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starringsteph's Reviews (345)


This novel is the SECOND book in its series so it may contain spoilers for The Bone Season!

If you have read my first review then you may already realize how much I love this series. In that case, let it be no surprise that I loved this book just as much if not more!

The Mime Order absolutely blew my mind away. With a strong description of the world in the first novel, this following novel is finally able to get things happen, resulting in an AMAZING plot. Not only that, but the entire thing is an absolutely fantastic read due to the elegantly written novel.

Now that you have read The Bone Season I can include more about the romance in this series! Ahh... Warden. He is a pretty stereotypical untouchable sort of YA boyfriend, but in many ways he is also quite unique. Warden himself is a standard type of YA boyfriend. Which category? Warden would go under the bad boy with a dark past that a girl shouldn't be dating because of their status' or in this case, being different races (not like ethnicity, but more as in not the human race...). However, the relationship between Warden and Paige is unique to others. Paige is able to showcase her strength and she is definitely wise beyond her years. However, overall Paige definitely shows signs of thinking of Warden at crucial times, but, honestly, even I was distracted by Warden throughout the novel and I can't blame her!

This brings me to how much I adore Paige for all she is. She is:
- strong
- witty
- loyal (to her beliefs)
- smart (especially with last minute situations)
- naive with romance (which can be frustrating, but more hilarious to watch)
- yet flawed
Samantha created such an amazing main character and reading this through Paige's perspective is delightful (as delightful as going to a bookstore delightful).

Now let me explain my dilemma after such an amazing read. You may have heard on my instagram, but I had an ultimate fail when it came to this series... I was approved for the e-arc (The Song Rising) and I FORGOT TO DOWNLOAD IT IN TIME. (*dies a hundred times inside, yes do you feel my pain*). Not only was that a completely horrible slip up on my part, but after reading these two books I REALLY WANT THE NEXT ONE. If anyone wants any real, honest words about this novel... all I can say is learn from me and just purchase all three books (you're welcome in advance).

This book and the series in general is something I'd recommend to everyone. If you have any recommendations for me or anything else book related comment below!

Quick and easy read but also lots of tears. This book tells such an important message.

Review to come soon.

Full Review: http://bringingpaperback.weebly.com/blog/never-always-sometimes

Amber Sunrise is an absolutely brilliant, funny, and wonderful girl, but this book was, unfortunately, not up to par for me. This novel follows the stereotypical plot of a cancer ridden teen (aka a similar plot to what most people would know as The Fault in Our Stars). However, don't get me wrong I actually do love a good stereotypical YA novel! I just didn't find this novel to grab my interest as well as others do.

After reading so many novels, most readers have that same sense as to when you watch a scary movie and you just want to scream, "DON'T OPEN THE DOOR!", but with romance and life issues instead of bloody murderers delivering pizza. In a sense everything felt too predictable for me.

My favorite part of the novel is mainly the character development. Francis is definitely a brave soul, and after facing cancer it's clear he can handle a lot (like his dad!). It is strange however, that even in a first person narrative of Francis I feel like I almost understand Amber better. Amber is a great inspiration for people to have and she just always seems to have this spunk and eternal optimism to her. Francis's family is also such a great group of people. I found it so kind of them to be there for him so much, especially his mother who really worked so hard for him that her own life had to be put on pause until he got better.

One more thing I wish was expanded on more was the cancer itself. There was a lot of mentioning of days in bed, but it almost seemed to completely push away the pain of cancer to the side. It was strange to read this novel seeming as if cancer is just a lack of hair and going to the restroom at night to puke. Yes, this is just a YA novel so clearly all the details won't be found in the book, but it was just something I thought could be portrayed more accurately.

I could almost see this becoming a better movie than it is a book. The scenes that float in my mind seem to wish to see more detail of what's actually going on than just the words that are in the book. (this is just my opinion however.)

I am filled with emotions because of this book. I was honestly quite skeptical BUT LET ME EXPLAIN WHY. I connected with Cam A LOT. I started reading this book with a VERY realistic view and everything that occurred made me laugh or shake my head at the craziness. However, I found myself wishing for more and more miracles as the book went on.

Now let's back up to the beginning of the story. I loved the way Wendy Wunder wrote this novel. Cam is definitely one of the funniest characters I have ever read about. She is sarcastic and throws jokes, but her pain and suffering make her feel real. I could honestly imagine meeting Cam in real life, which is something that can be hard to say especially when reading a fiction, young adult novel.

I absolutely LOVED the plot. Ridiculous at times, but that just made it even more hopeful and inspiring(? don't know really how to describe it.) The vibe of this book is just unbelievable and not something I can even put into words (SO JUST GO AND READ IT ;) !),

Cam is one of the most inspirational bookish characters. She is funny, smart, and adventurous and it makes this novel such an adventure to read. Then there is Asher, who is fictional boyfriends goals. He is sweet, and caring and almost too perfect. Their romance is a sweet very traditional YA love story types, but it's cute and who doesn't love a good YA romance!

(FYI) This is the PERFECT summer book. I felt that summer haze feeling as soon as Cam entered Maine. Since it is currently summer, it felt really nice to read!

Full Review: http://bringingpaperback.weebly.com/blog/everything-everything