4 ⭐️ This is a lovely book. Wonderfully written and incredibly fanciful lore.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ academic fantasy set in early 1900s ✨ setting: remote s4 ⭐️ This is a lovely book. Wonderfully written and incredibly fanciful lore.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ academic fantasy set in early 1900s ✨ setting: remote small village in Scandinavia ✨ she is a Cambridge professor writing an encyclopedia of faerie ✨ he is a Cambridge professor who offers to assist in her research ✨ academic rivals/friends to lovers ✨ forced proximity ✨ slow burn ✨ no spice ✨ fun banter ✨ neurodivergent FMC ✨ satisfying plot/conflict ✨ interesting faerie lore and world building ✨ HEA but leave door open for book 2
My Thoughts:
This was a solid story. It definitely falls into the cozy fantasy category with gentle pacing and vivid writing. It was honestly relaxing to read because there's no real urgency to finish. There are exciting moments of conflict and intrigue, yet due to the way it's written, I never felt strong emotions or an eagerness to read through the night in order to find out what happens next.
The book is written in diary format, which was done well, but personally, I found it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story or connect with the moments being written about because I knew everything would be alright since Emily was recounting everything after the fact. On one hand, it's nice because I felt zero anxiety while reading, but at the same time, it takes away the excitement of not know if things are going to turn out okay.
My favorite part about this story was the faerie lore. I've never read a book that has this much world building and detail about the faerie. I'm honestly impressed with the creativity and/or folklore research about faerie and creatures that the author must have done to write this book. I loved learning about the difference faerie from their physical appearances to their behaviors / interactions with humans.
Emily Wilde is such a fascinating character. She is neurodivergent, and I loved seeing this represention in such a smart, strong, female lead. The way Emily is so focused on her research is admirable, and I respect that no matter what type of faerie she encounters, she is able to keep a clear head and interact with reason and curiosity.
The relationship between Emily and Wendell Bambleby is entertaining. The banter between the two is fun, and I enjoyed how easily these two fall into a harmonious rhythm with one another. But, just FYI, while there is some romance aspects that develop, I wouldn't call this story a romance. It's a very small aspect of the story, but it may evolve more in the next few books.
There is one thing that did irk me. This is 100% a personal pet peeve, but I absolutely loath when the potential love interest has romantic or sexual relations with other people. Emily is completely unbothered because she's just friends with Wendell and she knows he's a big flirt. So there is no jealousy on her end. However, I think it diminishes his 'love' for Emily. He's been friends with her for years while being in love with her, but at the same time he philanders about everywhere he goes. Even in front of her. This also makes me question why he 'loves' Emily in the first place. The story starts with her mentioning how annoying she finds him but that while he's her rival, he's also her only friend. Whenever they interact, she insults him or bosses him around, but Wendell honestly finds this amusing and replies sweetly. I think a lot of his feelings for her and how he acts makes sense with what we learn about Wendell, but at the same time, it doesn't convince me of their romance. I'm hoping this is explored more intentionally in the next book....more
3 ⭐️ The ending . . . I cried. I had a heart attack. And now I’m staring into space like life has no meaning. I am unwell.
"The first year is when some3 ⭐️ The ending . . . I cried. I had a heart attack. And now I’m staring into space like life has no meaning. I am unwell.
"The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity."
Prepare to join the revolution.
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ adult romantasy ✨ book 2 of the Empyrean Series ✨ established romance (but they're stubborn idiots) ✨ war college setting ✨ dragon riders ✨ magic ✨ unique world building ✨ complex politics ✨ found family ✨ chronic illness rep ✨ action-packed ✨ high stakes ✨ 2.5/5 ...more
5 ⭐️ If Throne of Glass, Divergent, Eragon, and Zodiac Academy had a baby. . . but this is better!!!
*PS: I don't really even like ZA, but it's similar5 ⭐️ If Throne of Glass, Divergent, Eragon, and Zodiac Academy had a baby. . . but this is better!!!
*PS: I don't really even like ZA, but it's similar because of the academic setting, the heroine's journey to understanding her strength, and the enemies-to-lovers aspect (it's not quite a bully romance though).
You know when you finish a book, and it leaves an ache in your chest because it was so good, and now it’s over? Yeah, that’s exactly how I feel after finishing Fourth Wing.
