I got the first four books in this series for my Birthday last year. I didn't expect to fall in love with it so hard, and as soon as I finished readin...moreI got the first four books in this series for my Birthday last year. I didn't expect to fall in love with it so hard, and as soon as I finished reading those books I went out and bought them all in hardcover. At $35 a book, this was not an inexpensive venture. *laughs* I did it however, because I knew that I would be reading this series over and over again. And now here we are, almost a year later, and I'm starting to re-read the series again.
The first time around, I read this book slowly-devouring it page by page. There are so many characters to remember! So many families and lineages and allegiances! I love referring to the appendix at the end of the book to refresh my knowledge of the different families of the Seven kingdoms. I love gazing at the maps in the beginning of the book to see where all the main cities and holdfasts are. But most of all, I really truly love these characters. No one is clear black or white, rather they are all varying shades of gray. I am beginning to think that George R.R. Martin is a genius, for the complexities and vast epicness of this series is astounding. This first book is almost 800 pages, and the remaining books in the series boast equally if not longer page numbers, so believe me...you get really attatched to these chracters!
I'm enjoyed reading this book even more the second time around; it made the experiance all the more richer! I would reccomend this series to anyone who loves epic fantasies!
This book is so beautiful and heartbreaking. I've never read anything like it. It chronicles the life of Jane, a vapid rich girl who lives in the futu...moreThis book is so beautiful and heartbreaking. I've never read anything like it. It chronicles the life of Jane, a vapid rich girl who lives in the future and doesn't really know what it is to feel anything, or how to experiance life. All that changes when she meets and falls in love with Silver, a robot programed to sing and play music. Eventually she leaves her rich lifestyle to run away with Silver to the slums to try and carve a new life for themselves. I loved this story for so many reasons. First of all, Janes transformation throughout the book is simply astounding. She goes from being very shallow, confused, and timid, to a girl who knows who she is and what she wants. She stands up for herself and what she believes in, and begins making her own decisions and living her own life. And love is the power that transforms her. Reading this really put some things in perspective for me, namely how love can really bring the best (and worst) out of a person. Secondly, from an aesthetic point of view, Tanith Lee's writing is gorgeous. The slums are beautiful, despite the destitude of the people living there, and every other backdrop in the book just drips with amazingly vivid descriptions. This is my first book by this author, but it certainly not the last I will be reading. Lastly, the idea of Jane and Silver's love enduring for all time is really just...beautiful. As corny as that sounds I literally spent a good part of the last few chapters crying my eyes out, because really it was just so emotional and heartrending. What a fantastic book!
"I love you. I'll see you again. Don't ever be afraid."(less)
This book was absolutely without a doubt SO FREAKING INCREDIBLE! Okay, sorry...I'm calmer now. :) But seriously folks, this is definately one of my fa...moreThis book was absolutely without a doubt SO FREAKING INCREDIBLE! Okay, sorry...I'm calmer now. :) But seriously folks, this is definately one of my favorite young adult books that I've read this year. It starts out present day with Macey, a seventeen year old girl dealing with a lying, cheating boyfriend and then BAM we're transported back to Egypt in the time right before it was invaded by Rome. I've always been fascinated with Egypt and Cleopatra, and this book provided such lush descriptions and hauntingly beautiful dialogue that it made my heart sing! Past lives, reincarnation, and soul mates are themes throughout this book that are just so exceptionally played out that you will wonder where this author has been your whole life! Courtney Cole is just an outstanding author and I can't wait to see what she writes next! But I have to say that my favorite part of this book was the ending. I won't give away any spoilers but let me just say that I feel like a lot of young adult books end leaving me with a feeling of...well...hanging on the edge. Alot of books are trilogies or series and the books seem to end with a cliffhanger that makes you want to die while you wait a year or six months or whatever until the next one comes out. This book, although obviously being the first one in a series, had probably the best and most emotionally satisfying conclusion ever. It left me in happy tears and I carried that floaty-happy feeling around with me all day! I would reccomend this book to anyone because it is definately amazing!(less)
If I could mark this book 10 stars, I most definately would.
I picked this book up because of the huge amount of positive reviews for it, and as soon a...moreIf I could mark this book 10 stars, I most definately would.
I picked this book up because of the huge amount of positive reviews for it, and as soon as I started it I could understand why. I was hooked by it from page one, and I finished it in one day because I literally could not put it down.
Alot of people have compared it to The Hunger Games, and I can sort of understand why. Despite the fact that the stories are vastly different and each wonderful in their own way, the lead characters Katniss (The Hunger Games) and Triss (Divergent) share one core characteristic: They will both do whatever it takes to survive,and protect the ones they care about. Although they are both teenage girls they are wise beyond their years.
