Madi Lalor's Blog

"Crooked Kingdom" by Leigh Bardugo

"Crooked Kingdom" by Leigh Bardugo 

Happy Halloween! (From Australia, at least!)

It has been a few weeks since my last update, unfortunately. But I'm hoping after my exams I will finally be able to get back into reading! 

Enjoy x

Book: Crooked Kingdom

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Published: 2016

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 536

Series: Six of Crows #2

I know this series is widely loved, but I've truly just never been able to connect.

"That was how you survived when you weren't chosen, when there was no royal blood in your veins. When the world owed you nothing, you demanded something of it anyway." - Kaz Brekker

Blurb:

Welcome to the world of the Grisha.

Kaz Brekker and his crew of deadly outcasts have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives.

Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties.

A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets - a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.

Where to begin. Honestly, I've been struggling to finish this novel - for many reasons. I could blame exams all I want, but if I truly loved this book, I probably could have finished it. 

I began reading it on my kindle and then when time started to get a bit tight, I turned to an audiobook. And to be honest, I've only listened to an audiobook once before in my lifetime and it just isn't for me. There is nothing like being able to hold a hard copy in your hands. That is the only form that I will ever truly love. So, listening to it as an audiobook is probably where the problem began.

I love the characters that Bardugo created. I love the entire gang, especially Inej. There is just something about their dynamic skills and personalities that make them one. It's as if you can't have one of them, but you must have all, even if they don't always get along. Bardugo is truly a master when it comes to illustrating her characters. She clearly knows her stuff. I think the way she also creates Inej and Kaz's relationship is a perfect balance of hard lines and soft touches. They are two opposites that would have likely never crossed paths if not for the way Bardugo is able to structure and weave their stories together. 

Ultimately, this story just isn't for me. I think I already knew that when I read Six of Crows, but I always hate leaving a series half-finished. I think the plot itself gets quite tricky, especially when trying to concentrate by listening to an audiobook. I often got confused and b the end of it, I wasn't entirely sure what they were trying to achieve. I think for me the length of the book takes away from the plot. It was too long. It was not the type of book for me where I can't wait to read the next chapter. There was just something missing for me. And that's just a personal opinion, it doesn't mean the book is going to be like that for everyone. And clearly, it isn't, because this duology has so much love and support and despite not being set on it, I cannot wait to watch the Netflix series. 

I think I also felt saddened when a particular scene comes into play towards the end. It almost felt entirely unnecessary, like they'd gone through everything just for this to happen. What happened added no value to the plot. They weren't being heroic. It just happened out of nowhere, after everything else they'd escaped from. You might be able to guess, but I won't give anything else away in case some of you are still yet to read it (or everyone else has already read it because I'm clearly four years behind trends...)

PROS: I didn't mention this before, but the friendship between Nina and Inej is sweet. Especially in a story where everyone is trying to remain unfeeling and just survive. 

CONS: The overall plot for me.

So, I'd give this story a 7/10!

Hope to see you all soon (likely end of November - early December)

Madi xo

"Breathless" by Jennifer Niven

 

"Breathless" by Jennifer Niven

Well... it sure has been a while. Oops. It feels like it's been so long since I've posted here that I don't even remember how to start this.

Honestly, I have wanted to read in so long! Unfortunately, life happens sometimes and right now, I have hardly any free time :( 

Exams are coming up - they're going to be a killer for me this year. I won't be able to fit in much reading until late November - Early December. 

But nonetheless, I am back (momentarily) for another review!

Enjoy x

Novel: Breathless 

Author: Jennifer Niven

Published: 2020

Genre: romance, coming-of-age

Pages: 381

It had some really great aspects; love, adventure, the beginning of the rest of your life. But, it also had a lot that I couldn't connect to; this, unfortunately, included Claudine Henry, the main freaking character.

"Sometimes things end, even if you don't want them to" - Claudine Henry 

Blurb:

Claudine Henry was supposed to be spending the summer before college hanging out with her best friend, going on the road trip of a lifetime and maybe hooking up with smouldering-eyes Wyatt Jones. Instead, after her father drops the bombshell that he's leaving them, she's exiled to a remote Georgia island with her heartbroken mother, no phone service and no chance of romance.

Until she meets Jeremiah. Free-spirited, mysterious and beautiful, their chemistry is immediate and irresistible. They both know that whatever they have can only last the summer, but maybe one summer is enough...

