REVIEW: KINGDOM OF ASH BY SARAH MAAS.

Title: Kingdom of Ash
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #7
Edition: First Edition, Hardbound
Publication: October 23rd 2018 by Bloomsbury YA
Source: Bought from Fullybooked
Pages: 992
Genre: High Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis:
Years in the making, Sarah J. Maas’s #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series draws to an epic, unforgettable conclusion. Aelin Galathynius’s journey from slave to king’s assassin to the queen of a once-great kingdom reaches its heart-rending finale as war erupts across her world. . .

Aelin has risked everything to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. Aware that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, though her resolve begins to unravel with each passing day…

With Aelin captured, Aedion and Lysandra remain the last line of defense to protect Terrasen from utter destruction. Yet they soon realize that the many allies they’ve gathered to battle Erawan’s hordes might not be enough to save them. Scattered across the continent and racing against time, Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are forced to forge their own paths to meet their fates. Hanging in the balance is any hope of salvation―and a better world.

And across the sea, his companions unwavering beside him, Rowan hunts to find his captured wife and queen―before she is lost to him forever.

As the threads of fate weave together at last, all must fight, if they are to have a chance at a future. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever in the explosive final chapter of the Throne of Glass series.

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This is my first review in forever so I am not really sure how to go about this but just express how I felt overall. Without going too much in to it to avoid spoilers.

We've all waited so long for this finale and I did savor each page of this beast - yes, up til the acknowledgements ("to whatever end" was literally the motivation haha). But to be absolutely honest, it felt like it dragged until about halfway through the book. There's a chunk of it that felt unneeded, it would eventually convey how it all ends but I am not complaining. I mean, I finished it. I just wish it clocked at around 500 pages so I could totally say I loved it so damn much and not just I liked it because it saddens me.

Aelin also felt like a stranger to me in KoA. Maybe because of the torture she endured and her "borrowed time" reality. There's so much lacking and at the same time so much growth in her character it made me rediscover what I loved and hated about her.

And then there's Manon. Damn, gurl. Why did SJM leave me hanging like that? There should be a separate book about this character and I am praying that she would be given enough time to feel things and heal. Damn, damn, damn.

KoA though is still the perfect ending to a series that saved me from despair over and over again. I am sad that this is the end for my Celaena (she will always, always be Celaena to me) but also happy they wouldn't suffer anymore.

My reviews:

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord

The Assassin and the Desert

Throne of Glass

Crown of Midnight

Heir of Fire

Queen of Shadows

Empire of Storms

Tower of Dawn

"Let's make this a fight worthy of a song."

REVIEW: FOREST OF A THOUSAND LANTERNS BY JULIE C. DAO.

Title: Forest of a Thousand Lanterns
Author: Julie C. Dao
Series: Rise of the Empress #1
Edition: Paperback
Publication: October 10th 2017 by Philomel Books
Source: ARC provided by the publisher
Pages: 384
Genre: High-Fantasy, Retellings

Synopsis:
An East Asian fantasy reimagining of The Evil Queen legend about one peasant girl's quest to become Empress--and the darkness she must unleash to achieve her destiny.

Eighteen-year-old Xifeng is beautiful. The stars say she is destined for greatness, that she is meant to be Empress of Feng Lu. But only if she embraces the darkness within her. Growing up as a peasant in a forgotten village on the edge of the map, Xifeng longs to fulfill the destiny promised to her by her cruel aunt, the witch Guma, who has read the cards and seen glimmers of Xifeng's majestic future. But is the price of the throne too high?

Because in order to achieve greatness, she must spurn the young man who loves her and exploit the callous magic that runs through her veins--sorcery fueled by eating the hearts of the recently killed. For the god who has sent her on this journey will not be satisfied until his power is absolute.

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ISBN13: 9781524738297

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Based on my reading experience, it's been tricky for me to delve into retellings with so much anticipation because it could be such a hit or a miss kind of read. Going in practically blind, the first half of Forest of a Thousand Lanterns* didn't grasp me. It was a bit slow because this the part where the build-ups happened and I felt like there are plenty of descriptions or scenes unfolding that are all unnecessary. But I took my time and kept reading.