I personally am drawn to strong female characters, which is one of the many reasons why I adore Divergent. And like I said before, the storyline is so damn gripping and intense. This is an amazing book, folks. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
"I believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another." (Divergent)(less)
Wow. I've been slowly reading this book all week, trying to savor it slowly instead of rapidly devouring it like I do with most other books. This book...moreWow. I've been slowly reading this book all week, trying to savor it slowly instead of rapidly devouring it like I do with most other books. This book is like a dream come true for me, someone who deeply deeply loves Anne Rice's older works. I was dissapointed with her 'Bible-thumping' books when they first came out, not because of their religious content, but because I feel they lack a certain 'much-ness' (to quote the Mad Hatter) that her writing usually entails. Her writing used to convey such strength and depth, and with this book she brings that back in full.
I absolutely adored reading this book! If you have been longing for a book about werewolves that really embrace who they are, rather than hide from it-this is the book for you. The charcaters in this book use their wolf gift for the good of mankind, and revel in their own power. It's beautiful. There are tons of philosphical and theological debates that are discussed throughout the book, which is SO reminiscent of Anne Rice's earlier books that it made me want to weep with joy!
And there were a few steamy scenes between beast and human that made me almost swoon from the beauty of it all. Ever fantasize about lovemaking with a wolf-beast? Reader, you will LOVE this book!
All in all, this was a delightful book to read. I look forward to more great works by Anne Rice in the future, and in the meantime will re-read this book again and again.
This book absolutely blew my mind with how beautiful it was. I loved this retelling of Cinderella, with it's gorgeous writing, lyrical descriptions, d...moreThis book absolutely blew my mind with how beautiful it was. I loved this retelling of Cinderella, with it's gorgeous writing, lyrical descriptions, delightful romance, Faeires, and deep characters.
Also Ash, our Cinderella, is bisexual. How cool is that? Gotta love it. (less)
Hands down one of the best books I have ever read in my life. Period. I don't care who you are or what your views on humanity are, you NEED to read th...moreHands down one of the best books I have ever read in my life. Period. I don't care who you are or what your views on humanity are, you NEED to read this book. Like immediately! It's a mind blowing, earth shattering, heart stealing, life changing, hot mess of a book. (less)
A.S King won my heart with her earlier books, Everybody sees the ants and The dust of 100 dogs. But this book seriously blows everything else right sh...moreA.S King won my heart with her earlier books, Everybody sees the ants and The dust of 100 dogs. But this book seriously blows everything else right she has written out of the water! I loved everything about it, the characters were so real and fresh, and the story was something that hit very close to home. I too lived in a small town when I was in highschool, full of bigotry and fear of things that are different. When it came out when I was 16 that I was bisexual, the whole town (and my parents espescially) were in an uproar. Everyone got over it eventually, but I still can remember how excruciatingly awful the whole experiance was. But you know what? In the end it was worth it, because nothing is more important than being true to yourself. Nothing. This book does an INCREDIBLE job of showing that. It's amazing!(less)
Lauren Oliver is hands down one of my favorite authors of all time. She took my breath away with 'Before I Fall.' She stole my heart with 'Delirium.'...moreLauren Oliver is hands down one of my favorite authors of all time. She took my breath away with 'Before I Fall.' She stole my heart with 'Delirium.' And with 'Liesl & Po' she made me believe once again in things like love, hope, and dreams. Every single one of her books is just filled to the brim with awesomeness, and 'Liesl & Po' is no exception. I sometimes get odd looks from people when I tell them that I enjoy reading childrens books. But even at 27 years old I still find that these books contain some of the most poignant passages and emotional storylines. The Tale of Despereaux for example, never fails to make me cry when I read it because it is just THAT beautiful of a story. This is another one that I feel will be a classic. If you are a fan of Lauren Oliver, or just a fan of EXCEPTIONALLY WRITTEN childrens books-you really need to read this book. It is simply amazing.(less)
I got this book for my mom for her birthday a long time ago, but she ended up giving it to me because she didn't enjoy it. Needless to say, I ended up...moreI got this book for my mom for her birthday a long time ago, but she ended up giving it to me because she didn't enjoy it. Needless to say, I ended up enjoying it very much and have read it at least half a dozen times since that first initial reading and I still love it. It's a gritty book, and hard to read because the main character, Astrid, just experiances so many trials and goes through such anguish throughout her adolescence. I felt for her so strongly while reading this book. Astrid's mother, Ingrid, is also a strong character, despite the fact that she is a murderer. Although this isn't typically the type of book I enjoy, something about it really drew me in.(less)
Wow, Wow, WOW. I finished this book on one day because I could literally NOT PUT IT DOWN! Holy crap, did this book take my breath away! As soon as I w...moreWow, Wow, WOW. I finished this book on one day because I could literally NOT PUT IT DOWN! Holy crap, did this book take my breath away! As soon as I was about thirty pages into it I knew without a doubt that I would be putting it on my favorites shelf when I was finished.