I can still remember it so vividly. The time I read All The Bright Places as a twelve-year-old, crying my little heart out at how heartbreakingly beautiful and important the story was. From the moment I finished that book, Niven had captured my attention. Like many other authors before her, I'd made myself a vow, without even really knowing it, that I'd continue to read her YA novels. Because I don't think anyone can deny that ATBP defined a lot of our generation. It was like the next big thing after the craze surrounding The Fault in our Stars. The story was completely magical and I felt lucky that I'd found the book. That I'd been able to read something so powerful that it physically hurt. That is why I read and write stories. To feel emotion. To feel so connected to a story that it changes your life. You know the plot back-to-front, even if you've only read it once, because it is so memorable and ingrained in your mind that you could never forget it.

Following my vow, next up was Niven's 2016 release, Holding up the Universe. The excitement of reading her next big thing was intense. When you come to love a writer so much, it can place a huge amount of pressure on their next story to amount to something as fantastic as their first. For me, Holding up the Universe did not accomplish that. And neither did Breathless. 

My biggest issue with Breathless is that I found it difficult to connect to Claudine. Dealing with the immense confusion and sadness surrounding her parent's separation was no doubt hard for her, which I'm sure a lot of teens can relate to. Maybe it isn't fair for me to judge, because I am grateful enough to say that my parents are still happily married, but I did feel that majority of the story was filled with too much inner monologue of her drowning in her own self-pity. Clearly, the separation has effected her, like it would anyone, but I began to get frustrated, feeling as though she was focusing on such a small view of the world. Throughout it all, I had just said to myself wait for her growth, it'll be better soon. But I felt as though this is something that never changed; the wallowing, the back-and-forth monologue over her parent's separation. When you put into perspective what some of the other characters you meet have gone/are going through, Claudine struggles to even acknowledge that maybe she should look at the bigger picture. That despite her father leaving, at least she had a stable family unit. It is almost like she has been wrapped up in her own bubble, unable to see the rest of the world's problems. She also makes so seriously poor decisions based on her anger, which I do not think is fair. You cannot blame anger for your actions. You can only blame yourself. And yes, I understand how upsetting the news must have been for her, but I think I would have liked to see even more growth by the end of the novel. Like possibly realising how lucky she truly is and that some people really do have it worse off than her. 

In addition, I did also find that she was a bit too sex-crazed. Like I understand that losing your V-card can be a huge deal, but it was as though this was the only thing she could think about for the majority of the story. Like it would be her most defining moment. It was a though she only had two things on her mind; hating her father and sex with Jeremiah 'Miah' Crew.

Speaking of Miah, I have a few things to say about him too. Much like Claude, he frustrated me a bit in the story. I found that he so often dodged questions that it began to really annoy me. I understand that he's supposed to be mysterious, but I think it comes to a certain point where it begins to be too much. I still don't entirely know some of his back story, which unfortunately will always remain a mystery. 

I also wasn't a huge fan of the ending. Like, from reading the blurb and knowing Niven's writing, I was already aware that it was highly unlikely to be a happy ending, but still. Despite not loving the ending, it did make me emotional. Some of the imagery and the way Claude suddenly describes the island when viewing Miah's house suddenly made me feel this overwhelming sadness for her, and it was the first time where I really felt like I could understand her. Like despite being surrounded by people, she was the loneliest, yet the happiest person in the world. And I truly believe that her relationship with Miah fulfilled that void for a while, That she learnt a lot from her relationship with him. For the majority of the story, I didn't feel much of a connection between the two. I often questioned where it was going and whether the relationship was more one-sided than the other. But, I think a defining moment for me was when Claude makes a terrible, reckless decision that she instantly regrets. I disliked her for it, but it did end up proving to me that her relationship with Miah was something special, something that should be cherished. The beauty of first love. It may not last forever, but you learn so many life lessons. 

Overall, I think I was able to appreciate some of the lessons told throughout the story. I also came to like the relationship between Claude and Miah, despite how turbulent it felt at times.

PROS: The defining moment that helped me understand the true depth of emotion in Claude and Miah's relationship. I also love that Niven incorporated some really meaningful moments from her own life with her husband, weaving them in with some of the cute adventures Claude and Miah have together.

CONS: I would have liked to see less monologue surrounding Claude's parent's separation. It felt repetitive and ultimately redundant at times.

So, I give this story a 7.5/10!

I don't know when I'll see you next, but until then, thank you for reading this.

Love, 

Madi xo

"Midnight Sun" by Stephenie Meyer

 

"Midnight Sun" by Stephenie Meyer 

Hey everyone! 

Back again with an extremely exciting review! 

Enjoy x 

Novel: Midnight Sun

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Published: 2020

Genre: romance, fantasy 

Pages: 756

Series: Twilight #5

When I tell you I have literally been blasting the film's soundtracks all week (particularly New Moon because no one can deny that it is superior), I literally mean all week. Like, every day. Obsessed once again.