Summary:
There are only two ways to leave Basgiath War College: graduate or die. Violet was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant and live a quiet life among books. However, when her mother, the commanding general, forces her to join the Riders Quadrants to become a dragon rider, she must push herself past all limitations in order to survive. Staying alive would be a lot easier if Violet didn't have a target on her back for not only being 'small and frail' but the daughter of the woman responsible for the deaths of many cadet's traitorous parents, including Xaden Riorson's - the most powerful and ruthless wingleader. She should stay away from him, but a fire burns between these two that is bound to consume them both. With stakes this high, every day could be her last. So Violet must learn to do the one thing she was never trained to do: fight.
"I will not die today." -Violet Sorrengail
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ adult romantasy ✨ true enemies to lovers ✨ war college setting ✨ dragon riders ✨ magic ✨ underdog fmc / chronic illness rep ✨ scarred anti-hero mmc ✨ unique world building ✨ complex politics ✨ found family ✨ high stakes ✨ insta-lust with slow burn ✨ 2/5 ...more
"I'm scared one day Verenmore will have more ghosts than people. I just hope we don't end up as one of the3 ⭐️ A fine story. Certainly had its moment.
"I'm scared one day Verenmore will have more ghosts than people. I just hope we don't end up as one of them."
WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨ Gothic romance ✨ Dark academia ✨ Boarding school ✨ Haunted castle and woods ✨ Forbidden romance ✨ Teacher x student ✨ Virgin FMC ✨ Morally gray MMC ✨ Praise kink ✨ Voyeurism / Exhibitionism ✨ Murder-mystery ✨ Paranormal / Psychological thriller aspects
What I liked:
The dark academia atmosphere and gothic vibes were amazing! From the creepy castle to the dark, eerie woods, the setting was perfect for this horror/mystery/romance. There were also a few times that I was genuinely creeped out. RuNyx did a fabulous job with the descriptions, so I really was able to have a clear picture of Verenmore in my head while reading.
The mystery plot was addicting. I started reading for the romance, but I stayed for the mystery! The history of Verenmore, coupled with Vad's backstory, was so juicy! I was constantly chomping at the bits for more information, which the author annoyingly liked to hand out in bits and pieces. RuNyx really knows how to keep the audience interested! I was so addicted I stayed up till 2am reading.
And that plot twist at the end! It completely took me by surprise.
I LOVED the uncertainty that the voices in Corvina's head were real or part of a mental health condition. We still don't really know in the end, but since Corvina truly gives off witchy vibes, I like to believe she's connected to the paranormal. I also lean more toward this because of the old woman's prediction about Vad meeting the girl with purple eyes.
I love Vad's absolute commitment to Corvina. This man would do absolutely everything for her, and that's the kind of love I like to see. It was especially meaningful by the end to see that no matter what happens with Corvina, he will always be there to take care of her and give her the love and support she needs. ❤️
"I will have you even in death, little witch. I am your beast. I am your madness. And you, you're my afterlife."
What I didn't liked:
I had a few issues with the romance.
1. It was rushed. It's basically insta-lust. No getting to know each other before f*cking.
2. I never felt connected to them. This was due to the lack of development in the initial stages of their relationship since it was all lust.
3. I wasn't a fan of the spicy scenes because of the descriptive words and dirty talk.
For example: - "Magic eyes, magic pussy." - Her walls clenching and unclenching around him, so rapidly he punched his cock through them one last time. - "I," slam "am" slam "your" slam "madness." - "And if I am? Does that make you loathe me? Will that keep your pussy dry?" - He drove into her harshly . . . her pants muffled by his flesh and their hips slapped together, mating in the most primitive, basic way a man and a woman could mate. - He drilled into her from behind.
The pacing often felt slow. A lot of the interactions between Corvina and Vad are so similar that they started to blend together to the point where I felt like nothing was happening. And some 'truths' were uncovered at the end, so there's just a lot of waiting and suspense.
The story leaves us with many unanswered questions. Like, we’re just supposed to be fine without knowing the truth behind the Black Ball disappearances or what had happened to Roy that one night? This was obviously intentional by the author, but I was bothered that so many of the questions we had since the beginning are not answered.
Overall, this was a story that kept my interest and would be perfect to read during spooky season. It's not a favorite of mine, but I'm glad I read it just to see what all the fuss was about....more
Hudson is the only reason why I finished this story. I hate love triangles and was super pissed when I realized that wa3 ⭐️ This is a generous rating
Hudson is the only reason why I finished this story. I hate love triangles and was super pissed when I realized that was the direction the author was headed. BUT, it turns out I actually love Hudson. He's sexy, smart, honest, and powerful. His sarcasm is entertaining and his banter with Grace gave me so much satisfaction. I actually cracked a smile a few times during some of their interactions. Plus, he's so supportive of Grace and treats her like an equal, while Jaxon is so caught up in protecting her because he doesn't think she's strong enough. I don't really have anything against Jaxon, but I hope Grace ends up choosing Hudson in the end.
