinion. Reading in Farley's point of view is more than welcome after not seeing much of her true internal struggles through the Red Queen series, and it fills in some important holes in her story. I enjoyed reading the relationship between her and Shade develop, as well as the finer details of the inner workings of the Scarlet Guard.
The Heir by Kiera Cass
4.0
I flew through this book and one day, and though I’ve read it in the past, it was certainly a whirlwind to go through again.
Let me start off with the fact that there are indeed problems with Eadlyn as the protagonist. I was ready to cut her some slack but I could definitely see why reviews of her were harsh - certainly in the beginning, she comes off as distant and self-centered, trying to be strong but being too forceful about it. However, as the book progresses, we see her mature and question herself, which makes her grow more humble and lovable as she explores the possibilities the Selection offers her. I am looking forward to growing even more with her through the Crown.
Let me start off with the fact that there are indeed problems with Eadlyn as the protagonist. I was ready to cut her some slack but I could definitely see why reviews of her were harsh - certainly in the beginning, she comes off as distant and self-centered, trying to be strong but being too forceful about it. However, as the book progresses, we see her mature and question herself, which makes her grow more humble and lovable as she explores the possibilities the Selection offers her. I am looking forward to growing even more with her through the Crown.
The Crown by Kiera Cass
4.0
A complaint that this series gets is how Eadlyn is very self-centered, but this finale seriously takes that trait that she obviously possessed and lets her grow beautifully from it. The events in this book increasingly reach worse outcomes for a time until she is able to finally let love reach her. This ending is a lovely trip down memory lane for the first three Selection books as well as a lovely, unexpected wrap-up for Eadlyn as we see her story end.
Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass
3.0
This was a sweet collection of novellas and extra clips that is particularly generous compared to YA short story collections. Most of the short stories were retellings in other characters’ POVs, which were nice, but I would’ve enjoyed more short stories filling in gaps in the timeline that weren’t fully explored in the original story arc. I give it a three star rating, as it is a good gift to fans of this world but definitely is not necessary or adds much to it.
The Queen
This is certainly one of the more intriguing stories, as we see that Amberly’s disposition is very different from America’s. The relationship between her and Clarkson is borderline abusive, and it is a story that I wish I could’ve seen more of.
The Prince
As a retelling, it is more of Maxon’s POV during the initial stages of the Selection. While interesting to read from the other perspective, this short story is almost entirely forgettable, as the sentiments he shares are repeated in Eadlyn’s story, which is in the main series.
The Guard
As another retelling, this story is similar to Maxon’s in that it shares scenes from the original Selection novels. But I did enjoy this perspective more, as we see Aspen’s undying love for America and the true commitment he shared for her. I would’ve liked to witness him fall for Lucy, as that was completely skipped over in this story.
The Favorite
I liked the back and forth format of this novella - it followed the present memory before Marlee’s caning and also showed flashbacks of Carter and Marlee’s story. This would have to be my favorite of the four novellas because of the unique format and because it really outlined the idea of true love overcoming death and all other consequences.
Celeste’s Scenes + The Maid + After The One
All of these were short and sweet and mostly forgettable. Celeste’s scenes only hardened her resolve as the antagonist and the maid could go hand-in-hand with The Guard. I enjoyed that I could finally see more of Aspen and Lucy’s beginnings, but it still left their story in a gray area as the amount of content was woefully low. My favorite of these additional scenes was the bonus epilogue of America and Maxon, as it gave me a warm fuzzy feeling of true love in general.
The Queen
This is certainly one of the more intriguing stories, as we see that Amberly’s disposition is very different from America’s. The relationship between her and Clarkson is borderline abusive, and it is a story that I wish I could’ve seen more of.
The Prince
As a retelling, it is more of Maxon’s POV during the initial stages of the Selection. While interesting to read from the other perspective, this short story is almost entirely forgettable, as the sentiments he shares are repeated in Eadlyn’s story, which is in the main series.
The Guard
As another retelling, this story is similar to Maxon’s in that it shares scenes from the original Selection novels. But I did enjoy this perspective more, as we see Aspen’s undying love for America and the true commitment he shared for her. I would’ve liked to witness him fall for Lucy, as that was completely skipped over in this story.