"For the first time in a hundred years, I was grateful to be what I was. Every aspect of being a vampire -- all but the danger to her -- was suddenly acceptable to me, because it was what had let me live long enough to find Bella." - Edward Cullen <3

Blurb:

When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella's side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward's version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

This unforgettable tale as told through Edward's eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward's past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?

I think everyone who is a die-hard Twihard can agree that this month all they have felt is a surreal sense of nostalgia. It's crazy to think that Twilight was first published 14 years ago when I was barely four years old. And to think only two years later, at the tiny age of six I'd be seeing the first movie on DVD (mum never let me watch the ballet studio scene with James until I was older, though, don't worry.) And then again, for my tenth birthday back in 2012, getting to experience the excitement of Breaking Dawn Part 2 wearing my Twilight t-shirt which was too big (and which still miraculously just fits). Although I didn't actually read the books until I was sixteen, I had already fallen in love with the films years earlier. Both the books and majority (I will always hate the film adaptation of Eclipse, mostly because Summit decided to recast Victoria for no good reason) of the film adaptations will always hold a special place in my heart and I don't think a month goes by where I'm not watching at least one of the films. Especially since Midnight Sun came out and I have felt my obsession grow strong once again. My entire TikTok page is nearly covered with video after video all about Twilight (in particular Robert Pattinson edits, because, yes thank you.) It is a series that I doubt will ever grow old, even as time moves forward and its original fans grow up. Honestly, I know that as we all grow up and if we decide to have children, we will only reintroduce the world of Twilight to them and so on and so on. I don't think it will be something that ever dies out. Stephenie Meyer has created an amazing world and an awesome legacy. Her fans are also some of the most passionate I've ever witnessed and I cannot wait until one day, she finally publishes the other two Twilight novels she has been working on (as long as we don't all have to wait another twelve years, that it...).

Anyway, I should probably stop rambling and actually talking about Midnight Sun. Starting off, I was absolutely thrilled and engrossed with Edward's point of view. I love that we literally have both sides to the story and that we really got a better and clearer insight into his mind. One thing I really loved most was the fact we got to see the Cullen family a lot more and that not every scene was with Bella, which ultimately resulted in getting an insight into his family dynamic and his real love for his parents which I don't think was highlighted enough in the original telling from Bella's perspective. I honestly loved the scenes with his family more than those with Bella, because it was something just so fresh and new that we were yet to uncover. It brought a new layer to Twilight and really showed us the importance of having a supportive network, of having a caring family, even if you aren't related directly by blood (lol, vampire pun not intended). I think in particular I really got a new found love for Jasper as a character, and how his powers really work. He feeds off emotions and loves to surround himself with Edward and Bella because he gets to experience their love. I found that so utterly beautiful. I also loved that we got to see more of Emmett's protective, humourous nature and that we also got a deeper insight into his backstory. I loved that we got to see Rosalie, who is often very closed off and stubborn, willing to go against her senses to save Emmett when he had been dying as a human. I think it gives her a more humane nature, as we usually just regard her as the one who disliked Bella so much. We also got to see the true nature of her jealousy towards Bella which was another interesting insight. What I also loved was that we got to see particular characters from Edward's perspective, like Mike Newton and Jessica Stanely. The fact that he can read all their thoughts just makes it ten times better. They literally have no place to escape without Edward being able to see what they're thinking.

Now, there were a couple drawbacks for me. Not many, but a few. I think firstly, as much as I loved to read it, it was too long. I think it dragged a lot towards the start and in all honesty, there could have been less Bella scenes. I think some of the scenes with her didn't really build to the plot of the story and they weren't necessarily needed in order to reach the climax. Some chapters were extremely long and not very action-packed with anything exciting happening. I think it could have lost a good 100 pages or so just to get the novel flowing at a better pace. I also think that Stephenie could have expanded on the Cullen's back story. Although I loved the edition of Tanya at the very beginning, I think all of that could have been expanded too. I would have loved to get even more dialogue from Esme because she is such a beautiful character to me, and I love her dearly. She definitely deserved to have her story told in greater detail because I think you barely get a page about how Carlisle saved her and that was it. So my biggest negative for Midnight Sun would definitely be the fact we didn't get enough of Edward's and the Cullen's actual story before Bella came to Forks. I think that would have just added to the overall plot and it also would have justified its large length of almost 800 pages. I would have appreciated the length more if I found every single chapter riveting.

PROS: Just being able to hold another, new addition to the Twilight series in my hands was enough for me.

CONS: Not enough backstory on the Cullens.