This book is going to hit shelves October this year and I have a lot of things to say about it. First off is that I. FREAKING. LOVED. IT!!! It was absolutely epic! The second half of the book was just entirely opposite of the first because this part was where all THE things happened. I started reading it around five in the afternoon and I literally wasn't able to put it down until I devoured it around midnight! The pacing shifted and there were a lot of pillow-punching and screaming happened. It kept me on the edge because of all the scheming and revelations! It was brutal, intriguing and mind-blowing.

I know it's a MULAN gif but it's the closest I could find hihih

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns gave us a totally amazing retelling of the Evil Queen. Xifeng was abused by her Guma all her life but trained her to go after her great destiny: to be the Empress of Feng Lu. She's beautiful and she knows it's her weapon. She also knows something evil is inside her, conniving and wanting to control her. But the urge to go after what she was destined to is strong so she left Guma and went with the love of her life, Wei, to the Imperial Castle. Nothing stopped her in getting what she wanted. Her character was just so broken and greedy her need to be powerful exceeds her need to be saved. But despite the darkness lurking inside her waiting to be released, I adored her focus and her determination to lift herself up and become not only the fairest but the most powerful. There's no way you would be able to say that something else made her the villain because from the start, it was all her. She embraced it without seconds thoughts. The moments she was at war with herself were all lost battles because deep inside her, she knew what she wanted. Even Guma's confessions didn't stop her. It was a very dark story of a beautiful girl wanting the world kneeling in front of her.

The world building set in East Asia was phenomenal. This was one aspect I was so excited to learn about and it did not disappoint. In fact, it was everything I hoped it would be. Rich, delicious and absolutely a masterpiece.

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns is one heck of a debut novel I will forever remember. Bloody, lyrical and luscious, this well-delivered Evil Queen back story is the one you have all been waiting for! I can promise you that it is glorious!

*Let me know if you did cry because of the title.

Thank you so much, Penguin Random House International Sales, for sending me the ARC months in advance!

"Isn’t’ it better to give up a fraction of your freedom to gain tenfold in happiness, even for a short time?"

REVIEW: TOWER OF DAWN BY SARAH J MAAS.

Title: Tower of Dawn
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #6
Edition: Hardbound
Publication: September 5th 2017 by Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children's Books
Source: Bought from Fullybooked
Pages: 672
Genre: High Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis:
In the next installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, follow Chaol on his sweeping journey to a distant empire.

Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the Captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken.

His only shot at recovery lies with the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme in Antica—the stronghold of the southern continent's mighty empire. And with war looming over Dorian and Aelin back home, their survival might lie with Chaol and Nesryn convincing its rulers to ally with them.

But what they discover in Antica will change them both—and be more vital to saving Erilea than they could have imagined.

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Took me a week to finish reading Tower of Dawn because a lot of parts were too slow to the point of not moving at all. I may have skimmed some of those parts but I finally. finished. reading.

My reaction after reading that last chapter was indescribable. Pain and joy went hand in hand and I am unbelievably speechless right now, I am in awe. Sarah J. Maas has never undelivered. Tower of Dawn at first felt dragging to me but once the pace started to pick up, there had been no way for me to stop. It raised all the hairs in my body and I was at the edge of my seat, literally and figuratively.

There were debates about the cover when it was released that it didn't match the series. Well, it didn't and to be honest, I find it unimpressive at first. But hell to the yeah, the significance of it is enveloped in this story and looking at it now, I was so wrong to judge it and also super thankful I was given the chance to understand the symbol. The revelation connecting to the cover was just nerve-wracking and an absolute what-the-fuck moment.

Now that I've read this parallel installment, it isn't just a story of how Chaol is going to acquire the Khaghan's help in the war or how he is going to get healed but a story of discovery, friendship, loyalty and family. This book was called a Chaol book but it is way more than that. Here we get to see the lands beyond what we are accustomed to, their culture, their power and their people. We get to understand how important it is to reconnect with our roots and how unparalleled it is to experience - first hand - the beauty of learning beyond our differences and building relationships with that. Tower of Dawn gave me so many opportunities to rethink how vast a person's background could be and how that background could help you shape to the person you want and not want to be. There's a line in the book that says something about a soul-injury and Tower of Dawn touches that sensitive part and I could say it succeeded massively and in one way or another, helped me heal my own.

