4.5 stars (I'm going to write this review assuming that you've already read the first book in this series since these are definitely designing to be re4.5 stars (I'm going to write this review assuming that you've already read the first book in this series since these are definitely designing to be read in order. As such, there may be some spoilers if you're skipping ahead.)
Unlike the first book in this series, the second is much different than its Netflix adaptation (even setting aside the lack of Crows). The beginning of this second installment was engaging and dived quickly into the plot with Alina being almost immediately recaptured by the Darkling. The hunt for the sea whip and Alina's suffering were well executed, bringing readers up to date with the current stakes and propelling them into the story proper.
After that first burst of adventure, there's a bit of a lull. Decisions are made--not always good, but believable--and Alina returns to Ravka.
Alina is very reactive during the first portion of the book, which is typical. First she's led around by the Darkling, then by Sturmhond, then Nikolai. The only character less in command of their own direction is Mal, who continues to follow Alina around like a guard dog. Mal's position in the book changes as the story progresses and, more importantly, as Alina's status and attitude shifts.
Another driving character is Nikolai, second heir to the Ravkan throne. Again, it's hard for me to know how much of my attachment to a character is from the book vs. my experience with the show, but I believe Bardugo did an excellent job of portraying this lovably eccentric, patriotic rebel. Other side characters like the crown prince, the Aparat, and the golden-eyed twins flesh out the story and provide some diversity to Alina's narrative and the world as a whole.
The world continues to be rich with vivid descriptions. I especially appreciated the attention to the refugees. Bardugo's writing style is smooth and easy to read, propelling readers through the story with little-to-no friction, though there were a few slow points in the plot where Alina mostly sat around feeling out of place.
I would say this book definitely feels like a "middle." It's the deep inhale before the final push. I'm excited to see where the climax takes us....more
A concise book on the craft of incorporating suspense into your writing, whatever your genre. There were no world-shattering revelations, but the writA concise book on the craft of incorporating suspense into your writing, whatever your genre. There were no world-shattering revelations, but the writing was clear and easy to follow, and the examples were useful. A terrific reminder of the fundamental role suspense plays in all stories....more
This is an excellent sequel! I'd even go so far as to say this story would be excellent all on its own, but I do feel a reader would benefit from the This is an excellent sequel! I'd even go so far as to say this story would be excellent all on its own, but I do feel a reader would benefit from the character building of the first book. Still, this story is self-contained, satisfying, and such a fun adventure.
The princes charming and all their associated princesses are back, along with the pint-sized Bandit King, the melancholy Ruffian, Liam's spirited little sister, and a host of new characters to round out the cast. Rather than saving a kingdom, this time they're invading one! Or infiltrating, at least. With their honor as heroes on the line, they'll have to lie, sneak, and otherwise outmaneuver the story's villains to keep the world safe. Too bad they're not actually good at any of those things.
A fast-paced plot, lovable characters, and plenty of humor make this a middle-grade must-read....more
This was a fast and entertaining read that took a bunch of social outliers no one thought much of and turned them into heroes. The main prota4.5 stars
This was a fast and entertaining read that took a bunch of social outliers no one thought much of and turned them into heroes. The main protagonist is a half-orc hoping to become a paladin in a D&D-style world. She sets out on a quest with a rag-tag party of similarly overlooked beings that include a klutzy wizard who's also a runaway noble, a hafling monk, and a non-gendered ranger with a wolf companion. She is also joined by her trainer, Henri, who will observe the quest and make the call on whether or not she's fit to be a full-fledged knight.
I had a little trouble getting into the story at the beginning. I think I just didn't quite click with the MC, Vola. There were a lot of aspects about her that I really liked, but I also found her a bit irritating. However, the other party members were able to round out the cast for me in a satisfying way.
The story was a classic D&D-style quest - find and defeat an evil culprit to save the townspeople. The first leg of their quest was a bit slow, but once the group reached their first goal (and the first plot twist) the pace really picked up.