So, I give this novel an 8/10!

Hope to see you all again soon! 

Feel free to comment on what you thought of Midnight Sun if you've read it! I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Madi xoxo

"Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

 

"Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo 

Hey everyone!
I'm finally back with yet another book recommendation thanks to Tik Tok.

Enjoy!

                                 

Novel:  Six of Crows

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Published: 2015 

Genre: Fantasy 

Pages: 465

Series: Six of Crows #1

Personally, I believe it is slightly overhyped and I initially did struggle to get into it. However, Bardugo's writing is nothing short of a descriptive masterpiece.

"Let's let the Ice Court know the Dregs have come to call." - Jesper Fahey 

Blurb:

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone. . . .

A convict with a thirst for revenge

A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager

A runaway with a privileged past

A spy known as the Wraith

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes

Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.

So, yes, don't hate me. I do believe that this novel is good, but I do think it is also overhyped. The first part of the novel is quite slow-paced, I found. I was struggling to read it without needing a break quite often. It felt like it was dragging, like the plot needed some extra oomph to get it going. The thing is, though, that I read SOC without reading the Shadow and Bone series which this is a spin-off of. I don't know if it would have been a different story if I had read that trilogy first, but I did find myself very confused at the beginning, trying to understand all these new foreign phrases and this completely new plot. I wonder if I should have read the SAB trilogy before reading SOC to fully get a grasp on the world Bardugo has created so brilliantly.

Despite this, however, I do believe it began to pick up and the story really found its grip. I don't find it hard to read sometimes when there is a minimal amount of romance in stories, but I think Kaz Brekker and Inej, despite not actually getting together or even hinting if they even will in the sequel, I do believe they are in love and there is definitely enough Brekker quotes which I have saved to my Goodreads account to back me up. Their entwined storyline definitely got me through the book. I absolutely loved how Kaz is seen as this strong, emotionless criminal who doesn't feel anything, when deep down, he fears losing Inej most, which becomes so evident at the end of the book. I don't know how the sequel pans out, but I do hope they at least kiss or tell each other they love each other or something close to it, because honestly, it is so obvious they do. 

Other than that, I did love the side characters. Nina and Matthais's story was my second favourite part. They have the enemies to lovers trope that I idolise to death. They definitely did the minimal romance side to this story justice. 

The overall plot of the story, being the heist on the Ice Court, wasn't really what I enjoyed the most. I found that it was rather dry and didn't really initiate anything from me. However, I think the Dregs working together and the scenes with Kaz, Inej and then Nina and Matthais respectively, was what really brought it all together for me. I think the characters in the story really save Six of Crows, rather than the plot itself. 

Overall, it was a really well-crafted novel and despite it not being my favourite ever, I am excited to eventually read the sequel. Oh, and let's not forget, it is becoming a Netflix television series! It couldn't get much better than that. I can't believe fans aren't talking more about it honestly. 

PROS: Kaz and Inej for sure.

CONS: Not getting into the plot until closer to the end.

So, I give this novel a 7.5/10!

See you very soon with another novel I have been waiting for years to read. Can you guess what it might be? 

"Good Girl, Bad Blood" by Holly Jackson

"Good Girl, Bad Blood" by Holly Jackson
Hey everyone!Back again!




Novel: Good Girl, Bad Blood
Author: Holly Jackson
Published: 2020
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 413
Series: A Good Girl's Guide To Murder #2 

I loved AGGGTM so much and I was so excited to read GGBB. It didn't let me down, either.


"So here it is: Welcome to season two of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder - The Disappearance of Jamie Reynolds" - Pip Fitz-Amobi

Blurb: Someone is missing. Nobody's talking. But this time, EVERYONE is listening...Pip Fitz-Amobi is not a detective any more. Her true-crime podcast about the murder case she solved last year has gone viral. Yet Pip insists her investigating days are behind her. But she will have to go back on her word when someone close to her goes missing and the police can't do anything about it. If they won't investigate, then Pip will, uncovering more of her town's dark secrets along the way. But will she find the answers before time runs out? 


