Kristina Stangl's Blog - Posts Tagged "fantasy"
Caraval by Stephanie Garber Review
First, let me start by applauding Stephanie Garber’s writing style. It’s so incredibly descriptive, imaginary and refreshing. Her words just takes the reader into an epic and fantasy filled world that’s unlike any other, and I applaud her for that.
As the first novel for the Caraval trilogy, this book really focuses more on the set up into the Caraval universe. Out of the three novels, I found the first novel a bit darker and at times, a bit scary; however, I think this element of fear and mystery was necessary to help prepare the readers for the next series of novels.
I must admit as a Jacks fan from the Once Upon a Broken Heart universe, I gave this series a shot in order to get more of a backstory to Jacks and I’m glad I did. Even though reading the Caraval series isn’t a prerequisite to the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, it still provided me with a background and better understanding about the Fates and of Jacks that had I not read this series, then I’d have never known about what makes them tick. For example, a Fate cannot love, for once they do, they become human and this knowledge, further helped me better understand Jacks character and motivation in the other series.
The Caraval series itself is like a magic carpet ride into a hidden world of wonder and mystery of a circus like environment. If you’re a fan of the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, then I do recommend reading this book and series. Honestly, anything written by Garber is well worth the read.
Caraval
As the first novel for the Caraval trilogy, this book really focuses more on the set up into the Caraval universe. Out of the three novels, I found the first novel a bit darker and at times, a bit scary; however, I think this element of fear and mystery was necessary to help prepare the readers for the next series of novels.
I must admit as a Jacks fan from the Once Upon a Broken Heart universe, I gave this series a shot in order to get more of a backstory to Jacks and I’m glad I did. Even though reading the Caraval series isn’t a prerequisite to the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, it still provided me with a background and better understanding about the Fates and of Jacks that had I not read this series, then I’d have never known about what makes them tick. For example, a Fate cannot love, for once they do, they become human and this knowledge, further helped me better understand Jacks character and motivation in the other series.
The Caraval series itself is like a magic carpet ride into a hidden world of wonder and mystery of a circus like environment. If you’re a fan of the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, then I do recommend reading this book and series. Honestly, anything written by Garber is well worth the read.
Caraval
Legendary by Stephanie Garber Review
Personally, I found the second novel to be the best of the Caraval series.
Legendary is told from younger sister, Tella's perspective and is a love triangle centered around Dante and Jacks. Since the previous Caraval novel helped to set up the series, the second novel goes full force into the romance and mystery aspect, which I found far more interesting and compelling than the previous novel.
This novel also introduces Jacks from the Once Upon a Broken Heart series and if you're a fan of Jacks, then you'll definitely want to give Legendary a read to get a deeper backstory into his character and find out as to why he eventually becomes the broken hearted anti-hero in the OUABH series.
Definitely worth a read. Highly recommend.
Legendary
Legendary is told from younger sister, Tella's perspective and is a love triangle centered around Dante and Jacks. Since the previous Caraval novel helped to set up the series, the second novel goes full force into the romance and mystery aspect, which I found far more interesting and compelling than the previous novel.
This novel also introduces Jacks from the Once Upon a Broken Heart series and if you're a fan of Jacks, then you'll definitely want to give Legendary a read to get a deeper backstory into his character and find out as to why he eventually becomes the broken hearted anti-hero in the OUABH series.
Definitely worth a read. Highly recommend.
Legendary
Finale by Stephanie Garber Review
Just like its title suggests, Finale is the epic conclusion to the Caraval series and what a finale it really is too!
All the loose ends are finally tied up and put to rest in this novel. Shocking truths are revealed and there are so many twists and turns, that this novel feels more like a thriller than a typical fantasy-romance at many times. However, the novel certainly doesn't disappoint and nothing is left unanswered, which I thoroughly appreciated, given that this was the final novel to the series.
Furthermore, if you're a fan of Jacks from the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, then you should definitely give this novel and series the time of day. In particular, this novel does provide a detailed back story as to why we discover Jacks so broken hearted in the beginning of the OUABH series.
Definitely worth the read. Highly recommend.
Finale
All the loose ends are finally tied up and put to rest in this novel. Shocking truths are revealed and there are so many twists and turns, that this novel feels more like a thriller than a typical fantasy-romance at many times. However, the novel certainly doesn't disappoint and nothing is left unanswered, which I thoroughly appreciated, given that this was the final novel to the series.
Furthermore, if you're a fan of Jacks from the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, then you should definitely give this novel and series the time of day. In particular, this novel does provide a detailed back story as to why we discover Jacks so broken hearted in the beginning of the OUABH series.
