REVIEW| Empire of Storms

Empire of Storm (Throne of Glass #5)
Sarah J. Maas

⭐⭐⭐


DISCLAIMER: I can't help it if there is mild spoilers, but if you're reading this and haven't even read the first book: WHY?!

I do have a review for the first book in the series, though-- Throne of Glass

No synopsis because minimal spoilers--  Find on Goodreads

Review:

The Cover:

Is it just me or does Celeana's face look a tad bit weird? (see what I'm trying to do here) 

I guess you could say it fits the ethereal and fantasy elements that Maas has got going on in the series.

I will say, I had no clue how to feel when I first saw this cover. I sort of went: oh. wow. okay then.

In the flesh I actually really like the colours- plus, have you seen the back cover yet?! ERGH! The beauty of such is simply blinding.

The Content:

So the reason behind me giving this book a three-star rating is because it didn't give me what I wanted as a sequel to Queen of Shadows. It still has the elements that make this a Sarah J. Maas book but, I just found myself unsatisfied by what I was given. 

I really do love Maas' female characters and how they all conquer their own brokeness and manage find strength in their being. However, Celeana (realize how careful I'm being right now) just seemed to have a constant split personality throughout this whole thing. She is either keeping a whole load of shit hidden til the last hundred pages where there is so much going on that no one can comprehend anything OR she is this love eyed hopeless, where we have these intimate moments. 

I wanted those "bants" that she would have with Dorian and the rest of the bunch, where she could be their friend. And that's just where the stagnant moments should have been. Showing the interaction between them and continue that relationship. It felt like the only interactions we got out of all the character where with whom Maas has plans to ship characters off with each other, maybe this was just me?

At points, I felt like magic just became expandable and infinite til again those last hundred and fifty or so pages where things became interesting and left me glued with the book to my hands. 

GUYS SERIOUSLY LIKE WTF?!?!?!

I saw it coming but not how it was presented. This is what has saved this from a one and two star of a review. And because of Manon. I always like Manon, she intrigued me even from her introduction to her way back in Heir of Fire. And now, she is BAE! Out of everyone, I am rooting for her in her little story line Maas has got going. 

I'm going to finish with this thought:

Often in a larger book series you will find that the books get larger as the author pulls out and expands his/her's world, which we can say about the Throne of Glass series. They have got massively bigger as Maas has more and more world to cover. 

But, often publisher will get a bit iffy with how much they edit down an author's work, depending on where they are in industry and how well their audience is already established. And I feel like we are slowly getting to the point where this is the case with Maas' books.

Does anyone feel this? Or, are you all just going to spam with hate, for the sheer thought of such a thing?

Because, as much as you think I am hating, I'm really not. I love what Sarah writes and am enthusiastic about her portrayal of women and the issues that we face.

*cough* periods *coughs*

Top 5| Pink Covers

I did this post a while ago on my other blog/website where I chose my "Top 5" book covers that were pink because of it being a national day of something-- this was a year ago! (A lot has changed.)

One thing that remains the same is that I still fudging hate the colour pink and what is usually meant when pink gets shoved into a colour scheme. ICK.

Anyway, I've reviewed it a bit and here it is (in no particular order!!):

A Darkness Strange and Lovely (Something Strange & Deadly #2)
Susan Dennard

Find on Goodreads

It's been a while since Susan Dennard has had a mention on this blog.

(Quickly input here but, seriously have you still not read Truthwitch yet. Shame.)

These new covers for her already finished trilogy have been announced ready for print July 2017. And aren't they just gorgeous?

It just fits the beautiful story. Hopefully, ya'll be more inclined to pick up this awesome YA steampunk novel.

Anna and the French Kiss (Anna and the French Kiss #1)

Stephanie Perkins

Find on Goodreads

Haven't read this one because I have to be in a certain mood in order to enjoy YA romances but, this is a pretty cute cover. Better than that trash bag of a cover they were previously using on the original hardbacks-- *shudders*

Maybe I'll give this one a go-- at some point.

Rebel Belle (Rebel Belle #1)
Rachel Hawkins

Find on Goodreads

This one is purely for the juxtaposition of feminity and masculinity. Basically the comparison of the sword pinning the necklace of pearls.

Awesome!

I will probably never read this series, though. I heard these are pretty basic books. Hmm.. Let me know if I should check them out?

The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy #1)

Marie Rutkoski

Find on Goodreads

 I NEED TO READ THIS BOOK SO BADLY!? But, I keep buying other bloody books. This Christmas I swear!

I've seen the new covers... Yeah, you can't be serious?!

They are such blatant rip-offs of Maas' Throne of Glass series. Just NO.

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)

Sarah J. Mass

Find on Goodreads

My review: HERE

How could I not include this beautiful American cover of Queen of Shadows. One day I will own all these in pb form.

I am still in love with this book, although I am currently read Empire of Storms and getting rather pissy at some of the choices. Eh.

Waiting on Wednesday| Empire of Storms

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This week's WoW post is:

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
Sarah J. Maas

Out: 6th September, 2016

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 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?