Chaol has grown into a character whose fragility got the best of him. Both physical, mental and emotional. It was so so hard to watch him break over and over and take it against those people who care for him (I wanted to throw the book out the window during one of his episodes) and at first, I couldn't understand. As he is being healed deeper and deeper, I started to see. I started to see how truly broken he was and it pains me because deep down in me I know I needed to be healed as well. Not only that, having friends who are physical therapists, Tower of Dawn is validating beyond measure.

The ups and downs of the novel would take me forever to list but I am absolutely delighted I get to meet: The ruk Kadara (I cannot wait for you to meet Abraxos), Falkan (you brave you), Hazar (a bitch but a loyal bitch), Kashin (you poor prince! I wish you were given more airtime so I'd get to know you better), Botek (an amazing woman) and Yrene Towers who stole my heart from the moment I read her name. It was all an enchanting experience and absolutely different that the other installemnts. This may be dark but not as brutal.

As always, I was in awe the moment I finished it and it may have triggered the need to re-read Empire of Storms. Also, that last chapter may have or may have not broken me.

Tower of Dawn is a beacon of light, hope, love and loyalty. It resembles with what Aelin is hoping to give her people - a better world.

"I will cherish it always.
No matter what may befall the world.
No matter the oceans, or mountains, or forests in the way."

"You must enter where you fear to tread."

"It was agony and despair and fear. It was joy and laughter and rest. It was life, all of it..."

REVIEW: A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC BY VE SCHAWB.

Title: A Darker Shade of Magic
Author: V.E. Schwab
Series: Shades of Magic #1
Edition: Hardbound
Publication: February 24th 2015 by Tor Books
Source: Bought from Fullybooked
Pages: 400
Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis:
Kell is one of the last travelers--magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel universes connected by one magical city.

There's Grey London, dirty and boring, without any magic, and with one mad King--George III. Red London, where life and magic are revered--and where Kell was raised alongside Rhy Maresh, the roguish heir to a flourishing empire. White London--a place where people fight to control magic and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. And once upon a time, there was Black London. But no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red traveler, ambassador of the Maresh empire, carrying the monthly correspondences between the royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand.

Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.

Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive.

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*pinches bridge of nose*
*exhales*

Why? Why did this book have to dra-a-aaag? I understand, I do, why it had to be slow. To build up the world, the magic, the backdrop.. But it would have been absolutely perfect if it didn't dra-a-aaag. Man, I just got no time. (Obviously *my* issue, not the book's LOL)

Also, the last few parts just got so predictable and easy? I was expecting a bit more struggle but I felt like the fight scenes were staged. It said in the beginning that the antagonists weren't easily defeated but what happened at the end? Don't tell me the protags got lucky? No, no no noooooo. I didn't shell out huge money for this book just to be let down.

But I did shell out huge amount of money for a book that I believe is astoundingly expensive but worth it. (Just borrow it from the library before buying just in case or go for the paperback) ADSOM popped my Schwab v-card and I can say I am impressed. The parallel worlds blew me away, the characters were all given justice and the story was amazing (some parts felt LOTR-ish and HP-ish). I enjoyed walking the different Londons with Kell, meeting Lila the badass (my absolute fave female character after Celaena), Rhy et all and unwrapping mysteries of ADSOM.

Trusting authors to be your ally in this life is a huge mistake because they prey on you. They bait you. And you easily fall for them and made you want to be their bffs then once you start falling for their characters, they brutally kill them off. I had a bunch of what-the-fuck moments in this book, not only because the characters I was rooting for didn't survive. There's also an elimination pattern. It can be easily spotted. It was impressive in the beginning how you would vie yourself that the character would stay alive but then it starts to feel flat by end because they were all the same.

I wish there were more magic spells as opposed to the very limited AS *word*. It wasn't convincing enough for me but they have this very alluring sound when the Kell casts them. (Obviously *my* issue again, not the book's LOL) And my favorites are As Travars and As Hasari.

This review may sound negative which is the tone I am trying to avoid so I'm sorry, I could find the right words. I rated this book 4 stars because a) cover b) there are so many possibilities in this vast world c) IT IS REALLY AMAZING d) Parrish and Barron e) Lila. She's one of the best female lead characters I've ever come acrossed. She's her own hero, independent, achiever, wanderlust, tough, DAMN BOYISH SHE DIDN'T NEED A GOWN TO BE PRETTY FUCK THEM ALL, she's so goddamn witty and ASPIRING PIRATE?! YES TO ALL. Lila is a dream-come-true character and I've been searching for her my whole life. How to be you, Lila?

