Just when you thought Leigh Bardugo had totally done it with the Grisha trilogy, she goes and writes such a mind-b(contains spoilers for Six of Crows)
Just when you thought Leigh Bardugo had totally done it with the Grisha trilogy, she goes and writes such a mind-blowingly complex and all around fantastic story that I don't even know where to start.
I JUST HAVE SO MUCH PRAISE FOR THIS BOOK I'LL EVEN BUILD A SHRINE FOR IT.
The first thing that came to mind while I was reading this book was that even though the story is set in the Grishaverse and takes place after the storyline in the Grisha trilogy, it was incredibly easy to follow along without having to jump back and forth between this duology and the Grisha trilogy. I like how Bardugo gave the same setting for both series but also managed successfully to arrange very different premises and tone for the two series. While the Grisha trilogy mainly focused on the Grisha alone, Six of Crows basically expanded on that idea and added more amazing elements along the way. We still have the Grisha, but now we see more of the non-magic wielders since Six of Crows is set in Ketterdam, which is a trade city.
(In plain words, I'm asking you to just GO AHEAD AND READ IT, EVEN IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE GRISHA TRILOGY. BY ALL MEANS, PLEASE DO.)
If you have an amazing cast of characters for your story, then you're basically done. I swear I have never encountered such an interesting and lively bunch of characters before this duology. What's so important about these characters in Crooked Kingdom though, is the fact that they are so well-fleshed until there comes a point that no character stands out as the protagonist, but you're going to be entirely okay with it. Totes, promise! Well yeah, we still have Kaz as basically the dad of the whole lot. He's grown so much from Six of Crows - more evil, greater desire for dramatic schemes (as it seems), but just as unpredictable as always, turning from snarky and funny to cold and untouchable in mere seconds. The pure cruelness of his heart completes me. Inej, just as lovable and loyal, but this time we get to see just how strong her will is. Although she's kind of like the glue in the group, Inej is not afraid to make her own stand when circumstances warrants it. She's not some kind of character who's just there to be pretty and nice and hold the group together. What I like about her the most is that despite her cruel past and the many crimes she's had to done, Inej still believes in making good for the world. She's never entirely savage. Then we have Jesper, who's the charmer of the group. He and Nina gives me the most lols. I always enjoyed reading his POV's because the way he speaks is so fun. Other than that, Nina's loyalty and spiciness is not to be ignored, as is the devious ways she uses to make Matthias orgasm at the very existence of her. Kuwei, though being a very large part of the plot but only gets to say a few sentences in a chapter, still strikes me as an interesting character. Not only is he not immensely scared to be around the most infamous criminals in Ketterdam, but he also manages to use his own endearing way to bond with the crew, which I mainly find hilarious.
If it's a story centered around a city of trade with criminals as your POV's, then you probably know what to expect. Huge trouble ensues in Crooked Kingdom, but this time even more entertaining and with more plot twists than the Ice Palace job. So many things happen at once. Small details get blown up into large factors that play into the finale of the story. Think Throne of Glass. Even so, the only flaw in this book is that with the consistent way the plot twists are drawn out, I could kind of guess what the author was hiding, but that in no way dulled my experience when the plot twists were finally exposed.
Another notable element of Crooked Kingdom is the romance, which is unlike any other. I'm totally serious. Most romances build up noticeably throughout the course of the story, but Leigh Bardugo does the opposite and decides to make her romances subtle and light, which does the trick. This kind of makes sense, because you'd assume with all their scheming and crime-making, they'd have no more time to form proper love connections. I absolutely love the way Leigh Bardugo built up Kaz and Inej's relationship. Kaz and Inej kind of switch places in the relationship. We actually find Kaz, despite being the one who's always giving the cold shoulder, as the "giver" in the relationship. However, Inej is definitely a far cry from getting labelled the "taker". More specifically, because she's been Kaz's partner-in-crime countless times and seen Kaz's soulless side, it makes her more cautious and prevents her from properly encouraging Kaz to verify the relationship. The romantic scenes between them are fleeting, but it is enough to make the reader stop and ponder if the ship sails or not. Nina and Matthias' relationship may be more out-in-the-daylight than subtle, but their romance is quite complex as Matthias was initially trained to hate Nina's kind. The way they function around each other is hilarious and light-hearted, but also strained and serious at times. Don't even get me started on Jesper and Wylan. Cute is the only word I would use to describe them.