First I just want to say that I now have a huge author crush on Michelle Hodkin. I am in awe of her writing skills after reading this book. She managed to make me swoon, nearly pass out from terror, and laugh my ass off all in the same book. If you havn't read this book yet, you should. Really. I am going to start recommending it to everyone I know, because it's honestly just that good.
I also want to note that I can't for the life of me remember the last time I fell for a male book character that WAS A HUMAN. Mostly when I am swooning over the main guy in a story he's a vampire. Or a werewolf. Or quite possibly a Faerie, Angel, Demon, Shadowhunter, or what have you. But readers, I seriously dare you to read this book and NOT fall head over heels for Noah. He's absolutely infuriating and charming and has a bedroom that is wall-to-wall books. If he were real and I ever met this guy in real life I would hump him. Or marry him. Or quite possibly both. :) And what can I say about the heroine, Mara? She is full of awesome. She's courageous, steadfast, full of integrity, and has a mouth like a sailor which had me cracking up throughout the book!
But really, this book is filled with so much mystery and suspense, you will not be able to put it down until you finish it. It's an amazing book, and I am anxiously awaiting the next one in the series! :)
*Edit: Second Re-read...
Loved it just as much the second time as the first!(less)
"I see a city of gleaming black stone that shines with jewel-colors: crimson, royal purple and blue. I see labyrinthine passages and rooms where you c...more"I see a city of gleaming black stone that shines with jewel-colors: crimson, royal purple and blue. I see labyrinthine passages and rooms where you can lose yourself for days, months. Lofty pillars. Balconies onto a crystal-clear night full of stars, great sparkling white galaxies like flowers. Statues of winged men looking down with timeless eyes. And through this citadel walk graceful mean and women with lovely elongated faces and calm, knowing eyes. They take the names of gods, on occasion. Sometimes they are heroic and help the world. And sometimes they are malicious and turn it upside down...."
In this third installment of the Aetherial trilogy by Freda Warrington, all the pieces in the puzzle come together. All family ties are brought together. New relationships are formed. The Spiral and Earth are brought back to harmony. It all ends here. Yet every end is a new beginning.
First of all, can I just say how much I ADORE the artwork of Kinuko Y. Craft? The art that has graced the front of the covers for this series is simply magical. I literally cannot imagine that any other cover artwork could properly portray the sense of mystery and wonder that these do. If you want to see more of this type of artwork to go along with fantastic fantasy books, look up Patricia McKillip. Also wonderful.
But, I digress. This book, this series, has been one of the most delightful reading experiences I have ever enjoyed. From the very first page I was caught up in the wonderful writing style of Freda Warrington; lyrical, descriptive, lush, abundant with sensory overload. The visual imagery that this book evokes is nothing short of magical. I know I keep using that word to describe it, but really that's the best word to describe any and every aspect of this series. Magical. This is urban fantasy, which I usually don't enjoy more than epic fantasy. But this book is a subtle blend of new and old, Nature and the suburbs, power and love. It's really so very beautiful.
And the characters are so incredible! Here are these Aehterial beings; magical, mythical beings, and at some points their dialogue was so frank and hilarious that I burst out laughing on many occasions!
"Can you two show the slightest bit of reverence? It's a magical pathway! Of course there are no fucking pubs!"
"Your worst nightmare in the world was to spend eternity stuck with me-and here we are, trapped in a cell together! Yes, the gods must be laughing their fucking heads off!"
Even when they are shapeshifting into their Vaelyr forms, you can always identify with these characters because they experience all the same emotions that we do; love, hate, fear, shame, pride, etc.
And at the heart of this book is a love story. And while I wouldn't by any stretch of the imagination call this book a romance I would say that the romance contained within is beautifully done and very well fleshed out, which is actually a bit rare for a fantasy novel.
I really recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy, no matter what type you prefer. It really has something enjoyable in it for everyone.
"I can't live a small life. Even if I was wrong, I old to my destiny and I do nothing that is not my own choice."