A Darker Shade of Magic is one hell of an expensive book. It may have fallen short in some aspects but compensated so much more in others! This book is not hard to love at all!

"Hesitation is the death of advantage."

"You have a house if not a home," she spat. "You have people who care for you if not about you. You may not have everything you want, but I'd wager you have everything you could ever need, and you have the audacity to claim it all forfeit because it is not love."
"I--"
"Love doesn't keep us from freezing to death, Kell," she continued, "or starving, or being knifed for the coins in our pocket. Love doesn't buy us anything, so be glad for what you have and who you have because you may want for things but you need nothing."

"Battles may be fought from the outside in, but wars are won from the inside out."

REVIEW: EMPIRE OF STORMS BY SARAH MAAS.

Title: Empire of Storms
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #5
Edition: Hardcover
Publication: September 6th 2016 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Source: Bought from Fullybooked
Pages: whooping 704!
Genre: High Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis:
The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

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YOU CAN'T SURVIVE THIS, YOU JUST CAN'T.

There is no way for me to review this book the format I want to because I would really want to keep the spoilers to myself so kindly buy the book and devour it right away so we can talk. I need some support group because I am still way broken and I need to get this pain off my chest. Please. Send help.

Empire of Storms - up until I think around four hundred pages in - was terribly slow. I kid you not, I was tempted to stop reading and just pick it up someday when I have the patience and time. But this is SJM so there is no reason for me to NOT read it right away. I took my time, read word per word, and finished it then I DIED. Man, SJM was born to kill us fictionally. Empire of Storms just killed me and I don't know how to return to life anymore.

The the first thing I can say about EoS is SJM surely knows how to craft romance. The blossoming romancesesses (for plurality haha because there are plenty of ships I cannot wait to sail woohooo) are developed all throughout the series and if you have read ToG until EoS, you would now what I am saying. The characters grew up and developed perfectly and they were given ample amount of time to mature which for me, prepared them for such SWOONY commitments. Some ships took my breath away while some just literally made me squeak! These OTPs didn't happen intentionally or else I would sense they were forced but they did not so I am a happy camper here! The romance didn't only target the sexy times but help build trust, confidence and individuality between the characters. (Damn, I can't even name them!! But if you have been seeing some fan arts all over social media, you would now. And if you haven't read this series, AVOID THEM for they are beautiful arts but also major spoilers.)

World building and plotting (aside from character development) are SJM's forte and I give her that. However, I just find it annoying that in Empire of Storms, shallow things happened and were revealed that practically produced catastrophic results. These things could have been avoided.
A.) Instead of resting in order for Celaena and the rest of her court to regain strength/replenish powers, they all went batshit lustful and released their body heat in the most absolute despicable incomprehensible time!! Daaaaaaam! They could have waited until the storm has calmed but they just couldn't help themselves, could they?
B.) I love the quotes about stars but what is up with stars?
C.) Have you noticed that some parts felt like ACOMAF-ish? Mind-blown.
D.) Damn you to the realm you are in to the edge of your stupid soul Elena for being too selfish! I mean what the fuck is wrong with this character, all she had to do was ask but is she fucking stoned or something because she assumed she knows things, maintained her 'all-knowing' attitude, fucked up bigtime and let someone else pay for her mistakes. THE NERVE!!! DUH IN YOUR FACE ELENA DUUUUUUH! Grrr.

Let me catch my breath.

Just one minute more.

Okay.

Anyway, the pacing picked up past four hundred pages and at this point, I tell you, you wouldn't be able to put it down anymore because things are happening so fast you can't cope! I was originally going to rate it four stars but then the ending had such impeccable impact which deserves another star. My anxiety didn't calm the fuck down until an hour after I finished reading because I was always on the lookout because gurl, I have no idea who would SJM kill! Action scenes are one page after the other so I needed to be focused because who knows, SJM might have beheaded one of my fave characters at the back of the fight for all I know! I wanted to see every little detail and gurrrrrrl I'll tell you right now, THERE IS NOTHING IN THIS WORLD THAT COULD HAVE PREPARED ME FOR WHAT SARAH MAAS DID IN THIS BOOK. NOTHING!! SO MUCH PAIN AND BLOOD AND HEARTACHE AND TEARS and respect and love - just tremendously emotional last two hundred pages and I still couldn't accept how well-thought this has been. Seriously. The feels just kept on flowing and there is no stopping it.