Love, love, loved it. Honestly, I think my favourite genre is mystery (other than romance...). I love nothing more than reading a story knowing that you will never be right as twists and turns pass by. And no one does it better than Holly Jackson. But because of her, I've started to have trust issues with characters. Who can you really trust anymore? You honestly can't trust anyone in a Holly Jackson novel, unless they are the main character or very, very close to the main character. I love how every single clue you receive in Jackson's novels mean something. That everything adds up to the end result. She has definitely been one of the inspirations for the story I am currently writing (Summer to Remember, which you can find on my Wattpad @Madzalalor). She has such a talent at structuring her stories and keeping her audience entertained. In nearly every single chapter, you would learn something new that made you want to read the next chapter. And then the next chapter. GGBB was so addictive that I had withdrawals when I knew I had to put it down to study for school. I loved seeing Pip back. She is just a well-written character. A badass girl who can hold her own, knows how to solve a mystery and is just as entertaining. I love that she fights for what she believes is right and doesn't back down. She is someone who will not allow you to walk all over her and she will always find the truth. In a way, this is also ones of her biggest flaws. Her ability to need the truth does consume her at times and unlike real detectives, she tends to get quite attached to her cases which, in the end, is not a good thing. I believe she will have a lot of issues she will need to overcome in the third novel as she went through yet another traumatic event in GGBB. I'm surprised she wasn't worse towards the end of AGGGTM. But somehow, I feel like being detective has really taken its toll on her this. And I'm not sure how her parents will ever let her out of the house if she chooses to continue on her quest for the truth (even if she is eighteen.)I also loved how this story tied in quite well with AGGGTM. When I had initially read the blurb, I didn't think it would really have any connection to the plot of AGGGTM  besides the characters being the same and still living in Little Kilton. But I really loved how Jackson connected some of the pieces from AGGGTM into GGBB's plot. It worked so well and it just shows you how talented she is at crafting her work so well, even down to the smallest details that you didn't think was important. And let's just talk about Ravi. I don't think he got enough book time. He is honestly one of the best characters. I love Pip and his dynamic. I love how cute they are, and gah, the nicknames they have for each other. Specifically Ravi's nicknames for Pip. Anyway, just love them. Love them. Can't wait for next year! Excited to see how Pip's story continues...

PROS: Ravi 
CONS: Can't say I have a specific con! 

So, I give this novel an 8.5/10!

"A Court of Frost and Starlight" by Sarah J. Maas

"A Court of Frost and Starlight" by Sarah J. Maas
Hey everyone, 
Enjoy my latest review (I'm sure it is unsurprising...)




Novel: A Court of Frost and Starlight 
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Published: 2018
Genre: fantasy, romance
Pages: 229
Series : A Court of Thorns and Roses #3.5


I understand why people may have been disappointed, but honestly, I think people are judging unfairly. 

"To the dreams that are answered, Rhys," - Feyre Archeron 
Blurb: Hope warms the coldest night.

Feyre, Rhys, and their close-knit circle of friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly-changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it, a hard-earned reprieve.

Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, she finds that those dearest to her have more wounds than she anticipated--scars that will have far-reaching impact on the future of their Court. 

As stated above; people are allowed to feel disappointed, especially because this series is so well-liked and popular. I think when fans love a series so much, they have even higher expectations for the next book in a series which can make it even harder for the author to meet their standards. This is why, personally I have always preferred to write stand-alone novels, in fear that the sequel may impact upon the way people view the first novel. When people say they are disappointed about the plot of ACOFAS, I think they fail to realise that it is just a novella. Novella novels in a series are not considered a main book in the series (hence 3.5 instead of book 4), and they are made in a way where the audience doesn't have to read it if they don't want to. Say someone decided to just read books 1-3 and then when book 4 comes out next year, they read that. But they never chose to read 3.5. Novellas are created in a way where nothing detrimental or extremely important happens in the plot so that the audience does not miss out on anything from the main books. Their purpose is purely to be a filler story. An add on, if you will. Nothing overall important was supposed to happen. A lot of the reviews on Goodreads complained about how all they did throughout the story was buy gifts. And although I tend to agree that there were a little bit too much gift-buying and overuse of describing the surroundings, ACOFAS is not a main book in the series and therefore, I was no expecting to be completely thrilled with some new plotline that made me go wow. Save that for the next book, where we finally get to delve inside Cassian and Nesta's story. I, in fact, think that despite it's lack of excitement, ACOFAS set up for the next book quite well and of course, it had a great section of Feyre and Rhys scenes. We got new perspectives from some characters we'd never had before, a look into the future for Feyre and Rhys and how the new world would look. One thing that I did receive from ACOFAS was a sense of sadness for Tamlin. Now, don't kill me. Yes, I remember exactly what he did to Feyre, but I am genuinely beginning to feel for the guy. He loved Feyre, despite his own issues. He loved her with everything he had and he lost her. And he lost everything good in his life when he left, even Lucien (don't get me started on how frustrated I am with Elian and Lucien's storyline either...). I think he does deserve a redemption arc, no more so than ever after reading ACOFAS. And I truly hope he meets someone who can care for his broken heart. Because at the end of the day, he just needs to be loved. And I don't think I can hate him anymore. For anything. 