This was definitely a character-driven story, with the main focus being on interpersonal relationships. Merritt used external conflicts like the swamp through which the party slogged and a rival group of heroes to highlight the internal struggles of the characters, and especially Vola. I would even go so far as to call this a coming-of-age story as Vola struggles to find her place in the world. As such, I recommend it for fans of light YA fantasy adventure....more
The Dragon Reborn is the third book in Robert Jordan's epic Wheel of Time series, and so far it is my favorite. There was a decent amount of action anThe Dragon Reborn is the third book in Robert Jordan's epic Wheel of Time series, and so far it is my favorite. There was a decent amount of action and some more world building. There were several interwoven threads of plot that wound through the book as each character group tackled its own tasks before eventually coming back together. The writing was smooth and descriptive, though I admit those descriptions sometimes dragged on to the point where I found myself skimming. I also noticed quite a few more typos in this book than I had in the previous two. I would not consider this book to be much of a stand-alone, but it isn't meant to be. This series definitely needs to be read in order.
As always, the narration is shared among a large cast of characters, though there was very little from Rand's perspective in this book. Perrin continues to be one of my favorites, though I am looking forward to him embracing his wolfish nature somewhere in the future. I enjoyed Mat's chapters much more than in previous books as his personality seemed to get a little more rounded out. He's still a rascal and a gambler, but he's not such a jerk in this one. Egwene remains my least-favorite character to spend time with since she's childish, hot-headed, and arrogant, and Nynaeve's not much better. I'm once again left with the impression that almost all the women in Jordan's world are self-righteous nags whose sole purpose in life is to belittle and browbeat those around them. *sigh* I hope they grow up some day. Still it was a fun adventure and definitely worth the read. I'm looking forward to continuing the series....more
This book is written as a series of dialogues between a young man and a philosopher as they argue about the finer points of Alder philosophy and how iThis book is written as a series of dialogues between a young man and a philosopher as they argue about the finer points of Alder philosophy and how it pertains to everyday life. While I found several of the philosopher's arguments interesting, I did not find anything particularly revolutionary in the book. Then again, I've always been a bit of a "don't base my worth on other peoples' perceptions" kind of person, which seems to be one of the core themes. I did find the section of separating tasks with the example of parents trying to get their children to study to be particularly insightful in regards to my own parenting techniques. It gave me a few ideas of things to try or change when interacting with children that I'm hopeful about. (That alone made it a worthwhile read!)
I did find the writing to be quite dry, but then most philosophy texts I've read are. It was not difficult to follow along or understand, so in that way the author made this somewhat convoluted topic quite accessible. If you enjoy philosophical discourse, you would probably like this book. And I suppose if you are someone who spends a lot of time trying to be perfect in the eyes of others, you could probably learn some valuable lessons from it....more
This was a super fast read filled with tongue-in-cheek humor that pokes fun at all the traditional tropes found in cozy mysteries set in the English cThis was a super fast read filled with tongue-in-cheek humor that pokes fun at all the traditional tropes found in cozy mysteries set in the English countryside. I grabbed this book off my library shelf and read it within an hour there in the building, it's that fast!
Each page has a charming illustration and a short, witty sentence or paragraph describing why a given person or place is best to avoid and how/why you will end up dead if you ignore the book's warnings. Meet the vicar, you're going to die. See a vat, you're going to die. Taste test for the local bake-off, you get the idea...
My favorite part was the "quiz" at the end of each of the two sections. These were basically "choose the least bad option" questions with no good answer, but the rationale behind the scenarios was hilarious.
I recommend you give this book a read if you enjoy dark humor and want a quick laugh. It's sure to put a smile on your face....more
This was a fast, fun, fantasy read that revolved around found family, unlikely problem solving, and humor.
Evan is a normal high school kid from Earth This was a fast, fun, fantasy read that revolved around found family, unlikely problem solving, and humor.