Empire of Storms rattled the universe.

"The world will be saved and remade by the dreamers."

"There was no force in any world that could keep her contained."

"Do not be afraid of what makes you shine brightly."

"It was all borrowed time anyway."

REVIEW: AN EMBER IN THE ASHES BY SABAA TAHIR.

Title: An Ember in the Ashes
Author: Sabaa Tahir
Series: An Ember in the Ashes #1
Edition: Paperback
Publication: February 9th 2016 by Razorbill
Source: Finished paperback copy provided by the publisher
Pages: 446
Genre: High fantasy, Romance

Synopsis:
Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free.

Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.

It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.

But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.

There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.

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I wasn't prepared for the brutality of this book! The Hunger Games would definitely shy away from An Ember in the Ashes! It is THAT brutal!

Loopholes, you guys. It is all about loopholes. I love that this story explored the loopholes or else, Laia would have been killed the moment she steps in to Blackcliff. I mean guys, Blackcliff is a school for assassins and Laia is just too weak to survive there. Without these loopholes, I really doubt she'd make it.

The Commandant is a cruel bitch (ugh, I want to put this bitch in a grinder or kill her with chainsaw haha), the cadets are trained to kill and are rapists, MC's situation is just as fucked up as their society's status and then just because of a sketch book, Darin's taken somewhere to be tortured. Laia is all alone without money or anything, she's not made for any of this and them kaboooom, she seeks the Resistance. Nope, she isn't lucky at all but she survives because of the loopholes. How can she possibly breakout his brother in prison when she couldn't even fight for herself, right? She's weak because she's made that way initially but as you go along the story, she develops not into an assassin but into someone she has to be - brave and hopeful. These loopholes in their lives make her surpass these life-threatening situations and escape these violent people and I love how she slowly realizes she can think and what Pops taught her are all useful in given dilemmas. She uses all the advantages she could get in order to see her mission through no matter if her life is at stake (both stupid and brave). I mean she has this eye to every small openings and she grabs them and most of the time, she gets what she wants. What I only disliked about her is her "confusion" to whom she likes most. I have nothing against love triangles but in An Ember in the Ashes, I just can't take that she had the guts to even glimpse at this part when she has to basically prioritize her brother. Oh and guys, this is only a 400 plus-page book but it would feel like you are not making a dent to what you are reading. The beginning was so brutally slow, kind of picked up in the middle then dragged its ass down again until the end. (But it will put you on the edge of your seat!)

Speaking of love triangles, I totally enjoyed the triangle between Hel, Elias and Laia (this is not even a spoiler because once you meet Hel, you'd know haha). I mean, it isn't every day we get to see this and thank the skies for Tahir for making this one enjoyable! I lovedddddd it to bits! And guys, I love Elias. I do, I absolutely do. Not just because he's the best in what he does or that Martial slash assassin vibe or that oozing appeal but because he's vulnerable. Ironic, right? Loving someone because of his vulnerability? I fell for him the way he's ready to just forget his training and everything he owns in exchange for freedom, that he remembers his kills and those memories are all associated with pain in his heart and that Blackcliff didn't completely destroy his soul. He's all these labels attached to him but his true weakness is his heart. I love you, Elias Venturias. I luuurve you you sexy vulnerable but kickass assassin you.

An Ember in the Ashes is the most brutal novel I've read this year. For fans of Red Rising and The Hunger Games, this haunting, dark and heart-wrecking novel is a must read! Buckle up for a wild ride!

Thank you so much Penguin Random House for the review copy!

"Life is made of so many moments that mean nothing. Then one day, a single moment comes along to define every second that comes after. Such moments are tests of courage, of strength."

"There are two kinds of guilt. The kind that's a burden and the kind that gives you purpose. Let your guilt be your fuel. Let it remind you of who you want to be. Draw a line in your mind. Never cross it again. You have a soul. It's damaged but it's there. Don't let them take it from you."

REVIEW: A COURT OF MIST AND FURY BY SARAH J. MAAS.

Title: A Court of Mist and Fury
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #2
Edition: Hardcover
Publication: May 3rd 2016 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Source: Bought from Fullybooked
Pages: 640
Genre: New adult, Romance, High-Fantasy,

Synopsis:
The #1 New York Times bestselling sequel to Sarah J. Maas' spellbinding A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

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Took me a while to finish this because why does adulting have to ruin everything?