Let's talk about Jaxon really quickly. At this point, Tracy Wolff is just changing his character to fit this love triangle's narrative. I get he's extra protective because Grace just came back after being gone for 4 months, but the author writes him as a misogynistic jerk, which he isn't. So while I understand why his character might be this way, I didn't really believe it.
I feel like Tracy Wolff is setting things up so Flint and Jaxon end up together in the most obvious way and it annoys the hell out of me. I don't want the author to use Flint's sexuality as a way to wrap up the fallout from the love triangle because we all know Grace is going to pick Hudson in the end, leaving Jaxon wounded and depressed. Flint deserves a better love story that's not just created to be a plot point!
Also, the love triangle between Grace, Jaxon, and Hudson feels like a lazy copycat of Elena, Stefan, and Damon from The Vampire Diaries. The guys are brothers. The first love interest is the youngest brother who's sweet but carries a lot of guilt for his past actions. The second love interest is the oldest brother who's the 'bad boy' and an asshole, but deep down he's actually a good guy. Again, I think Grace will choose Hudson based on how things ended in VD.
The additional world-building was interesting but still lacking. I still need more info on all the creatures as well as the politics and power dynamics. At least we got to finally meet Cyrus. I'm curious to see what other shady shit he pulls in the next books.
The writing continues to be so wordy that I have to skim. The story is readable but I just can't stand the writing. Not much else to say about it.
Overall, the storyline and romance development were interesting, but the writing still bothers me enough that I won't be reading the next book anytime soon (or most likely ever). I will however look up spoilers because I just want to know how Husdon and Grace's relationship develops.
A special thank you to Entangled Teen for sending me Crush. As always, all opinions are my own.
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Crave Series Book Ratings:
Crave: 2.5 ⭐️ Crush: 3 ⭐️ Covet: Did not read Court: Did not read Charm: Did not read Cherish: Did not read...more
If I was a teenager I would have enjoyed this more!
The story is interesting, but the writing style and immature c2.5 ⭐️ Twilight meets Zodiac Academy
If I was a teenager I would have enjoyed this more!
The story is interesting, but the writing style and immature characters are not for me (probably bc it’s YA are written for a younger audience).
Grace is a cliche. There doesn’t seem to be anything special about her. In fact, she doesn’t seem to think so either and often notes how plain and average she is. So when she arrives at a new school, she’s shocked how everyone seems to pay her attention and even more uncomfortable if people compliment her on her appearance. And of course, the hottest guy in school who never gives anyone the time of day is suddenly interested and can’t keep away. I experienced a lot of Twilight deja vu while reading this. Grace also quotes Shakespeare, plays the drums, and tells SUPER funny jokes, so you know she’s super fucking cool in a low-key way. ...more
??? ⭐️ Loved the story. Hated the delivery. So idk how the fuck to rate this!
It’s the best book of them all, but I’m over it. My enjoyment level was ??? ⭐️ Loved the story. Hated the delivery. So idk how the fuck to rate this!
It’s the best book of them all, but I’m over it. My enjoyment level was a 2.5 star bc of the writing. BUT it's the best story in the series so it probably deserves above 4 stars. See my problem?
If you love this series and the writing style, it’s an amazing book. But if you have found yourself skimming to get through the series, you may not have the patience for it. Truly, the series could have been wrapped up in this book. But no. The authors have decided to draw it the fuck out.
While I can admit that this story is addicting and I'm attached to these characters, this book (and the two before it) is unnecessarily long. It's so fucking wordy that I had to start skimming to keep my interest. At this point, I just want to read a summary of the last book to know what happens. Please, don’t make me read another wordy 800 pages for the conclusion....more
4 ⭐️ WTF!!!! That ending hurst! Darius has my heart ❤️
While I once again found the writing lacking and the story to be unnecessarily long, this was o4 ⭐️ WTF!!!! That ending hurst! Darius has my heart ❤️
While I once again found the writing lacking and the story to be unnecessarily long, this was one of the better books in the series.