PROS: Feyre and Rhys's scene in the cabin. More so the reason behind it than the actions that take place.
CONS: Quite slow at times, but not unexpected for a novella.

So, I give this book a 7/10!

I hope to see you all soon, but I can't promise when I will be able to sit down and finish my next book. I have a lot of assignments coming up at school as I near closer to my exams (sigh*) 
Love you all, 
Madi xoxo 

"A Court of Wings and Ruin" by Sarah J. Maas

"A Court of Wings and Ruin" by Sarah J. Maas
Hey everyone! Back again with the ACOTAR's series! The finale (sort of) of a series I have come to love. 
Enjoy x




Novel: A Court of Wings and Ruin
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Published: 2017
Genre: fantasy, romance
Pages: 699
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #3


A great ending to a great series. Excited to hear that Maas is bringing back the beloved characters next year with yet another story in the series! 


"Be happy, Feyre" - Tamlin

Blurb: 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.


I know the quote I chose above may be controversial to a lot of fans of the series, but to me, it resembles exactly the type of ending that every character deserved, not just Feyre. I do believe that deep down, despite his flaws, Tamlin is not a bad person and I cannot hate him for anything he did. In fact, I do know hope he gets a redemption arc because I think he deserves it. After all, he did love Feyre and (SPOILER IF YOU HAVEN'T READ ACOMAF) losing her to Rhys. I mean, obviously, I love Rhys more but I don't hate Tamlin. I hope he does find his happiness someday.I thought this was a fitting end to a well-loved series. I think it began slowly and could have been cut down a few hundred pages (maybe 500-600, not nearly 700!), but nonetheless, by the middle and end, I was really getting into it. I loved seeing the growing connection between Cassian and Nesta the most. I'm so glad they get their own story next year because they truly deserve the best. I loved seeing Rhys and Feyre, even when Maas almost broke my heart towards the end (die-hard fans know what I mean), but I am so glad that it ended the way it did. I don't like reading tragic series, because I always get so attached and killing off characters in a series is a lot worse than killing them off in a stand-alone book. So, thank you Maas, for not doing that wrong thing. Ok, don't hate me but I couldn't stand Elain for most of the book. She redeemed herself by the end but I seriously couldn't stand her moping (sorry if I'm being a tad harsh, but seriously, girl, stop.)The battle scene was extremely epic but also stressful at the same time. One thing Maas has yet to fail with is her ability to right great action scenes (and love scenes of course...). I am so happy that I found this series and that these characters are now etched into my heart.Thank you, Sarah. I'll cherish your writing forever. 

PROS: The inner circle never fails to make the story.

CONS: A little dragged out at the beginning.

So, I give this book an 8/10!

See you soon (hopefully!)
Love, 
Madi xoxo

"A Court of Mist and Fury" by Sarah J. Maas

"A Court of Mist and Fury" by Sarah J. Maas




Novel: A Court of Mist and Fury
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Published: 2016
Genre: fantasy, romance
Pages: 626
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #2

You won't often hear me saying this about sequels but I loved this book so much more than ACOTAR. Gah, if only love existed like it does in ACOMAF.

"Love can be a poison" - Rhysand


Blurb: 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.


So many things to say, where do I even begin? I feel like I always miss something when I write these blogs and it usually comes back to me later on, once it's already published. So that will probably happen again because there is so much that I have to say about ACOMAF. Let's start with Feyre. Ultimately likeable in ACOTAR, however as any normal human would who enters a world of faeries and evil, she was fragile and still finding out who she was. But LET ME TELL YOU; obviously, good-bye human Feyre and hello frickin independent, bad-ass new Feyre. I like both but I think we'll keep the latter. Her character development was off the charts thanks to Maas (btw, why have I been so dumb in never reading any of her stories before ACOTAR?). I can't really fault Feyre at all. I usually have one trait in the main character that annoys me but it's hard to find any, really. She becomes so strong and so righteous and just friggin amazing. Moving on, can just talk about the banter between the Inner Circle? If Maas made a novella just about their banter, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. It creates such a great dynamic in a story filled with a usual sombre, lets-fight-this-war story. I love how we got to meet, Mor, Amran, Cassian and Azriel. But don't ask me if I have a favourite because that's too hard. Moving on again, god-damn Rhysand. I can see now why everyone won't shut up about him on TikTok. I can see now why people prefer him to Tamlin (let's face it, we were all shipping Tamlin and Feyre in ACOTAR, don't even try to lie lol). He's literally the epitome of a teenage girl's dream man. And besides, I've always been a sucker for the bad-boy, good person, type. It's one of the best types of character someone could create. I definitely won't forget Rhys, not for a long time. Maybe not forever.Overall, I felt like the romance side was so much better and stronger. I also loved the action more in this novel too. The ending was superb and all those little twists and turns I didn't see coming were sublime. I even got a little emotional towards the end which tends to not happen very regularly when I read unless the book really impacts me. Not a lot to fault here but maybe just a bigger climax leading up to the action. Now I'm just being picky, honestly. Just on a side note as well, I'm absolutely in love with Sarah J. Maas's writing. She one of those people who creates characters where you actually delve so deep into the book, completely entrancing you that for a while, you actually forget that the people in her story are a work of fiction. And that hurts. It hurts to know they are only in someone's mind and that you can't actually ever meet them (lol). And that's on being a fantastic writer. Definitely up there now with one of my favourites. 