Definitely worth the read. Highly recommend.
Finale
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace Review
Wow, what an amazing read! This was such a wonderful story and was so incredibly well written! Huge applauds and respect to the author, Adalyn Grace. I must say, this is perhaps, one of the most unique and interesting stories that I've recently come across and read in a really long time.
This is a story centered around romance, mystery, intrigue and about finding and accepting one's true self, regardless of society's expectations. The heroine in this novel is orphan Signa Farrow, a young soon-to-be heiress who is sent to live with her distant relatives, the Hawthornes, at Thorn Grove, an estate with a gothic and supernatural element, until she becomes of age and collects her inheritance. It is there at Thorn Grove, that Signa finds herself in the center of a mystery that only she can solve, using her unique and keen ability to communicate with both the spirits and of Death.
The romance between Death and Signa is perhaps, one of the most unique, interesting and intriguing pairing that I've ever read in a novel, and the way in which the author brings and develops this couple was truly spectacular. In the beginning, Death is presented more as a shadowy entity and doesn't take on a human form until much later on in the novel. However, even without a corporeal form, the reader can still detect the chemistry developing between the two characters and actually find themselves rooting for this unlikely pair-- especially, given that he's waited an eternity for her (truly swoon worthy language here!).
Imagine, never having the ability to touch, let alone be with another, except for one person in the entire universe... and for Death, Signa is that person; someone, he's waited his entire existence for. All I can say is that this couple was so incredibly romantic and reading all that Death does for her along the way, truly makes this romance a real epic. Overall, any scenes shared between Death and Signa were my favorite parts in the entire novel.
Lastly, this novel is the first in the Belladonna series, and I look forward to reading the remaining two novels in this trilogy, including the upcoming third novel that is scheduled to be released next year.
If you're a fan of romance, fantasy, mystery and a good triller, then I highly recommend this novel and series. Well worth your time.
Belladonna
This is a story centered around romance, mystery, intrigue and about finding and accepting one's true self, regardless of society's expectations. The heroine in this novel is orphan Signa Farrow, a young soon-to-be heiress who is sent to live with her distant relatives, the Hawthornes, at Thorn Grove, an estate with a gothic and supernatural element, until she becomes of age and collects her inheritance. It is there at Thorn Grove, that Signa finds herself in the center of a mystery that only she can solve, using her unique and keen ability to communicate with both the spirits and of Death.
The romance between Death and Signa is perhaps, one of the most unique, interesting and intriguing pairing that I've ever read in a novel, and the way in which the author brings and develops this couple was truly spectacular. In the beginning, Death is presented more as a shadowy entity and doesn't take on a human form until much later on in the novel. However, even without a corporeal form, the reader can still detect the chemistry developing between the two characters and actually find themselves rooting for this unlikely pair-- especially, given that he's waited an eternity for her (truly swoon worthy language here!).
Imagine, never having the ability to touch, let alone be with another, except for one person in the entire universe... and for Death, Signa is that person; someone, he's waited his entire existence for. All I can say is that this couple was so incredibly romantic and reading all that Death does for her along the way, truly makes this romance a real epic. Overall, any scenes shared between Death and Signa were my favorite parts in the entire novel.
Lastly, this novel is the first in the Belladonna series, and I look forward to reading the remaining two novels in this trilogy, including the upcoming third novel that is scheduled to be released next year.
If you're a fan of romance, fantasy, mystery and a good triller, then I highly recommend this novel and series. Well worth your time.
Belladonna
A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber Review
Ah, what a beautiful ending to a beautiful series. This is by far, perhaps, one of the best and epic love stories that I have ever had the pleasure to read.
Where shall I begin? Well, for starters, as the final novel to the OUABH series, all pending matters were finally put to rest and as readers, we all got our much deserved happy ending and what a happy ending it was indeed!
All questions posed throughout the series, dating back even to the Caraval series, were answered. From how Jacks became a Fate to who cursed his fatal kiss from the very beginning, to even Jacks' obsession with apples... everything was answered and nothing was left unaddressed. And as a fan to this series, I was very happy that all "t's" were crossed and "I's" dotted.
What I particularly liked about "A Curse for True Love," was that in this third and concluding novel, the narration was told from Evangeline's, Apollo's and Jacks' perspectives. Unlike the previous two novels that were primarily told from Evangeline's perspective, the third novel took a different approach and actually gave us the points of views from the two other leading men in this series. I found this to be a rather useful and clever tool, because it gave us unique insights into Apollo's and Jacks' perspectives and motivations from their sides of the story-- something that lacked in the previous novels. However, as much as I loved each chapter dedicated specifically to Jacks', I personally would have liked it so much more had there been a few more chapters focused on just him (I actually felt a bit disappointed that he didn't have as many chapters, in comparison to Apollo, which I felt could have had a few less).
