REVIEW: STORM SIREN BY MARY WEBER.

Title: Storm Siren
Author: Mary Weber
Series: Storm Siren #1
Edition: Hardbound
Publication: August 19th 2014 by Thomas Nelson
Source: Bought from Fullybooked
Pages: 333
Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis:
In a world at war, a slave girl’s lethal curse could become one kingdom’s weapon of salvation. If the curse—and the girl—can be controlled.

As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn’t merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth — meaning, she shouldn’t even exist.

Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.

Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she’s being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons.

But what if she doesn’t want to be the weapon they’ve all been waiting for?

Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, Storm Siren is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win.

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Was just so tempted to DNF at around 100 pages due to lack of events. There was literally nothing going on until about 200 pages in. World building was lacking, too. I appreciate the map but then that's it? What I don't understand as well is that Nym was a slave with Storm's power (sounds so intriguing) but the story didn't elaborate her history as a slave and as an Elemental. She was full of loathing and guilt for things she clearly didn't intend to do and then no backups in the story or anything. It was so focused on developing a very awkward romance between Nym and her trainer, Eogan. The enemy was attacking them already but Nym and Eogan was just non-stop bickering but still throwing hints that they have a thing for each other. I understand that the pressure of suddenly being the hero (by saving their kingdom from a war that I have no clue how started) is hard for her to accept but she could have focused on her training and used the opportunity to control her powers. But nah, she was just furious and jealous all the time. Plus, Eogan is a little manipulative, like whenever Nym is trying to explain herself, he would always flip the table and make Nym believe it's her fault. Like, wtaf.

I don't have anything good to say because for me, the story line is impressive but the execution failed. I had high hopes for this but meh. I don't recommend. Better try reading something else and save time.

"I think some have to fight harder to choose good over evil because the evil's got it out for them. And maybe it's because those're the ones evil knows will become the strongest warriors, recognizing true wickedness when it rears its head."

REVIEW: THE WRATH AND THE DAWN BY RENEE AHDIEH.

Title: The Wrath and the Dawn
Author: Renee Ahdieh
Series: The Wrath and the Dawn #1
Edition: Hardbound
Publication: May 12th 2015 by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Source: Bought
Pages: 404
Genre: Retelling, Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis:

One Life to One Dawn.

In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all.

Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected begins to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she'd imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It's an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid's life as retribution for the many lives he's stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets?

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ISBN: 0399171614 (ISBN13: 9780399171611)

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My heart just cannot fucking handle all the emotions The Wrath and the Dawn gave me. It's astonishingly good that I cannot - for the love of me - wrap my mind around how fucking extraordinary this book is! I hate myself so much for waiting this long to get into it but also proud of that I picked it up at my own pacing. I am also trying my best not to capslock for intensity but damn, I'm gonna fail right about now BECAUSE TWATD WAS FREAKING SOLID PUNCH IN THE GUT!

Shahrzad plans to kill the monster that murdered her best friend. Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan, marries and kills his bride by hanging each dawn. In order to avenge her best friend's death and stop the killings, she volunteered to be his bride. She knew she only had a day to live but Shahrzad being the clever person she is, made way for her death to be postponed for a day. She tells the King a story and ended it in a cliffhanger so she could continue the story the next day. And the next. She has to kill the Caliph and she has to do it fast. But unbelievable turn of events occurred and she's now faced with dilemma: the monster isn't the monster she thought he was and very much conflicted with her feelings.

I felt strings of emotions I never knew I am capable of feeling. I don't even know how to summarize this without spoiling but guuuuuuuuuuys, TWATD is definitely one of the best YA Fantasies I have ever read in my life! HANDS DOWN THE MOST THRILLING EVER! I know I've used "left me on edge" before so let me rephrase this as "made me shut the book and take a breather" kinda book! Ahdieh surely knows how to build up scenes and is confident to know exactly where to drop the bombs! Her writing is music to me and gosh, I was shrieking and giggling and crying and it was all wonderful. The story was certainly bloody and dark and I want more.

I have nothing but praises for this story. It legit made me fall in love with it. The absolute perfection of each character (HI, KHALID MI BABY LOVES), how blood weaves its way to love and how love produces magic, how each chapter holds so much anticipation and action? OUT OF THIS WORLD KIND OF GOOD! Aware of all the feels even, I am at a loss for words, really.

