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: 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: 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."

POP FICTION BLOG TOUR REVIEW: THE CONSPIRATION OF THE UNIVERSE BY KENNETH OLANDAY.

Title: The Conspiration of the Universe
Author: Kenneth Olanday
Series: Standalone
Edition: Paperback
Publication: 2017 by Cloak Pop Fiction (Summit Books)
Source: Finished copy provided by the publisher
Pages: 241
Genre: Romance, Magical Realism (?), Fantasy, Contemporary

Synopsis:
Luke believes in a quote by his favorite author -- that is you want something so bad, the universe will conspire to help you get it.

Luke must have wanted to find love so much that Eureka, the heroine of his favorite book, comes to life and falls in love with him.

There is just one catch: once Eureka reaches the end of her book's storylike in the real world, then her story with Luke will end, too.

Will the universe conspire to help the star-crossed lovers find true happiness with each other?

One thing is for sure, Luke will do everything he can to keep Eureka forever.

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LOCAL BOOK STORES

I just finished reading my second Pop Fiction book. My first was Karmic Hearts that unfortunately, I didn't enjoy at all. Texts were confusing, typos were all over the book and it was honestly a hard one to read. Though reading The Conspiration of the Universe felt as if it was still a draft manuscript instead of the finished copy, I enjoyed it well enough to land three stars.

If you have read Literally by Lucy Keating (and loved it), this one's for you. Eureka is a character in Luke's favorite book. She appeared in Luke's life just right in the middle of his heartbreak. It's as if universe conspired for Luke to fall in love again. They were happy but you know how it goes, once the book ends, so as Eureka's story in real life.

A scene in TFIOS had a cameo, too. The part were Hazel and Augustus went to meet the author of the book and confronted him about the ending, the characters and a sequel. This made me deduct two stars from my rating because apart from being super similar to Literally, I wasn't expecting another kinda dupe scene to pop-up. I was enjoying it despite the similarities because I thought that the spin of the story would be somehow unique and I would see the author's print in it but I didn't. Would have been a superb one if the story was you know, owned. I am not saying that this book copied Literally (it might have been written prior to Literally) but the similarities are so uncanny and I didn't experience 'discovering' new things in this book. It felt flat at times and aside from the typos and cliches, it wasn't the book I could say gripping or mind-blowing or anything that would stick for a while.

Matt's short story made me absolutely giddy though. He's a side character that I would love to see more from and by the end of the book, I was given a few pages from his point of view. He's absurd at times but definitely a friend you would love to have.

The Conspiration of the Universe is a story I enjoyed. I may have had some issues with it but seeing Luke and Eureka happy made the reading journey worth it.

Thank you for the review copy and for having me, Summit Books!

"Every day we had to make a choice. Most of the time, the effect of our choices would be so small that we'd forget about it. But sometimes, it would be so big that you'd never forget it for the rest of your life."

"Isn't love like a ground wire?"

Check out the participating blogs for reviews:

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: THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END BY ADAM SILVERA.

Title: They Both Die at the End
Author: Adam Silvera
Series: Standalone
Edition: Kindle
Publication: September 5th 2017 by HarperTeen
Source: eARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss
Pages: 384
Genre: Contemporary, M/M, LGBTQPIA+, Romance

Synopsis:
On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They're going to die today. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they're both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There's an app for that. It's called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure and to live a lifetime in a single day.

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:

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I am a huge mess right now! I have been pacing back and forth and I just cannot wrap my mind around how gooooood this book is! It is definitely one of the best books of the year! This is my second Silvera book and HE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT!

LIKE WTH JUST HAPPENED? My heart is racing right now because this book gave me so many things at once. There is the beauty of knowing you have one last day to live so you get the chance to literally live it to the fullest, there's the chance of becoming the person you always wanna be even for just a day, there's the ability to say proper goodbyes to people who meant so much to you and there's this opportunity for you to touch people's lives in more meaningful ways. You get to live the next several hours left pushing past your boundaries and making the most out of it without the fear of regrets later. I mean, if that's not beautiful, I don't know what is! What happened to Rufus and Mateo is etched in my heart so so deeply that it pushes me to get out of my comfort zone. This story just pushed me so hard that now I want to be out there leaving marks.

Mateo and Rufus' story is absolutely one story that will leave you on edge and holding your breath. The anticipation is so high I am both nervous and scared. Once you read it, it stays in your system and I swear, I would babble about this one for a long, long time. Their friendship breaks the stereotype that you have to know a person this long in order to build trust and all that bullshit because M and R had a day and theirs had even more history than some of my friendships combined. It's so special, nurturing, welcoming and free. I want more friendships like this.

They way the story was told is another thing that blows my mind. It's an alternating POV between M and R and several more surprise POVs which soooo kickass because of how they are interrelated. Words are failing me right now but this damn book should be made in to a movie and I wanna see this Number #1 in NYT BestSellers List because THIS IS ONE HELL OF A GRIPPING BOOK I WILL FOREVER BOOK PUSH TO YOU ALL. (That is if you aren't convinced yet that Silvera delivers, but I know you are BECAUSE THIS IS ADAM SILVERA, PEOPLE)

I think Adam is really the Evil Queen in disguise. He loves ripping our hearts out and enjoys swimming in his reader's tears.

They Both Die at the End is one of those books that will change you because you certainly won't be the same person after reading. A gripping story of two lives crossing paths at the very end, it all in all teaches you to live to the fullest, love hardcore and seize every fucking moment as if every day is your last day.

Thank you HarperCollins International for the eARC!

"But no matter what choices we make - solo or together - our finish line remains the same … No matter how we choose to live, we both die at the end."

"Entire lives aren't lessons, but there are lessons in lives."

"Maybe it's better to have gotten it right and been happy for one day instead of living a lifetime of wrongs."

"People have their time stamps on how long you should know someone before earning the right to say it, but I wouldn't like to you no matter how little time we have. People waste time and wait for the right moment and we don't have that luxury. If we had our entire lives ahead of us I bet you'd get tired of me telling you how much I love you because I'm positive that's thepath we were heading on. But because we're about to die, I want to say it as many times as I want--I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you."