Furthermore, while the first half of the novel was a bit frustrating due to Evangeline losing her memories from the end of the previous novel; however, I think the purpose of her memory loss was to also prove the point that true love isn't something that can be prevented or stopped. Even without her memories of Jacks, Evangeline is still drawn to him because in the end, true love is like a fire that once burned, it can never die, no matter the obstacles.
Ultimately, the moral of the story to this series is that nothing is immune to the power of love and that true love knows no boundaries, whether someone is a supposedly a "hero" or the "villain." It is through the act of love alone, that all things are made whole again. Furthermore, sometimes the people we deem as a "hero" really might be the true "villain," and the so-called "villain" also has the potential for redemption and that a happy ending is something earned, and not necessarily, given freely.
Also, true love is not meaningless spoken words, but actions. Actions taken to protect the ones we love most in this world. And in the OUABH universe, it's Jacks' undying love and devotion for the protection and care of Evangeline, a journey that takes him from the "villain" in the beginning of this series and eventually, transforms him into the unlikely "hero" and romantic lead by the end.
Lastly, the very fact that the Prince of Hearts was willing to freely sacrifice his own heart to protect her, says everything.
Highly recommend. A perfect ending to a spectacular series.
A Curse for True Love
Where shall I begin? Well, for starters, as the final novel to the OUABH series, all pending matters were finally put to rest and as readers, we all got our much deserved happy ending and what a happy ending it was indeed!
All questions posed throughout the series, dating back even to the Caraval series, were answered. From how Jacks became a Fate to who cursed his fatal kiss from the very beginning, to even Jacks' obsession with apples... everything was answered and nothing was left unaddressed. And as a fan to this series, I was very happy that all "t's" were crossed and "I's" dotted.
What I particularly liked about "A Curse for True Love," was that in this third and concluding novel, the narration was told from Evangeline's, Apollo's and Jacks' perspectives. Unlike the previous two novels that were primarily told from Evangeline's perspective, the third novel took a different approach and actually gave us the points of views from the two other leading men in this series. I found this to be a rather useful and clever tool, because it gave us unique insights into Apollo's and Jacks' perspectives and motivations from their sides of the story-- something that lacked in the previous novels. However, as much as I loved each chapter dedicated specifically to Jacks', I personally would have liked it so much more had there been a few more chapters focused on just him (I actually felt a bit disappointed that he didn't have as many chapters, in comparison to Apollo, which I felt could have had a few less).
Furthermore, while the first half of the novel was a bit frustrating due to Evangeline losing her memories from the end of the previous novel; however, I think the purpose of her memory loss was to also prove the point that true love isn't something that can be prevented or stopped. Even without her memories of Jacks, Evangeline is still drawn to him because in the end, true love is like a fire that once burned, it can never die, no matter the obstacles.
Ultimately, the moral of the story to this series is that nothing is immune to the power of love and that true love knows no boundaries, whether someone is a supposedly a "hero" or the "villain." It is through the act of love alone, that all things are made whole again. Furthermore, sometimes the people we deem as a "hero" really might be the true "villain," and the so-called "villain" also has the potential for redemption and that a happy ending is something earned, and not necessarily, given freely.
Also, true love is not meaningless spoken words, but actions. Actions taken to protect the ones we love most in this world. And in the OUABH universe, it's Jacks' undying love and devotion for the protection and care of Evangeline, a journey that takes him from the "villain" in the beginning of this series and eventually, transforms him into the unlikely "hero" and romantic lead by the end.
Lastly, the very fact that the Prince of Hearts was willing to freely sacrifice his own heart to protect her, says everything.
Highly recommend. A perfect ending to a spectacular series.
A Curse for True Love
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer (Review)
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I came to really enjoy this novel! It was fun, highly entertaining and witty! It was the perfect escape fantasy romance meets the office, and I was hooked from the start of page one!
As a debut novel, I applaud the author, Hannah Nicole Maehrer, for delivering such a great piece! This is the first novel to an upcoming trilogy, and I can't wait to read the second installment, which will be released sometime next year.
To me, the moral of this story is that not everything can be taken at face value. Sometimes, the ones, whom we deem as "heroes" might really be "villains" in disguise; whereas, others that are dismissed and gaslighted by society to be "villains" are actually the real "good guys."
Overall, this was a fun read and I highly recommend checking it out.