Thoughts:

Okay, so who is excited at the fact that Empire of Storms is so close to it's release date? Granted, I don't remember much about what happened in QoS but, I'm sure I'll just read a spoiler review and be fine.

I will probably be either trying to squeeze this into the small amount of time I would have before I make the journey to Bangor, Wales or it will be read on the actual journey. We will see by the time I write about the books I am taking with me.

REVIEW| A Court of Mist and Fury

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)
Sarah J. Maas

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis:

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.

Get your copy:

| AMAZON UK | AMAZON US | Book Depo |

 

Review:

 

**CRIES**

Alright, I'm trying to hold myself together but-- COME ON! Why did I have to finish reading this so quickly?

Okay, so--

A Court of Mist and Fury starts off just three months after the events of the first book (I'm being vague to avoid spoilers here) and things are a little off in the world of Tamlin and Feyre. Tamlin is not the Knight in shining armour that was once thought by many of you out there; don't lie, you all loved Tamlin one way or another.**

In comparison to A Court of Thorns and Roses, Maas has thought much more about the development of Prythian, more than I thought that we were going to- we discover the Night Court and the secrets, veiled within the undercover of 'mist and fury'. As well as, the multiple locations that were left unmarked on the original map of the faerie lands and of the various High Lords of Day, Dawn, Winter, Summer and Autumn courts left unnamed in the first book.

The focus and major plot of A Court of Mist and Fury has done a one-eighty degree turn, which if I remember correctly was what had happened with Crown of Midnight. BUT, I am not complaining about it, in fact this is the reason that I loved this book so much more than ACOTAR. It felt a lot more serious-- Feyre goes through rediscovery of who she is in comparison to the Feyre who we knew during A Court of Thorns and Roses as well as, the threat of war with Hybern. Don't get me wrong- there is still quite a bit of steamy romance that happens; this has just become a sub-plot.
Maas brings in the introduction to new characters that is sure to come with a new court and territory- Rhysand's inner circle. I absolutly love more and the the forwardness that she brings to many of the situations, bringing that friendship that Feyre has never had before. I absolutely ship Cassian with Feyre's eldest sister Nesta, which if you have read the book already may understand why.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEK!

Feyre has gone through the events of A Court of Thorns and Roses which was bound to alter her perception on the world and what she knows- knew. This growth of Maas' protagonist, this changing and growing-up a character is something that is the reason why I love to read Maas' work. I feel highly proud that Maas has highlighted this in a book that has been published in the UK Young Adult market because it something that at this age they are bound to come across. Staying in a relationship because at a point in their youth they loved them although they have outgrown that person- to know this is normal. But not just in love and relationships but perhaps in all aspects in life too-- trust me. I've been there and all I got was a really crappy t-shirt at the end of it.

**DISCLAIMER: Now before I get on any further with this I want to just say that I was never really a fan of Tamlin whilst reading A Court of Thorns and Roses. I picked up on some things that made me grit my teeth and head butt the wall.

REVIEW: Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)
Sarah J. Maas

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

DISCLAIMER: Please do not read if you have not read the previous books to the serious. I may spoil some events that have already taken place.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

I could just gush, or I could be really logical and say all the things Sarah did right and wrong but to say the wrongs would be really difficult.


I think overall I have one critism of this book, so I'll start with that althought it's chronologically incorrect: the way Sarah left us. It felt a bit Insugent-y, in the way of: it might have happened a bit to soon. However, I do feel it's myself being hesitant as to what is to come next because that particular door is now shut. What obstacle will Aelin (if you're reading this then surely you've at least got to the second book; if not WHY ARE YOU READING THIS- SHOOO) have to face?

With that said and done, onto the more positive.
Sarah has been building this world of Erilea for a while. This book being the ultimate catacomb, drawing all these elements together. It was time for Sarah to hit the big red button.

And, boy, did she.

Straight back in Rifthold- Aelin isn't holding back. Vengence is crossed over every inch of her and she'll outwit anyone or anything to get it.  Which is what I like about Aelin in QoS. She felt sure of her self and her plans, but still stayed human- flawed in many ways. Her 'weakness' for her friends is one of many that proves that. Her desire and need to pritect the ones she loves.

Chaol? I'll keep it brief. Constantly through out this book you could here me in my bed, in my college cafeteria AND in the middle of nowhere- my constant commentry of how much an a**hole Chaol is. You didn't hear it on your part of the world? Now I'm really surprised. His motives always seem to presented as his loyalty to Dorian (I'm not going to discuss him; poor baby though. Just, no.) but I always feel a hidden motive. I'm distrustful.

Of course, we also have the rest of the cast of characters: Aedion, Rowan, Manon&Abraxos, The King of Aderlan and Dorian. Then the reintroduction of a few  people, some we've never met and some we haven't seen since book one.
I've casted some new ships *cough Aedion and Lysandra cough* (if someone wants to let me know their formal ship name, please do) and some where shattered completely. In Sarah's own battle of the ships.