I heard that it's inspired by Thousand and One Arabian Nights but I haven't read that one yet. So the best way I could describe this is Beauty and the Beast-ish x 1000000 of amazing feels. Khalid has a very dark past but he's not a jerk at all and didn't use it as an excuse to be a jerk. He's very much to swoon for. He's interesting to the core, charming, passionate and self-less. Most especially, he's a true leader.

Khalid took me by surprise a lot and Shahrzad was simply mesmerizing! A beautiful queen indeed. She knows how to come out of situations she hasn't anticipated and she's very clever! She's stubborn and doesn't let anyone own her plus, she carries herself pretty well. She's not afraid to admit if she's hurt or if she wronged people. She's brave to have accepted her vulnerability and wise enough to have used her weaknesses as her strengths. I loved how her character developed and the progress of her relationship with her husband was perfectly executed.

ALSO, I CRIED LIKE A BABY AT PAGE 350. MY GOSH.

The Wrath and the Dawn is currently sitting at Number 1 in my Best Books of 2018. Thrilling and intense, it isn't that so hard to fall in love with this book! Absolutely enchanting and perfectly intoxicating!

"Some things exist in our lives for but a brief moment. And we must let them go on to light another sky."

"You have a beautiful laugh. Like the promise of tomorrow."

"There is no one I would rather see the sunrise with than you."

"I know love is fragile. And loving someone like you is near impossible. Like holding something shattered through a raging sandstorm. If you want her to love you, shelter her from that storm…And make certain that storm isn’t you."

REVIEW: THE TRAITOR'S GAME BY JENNIFER NIELSEN.

Title: The Traitor's Game
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Series: The Traitor's Game #1
Edition: Paperback
Publication: February 27th 2018 by Scholastic
Source: ARC provided by the published
Pages: 400
Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis:
Nothing is as it seems in the kingdom of Antora. Kestra Dallisor has spent three years in exile in the Lava Fields, but that won't stop her from being drawn back into her father's palace politics. He's the right hand man of the cruel king, Lord Endrick, which makes Kestra a valuable bargaining chip. A group of rebels knows this all too well -- and they snatch Kestra from her carriage as she reluctantly travels home.

The kidnappers want her to retrieve the lost Olden Blade, the only object that can destroy the immortal king, but Kestra is not the obedient captive they expected. Simon, one of her kidnappers, will have his hands full as Kestra tries to foil their plot, by force, cunning, or any means necessary. As motives shift and secrets emerge, both will have to decide what -- and who -- it is they're fighting for.

Jennifer A. Nielsen introduces us to an unforgettable new heroine in this epic tale of treachery and intrigue, love and deceit.

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My first book for February 2018 is done and I am glad it's The Traitor's Game by Jennifer Nielsen. I missed fantasy so much and this book quite satisfied the need. It took me a while to finish because WHAT IS BUSY LIFE and some parts just stopped picking up the pace plus there were lines that made me a little bit uncomfortable so I needed to pause. The reading experience was pleasant but I just didn't go crazy about it.

Kestra is a Dallisor - household name and enemy to all. Her father serves the evil Lord Endrick, as if being a Dallisor isn't enough. She was in exile for three year after a group of rebels kidnapped her but her father summons her for a fixed marriage. Her carriage was ambushed and her trusted trainer Darrow was held captive. The Coracks are known to be brutal and in order to save Darrow, she has to play their games. Or will she play them?

I read Jennifer's The False Prince and absolutely loved it. Jen has this amazing spin when it comes to treachery/deception of characters so The Traitor's Game really screamed JEN. But there were just too much plot twists. It is really a good thing because the story won't let you sit properly but there were parts I started getting confused. And this also made easily predict what's really up. Unraveling the mysteries with the characters wasn't that thrilling anymore and I strongly felt I was kinda let down. The revelations/discoveries of secrets was timely in the beginning then it went haywire on the latter part.

Kestra's character was also annoying most of the time. She's such a clever and tough girl but her inner monologues were too much. There were times I can barely tolerate her. But there is definitely character arc and I bet she's going to be way better in Book 2.