This is the second installment in the much loved Vampire Academy series. This is just as amazing as the first one, although bittersweet. I don't want...moreThis is the second installment in the much loved Vampire Academy series. This is just as amazing as the first one, although bittersweet. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that the tone definately gets a lot darker, more emotional; I found myself crying by the end of the book! And of course there is a lot more of the Dmitri/Rose romance that we all know and love! Another great book in this series!(less)
This is one of my favorite books of all time, and I have probably read it more times than any other book. It's a wonderful retelling of the Arthurian...moreThis is one of my favorite books of all time, and I have probably read it more times than any other book. It's a wonderful retelling of the Arthurian legends, but from the eyes of Arthur's sister, Morgaine. (less)
I remember reading somewhere that Maggie Stiefvater said that 'The Scorpio Races' is her favorite book that she's written, which left me feeling bewil...moreI remember reading somewhere that Maggie Stiefvater said that 'The Scorpio Races' is her favorite book that she's written, which left me feeling bewildered. How could she like anything more than 'Shiver' or 'Lament'? I always felt that those two books are the pinnacle of her writing career. But then I finally read 'The Scorpio Races' and it blew everything else I have ever read out of the water! This story contains her usual blend of fantasy, wit, and heart-wrenching emotion, and also a horde of magical-water-horses. For this and a million other reasons it has become my favorite as well. If you love Maggie Stiefvater's work, or if you are a horse lover-you will adore this book.(less)
Patricia McKillip is definately one of my favorite fantasy authors, and this book is a fine example of why. Her writing is so lyrical, poetic, and des...morePatricia McKillip is definately one of my favorite fantasy authors, and this book is a fine example of why. Her writing is so lyrical, poetic, and descriptive, and she has such a keen understanding of the human spirit, which is conveyed in this story particularly. I put this book on my favorites shelf not only because the writing style is so amazing, but also because the story is fascinating. There are a few seperate storylines all taking place throughout the book, and when they are connected in the end-I felt my heart nearly thud out of my chest! As many times as I read this book, the reaction is the same! I don't want to give too much away, but I will say it is very memorable!I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good fantasy story!(less)
I first read this book when I was in high school, my attention having been captured by my love of books and of wolves. I put it on my favorites shelf...moreI first read this book when I was in high school, my attention having been captured by my love of books and of wolves. I put it on my favorites shelf because even now, almost ten years later-most of the dynamics of this very strong, emotional story have stayed with me. THe two main characters, Luke and Helen, are both very strong people who grow so much throught the duration of this book. When you get to the end you will be very proud of them both.(less)
I love this series, it's fantastic, and this book kept me on the edge of my seat. With so many bad things that happen, all you can do is read on and c...moreI love this series, it's fantastic, and this book kept me on the edge of my seat. With so many bad things that happen, all you can do is read on and continue to hope that everything turns out all right in the end. Very intense.(less)
It is really this second book in the series that really grabbed my attention. I very much enjoyed the first book, but the multiple plot twists and rev...moreIt is really this second book in the series that really grabbed my attention. I very much enjoyed the first book, but the multiple plot twists and revelations in this book just absolutely left me breathless. I remember finishing this book and just being speechless with the sheer genius of it. Very good series, I highly recommend it.(less)
Wow. Talk about an epic series. I never expected to like this series as much as I do (I know I keep saying it, but there it is) and I keep getting the...moreWow. Talk about an epic series. I never expected to like this series as much as I do (I know I keep saying it, but there it is) and I keep getting the wind knocked out of me by how amazing the story and characters are. So many things happen in the book; great characters die, secrets are revealed, and underdog characters recieve their moments of triumph. I can't help but really CARE about the characters in this series, and I am so compelled to keep reading so I can find out what happens next!(less)
This was the first book I ever read by Lauren Oliver, and it made me fall immediately head over heels for her writing and writing style. I'm a sucker...moreThis was the first book I ever read by Lauren Oliver, and it made me fall immediately head over heels for her writing and writing style. I'm a sucker for dystopian books anyway, but this one really seemed so unique and unlike anything I had ever before experianced. The plot and setting was well developed, and the characters (espescially Lena) just seemed so REAL to me. They weren't perfect, they all had their flaws and insecurities, but that just made them more likable and believable.
Of course this book made me a Lauren Oliver fan for life, but even if I wasn't, I would highly recommend this to anyone! It's a fantastic read and she is a fantastic author!(less)
Ignatio has just moved to the small town of Middleburg where he befriends Raphael, the leader of a gang called the Flatliners. Raphael has fallen in l...moreIgnatio has just moved to the small town of Middleburg where he befriends Raphael, the leader of a gang called the Flatliners. Raphael has fallen in love with Aimee, who happens to be the sister of one of the members of their rival gang, the Toppers. This sparks an epic war between the two gangs. But there is more to this town that meets the eye.
I freakin' LOVED this book. It literally has something for every reader: romance, action, horror, mystery, martial arts, some really hilarious moments-this book has it all! I could not stop reading it once I started, the story just gripped me and would not let go. It's fantastic. Let me just say this, I downloaded it on my nook-but after I read it I enjoyed it so much I went out and bought it in the store so I would have a paper copy too. If that doesn't say how much I loved it then I don't know what will! (less)
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