Evan is a normal high school kid from Earth who escapes one sticky situation at school only to find himself in another world--a world of elves, goblins, and magic. The only way back is a magic spell, which the elf queen will only teach him if he can perform three impossible tasks. I love that Evan isn't a charge in, guns blazing kind of character. He's considerate and clever. He uses his head to find solutions that won't get him killed.
As Evan clears each quest, he finds more friends and develops stronger bonds that leave him wondering if he really wants to go home. One the one had, he misses his dad and grandma, but on the other, he's made a family of sorts in this new world that it would break his heart to leave--Sina, a pretty she-elf warrior princess who's engaged to marry a jerk but likes Evan better. Gemma, a massive green troll who wants to learn to cook. Pi, a juvenile dragon looking for loot. And Geezer, a fellow Earthling who found his way to the other side decades ago and has since become a powerful wizard.
The pacing is quick, and Leatherman squeezes a lot into each short chapter to keep the story racing along. And of course, being the author of several joke books, Leatherman seasoned the story with an ample peppering of puns that will have you laughing, groaning, and rolling your eyes alongside the characters. If you're looking for a lighthearted fantasy adventure filled with humor and out-of-the-box heroics, this is your book....more
This was a terrific and hilarious book that is basically a collection of book reviews from a collections librarian. Because this book is written as a This was a terrific and hilarious book that is basically a collection of book reviews from a collections librarian. Because this book is written as a series of love (and hate) letters addressed to the books they describe, I decided to write my review in a similar style. ;)
Dear Dear Fahrenheit 451,
You caught my gaze from across the room. Not a crowded room, mind, for not many people visit the library at 7PM on a Tuesday. I read your title, and it was love at first sight. In your pages I found truth and humor. I found insights and rants. I found old friends, new acquaintances, and a few shady characters that I'll be sure to steer clear of. Most of all, I found a kindred spirit. Keep up the great work, and know that you will always have a place on my shelf.
Your in commiseration, ~L
PS- Thank you for making a slow shift go by faster....more
Happy Release Day! Chaos Song is now available any- and everywhere books are sold!
Thank you so much to all the ARC readers who've already posted reviewHappy Release Day! Chaos Song is now available any- and everywhere books are sold!
Thank you so much to all the ARC readers who've already posted reviews, and to those of you who've purchased the book during its launch window. We're holding our own on the bestseller lists! I can't even begin to express how encouraging it is to see so many people excited to join Alex on her adventures.
I'm so excited to get to share this next stage of Alex's development with you in this action-packed, magic-fueled, adventure!
This is a well-written, fast-flowing text that highlights many key concepts of how people form habits, both good and bad. The basic premise is that ifThis is a well-written, fast-flowing text that highlights many key concepts of how people form habits, both good and bad. The basic premise is that if there is a behavior you would like to encourage, you should make it easy, attractive, and satisfying so that you are more likely to repeat the behavior. Conversely, if there's a behavior you want to stop, make it harder to do, unattractive, and unsatisfying. Here's a personal example: I want to drink less soda, so I don't keep soda in the house. If I really want a soda, I have to make a special trip to the store just to get it. Making it more difficult makes the behavior less likely.
I didn't find any world-shattering revelations in its advice. It was more a reinforcement of common-sense ideas that are easily overlooked. I was both pleased and disappointed to find that I was already doing many of the suggested actions simply on instinct and logic. Pleased because I have a good natural sense for how to enact changes in my life, and disappointed because I was hoping for some kind of "magic bullet" to break through the final walls of developing habits for things that I really don't enjoy doing, like exercising. Unfortunately, though not surprisingly, no such magic bullet exists. If you're hoping this book will provide it, it won't. What it will provide are useful case studies, entertaining anecdotes, and real-world examples of how to put basic principals of habit development into practice. Just know that at the end of the day, it all comes down to your willingness to push through adversity. Even the most well-established habit can't make something that is inherently unpleasant seem fun....more
I absolutely loved the characters in this story. The three kids who get trapped on the island are unique and memorable, and each has a distinct set ofI absolutely loved the characters in this story. The three kids who get trapped on the island are unique and memorable, and each has a distinct set of goals and motivations. Tori is a soccer goalie suspended from play due to bad grades. She hates being on the prison island because it reminds her of her brother who was just arrested. Noah is afraid of everything. He has been since his mother died. But he's willing to face his fears on the haunted island if it means getting a chance to see his mom's ghost. Marvin wants to be a movie director, and what better place to film a horror flick that a spooky, abandoned prison island? The three alternate having the narrative perspective, and each voice is unique.