Lastly, I don't understand the romance part (though I am glad there's no love triangle *knock on wood). Everything took place within four days, they hated each other, they are enemies by blood then oh so suddenly, the sexual tension was that much?? Good thing Simon's good nature complimented Kestra's. Or else, I would have DNFed this haha

Though both books kinda have the same theme,
The Traitor's Game didn't top my love for The False Prince. I wish it were smoother. Just because it's a title I would not recommend in a heartbeat, doesn't mean it isn't good. Would absolutely pick up Book 2 and hope for the best.

Thank you so so much for the galley, Scholastic Asia-Philippines!

"You are ripping at my heart, Kes. Every time I reach out and you pull back. Every time you offer a smile to someone who's not me. When you doubt me, or mistrust me, or hide your secrets away, it's like a claw that shreds me from within. When we're together, I forget how to breathe, but whne we're apart, I realize you've become my air. I want you to take a risk, but take it with me. Risk yourself with me."

"Life doesn't give us what we want. It gives us what we need and asks what we will do with it."

REVIEW: POISON'S CAGE BY BREEANA SHIELDS.

Title: Poison's Cage
Author: Breeana Shields
Series: Poison's Kiss #2
Edition: Paperback
Publication: January 16th 2018 by Random House Books for Young Readers
Source: ARC provided by the publisher
Pages: 336
Category: Mythology, Romance, Fantasy

Synopsis:

A single kiss could kill. A single secret could save the kingdom.

Iyla and Marinda have killed many men together: Iyla as the seductress, Marinda as the final, poisonous kiss. Now they understand who the real enemy is—the Snake King—and together they can take him down. Both girls have felt as though they were living a lie in the past, so moving into the King's palace and pretending to serve him isn't as difficult as it sounds. But when you're a spy, even secrets between friends are dangerous. And each girl has something—or someone—to lose. Does every secret, every lie, bring them closer to the truth or . . . to a trap?

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ISBN13: 9781101937860

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WARNING: MAY CONTAIN SLIGHT SPOILERS HEHE

I just finished reading the last page of Poison's Cage and woooooooowsa, I am blown away. This is waaaay better than the first book and absolutely the perfect ending for a duology! I was kinda hoping there's a third book but I am absolutely satisfied with how things wrapped up! It was truly an amazing read!

Poison's Cage let me walk along side Iyla and Marinda in their quest to destroy the Nagaraja. The story is told from their alternating perspectives and it is so fascinating to be able to see everything from both sides. Iyla is such a tough cookie but her longing for Marinda's affection, her resentments towards what she lost and the emptiness of being an just option have all dawned in her and it's relatable in ways I can't even pinpoint. Her struggles of choose between her own life or Marinda's gave me such conflict as well but her loyalty and love for her friend outweigh any doubts. Shields gave Iyla's story redemption and hope that I thought it would end there, but she gave her love, true love in fact, that made me so happy! Iyla deserves so much more and indeed, it was even beyond what I expected. And I think I might have fallen in love with Fazel's lightness and sincere character. They balance each other well. One rejects kindness like a reflex and one gives kindness without reservation.

Marinda grew up so much in this installment. Her doubts and assumptions are all obvious throughout the story but it made her so real, so raw, that her pain pinches my heart. However, the good in her triumphs in situations she can easily kill. Despite the agony she just went through (OMG, THIS PART FELT LIKE I'VE BROKEN A BONE OR SOMETHING BECAUSE UGH EXCRUCIATING PAIN), she remained hopeful and unafraid to love the people around her.

The twists and turns of the story just floored me. Some parts can be easily predicted but Shields have so many things up on her sleeve apparently. The mythology has been nothing but richer and she owned this story, backed up by her research and love for the Hindu, Buddhist and Indian mythologies. I've never used this phrase in a while but believe me when I say this is mind-blowing!

There's no perfect ending for Poison's Kiss than Poison's Cage. Fast-paced, mythology-rich and exquisite character arcs, this book lands a spot in my Best Books of 2018, no doubt! It was beautifully written and I want more books like this in my life and in yours, too!

Thank you, Penguin Random House International, for the galley!

"But I learned a long time ago that tears are thieves of power."

"I need him to fall for me-at least enough to loosen his lips and dislodge his secrets. And I can't do that if I let myself be charmed by his easy laugh. By the way his skin feels like velvet against mine."

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: BATMAN: NIGHTWALKER BY MARIE LU.