It's been a long time since I read anything this good. I read this book like I would savour a really exquisite dish that I didn't want to end. Once you read the first page, you just know that this story is going to be a good one. A REALLY, ALL FULL FIVE STARS GOOD ONE....more
Sarah J. Maas likes to keep the thrilling parts until the very end of the story, which is a very dirty trick. It was very slow-paced in the beginning Sarah J. Maas likes to keep the thrilling parts until the very end of the story, which is a very dirty trick. It was very slow-paced in the beginning but the ending was fantastic. Full review to come!...more
Pittacus Lore never fails to amaze me every time. The story was a bit lacking but THAT ENDING. WAS. TOO GOOD. Will write a full review on this book soPittacus Lore never fails to amaze me every time. The story was a bit lacking but THAT ENDING. WAS. TOO GOOD. Will write a full review on this book soon!...more
Never have I been so overwhelmed by a book since City of Heavenly Fire. I expected the last book in this trilogy to be epic, but not this... wonderfully written novel that left me staring into space for 30 minutes and wondering what to do with my life. My heart still aches from the conclusion of this truly amazing trilogy, but it's all good. All good.
(I'm having a hard time restraining myself from writing an enthusiastic request in caps lock to ask you guys to GO BUY THE BOOK NOW. So please, if you haven't done so, buy it and read it, because this is a truly great trilogy that deserves your attention.)
Trying to form my thoughts into understandable sentences is proving to be a struggle because of the complete awesomeness of this book/trilogy. Nevertheless, I will proceed! (However I apologize in advance if any unintelligible sentences do arise in this review.)
Reading Ruin and Rising was a roller coaster of emotions: from tearing up to punching the air in joy, it kept my heart and soul entirely immersed in the story, the words, and the journey. There was a time that I didn't feel like continuing on with this series but it would be foolish now to say that. Leigh wrote such a spectacular ending that I would've read this trilogy again and again.
From the first page till the last, I was entirely hooked onto the story. There wasn't a moment in the book that couldn't grab my attention because there were so many plot twists and surprises, I didn't know what to expect anymore. All I knew was that I wanted Team Good to win.
The characters in Ruin and Rising were even more well-developed and each of their roles played a huge part in the story. What really impressed me is that Leigh managed to tie her characters so deeply into the plot that you'll really miss them after. All of them were so realistic and I still feel tied to them even when the story's over. Alina, Mal, the Darkling, Nikolai, and many others had accompanied me on this glorious journey of a trilogy that I still do not want to let them go. I love each and every one of them and to read how the story played out was bittersweet.
And as for the romance...oh, let me tell you, the romance and the love triangle (wait...triangle? More like square) in this book is one of the most magnificently constructed romances that I have ever encountered. It will make you want to laugh, to weep, to feel like throwing the book against the wall because, oh the feels. As I like to say, behind every great book there's an epic romance.
Overall, Ruin and Rising exceeded my expectations and has managed to bust its way into the top spots of my list of favorite fantasy books of all time. I'm so glad I approached this book because of its magnificent cover and I expect you to do the same as the story is on par with its cover, if not better.
My rating of Ruin and Rising: 5 stars / 96% ...more
Once again, yet another book has totally overwhelmed me. I started this book expecting a good fantasy story, but Shadow and Bone is what I like to cal Once again, yet another book has totally overwhelmed me. I started this book expecting a good fantasy story, but Shadow and Bone is what I like to call, a "one of a kind" book.
I was enthralled by the world Leigh Bardugo had created. I wanted to know more about the Grisha and their abilities, although to say that I'm still a bit confused at the different powers of the Grisha. I expect a better understanding and explanation of the many powers of the Grisha in the next book.
It's very, very rare that an author can write a perfect book, so rare, that I don't think anyone could ever write a book that is perfection. There is always something in the author's finished work that would downplay its awesomeness, but of all the books that I have come to read this year, Into The Still Blue is one book that is close, if not all, perfect.
In all honesty, this book was everything I ever wanted in a story. I never thought that I would come to love this series so much, because Under The Never Sky didn't manage to captivate me. It was great, but not five-stars great. Nevertheless, I continued on with the series, hoping that more great things would unfold within the other two instalments in this trilogy, and I should thank my lucky stars that I made the right decision!
I could imagine myself falling in love with this trilogy during the climax of Through The Ever Night, and so I rushed on to Into The Still Blue, my heart burning for more. Into The Still Blue didn't disappoint, and it gave me more than I asked for. Believe me when I tell you that this book was P-E-R-F-E-C-T.