The setting and world building are believable, based on stories from Alcatraz. The layout of the island is well reasoned, enough so that you can picture a map in your head as the kids explore. The writing style is smooth and descriptive.
The only place where the story fell down a bit for me was in some of the detail and motivational consistencies. The best example of this is Marvin and his phone. At the beginning of the story it was clear he wanted more than anything to film some of Raven Island on his phone to get spooky shots for his film, but the teacher said student phones were off limits until they got back on the ferry. So maybe he wouldn't risk filming while the teacher was around... but why wouldn't he whip out that phone as soon as he and his friends were out of sight of the teacher? He thinks about how much he wants a shot of the creepy forest they're walking through and the lighthouse they climb, but he never takes out his phone. This led me to believe the teacher had physically taken the kid's phones. Except then when the kids miss the ferry... they all have their phones. And yet Marvin STILL doesn't film anything. He's constantly considering shots he wants for his film, but never filming. What is he waiting for?
There were a few other examples of character inconsistencies like that, or straight up detail glitches when the narration shifted or timelines didn't quite line up. That's why I couldn't give the book five stars, but the overall story was fast and fun. My ten-year-old loved the book. She said she was glad the kids had a mystery to try to solve rather than just being trapped on a haunted island. She enjoyed trying to puzzle out the clues along with the characters.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
A hilarious romp that turns traditional fairy tales on their heads.
Ever notice how the princes get overlooked in the classic stories? Cinderella, RapuA hilarious romp that turns traditional fairy tales on their heads.
Ever notice how the princes get overlooked in the classic stories? Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty.... Those stories are all named after their princesses. Well, this book takes a look at the princes of those tales. Namely, the Princes Charming.
Prince Frederic is a dandy afraid of any and everything that might scar, mar, or otherwise dirty his princely perfection, but he's loyal, kind, and good with his words. Gustav is a burly brute with anger management issues and a massive inferiority complex, but he's brave and cares more than he wants to admit. Duncan is a dunce of the highest order, but his childlike innocence carries him through challenges will infectious optimism. Liam is too good for his own good. A noble hero who will do what is right even if it means turning his entire kingdom against him and living in exile.
Each of these princes failed to find renown in their princess's stories, but they're writing their own tales now. Against pint-sized bandits, house-sized trolls, and angry ex's, they will learn to rely on each other's unique strengths (and make up for their many weaknesses) to save all their kingdoms and finally be recognized for the heroic princes they are... or die trying.
This book had my whole family laughing out loud. The plot is fun, tight, and fast. The characters are well crafted, with more depth than I expected. The humor is non-stop but subtle enough not to come across as heavy handed. The book includes cute illustrations that really bring the characters to life. The writing is smooth and the voice is perfect. I really can't find fault, and I can't wait to read the next one!...more
This is the kind of story I love to find when I open an urban fantasy novel. Magic, intrigue, multifaceted characters, intense action, and just a splaThis is the kind of story I love to find when I open an urban fantasy novel. Magic, intrigue, multifaceted characters, intense action, and just a splash of romance. Andrews' masterful world building creates a colorful and rich history for a world not unlike our own. Because I did not realize when I picked this book up that it was part of a larger series, I was definitely missing some information, especially where the characters were concerned. That said, I had no problem following along and inferring the events of the previous books. It was still a wonderful and satisfying read.