Plot wise?: Like a bullet train. Sarah achieved a hell of a lot with this installement. My emotions were on a roller-coaster that went up then took the ultimate dip dive, up-turning my stomach until I was plummeted into the iciest water bath of tears only to be to be resurrected again.
I mean, she got me.

And she got me good.

I have mentioned a small miner defect and the lack of a cliffie. But you know, I'm somewhat satisfied and until my small brain can comprehend a different preferred ending, I'll remain happy.

I'm intrigued as to where we can go next, other than the obvious.

Top Ten Tuesday: Writing YA Fantasy 101

TTT is hosted by the wonderful blog: The Broke and The Bookish; where every week book bloggers come together to bring their teop ten on a given prompt.
This weeks TTT is:

Top Ten books on your syllabus if you taught X 101.

For this im going with Writing YA Fantasy 101.

Let's begin class!

10.) Harry Potter (I can't choose just one!)

Okay, this isnt exactly a "young adult" novel and is classed mostly as a children's book but this would be where we explore world building and seeing what we could extract and bring into our own understanding of this element.

9.) Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)

I should put all three down because who just reads the 3rd book in a series? I want to teach you about a character who is deadly and a killer but not just consumed by one emotion like so many heriones are being written as in today's YA.

8.) Splintered (Splintered #1)

FAIRY TALE RETELLINGS!!
I am a sucker for them- particularly Alice in Wonderland. Exactly what Splintered is; only things are much darker than Carroll intended. I'd want you to turn in a 2,000 worded short story, going for a much darker twist on your own favourite tale.

7.) The Novice (Summoners #1)

The Novice by Taran Matharu was originally written on the writing social networking platform: Wattpad.
This I think we would have a play at. Writing a novel in a month through this and seeing the advantages and disadvantages with our own writing.

6.) Sabriel

I have never read a Garth Nix *hides* but I would really like to! I think it would be fun to read a book that the tutor has never read and share together. Being a bit spontaneous we'd make up a writing excersise.

 5.)The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walkng Trilogy #1)

"Dystopian" fiction I consider as a part of the "Fantasy" subgenre. As I continue to read Patrick Ness' Chaos Walking trilogy its slowly becoming one of my favourite YA dystopian novels. Ness has such a unique writing style which I think all potential writers should have the opportunity to develop- why not?

4.) Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1)

Wait! Is this an urban fantasy that isn't set in either North America OR Great Britian? 

Yes sure-ee!

Physical written proof you can set you fantasy anywhere. 

3.) Falling Kingdoms (Falling Kingdoms #1)

Multiple POV. Granted I have not read this one yet but doesn't mean it's not high on my TBR. But I hear this uses multiple POV- another good fantasy writing skill we all could study and inquire. Plus I just really would love to crack down and read it.

2.) His Dark Materials

All I have to say for this is no YA fantasy list is complete without a bit of PP. I believe this will soon follow as a mordern classic of our time and i'd be that mad tutor who would add a book just because they think everyone should read it.

1.) Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1)

I've seen a quote about Cassie stating she be "the new queen of YA Fantasy" so I had to put her in the list.

Sorry, what?

Am I sure that's the reason? 

Yes, of course! It has nothing to do with me being obsessed with everything Cassie writes, right? *nervous giggles*

So here is my list of books you would all need to read before this year classes begin.

What YA Fantasy books did I miss that you would want to study this year?

REVIEW: Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)

MEET CELAENA SARDOTHIEN.

BEAUTIFUL. DEADLY.

DESTINED FOR GREATNESS.

In the dark, and filthy salt mines of Endovier,

an eighteen-year-old is serving a life sentence.

She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind,

but she made a fatal mistake. She got caught.

Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal:

her freedom for one huge sacrifice.

Celaena must represent the price in a to-the-death

tournament- fighting the most gifted thieves and

assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free.

  Win or lose, she is about to discover her true destiny.

                                                       But will her assassin's heart be melted?

 My thoughts:

●●●●● 5/5- It hit all the spots!

Okay, it's time to get to the nitty and gritty. Its very obvious to say that i'm impressed with Sarah J. Maas debut novel. I mean, it got everything a young adult fantasy novel needs:

• Assassins
• A fractured kingdom
• Fae
• Unknown markings
• A fight for freedom
• Handsome Princes and Captain of the Guards.
• A fiesty and strong female lead.

Both Dorian and Chaol (pronounced as Kay-all) are both enigmatic characters that from the start- they practically grabbed me by my t-shirt and wouldn't have let me go until I read the last sentence. Celeana- our protaginst- is a character that has always known she's the best at what she does, and has no way, shape or Ridderack to know otherwise- she didn't earn the title of Adarlan's Assasain for nothing. But her cockyness presented a charm that still makes me laugh (and smile) after finishing.

Maas' intricacy to weave in the multiple sub-plots intensifies the tension built around the intial story: an assasain trying for her freedom and recovering from the groveling and cruel salt mines and the events leading to her capturing. It encaptivated me from the word: GO!

If you a lover of both young adult and fantasy novels, this is one that I highly recommend at everyone's expense.

Watch out all YA heroine's; there's a new girl on the block.