PROS: Rhys.
CONS: Tamlin. HAHA. 

So, I give this story a 9/10!
See you all very soon! (I'm sure you can all work out what I'll be reading...)
Madi xoxo

"A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas

"A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas
Hey everyone!I'm back! I'm sure a lot of you have already read this series (because I am yet again behind on the times), but TikTok (or BookTok as book lovers have begun to call it) has inspired me to start this series. 
Enjoy! xx





Novel: A Court of Thorns of Roses
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Published: 2015
Genre: Fantasy, romance 
The number of pages: 419
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #1


"Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don't feel anything at all.” - Rhysand 
Blurb: Feyre's survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price ...

Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.


I'd initially bee apprehensive about reading ACOTAR because I'd heard that it was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Don't get me wrong, Disney can be great but I've always turned away from books that centre around retellings. I guess maybe I shouldn't from now on, however. I felt like it was quite different to Beauty and the Beast, with only small aspects of ACOTAR having anything in common with the story. I think the beginning was slow-burning and I hadn't really expected that it would get any better. But it did. Feyre is a character that I loved. She wasn't too irritating, she wasn't a damsel in distress type, she wasn't annoying or whining. She was the perfect balance of all aspects in a human and that's why I liked her. Often, when I don't like something about a character, I find it increasingly hard to connect with the story. But I never had to indulge in such a prospect because Feyre was perfectly likeable. She had good qualities, like being family orientated and protecting those she loves. She also has a good heart which I know maybe her biggest downfall in the books to follow.Obviously, the story follows her as she meets Tamlin, a High Lord Faerie. The problem is, I liked Tamlin. But according to TikTok, that is only going to change in the next book in the series and I'm not sure I like that prospect. One thing I absolutely hate (as you may already know) is the trope of love triangles. The seriously grind my gears. But I already know that ACOTAR has quite a large love triangle, one that I am going to have to endure for the next two lengthy books in the series. I think that aspects of the story really got to me. I don't really like to spoil but (SPOILER ALERT) I found it extremely frustrating when Feyre was locked in Under the Mountain. The way she was treated kind of made me feel claustrophobic and a bit sick. Even though it isn't really positive, I think of it as one because it means I felt something. Something that has stuck with me. Only great authors can do that. I probably wouldn't say it was my favourite book ever and I had expected to love it a lot more after seeing so much hype on TikTok, but I in no way regret reading it. I think that its biggest issue was how slow-burning it was. Once the action started to unfold I began to really see why so many people have fallen in love with the characters and the plot. I think it is likely that I may progressively like this story. Most people seem to be happy with the second book in the series (something about chapter 66 which I keep seeing on TikTok?).I'm excited to see how this story progresses and to share the journey with you all! And thank you to everyone on TikTok for suggesting I read this story. I don't regret it. 

PROS: I actually really loved Feyre with Tamlin (SPOILER: even if I do know that they don't end up together)
CONS: Slow-burning. 

So, I give this story an 8/10!See you soon, 
Madi xoxo

"The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" by Suzanne Collins

"The Ballad of Song Birds and Snakes" by Suzanne Collins
Hey! I know, I know. It's been a couple weeks now, maybe a bit more but I've been busy with school. As much as I wish reading was my entire life, it, in fact, is not. I also don't know when the next time I will be able to read another story. Definitely not for at least two weeks. But Winter break is coming up soon in Australia so I'll have two weeks off then to (hopefully) get some reading in as well as some (unfortunate) studying. 
Anyway, without further ado, here is my review on a book that I have been longing to read since the moment I found out it was coming. 