My friends were right, ACOMAF felt like a totally different series. Like, you're starting a new one. SARAH J MAAS made a GLORIOUS 360 DEGREE-CHANGE. It was totally not the sequel I was anticipating but I believe, she did this to make the story much compelling. I DUNNO, HATE ME ALL YOU WANT BUT I LIKED THIS SEQUEL AND I LIKED EVERYTHING IN IT EXCEPT FOR THE FIRST 200 PAGES WHERE NOTHING HAPPENED. I ALSO OFFICIALLY SWITCHED TEAMS AND I AM NOW TEAM RHYSAND BECAUSE SJM IS SO CRUEL TO MY HEART, TO TAMLIN HAHAHA. I ALSO HAVE THIS LOVE AND HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH FEYRE BECAUSE I INITIALLY FELT HOW BROKEN SHE WAS AND I ADORE HER FOR PULLING THROUGH AND AT THE SAME TIME I FELT HER RAGE FOR BEING LOCKED UP I WANT TO PUNCH EVERYONE IN THE FACE WHEN THEY DID THAT UGH BUT SOMETIMES SHE'S JUST SO FULL OF HERSELF IT MAKES ME HEAVE.

YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND THOUGH WHY TAMLIN DID WHAT HE DID RIGHT? AND WHY FEYRE'S FEELINGS WENT SOUTH BECAUSE WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS WRONG WITH TAMLIN I KNOW HE'S SCARED TO LOSE HER OR THERE'S A REASON BEHIND THAT WOULD BE REVEALED NEXT BOOK OR SOMETHING, I DON'T CARE I MEAN COME ON MAN YOU HAVE THE GIRL WHY IMPRISON HER? THERE SHOULD BE LIKE, FUCKING TRUST THERE TAMLIN WHY DID YOU HAVE TO BE SUCH THE DOUCHIEST DOUCHE BAG, I LOVED YOU TAMLIN BUT YOU FUCKING PUSHED ME AWAY

IT ALSO FELT LIKE THIS IS ALL ABOUT JUSTIFYING EVERYTHING RHYSAND DID. HELLO???????? HE TERRORIZED THE ENTIRE REALM FOR AS LONG AS SJM CAN REMEMBER AND THEM BAAAAM BEFORE YOU CAN EVEN SAY 'RHYSAND'. HE'S SUDDENLY THE WHAT, THE ------- ONE?? YOU GET ME? BUT WELL, I AM TOTALLY OKAY WITH THAT WTH GIVE ME MORE RHYSAND I'LL TAKE IT BECAUSE I AM NOT JUDGEMENTAL AND EVERYBODY DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE RIGHT ---

MY FEELINGS went a little bit south as well during that ridiculous cave scene with the King LIKE, FUCK, RHYSAND DIDN'T SEE THAT ONE COMING? REALLY? OF ALL THE THINGS HE ANTICIPATED, THIS ONE HE MISSED? UNFUCKINGBELIEVABLE. BUT HE'S STILL THE CLEVER ONE, LIKE I DUNNO MAN, I JUST HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS I COULDN'T FIND THE ANSWERS TO LIKE WHY DIDN'T HE MANIPULATE THE QUEENS' MINDS IF HE'S THE MOST POWERFUL HIGH LORD OF ALL AND WHY IS IT ALWAYS FEYRE LIKE WHY NOT UNLEASH WHATEVER MONSTER AMREN IS AND WIPE THEM ALL AAAAAAH SEND HELPPPPP

A Court of Mist and Fury is TAUNTING, HAUNTING, AND IS SO FUCKING PAINFUL YOU WOULD WANT TO THROW IT OUT THE WINDOW. SJM MASTERED TOYING WITH MY FEELINGS AND ACOMAF LEGIT DESTROYED ME. I CANNOT ANYMORE WITH THIS LIFE

"To the stars who listen— and the dreams that are answered."

REVIEW: REBEL OF THE SANDS BY ALWYN HAMILTON.

Title: Rebel of the Sands
Author: Alwyn Hamilton
Series: Rebel of the Sands #1
Edition: Paperback
Publication: March 8, 2016 by Viking Books for Young Readers
Source: ARC provided by the publisher
Pages: 320
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Arabic Culture-inspired

Synopsis:

She’s more gunpowder than girl—and the fate of the desert lies in her hands.

Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mystical beasts still roam the wild and barren wastes, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinni still practice their magic. But there's nothing mystical or magical about Dustwalk, the dead-end town that Amani can't wait to escape from.

Destined to wind up "wed or dead," Amani’s counting on her sharpshooting skills to get her out of Dustwalk. When she meets Jin, a mysterious and devastatingly handsome foreigner, in a shooting contest, she figures he’s the perfect escape route. But in all her years spent dreaming of leaving home, she never imagined she'd gallop away on a mythical horse, fleeing the murderous Sultan's army, with a fugitive who's wanted for treason. And she'd never have predicted she'd fall in love with him...or that he'd help her unlock the powerful truth of who she really is.

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ISBN: 9780698410428

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Damn it. This book totally rocks!

Rebel of the Sands is an original story that didn't disappoint. I was afraid that I might not enjoy it because there are a lot of possible elements I might not be able to wrap my mind into. I was afraid it would let me down. But hell no, Rebel of the Sands is a thief - it steals your ability to put the book down because everything you'd like in your high-fantasy novel is in it and them some more.

God, I've been wishing for a high-fantasy novel that is outside the norm. I wanted a story that would tour me not only around the world I know, but a world outside what YA had offered. This YA book is the first one that granted my wish. It gave me so much more than what I had hoped for and that I absolutely loved. I loved the Middle Eastern inspiration, all the mythical creatures, the magic and the romance/character developments. I most specifically adored the world building! It makes me want to lay on the sand and will it to do my bidding! (I will will it to let me sand surf!) It was such a well-written story that grasp so much of my heart. I want more. I need more.

Rebel of the Sands is such a thrilling debut novel you would trade sleep for! Amazingly plotted, exponentially breath-taking and one of a kind ride! Cannot wait for book 2!

Thank you so much Penguin Random for sending this beautiful ARC for review!

"The world makes things for each place. Fish for the sea, Rocs for the mountain skies, and girls with sun in their skin and perfect aim for a desert that doesn't let weakness live."

REVIEW: SWORD AND VERSE BY KATHY MACMILLAN.

Title: Sword and Verse
Author: Kathy MacMillan
Series: Standalone
Edition: Paperback
Publication: January 19, 2016 by HarperTeen
Source: ARC provided by the publisher
Pages: 384
Genre: Young Adult, High-Fantasy, Mythology, Romance
Trailer: not available.

Synopsis:

Raisa was only a child when she was kidnapped and enslaved in Qilara. Forced to serve in the palace of the King, she’s endured hunger, abuse, and the harrowing fear of discovery. Everyone knows that Raisa is Arnath, but not that she is a Learned One, a part of an Arnath group educated in higher order symbols. In Qilara, this language is so fiercely protected that only the King, the Prince, and Tutors are allowed to know it. So when the current Tutor-in-training is executed for sharing the guarded language with slaves and Raisa is chosen to replace her, Raisa knows that, although she may have a privileged position among slaves, any slipup could mean death.

That would be challenging enough, but training alongside Prince Mati could be her real undoing. And when a romance blossoms between them, she’s suddenly filled with a dangerous hope for something she never before thought possible: more. Then she’s approached by the Resistance—an underground army of slaves—to help liberate the Arnath people. Joining the Resistance could mean freeing her people…but she’d also be aiding in the war against her beloved, an honorable man she knows wants to help the slaves.

Working against the one she loves—and a palace full of deadly political renegades—has some heady consequences. As Raisa struggles with what’s right, she unwittingly uncovers a secret that the Qilarites have long since buried…one that, unlocked, could bring the current world order to its knees.

And Raisa is the one holding the key.

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This story started with an execution. Such a rough start but it is I believe, one good pickup point. There is this old yet still growing rivalry between Qilarites and Arnath and I just got hooked by the political issues and so much history there is. I wasn't expecting so much from the world building since I've seen and read a lot of fantasies in this life and even though there is nothing too special about how the entire kingdom looks like, I fell in love with the people. How Qilarites are distinguished as masters and how low the Arnaths are represented. Aside from looks, their bloodlines has something to do with their status and that added to the fiery intrigue building up in my chest. There has to be something more than physical appearance. And then the gods were mentioned.