Happy New Year, everybody! Hope you had a blast lasy NY Day! I surely did! Today I will share my first review of the year! Thank you JM of The Bookfreak Revelations for hosting this tour and PRH International for sending in my review copy!

Title: Batman: Nightwalker
Author: Marie Lu
Series: DC Icons #2
Edition: Paperback
Publication: January 2nd 2018 by Random House Books for Young Readers
Source: ARC provided by the publisher
Pages: 272
Category: Fantasy, Romance, Heroes, Retelling

Synopsis:
Before he was Batman, he was Bruce Wayne. A reckless boy willing to break the rules for a girl who may be his worst enemy.

The Nightwalkers are terrorizing Gotham City, and Bruce Wayne is next on their list.

One by one, the city's elites are being executed as their mansions' security systems turn against them, trapping them like prey. Meanwhile, Bruce is turning eighteen and about to inherit his family's fortune, not to mention the keys to Wayne Enterprises and all the tech gadgetry his heart could ever desire. But after a run-in with the police, he's forced to do community service at Arkham Asylum, the infamous prison that holds the city's most brutal criminals.

Madeleine Wallace is a brilliant killer . . . and Bruce's only hope.

In Arkham, Bruce meets Madeleine, a brilliant girl with ties to the Nightwalkers. What is she hiding? And why will she speak only to Bruce? Madeleine is the mystery Bruce must unravel. But is he getting her to divulge her secrets, or is he feeding her the information she needs to bring Gotham City to its knees? Bruce will walk the dark line between trust and betrayal as the Nightwalkers circle closer.

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ISBN13: 9780399549786

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It is fitting that Batman: Nightwalker is my first read of 2018. New Year, new stuff.. right? It is also my first 2018 Blog Tour review and my first ever Marie Lu book so HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ME, INDEED!

I was so happy to have been given an ARC of Nightwalker because I was really looking forward to getting this one. The first book in this series was by Leigh Bardugo and I have absolutely fell in love with her take in Wonderwoman's story. It did set the bar quite high, if I am being honest. But the authors of this series are no doubt going to blow my mind to bits, and I have never been right in my life in this level. My first Marie Lu book was absolutely phenomenal.

To be honest, I am not THAT of a DC fan. I am a Marvel kinda person but I am familiar with Bruce Wayne. Lu gave me a different side of Bruce and I am so relieved that this book is finally out in the wild! Lu wrote it in a very uplifting way and it is such an eye-opener. The politics in the story is honestly? THE TRUTH! It is happening right now in our government and Lu remarkably took this chance to dissect it like no one has done before.

What truly made me fall in love with this book is Lu's inclusion of diverse characters. I was sooooo happy and fascinated to have met a Filipina character - yes, a side character that felt so Hermione-ish to me - a character that resonated with me as a Filipina. Aside from that, Lu was able to explore each of the characters in a way that reflected not only their physical attributes but their intentions and hearts. I saw how Lu gave these characters their own timeline to shine. IT WAS JUST BASICALLY AN AMAZING BOOK THAT I LOVED SO DEARLY YOU REALLY NEED TO GET THIS.

Younger Bruce is still the Bruce I know todat. He's still the loving person I adored. It melted my heart how much he is willing to sacrifice for those that matter to him. In this book, we can definitely see his vulnerability but despite the fear, he still trusted his heart. Everything in his story is well-balanced and I really, deeply wish Lu would write a sequel. BECAUSE AN ENDING LIKE THAT REQUIRES A SEQUEL.

Also, my love for Alfred with never ever dwindle. EVER.
AND I SCREAMED WHEN DETECTIVE GORDON WAS INTRODUCED! LIKE, IT WAS THE BEST THING TO HAVE GRACED THESE PAGES EVER HAHA!
Lastly, what could Madeleine and Kady (Illuminae) do if given a chance to work together?

Batman: Nightwalker is such action-packed novel that I could not literally put down! Marie Lu has proven how amazing she writes and her take on Batman is one version that will stick with me for a long time! Highly recommended for those people who love stories with hackers/underground notorious groups/droids and BATMAN! REWARD YOURSELF AND GO PICK THIS ONE UP NOW!

Thank you PRH International for the galley!

"Just because one can doesn't mean one should."