Assistant to the Villain
As a debut novel, I applaud the author, Hannah Nicole Maehrer, for delivering such a great piece! This is the first novel to an upcoming trilogy, and I can't wait to read the second installment, which will be released sometime next year.
To me, the moral of this story is that not everything can be taken at face value. Sometimes, the ones, whom we deem as "heroes" might really be "villains" in disguise; whereas, others that are dismissed and gaslighted by society to be "villains" are actually the real "good guys."
Overall, this was a fun read and I highly recommend checking it out.
Assistant to the Villain
Spotlighted Quotes from "The Curse of the Dark Horseman" by Kristina Stangl
A few of my favorite quotes from my latest novel, "The Curse of the Dark Horseman" by Kristina Stangl.
Enjoy!
The Curse of the Dark Horseman
“Our love is forever enduring. It’s everlasting. It’s timeless.”
― Kristina Stangl, The Curse of the Dark Horseman
“I loved you then… I love you now… I love you still… and I will always love you… forever.”
― Kristina Stangl, The Curse of the Dark Horseman
“Men like Henry are legends. They exist only in our romanticized tales. But men like Walter, they’re real.”
― Kristina Stangl, The Curse of the Dark Horseman
“My dear girl, please don’t waste any more time chasing after your dreams and fairy tale like aspirations, in the hopes of achieving a happy ending. Such endings are not designed for everyone.”
― Kristina Stangl, The Curse of the Dark Horseman
“Extraordinary people are not meant to live ordinary lives.”
― Kristina Stangl, The Curse of the Dark Horseman
Enjoy!
The Curse of the Dark Horseman
“Our love is forever enduring. It’s everlasting. It’s timeless.”
― Kristina Stangl, The Curse of the Dark Horseman
“I loved you then… I love you now… I love you still… and I will always love you… forever.”
― Kristina Stangl, The Curse of the Dark Horseman
“Men like Henry are legends. They exist only in our romanticized tales. But men like Walter, they’re real.”
― Kristina Stangl, The Curse of the Dark Horseman
“My dear girl, please don’t waste any more time chasing after your dreams and fairy tale like aspirations, in the hopes of achieving a happy ending. Such endings are not designed for everyone.”
― Kristina Stangl, The Curse of the Dark Horseman
“Extraordinary people are not meant to live ordinary lives.”
― Kristina Stangl, The Curse of the Dark Horseman
Foxglove by Adalyn Grace (Review)
A nice pick up from the last novel, Belladonna, in which our heroine, Signa finds herself thrown into a burning love triangle between her lover, Death, and his estranged brother, Fate.
It’s a very interesting dynamic between the three and unlike the previous novel, we also have a few chapters told from Blythe’s perspective, a young woman who previously cheated both death and fate, thrice.
The concept of life, fate and death are all played out in full blast in this novel, and the book presented some very interesting views and perspectives on these subjects.
Like the previous novel, the story centers around a mystery, as well as on romance. And in this sequel, readers are finally introduced to Foxglove, the ancestral estate of Signa’s parents.
I enjoyed this novel and look forward to the upcoming third and final installment. Happily, it seems as if Death and Signa finally got they happy ending, so I’m excited to see how the new story unfolds for Blythe and Fate in the next novel.
Great series. Highly recommend.
Foxglove
It’s a very interesting dynamic between the three and unlike the previous novel, we also have a few chapters told from Blythe’s perspective, a young woman who previously cheated both death and fate, thrice.
The concept of life, fate and death are all played out in full blast in this novel, and the book presented some very interesting views and perspectives on these subjects.
Like the previous novel, the story centers around a mystery, as well as on romance. And in this sequel, readers are finally introduced to Foxglove, the ancestral estate of Signa’s parents.
I enjoyed this novel and look forward to the upcoming third and final installment. Happily, it seems as if Death and Signa finally got they happy ending, so I’m excited to see how the new story unfolds for Blythe and Fate in the next novel.
Great series. Highly recommend.
Foxglove
The Curse of the Dark Horseman by Kristina Stangl (Novel Video Preview)
Video Preview to "The Curse of the Dark Horseman" by Kristina Stangl
https://www.goodreads.com/videos/2042...
The Curse of the Dark Horseman
https://www.goodreads.com/videos/2042...
The Curse of the Dark Horseman
The Curse of the Dark Horseman by Kristina Stangl (Preview: Meet Henry Galloway)
Video Preview to "The Curse of the Dark Horseman" by Kristina Stangl
https://www.goodreads.com/videos/2043...
The Curse of the Dark Horseman
https://www.goodreads.com/videos/2043...
The Curse of the Dark Horseman