The Favorite
I liked the back and forth format of this novella - it followed the present memory before Marlee’s caning and also showed flashbacks of Carter and Marlee’s story. This would have to be my favorite of the four novellas because of the unique format and because it really outlined the idea of true love overcoming death and all other consequences.
Celeste’s Scenes + The Maid + After The One
All of these were short and sweet and mostly forgettable. Celeste’s scenes only hardened her resolve as the antagonist and the maid could go hand-in-hand with The Guard. I enjoyed that I could finally see more of Aspen and Lucy’s beginnings, but it still left their story in a gray area as the amount of content was woefully low. My favorite of these additional scenes was the bonus epilogue of America and Maxon, as it gave me a warm fuzzy feeling of true love in general.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
3.0
I had mixed expectations coming into this book series. I had heard multiple things about this first book so I went in warily, but with an optimistic mind - taking to heart some trusted warnings that this book isn't the greatest of the series. It was enjoyable and I devoured the whole thing within two days, but there were definitely some things that could have been better.
Celaena herself is a character that I enjoy. As an assassin, she is much more headstrong and ruthless than most of the female protagonists I read about. She was so wildly detached from everyone else in the beginning and you can clearly see her start to care more and more for people as the book continues. Though I finished a complete book of her story, I am not yet attached to her character, though I certainly expect to be as I continue the series.
I had heard multiple things about the "love triangle" in this book - but where was it? Any romance with Chaol was mentioned so briefly and was mostly one-sided on his part. They shared only a handful of moments that could have been considered romantic and I was always waiting for more. Dorian, on the other hand, had a true romance with her, though the future of it is left up in the air by the ending of the book. Celaena, to me, didn't seem at all interested in forming true love connections with anyone, as she was struggling so much with the idea of simply caring about people again! I was disappointed at the lack of angsty romance that I had been hoping for.
The fantasy aspect of the book itself - with the Wyrdmarks and alternate dimensions (?) was mildly confusing. I couldn't tell whether Celaena was dreaming or not some of the time, and I was mostly lost on the idea of the hidden veil in the world. I did like the idea that certain characters in the palace were well-versed on forbidden magic, in particular, Nehemia and the King, as this gives mountains of possible story content and outcomes to occur, and I am excited to see how the magic in this world develops.
Overall, it was a three-star rating for me as I can definitely tell that this is the first novel in the series. Many things were slightly underdeveloped, but there were also parts that were executed perfectly. It was an enjoyable book. I am excited to pick up the next one and see where it leads me!
Celaena herself is a character that I enjoy. As an assassin, she is much more headstrong and ruthless than most of the female protagonists I read about. She was so wildly detached from everyone else in the beginning and you can clearly see her start to care more and more for people as the book continues. Though I finished a complete book of her story, I am not yet attached to her character, though I certainly expect to be as I continue the series.
I had heard multiple things about the "love triangle" in this book - but where was it? Any romance with Chaol was mentioned so briefly and was mostly one-sided on his part. They shared only a handful of moments that could have been considered romantic and I was always waiting for more. Dorian, on the other hand, had a true romance with her, though the future of it is left up in the air by the ending of the book. Celaena, to me, didn't seem at all interested in forming true love connections with anyone, as she was struggling so much with the idea of simply caring about people again! I was disappointed at the lack of angsty romance that I had been hoping for.
The fantasy aspect of the book itself - with the Wyrdmarks and alternate dimensions (?) was mildly confusing. I couldn't tell whether Celaena was dreaming or not some of the time, and I was mostly lost on the idea of the hidden veil in the world. I did like the idea that certain characters in the palace were well-versed on forbidden magic, in particular, Nehemia and the King, as this gives mountains of possible story content and outcomes to occur, and I am excited to see how the magic in this world develops.
Overall, it was a three-star rating for me as I can definitely tell that this is the first novel in the series. Many things were slightly underdeveloped, but there were also parts that were executed perfectly. It was an enjoyable book. I am excited to pick up the next one and see where it leads me!