REVIEW: WONDER WOMAN: WARBRINGER BY LEIGH BARDUGO.

Title: Wonder Woman: Warbringer
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: DC Icons #1
Edition: Paperback
Publication: August 29th 2017 by Random House Books for Young Readers
Source: ARC provided by the Publisher
Pages: 384
Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis:
She will become one of the world’s greatest heroes: WONDER WOMAN. But first she is Diana, Princess of the Amazons. And her fight is just beginning. . . .

Diana longs to prove herself to her legendary warrior sisters. But when the opportunity finally comes, she throws away her chance at glory and breaks Amazon law—risking exile—to save a mere mortal. Even worse, Alia Keralis is no ordinary girl and with this single brave act, Diana may have doomed the world.

Alia just wanted to escape her overprotective brother with a semester at sea. She doesn’t know she is being hunted. When a bomb detonates aboard her ship, Alia is rescued by a mysterious girl of extraordinary strength and forced to confront a horrible truth: Alia is a Warbringer—a direct descendant of the infamous Helen of Troy, fated to bring about an age of bloodshed and misery.

Together, Diana and Alia will face an army of enemies—mortal and divine—determined to either destroy or possess the Warbringer. If they have any hope of saving both their worlds, they will have to stand side by side against the tide of war.

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:
ISBN: 978-0-399-54973-1

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I was sent an advance copy of Wonder Woman: Warbringer back in May and I couldn't contain my happiness. It is one of my Most Anticipated Titles this year but I didn't devour it right away. I read it right after I watched Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman and it was the perfect time to read it. I was still super hungover with the movie that I was hoping to cure it with another dose of awesomeness which is Leigh Bardugo but it only gotten worse. I NEED MORE. I. NEED. MORE.

Now reading: #WonderWoman Warbringer by @LBardugo ❤ pic.twitter.com/RphuYN7FK7

— Kate au Barca (@BookishBlurber) June 17, 2017

I have everything I need in this book! I fell deeply inlove with the book not only because of Diana, the kickass plot or Queen Leigh but because of how diverse the characters are. And most importantly, they have been given equal amounts of 'airtime' (pagetime? exposure?) to really expound their parts in the story. It was amazing to see that this book didn't just revolve around Diana but with the rest of the crew. Also, I'm floored that we have a superb friendship in this book, Diana and Alia are the perfect BFFs! Leigh just knew how to empower women and that doesn't always need to have THAT romance in it. NIM IS MY FAVORITE!!

Just finished! I'm so lucky to have read another NYT Bestseller book in advance! ❤❤❤❤❤❤ pic.twitter.com/lGWcI81vlT

— Kate au Barca (@BookishBlurber) June 18, 2017

There's now way I could give justice to how hilarious and fabulous this book is. Leigh proved that she's not only an NYT Bestselling Author but she could be THE NYT Bestselling Author. Wonder Woman: Warbringer gave me what I hoped and more. This one speaks volumes. I cannot believe I'm this lucky to have read another bestseller in advance! Truly unputdownable, astounding, brilliant!!!!

Thank you so much, Penguin Random House Global for the ARC!

"Sister in battle, I am shield and blade to you. As I breathe, your enemies will know no sanctuary. While I live, your cause is mine."

REVIEW: SPINDLE FIRE BY LEXA HILLYER.

Title: Spindle Fire
Author: Lexa Hillyer
Series: Spindle Fire #1
Edition: Paperback
Publication: April 11th 2017 by Harper Teen
Source: ARC provided by the publisher
Pages: 368
Genre: Retellings, Romance, Fantasy

Synopsis:
A kingdom burns. A princess sleeps. This is no fairy tale.

It all started with the burning of the spindles.

No.

It all started with a curse…

Half sisters Isabelle and Aurora are polar opposites: Isabelle is the king’s headstrong illegitimate daughter, whose sight was tithed by faeries; Aurora, beautiful and sheltered, was tithed her sense of touch and her voice on the same day. Despite their differences, the sisters have always been extremely close.

And then everything changes, with a single drop of Aurora’s blood—and a sleep so deep it cannot be broken.

As the faerie queen and her army of Vultures prepare to march, Isabelle must race to find a prince who can awaken her sister with the kiss of true love and seal their two kingdoms in an alliance against the queen.