Novel: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes 
Author: Suzanne Collins
Published: 2020
Genre: dystopian, coming-of-age, romance (although I don't really want to call it that...)
The number of pages: 517 
Series: The Hunger Games #0 (prequel to Katniss' story)


I mean, what do I say? Was it worth the wait for another book from the world of The Hunger Games? A world I love? A world that helped me fall in love with reading all those years ago? Short answer; no, probably not. 



“You’ve no right to starve people, to punish them for no reason. No right to take away their life and freedom. Those are things everyone is born with, and they’re not yours for the taking." - Sejanus Plinth




Blurb:
Ambition will fuel him.
Competition will drive him.
But power has its price.

It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.

The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined — every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favour or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute . . . and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.



Well, where do I begin? I guess I had a lot of expectation for this book. I mean, The Hunger Games was an exceptional trilogy. I don't think anyone can deny that. In fact, out of everyone I know who've read it, I doubt I know anyone who would say a bad thing about it. It was a great series that fuelled the YA dystopian film adaptation movement back in the 2010s. I loved the books so much and the movies were definitely good. I can't see a life without the series now. So, I was initially very excited to read this. Even if it was from the perspective of evil, Coriolanus Snow (I'm still unsure if I know how to pronounce his first name correctly), aka President Snow in the trilogy. Obviously, I knew it wasn't going to have a happy ending, not one like The Hunger Games. It was going to be about his rise to evil, the story behind why he turned out the way he did. And that excited me. The idea of learning about his life, despite not being liked character, was intriguing, no doubt. But unfortunately for me, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes lacked something that The Hunger Games gave me. I couldn't connect to the characters at all. I didn't find anyone particularly likeable or relatable and the closest I came to it was Tigris, Snow's cousin who is barely in it anyway. I don't think the romance side of the story was any good and I knew it was probably going to end very badly anyway, it was just a matter of time. After all, we all know how President Snow turned out. To be honest, I don't think Collins developed Snow in a way that worked throughout the story. He was actually a well-liked, somewhat respected boy who had hopes and dreams of going to university and he actually came across as caring in a lot of points throughout the book. Of course, there were a few hints of his selfishness and the vile nature of putting himself first. But young Snow had hope and I don't think Collins should have categorised him in this way because when he came time to show his 'true colours' it seemed almost bizarre. Where did his evilness really come from? In The Hunger Games, he was such a vile man, someone who didn't care for District life. It was weird to see that he actually connected to some people from the District, that he seemed to care for them. I feel as if she could have gone about the story differently, with Snow having somewhat of a different way of life from the beginning. I felt as if he suddenly just snapped which I don't think is realistic or right. I wanted to understand why. Why was he so selfish? What really made him the way he was when he seemed to care about a few people in his life? Obviously, there were moments when you saw his potential as the future President Snow. He betrayed people, lied, saved himself. But still, what really went wrong? There didn't seem to be any negative factors in his life to cause the outburst. I mean, sure, he was financially stricken, but that doesn't make someone evil. I think it also lacked the action, the drama and definitely the connection between two love interests. At times the storyline really didn't excite me and I was finding it harder to finish. It could have been that Snow isn't a character I ever particularly cared about, but I think it had more to do with the fact that it lacked much intrigue. I feel as though Collins may have been more successful in choosing another perspective. I saw a comment a while ago about having a perspective from Maggs, the sweet older lady from Catching Fire. It would have been interesting to see how she won her Hunger Games years prior to being called back for The Victor's Games. Despite all that, there are a few things I liked. There were references to songs Katniss sings from the trilogy and even Katniss herself (sort of, in the form of a plant anyway). I also saw a lot in common between Lucy Gray (the District 12 girl that Snow mentors) and Katniss. I liked that. You got to see someone else who was willing to fight for a cause she cared about. I wonder if maybe that is why President Snow is so hellbent on silencing Katniss in the trilogy. He may have seen similarities between Katniss and the girl he fell for. This book has been optioned for a film adaptation and just because I had quite a few negative thoughts, doesn't mean I won't be the first in line to see it. I can't wait to see who they cast as young Snow and I can't wait to see what they do with the story.Nonetheless, I will forever be grateful to Suzanne Collins that I was able to, once again, delve into the magical and wonderful world of The Hunger Games. Despite not loving it, I did not hate it and I found parts to it quite interesting to read for Snow's perspective. So, thank you, Collins. I'll always be grateful to authors like you who have inspired me to write and aims for goals that I believe in. 


PROS: I liked the links between The Hunger Games and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
CONS: I lacked the love and excitement that I felt whilst reading The Hunger Games. I think that Snow didn't need an entire story to himself. He was particularly a character that ever deserved for his story to be heard.

So, I give this story a 7/10
Hopefully, I will see you all soon! 
Bye for now, 
Madi xoxo