The Jewel by Amy Ewing
5.0
This was a fantastic beginning to what I think is going to be an incredible series to read. The characters were fascinating, the plot was interesting and continually moving forward, and the world was incredible, with the dynamics of the royals and the cutthroat environment that always had something new to add. And! That! Ending! I cannot wait to read the second book!
There is so much more to the jewel of the lone city than meets the eye, and as each layer is peeled back to reveal more, the reader is only even more captivated. We discover things about Violet as she finds herself entangled in a forbidden romance and life-or-death situations.
I have no idea why more people aren't talking about this book. I encourage everyone to pick it up and just give the first few chapters a try - you won't want to put it down!
There is so much more to the jewel of the lone city than meets the eye, and as each layer is peeled back to reveal more, the reader is only even more captivated. We discover things about Violet as she finds herself entangled in a forbidden romance and life-or-death situations.
I have no idea why more people aren't talking about this book. I encourage everyone to pick it up and just give the first few chapters a try - you won't want to put it down!
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
4.0
I certainly enjoyed this book more than the first one. The plot was a clean slate compared to the first one where we knew about each event that would pass, and it made the book more enjoyable as we didn't know where the story would end up. With the unfinished business that it ends in, I can see that this story is plotted out to be long and full of unexpected turns that I'm excited to read more about.
Revealing more and more about magic in this world, we follow Celaena as she begins work as the King's Champion and the challenges it brings. There is a game-changing event halfway through the story that blows the entire story completely off course, but reveals new secrets that make the characters question everything they've held dear and pulls the readers in more.
This book allows us to connect with Celaena so much more as she has to recover from a shattering heartbreak and we see her true work as an assassin. There are two big reveals about Celaena at the end of the story that have set the stakes at a tremendously high rate. The first one is a pleasant surprise to me, but the second one I saw from the moment it was first even mentioned.
I also enjoyed the reveals about the two male leads, Dorian and Chaol. Both of them become much deeper characters as more personal details are revealed and new conflicts arise. With Dorian especially, I now yearn for more of their story whereas in the first book, they seemed like they were placed only to fawn over Celaena.
This is however, still only a four (more like three and a half) star rating for me. Despite reading two books into this series now, I am not as committed to these characters as I want to be. It is taking me some time to settle into the story, and it may have to do with the high fantasy world that it takes place in that I haven't settled into in quite some time, but it also seems like one has to fully commit to this series as a whole and can't expect to be one or even a couple of books in and be fully invested. My interest is peaked enough though and the story is enthralling enough that I will definitely continue. I'm trusting a friend who says that the sequels only get better and better, and I have especially high hopes for Heir of Fire (my friend says this is the book that really sold her)!
Revealing more and more about magic in this world, we follow Celaena as she begins work as the King's Champion and the challenges it brings. There is a game-changing event halfway through the story that blows the entire story completely off course, but reveals new secrets that make the characters question everything they've held dear and pulls the readers in more.
This book allows us to connect with Celaena so much more as she has to recover from a shattering heartbreak and we see her true work as an assassin. There are two big reveals about Celaena at the end of the story that have set the stakes at a tremendously high rate. The first one is a pleasant surprise to me, but the second one I saw from the moment it was first even mentioned.
I also enjoyed the reveals about the two male leads, Dorian and Chaol. Both of them become much deeper characters as more personal details are revealed and new conflicts arise. With Dorian especially, I now yearn for more of their story whereas in the first book, they seemed like they were placed only to fawn over Celaena.
This is however, still only a four (more like three and a half) star rating for me. Despite reading two books into this series now, I am not as committed to these characters as I want to be. It is taking me some time to settle into the story, and it may have to do with the high fantasy world that it takes place in that I haven't settled into in quite some time, but it also seems like one has to fully commit to this series as a whole and can't expect to be one or even a couple of books in and be fully invested. My interest is peaked enough though and the story is enthralling enough that I will definitely continue. I'm trusting a friend who says that the sequels only get better and better, and I have especially high hopes for Heir of Fire (my friend says this is the book that really sold her)!