Isabelle crosses land and sea; unearthly, thorny vines rise up the palace walls; and whispers of revolt travel in the ashes on the wind. The kingdom falls to ruin under layers of snow. Meanwhile, Aurora wakes up in a strange and enchanted world, where a mysterious hunter may be the secret to her escape…or the reason for her to stay.

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Spindle Fire is more like a Sleeping Beauty and Alice in Wonderland crossover retelling. You can get the Alice feel in the world building which is absolutely stunning. I appreciated how Hillyer took over Sleeping Beauty story and put her own surprising twists in it that are all still original. The story kept me devouring the pages until the very cliffhanger-y (but perfect) end.

Aurora is alluring but she has no sense of touch and cannot speak for these senses are tithed to the faeries. Aurora have given enough of her senses already so her sister Isbe's eyesight was tithed instead of Aurora's youth. Malfleur cursed the child but Violette tried reversing the curse. Instead of death, Aurora would be in a deep sleep and only a true love's kiss could awaken her. Isbe's blindness made her senses hightened. The siblings loved each other and have compensated the disability by being there for each other and by communicating using finger taps. On the day when Prince Philip and his brother would visit Aurora (to plan for their wedding), the princes were murdered. Aurora and Isbe then overheard the council that they will move Isbe to a convent because Isbe is no longer needed. Isbe ran away and Aurora tried to search for her. But she got lost and only seeked refuge in a cottage in the middle of the forest. Here, she saw a golden spinning wheel and accidentally pricked her finger. She was overwhelmed by the pain and woke up screaming. She realized she had her senses back and she was rescued by Heath. Apparently, she's in a dream-like place called Someil. While one the other side, Isbe learned everything about the curse and convinced Gil to rescue her sister. But the sleeping sickness is spreading fast. She has to convince the youngest brother of Prince Philip to marry Aurora and she's confident he's the one who could save her. After traveling to land and sea, they failed. Aurora didn't wake up when the prince kissed her. Isbe was so broken hearted about it and.... (LOL)

Okay, it's a little bit challenging to write a summary for Spindle Fire haha because it was like two parallel universes. Universe A is where Isbe is and Univers B is where Aurora is. Their stories are being narrated at the same time so while Isbe is trying to save her sister, Aurora is trying to unlock Belcoeur's history and trying to save people trapped in a dream world called Someil. The curse put her there. That alone is kind of mind blowing. But what I truly adored here are the sibling's relationship, the back story and THAT FREAKING ENDING.

Malfleur and Belcoeur's story would be something I'd be thrilled to read. I wish Hillyer would right like a separate novel for these two. They have so much difference as siblings but deep in my heart, I know, they still love each other. And OMG really, I cannot fathom the pain they went through because of that Blackthorn guy.

I loved the familiarity of Sleeping Beauty and I also absolutely loved Hillyer's take on it. But there were times (a lot) I got confused, like, whose head I am in right now? There were a ton of POVs that I truly got confused especially along the middle part. The back story and the plot twists were squeezed and forced to happen in 368 pages? I don't mind reading 400 pages especially if the story asks for it and Spindle Fire felt like it had to be longer. And I wish though that Hillyer focused MORE on the siblings up and down relationship instead of the romance? It could have developed at the second book. I mean, there's so much info dump in here but the development lacked and execution was rushed.

Spindle Fire is surely a refreshing take on Sleeping Beauty! Enchantingly dangerous, Spindle Fire is packed with loyalty and courage you wouldn't find anywhere else but in your family. Fans of retellings would definitely enjoy this!

Thank you, HarperCollins International Sales for the galley!

"Light too can be a curse. It can illuminate things no one should ever have to witness."

REVIEW: LITERALLY BY LUCY KEATING.

Title: Literally
Author: Lucy Keating
Series: Standalone
Edition: Paperback
Publication: April 11th 2017 by HarperTeen
Source: ARC provided by the publisher
Pages: 256
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Fantasy

Synopsis:
A girl realizes her life is being written for her in this unique, smart love story that is Stranger Than Fiction for fans of Stephanie Perkins.

Annabelle’s life has always been Perfect with a capital P. Then bestselling young adult author Lucy Keating announces that she’s writing a new novel—and Annabelle is the heroine.

It turns out, Annabelle is a character that Lucy Keating created. And Lucy has a plan for her.