First off, the characters. I don't think anyone's ever made me love a character as much as I loved Aria, who is the female protagonist in the story. Veronica Rossi did a good job in Aria's character development. In the first book, she was perceived as whiny and unproductive, and one thing that I hated the most in books is whiny characters. But then, as soon as she started to fall in love with Perry, the bitchy layers started to peel off and BAM! Good Aria. Kind Aria. Considerate Aria. Aria was like the epitome of a kind person, which meant that Veronica was treading carefully on the line between the typical, Mary-Sue character and a character that I could look up to. Aria was this close to becoming a Mary-Sue but it was evident later that she is just kind and charming in nature. The difficulties she faced during her time when she was cast out of the Pod had changed her soul. Being with Perry also worked wonders!
Next is our male protagonist, Perry. (oh, swooOOoN.) I don't have an ideal image of him inside my head, but I know for sure that he isn't the man on the front cover. What were they thinking?!
Seriously though, I swear Veronica had sparkly unicorns and colourful butterflies in her mind while she was slaving over her characters, because it was like all of them magically had all of the right traits to becoming a perfect character. It was eminently clear that Perry was fit to lead the Tides, although he doubted himself. He was a considerate leader and always cared about his tribe, never stooping down to tyranny. Whenever he was faced with a hard decision, he would be firm and clear about his choice without wholeheartedly neglecting anyone, which I think is a good quality in a leader.
The romance in this story is sweet, light and just with a little angst mixed into it. So many books have contributed to many never-ending list of OTPs and this book just made me pick up my quill pen and add another. Aria and Perry is just the right person for the other, and it always makes my heart flutter a little (or maybe a lot) whenever I get to the scenes that involve the two of them together. I cannot say the same for Roar and Liv, however. Their romance was what brought to most of the book-throwing scenes in the book but the pain that Roar felt in Liv's absense is understandable and made me warm up to him even more.
One thing I loved in this trilogy is the friendship between Perry and Roar. The two of them were like kindred souls, brother that understood each other perfectly. However, at one point in the story I almost wanted to throw the book across the room because of a misunderstanding that led to their fallout. It was such a stupid thing to quarrel over.Hey, Perry, the Aether is getting worse with every growing minute, and yeah, it's most likely that you might die if you don't find the Still Blue soon, and you're still not talking to each other? Oh, for Christ's sake!
I wanted to applaud Veronica when she forced the Dwellers from the Pod, a hellish place that confined all of them and diminished their senses and logical thinking. About time, Veronica!
A few inevitable problems arised when the Dwellers and Outsiders clashed with each other, as proven by the bloodbath that happened at the Komodo. I proud with how Aria handled the Dwellers at the Tides, though I'm a little surprised to think that she still felt a close affection to them. I was so used to the idea that she had already spent too much time outside the Pod to still be capable of rekindling her relationship with the Dwellers, her friends. I still think that's one part of Into The Still Blue that I slightly disagree with.
I haven't talked about Sable yet, have I? Well, if Aria is the epitome of all things good in this book, then Sable is the exact opposite. The first thing you should know about him is that he is sadistic. Downright sadistic. And from what I easily observed, he's also passive-aggressive, because he actually expected that Aria would warm up to him after all the merciless killing he did, claiming that he honoured justice and equity in treatment. What. Utter. Crap.
So what I should say about this book and trilogy is that it is utterly and freakishly brilliant. As in, everyone needs to read this trilogy, right now. I am so very satisfied with how this trilogy ended and as of now, I'm going to start recommending this trilogy to everyone. The first book may be a bit hard to get into, but you'll find it relatively easy to fall in love with the trilogy (like I did!) when you get to the end. ...more
Cassandra Clare writes her endings beautifully, and I thank her again and again for writing such a glorious and peaceful ending that took my breath awCassandra Clare writes her endings beautifully, and I thank her again and again for writing such a glorious and peaceful ending that took my breath away.
No reading other books for a while after finishing CoHF. Five stars just aren't enough for City of Heavenly Fire. I am honored to have the same birthday as such a great book....more
I loved Shadow and Bone with a passion and so, I expected nothing less from Siege and Storm (BAD MISTAKE, DO NOT DO THAT). However, before I got to the ending, I was having a good time envisioning myself giving it a rating of 3 stars on Goodreads and posting a miserable book review on it. I didn't expect the ending to win me back, BUT IT DID!!...like most books do.