This book is written from the perspective of the main character, Catalina Baylor. She's a Prime, meaning super-powerful magic user, and the head of a House, a magical family with political sway. Having missed the first 5? books in this series, I can't guess if she was the protagonist of the others or not, but she was fierce and intelligent, and I found it easy to relate to her from the very beginning. Her backstory is revealed in pieces throughout the book, so I was never left in the lurch.
My only complaint would be that there were so many characters thrown at me so early on. Again, this may be an effect of starting mid-series. Perhaps all these characters were introduced more slowly in earlier books. I don't know. But I did stumble several times in trying to keep track of who was who in the large cast of people both present and referenced.
The action/mystery plot was fun and fast-paced. Catalina uses her head as much as her swords to solve her problem, and while the climax might come down to an all-out battle of strength and will, I enjoyed puzzling through the twists and turns with her.
On the romance front, I found this book to be *almost* the perfect amount for me. I'm not a big romance reader, so while I enjoy romantic arcs and interactions, I don't like that to take center stage over the story. Catalina clearly had some serious history with Alessandro, the love interest in this book, and that creates a wonderful tension between the characters. I *think* these two got together in a previous book, but I don't know for sure. I was given just enough backstory to paint a decent picture of their past interactions, which got me invested in their present and future.
Overall, highly recommended. It was a very enjoyable read, and I'm definitely going to get the rest of the series....more
I definitely enjoyed this story more than the first installment in the series, The Eye of the World. I think the writing was smoother and the threads I definitely enjoyed this story more than the first installment in the series, The Eye of the World. I think the writing was smoother and the threads fit together a little more naturally. These books are designed to be read in order, so a lot of the plot and character growth that happens in this book is directly dependent on the events and reveals of book one.
Let's start with the characters. Rand continues to be the central protagonist, though he is not always the most important character. This is definitely a large cast story, which it kind of has to be to get that epic quality one would expect from this type of book. I liked Rand better in this story. While he started off annoying (pushing his friends away to save them), and he still made plenty of mistakes, I feel like he solidified as a character in this book. He no longer felt like an empty shell narrating events as they happened around him. Even when he made bad choices, at least he was actually choosing things.
Perrin and Mat took a back seat during this adventure. While both were present, neither showed any significant growth, although Perrin did come to accept his wolf-speak talent a bit more. Egwene continues to be my least favorite character. Although she was somewhat less annoying in this book she continues to come across as conceited and self-righteous. Nynaeve on the other hand seems to have evened out into a more relatable character that I can really root for. She's strong and proud, but not arrogant. There were lots of side characters that added flavor to the story. Moiraine and Lan were notably absent save a bit at the beginning and a scene at the end, but they were replaced by Verin, a sister Aes Sedai whom I quite enjoyed learning more about. This book also introduced multiple new adversaries to the world, including the strangers from across the sea and a familiar darkfriend who's been turned into something more.
As for the world, this story expands on what was built in book one, introducing more societies and revealing more of the hidden past. We get to visit one of the ogier steading, where more of Loial's culture and character arc are exposed. We visit a modern city consumed by political intrigue. And we're even shown a glimpse of a parallel dimension where characters live out the many iterations of their possible lives. I love the rich flavor of this world, and I'm excited to see more of it.
My biggest complaint about this book would probably be the over-the-top character of Selene. I guess maybe we're supposed to assume she cast some kind of spell on Rand and his companions, because I honestly can't imagine any other explanation for them ignoring all the red flags that went up as soon as she entered the scene. Sure she's beautiful and cultured, but I'd like to think even a hormonal young man like Rand wouldn't be taken in so completely by a pretty face when she was so very clearly manipulating him.
I'm curious to see where the next book leads since Rand can no longer hide from who he is. I'm also looking forward to diving deeper into some of these side characters, as I think that will be necessary to bring this sprawling of a story together....more
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