But Annabelle doesn’t want to live a life where everything she does is already plotted out. Will she find a way to write her own story—or will Lucy Keating have the last word?

The real Lucy Keating’s delightful contemporary romance blurs the line between reality and fiction, and is the perfect follow-up for readers who loved her debut Dreamology, which SLJ called, “a sweet, quirky romance with appealing characters.

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:

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Been on a reading slump these past several weeks that I just cannot get into anything that I read. I was not really into any contemporary but I decided against it so I picked up Literally. This was my first Lucy Keating book and was excited to start it. Now I have mixed feelings.

Annabelle's life is perfect until one day, everything in her world starts to shatter. Her parents announced they are separating and they are selling their home. It shocks her when author Lucy Keating visits their school and told her class she's writing a new book which sounded so much alike AB's life. AB's even more shocked when Lucy confirms she's a fictional character in Lucy's book.

Bulleted thoughts/Questions:

• Well. There are a lot of inconsistencies in the story which irk me so much.
• How Ava easily believed her when she told her she thinks they are all a fictional character, meaning she doubted their existence?
• AB is a bit girl-hating
• She has OCD but nowhere in the book it was acknowledged?
• Ava is against the sidekick trope but... she's just a sidekick all throughout the story
• Will was just too fucking perfect
• Wait - is this paranormal or fantasy? HAHA because I couldn't really tell
• If Lucy acts God and they hated it, then why did AB act God-like at the end?
• How did they fight the author?
• Logistics of this? Is Lucy continuously writing? Thinking? Drafting?
• I don't mind the love triangle in this story because I think it's cute
• Elliot is a douche though.
• How can the author not know anything in the bathroom?
• Will knowing he's a fictional character is awkward
• Good concept though but I felt like there are a lot of areas in need of improvement/development
• I didn't get anything from the story? Like, what did I just read, really?
• Graduation speech was so lame
• This is a two-star rating for me but slated it to three because can we just talk about Elliot for one minute please? 

Literally is another hit or miss type of story. If it wasn't for the intriguing bookish plot (and Elliot), I don't know if I would have even finished this. It's something that doesn't stick well and somethiing I wouldn't talk about much either.

Thank you, Harpercollins International Sales for the ARC!

"I think you have to try your best to find your best self, and the person who makes you your best self."

"I don't do this because it was my plan; it was my plan because I love it. But I'm determined no to stick to it too closely. I have no idea what surprises the future will hold. Now my plan is to follow my dreams. My plan is to surprise myself, and write my own story. I hope, whatever age you are, each one of you chooses to do the same"

REVIEW: BLOOD OF WONDERLAND BY COLLEEN OAKES.

Title: Blood of Wonderland
Author: Colleen Oakes
Series: Queen of Hearts Saga #2
Edition: Paperback
Publication: January 31st 2017 by HarperTeen
Source: Gifted ARC
Pages: 336
Genre: Alice in Wonderland, Retelling, Fantasy

Synopsis:
The queen will rise.

Dinah has been exiled from Wonderland. The vicious father she always feared has framed her for the brutal murder of her brother and turned the kingdom against her.

Now hiding in the lush and mysterious Twisted Wood with only her war steed at her side, Dinah is faced with a choice. She could leave Wonderland forever or return and fight her father for her throne—a fight she knows would only result in bloodshed.

When a chance encounter with one of her father’s long-lost enemies brings Dinah more allies than she ever could have imagined, war starts to feel inevitable. But before Dinah can lead her people into combat, she must confront certain truths about her heart and her destiny—no matter how dark those truths may be.

Revolution is rising in Wonderland.

Dinah’s battle has begun.

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:

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Blood of Wonderland is one of my most anticipated releases this year and it is also my second one for 2017. I love Queen of Hearts and any other Alice in Wonderland retelling. Splintered set the bar quite high but this series didn't disappoint.

Blood of Wonderland took of right where Queen of Wonderland finishes. Dinah is running for her life after she was setup by her father and she ends up in a magical forest. Then she gets helped by a Spade. She's training and meets up with this character who reveals such mind-blowing secrets I really could wrap anything into.