In Siege and Storm, the powers of Alina and the Darkling took on a whole new level. A whole bunch of new possibilities were opened up, and the plot grew more intense towards the end of the book. New characters that made the book all the more enjoyable and enthralling were introduced into the story. Siege and Storm was so wonderful and epic that if it was a bomb, it would blow up and leave nothing but ashes behind. I'd like to say something about my choice of GIFs for the beginning and middle of the book. I don't know about anyone else, but I for one, felt bored. There were a few exciting and nerve-wracking scenes like when "Sturmhond" helped Alina to escape the Darkling, but I wasn't entertained. I had trouble getting through the beginning and middle of the book. They were so tedious with all the preparations and training for the Darkling, I (almost) didn't want to continue reading. There was also that thing with Mal and Alina which I FELT SO MAD AT. I seriously wanted to fling the book against the wall, throw up my hands in frustration, and have a fabulous Twitter rant.
My feelings for Mal were extremely conflicted in the book, I wanted to climb up the highest building and howl at the top of my lungs. (Which I didn't) One minute I'd cheer for him enthusiastically and the next I wanted to rip said building off the ground and hurl it at him. If Bardugo wanted to create a dramatic ending by using our feelings for Mal, then yes, I could say she succeeded. Anyway, getting back to the point. How did this book win me back? Well, I'll tell you.
THE ENDING. The fantabulous ending.
If you've read my past posts, you know how I feel about endings. They are powerful, and are able to change an initial star rating of 2/3 stars to 5. To authors, if you feel that your book lacks any world building, character development, or just anything that would downgrade your book, then make it up to the readers by writing a fascinating, mind-blowing ending that will sweep readers off the feet and feel bad for hating your book. If you don't feel like changing the whole plot of your book, that is.
I was in low spirits when the ending of Siege and Storm hit me with a loud smack in the face. Truth to be told, I did not see that coming. A storm of insults were already brewing in my mind when Alina did what she did to Mal, but oh my, when she kicked the Darkling's ass I got up and did a victory dance, with lots of whooping and screaming. It was completely unexpected, I was unprepared because I was too busy judging the beginning and middle of the book, and I was thrown off my sure footing. When I read the ending, my heart was racing, my eyes were bulging, and I probably looked like a freak (refer to baby GIF above).
All in all, I think I can't stress enough that this book is definitely worth the read. I would recommend it for everyone, and if you haven't read this series, then please, RUN OFF TO THE NEAREST BOOKSTORE AND PURCHASE IT. NOW. This trilogy has swiftly elbowed its way into my list of top five series/books.
THE FEELS. OH, THE FEELS.
I'm glad that this Siege and Storm, the second book in the Grisha trilogy, did not comply to the Guidelines of Writing a Second Book, which is to make the book as boring as possible and exclude any air-punching scenes. Although this book was tedious for the most part, it did not disappoint. I'm glad that I pushed through and if you put down the book due to extreme boringness and can't finish it, I suggest (or even plead) you to bear with it. Anyway, I'm now off to read the third and final (gasp) book and I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS. (I just want Alina to kick the Darkling's ass one final time. Also, Bardugo, what about Mal??!?)
My rating for Siege and Storm: 94% I CAN FEEL THE TENSION SPARKING OFF THE THIRD BOOK.
...just one more word on this book. AMAZING COVER. K bye. ...more
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is definitely one of a kind. I was captivated by how the story unfolded andOh my God. Could I give this book seven stars?
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is definitely one of a kind. I was captivated by how the story unfolded and the characters were unique. Everything about this book was fascinating. Definitely one the best books I've read this year so far. ...more
OKAY. THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD I CAN'T EVEN- For all of you out there wondering whether to buy this book or not, JUST GO AHEAD AND BUY THE WHOLE. SERIES.OKAY. THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD I CAN'T EVEN- For all of you out there wondering whether to buy this book or not, JUST GO AHEAD AND BUY THE WHOLE. SERIES. ...more
Exactly what I expected and more! As usual, I particularly enjoyed the hilarious scenes and one-liners. Uncle Rick does it again! Still, I feel like tExactly what I expected and more! As usual, I particularly enjoyed the hilarious scenes and one-liners. Uncle Rick does it again! Still, I feel like there is more to that ending. Not saying that Rick should re-write it, but I would've liked to read more. I'm so happy with how things turned out though! SO EXCITED FOR THE NEW SERIES THAT RICK IS WRITING. ...more