We have Raisa here, an Arnathim from Nath Tarin, born from the Learned Ones' bloodline. She's our heroine - self-doubting heroine if I may add - who practically wavers easily no matter how strong her foundation with someone or something is. I like how her curiosity didn't get the best of her. There are moments she points out that she has to prove herself to the entire kingdom which is kind of annoying, really. There were also little stupid moments thrown in between and I just went and scratched my head but those made her imperfect and I adored it. My favorite about her is she didn't give up deciphering her heart-verse despite the danger. She goes after what she wants and seldom gets side tracked until Mati. Mati is our charming prince. Raisa was selected as Tutor-in-Training so she could teach Mati's future child because only four people are allowed to write and read the letters of the gods. Their relationship blossomed during their lessons and from that point, the story kind of sloped down a bit because it focused heavily on the romance department for the longest part of the book. It wasn't boring, it wasn't a strong point of the book because as a high-fantasy fan, I was leaning toward the essential aspects of high-fantasy but don't get me wrong - I absolutely loved the romance part. It kept me at the edge of my seat. My heart kept pounding achingly for I was afraid they would eventually get caught. They faced a ton of problems, it isn't truly easy to fight for whatever you think is right. But her struggles with Mati didn't stop her for loving him, she didn't loathe him or didn't rebel against herself because I was expecting her to jump herself over to Jonis. But she's loyal and proven that up until the end. And spoiler alert (well, not really since the author wrote this on Goodreads): THERE IS NO THIRD WHEELING IN THIS ONE. HUZZAH!

What's amazing in this breath of fresh air for the high-fantasy genre is the incorporation of Ancient Writing, Mythology and GRAND Library of the Gods. The writing/language/symbols are so intricate you could feel their "power". And the library? A book lover's dream to have, indeed. I mean, I kept visualizing the Library of Alexandria from the description. I think it is the nearest comparison. I loved how huge it is in my imagination and the scrolls!! I couldn't stop wondering how they smell! I just hope there's a map on the finished copy. This book needs a glorious map and so I could point where the Library is!

I was considering those chapter prologues as a separate novel. It could stand on its own. I know that the chapter prologues support the story and honestly though, I wasn't expecting SOTIA like - WTAF (dunno if *THAT* revelation helped or something). It weirded me out because seriously? Mati just found a random stone at the beach which then happens to be a crucial part of THAT SOMETHING? Really? What are the odds? It kind of made me feel underwhelmed but I just ignored it. It was something that surprised me so I just believed that it could also serve as strength of this novel.

Thankfully, MacMillan said on Goodreads that this is a stand alone. I believe she is currently writing a companion novel. I wanted this selfishly to be a stand alone because one book is enough to swoon over MATI and JONIS OMGGGGG! Kidding aside, everything has been answered in this story and I am afraid that a sequel would just weaken it. I dunno. Maybe am wrong.

Sword and Verse is honest to goodness a refreshing addition to the high-fantasy genre. I cannot stop flying through the pages because I don't want to calm my nerves anymore. I want more of that rushing adrenaline, that gripping feeling and that teeth-gritting sensation. This novel is a balance of a young romance that rooted deep with the hunger to uncover ancients secrets and surpass the call of a crown.

Thank you, HarperCollins International for the ARC!

"I'd long ago learned that wanting things too much was a sure way to have them taken from you."

"What can you say when you've destroyed someone's life, but that someone won't hold you accountable for it?"

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY (47): THE CROWN'S GAME BY EVELYN SKYE.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine that highlights our much anticipated books.

Expected Publication Date: May 17, 2016
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
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Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the Tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side.

And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the Tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death.

Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?

For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her.

And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love . . . or be killed himself.

As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear . . . the Crown’s Game is not one to lose.

1.) I am truly glad that even though I was late in signing up, Evelyn Skye still allowed me to become a part of the Tsar's Guard!! Thank you!
2.) Look at that intriguing cover!
3.) Another YA High (historical) fantasy novel? COUNT ME IN!
4.) Did anyone say RUSSIA?
5.) READ THE SYNOPSIS, PEOPLE!! REEEEAD!
6.) Ancient magic? Wait, what!?
7.) I mean, this book has everything I am so into when it comes to this genre. Thank you to HarperCollins International for the advance copy! Can't wait to dive in!