Dinah is not the type of character you usually see in books. I loved that fact that she's described as plain because plain is beautiful. It is seldom that I encounter main characters that are not described as you know, magazine models. And her development is amazing to watch. She developed on her own which proves we don't need a man to be the best versions of ourselves.

Oakes owned this retelling by twisting the characters using her voice and it is really a fascinating thing to be able to point out the author's tone in all this. The consistency of the story is fluid and the plot twist is just insane! And the romance? AFTER I READ IT, I HEARD MY HEART SHATTER ON THE FLOOR. Like, I was kind of expecting it but damn, man! The ache was real!

Blood of Wonderland is a sequel time worthy. It's so gritty it makes Alice retellings even more fantastic!

Thank you JB for the ARC!

"I am the Queen of Hearts, she thought, and I will take my throne."

DNF REVIEW: THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN BY ROSHANI CHOKSHI.

Title: The Star-Touched Queen
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Series: Standalone
Edition: Kindle
Publication: April 26, 2016 by St. Martin's Griffin
Source: eARC provided by the publisher
Pages: 352
Genre: High-Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis:

Fate and fortune. Power and passion. What does it take to be the queen of a kingdom when you're only seventeen?

Maya is cursed. With a horoscope that promises a marriage of Death and Destruction, she has earned only the scorn and fear of her father's kingdom. Content to follow more scholarly pursuits, her whole world is torn apart when her father, the Raja, arranges a wedding of political convenience to quell outside rebellions. Soon Maya becomes the queen of Akaran and wife of Amar. Neither roles are what she expected: As Akaran's queen, she finds her voice and power. As Amar's wife, she finds something else entirely: Compassion. Protection. Desire...

But Akaran has its own secrets -- thousands of locked doors, gardens of glass, and a tree that bears memories instead of fruit. Soon, Maya suspects her life is in danger. Yet who, besides her husband, can she trust? With the fate of the human and Otherworldly realms hanging in the balance, Maya must unravel an ancient mystery that spans reincarnated lives to save those she loves the most. . .including herself.

A lush and vivid story that is steeped in Indian folklore and mythology. The Star-Touched Queen is a novel that no reader will soon forget.

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Marked as Did Not Finish at eighty percent.

I know, right? I only have twenty percent left so why not push through it? Believe me, I tried. For weeks. I kept giving myself one more push to finish reading this but I. Just. Cannot. Anymore. I don't want to punish myself, there's just nothing in this story that makes me stay.

I was so excited when I was sent an eARC of this one because The Star-Touched Queen is one of my most sought titles this year. However, I was already gagging at page five. I thoroughly enjoyed the Mythology aspect of The Star-Touched Queen but the writing style just didn't work for me. It was all too freaking (borrowing Nushrika's term) flowery and it honestly felt so pretentious to me.

"I want to lie beside you and know the weight of your dreams," he said, brushing his lips against my knuckles. "I want to share whole worlds with you and write your name in the stars." He moved closed and a chorus of songbirds twittered silver melodies. "I want to measure eternity with your laughter."

"The woman whom Amar had looked at, as though she held the universe in her gaze, as if galaxies lined her smile, as though she were myths and love and song contained in one body."

CAN YOU LIKE, STOP RIGHT THERE? Gaaaad. I just can't with the writing style. Ninety-five percent of the time, this is the reason why I just couldn't go through this. Maybe this lyrical kind of writing would work best for a contemporary novel than fantasy? I mean, it could still work but not this heavy? I tried but there is just no way I can fake that I enjoyed it. Don't even let me talk about the crappy insta-romance because ugh no, I can't.

What I also hate about the book is the part where our Queen was tricked by Nritti. And when I say tricked, she was tricked THAT easily! Oh gods of bookish universe, why do we have to suffer for the stupidity of our heroines?

The mythology part of it though is one thing I absolutely enjoyed. It was the highlight of this story and I want to immerse myself in it. It was rich, colorful and intriguing. I have Indian friends and let me tell you this, their culture (and food) is amazing! Oh, and Kamala is the best horse ever!

The Star-Touched Queen didn't capture my taste at all. I wish there were more to it than just fancy wordings. I would have loved the concept it if was kept simple but striking.

Thank you so much St. Martin's Griffin for the electronic ARC!

"I loved the feeling of discovery, of not knowing how much I wanted something until I had discovered its absence."

"There is no romance in real grief. Only longing and fury."