Thank the stars, the story is finally starting to come together. A lot of the plots and story concepts that were introduced earlier finally make sense or get resolved. For example, we FINALLY have an the background of the Shadow Princess and nymphs - it's super interesting and I wish more time was spent on it, we learn what happened to Clara, we finally understand why Hail Vega was the 'Savage King', we learn about Orion's father and the Zodiac Guild, and Astrum's tarot cards come to an end by leading them to the Imperial Star. I still have so many questions, but I'm glad some of these key story elements were explained.
I like that the Heirs and Twins are united and getting along. Obviously, there's still some conflict because when the time comes, they will fight for the throne, but for now, they have to work together to destroy a greater threat aka Lionel and the Shadow Princess. Seeing their friendships is heartwarming.
Xavier's pegasus drama was fun but didn't really go with the theme of the book.The series is getting darker with Tory being controlled and tortured by Lionel, Lance in prison, and Darcy and the Heirs going on Nymph raids, but then we get random chapters of Xavier dealing with girl problems. I guess it was a reprieve from the more serious stuff but it doesn't really connect with the rest of the story.
Darcy and Lance are getting on my nerves. I hate how no one can just communicate. Lance is pushing Darcy away because he thinks it's for her own good, and Darcy is pissed but can't help but love Lance regardless. And then Seth tries to make Lance jealous so he confesses his feelings? What are we 12 years old? I feel like everyone acts so childish and it would be nice for once if everyone sacked up and properly dealt with their feelings and communicated with each other!!
Speaking of sacking up, can Seth finally admit his feelings to Caleb??? Are they a couple or not? I'm sick and tired of this drama. It's stupid.
What Darius does to save the Vega twins broke my heart and made me confused. Why does Darius have to suffer the consequences of a broken oath by his ancestor? Why didn't the stars make his father suffer instead? This new development seems to be a plot device created to stir the pot and make more drama. I'm okay with that, but I need a fucking explanation.
After this ending, I have so many questions: -What’s going to happen with Darcy and the curse??? -Will the Heirs become part of the Zodiac Guild? -Is Darius seriously going to die at the end of this series??? -How are they going to defeat the Shadow Princess??
I can't believe I have to wait till December 18th for the next book. I really hope some of my questions get answered and that this series will have an HEA.
*I'd like to be clear that none of these books actually deserve anything more than 3-stars when it comes to the writing. These ratings are strictly based more on my enjoyment level of the drama. I know this is not good literature, but it keeps sucking me in! ...more
2.5 ⭐️ The worst book of the Zodiac Academy series
A whole lot happened, but also, hardly anything at all.
Honestly, what the fuck was this even about2.5 ⭐️ The worst book of the Zodiac Academy series
A whole lot happened, but also, hardly anything at all.
Honestly, what the fuck was this even about? There were so many unnecessary/random elements to this story. So much of the drama felt forced, like it was only there for drama's sake instead of actually pushing the story forward. Definitely a filler book.
And the fact this was an 800 page book is ridiculous. It should have been cut in half. I found myself putting the book down because I was bored because no matter how much drama this book has, it dragged on for so long that I couldn’t help but lose attention.
Everything that happens is predictable except one thing - Gabrielle’s origin. Besides that, yawn.
I did like how Tory and Darius are dealing with being star-crossed. Even though the pining was annoying, it’s refreshing that they’re both letting their guards down and being vulnerable with one another.
And the threesome scene, no. I’m really protective of the main couples I love in books and I hate when others get involved. Just my personal preference. BUT it also didn’t make sense knowing Darius and how Elysian Mate bonds work. Like, it just doesn’t seem realistic that either would want to or be okay with that shit. I understand that every couple is different but when your soul feels called to only one person and you get insanely jealous and possessive whenever other people suggestively get near them, a threesome doesn’t seem to be plausible. I get it was them trying to work around the curse but I still don’t see it happening. This scene was a cheap way to spice things, and that makes me angry because it lessens the value of Darius and Tory’s Elysian Mate Bond. Could you imagine Lance sharing Darcy? No, never in a million years. He’d rather not have her at all then share her, and they’re not officially Elysian Mates yet.
Clara calling Lionel 'daddy' had me wanting to vomit. I think that's the point but oh my god was it just so gross.
The drama with Lance at the end was predictable and dumb. I’m annoyed with him at the moment. I hate when people make idiotic decisions because they’re trying to be a fucking martyr.
I’m also still not sure why Geraldine is in this book at all and why Max is into her. Such an odd pairing, especially because she’s weird as shit. No one talks like that.
Can the authors just make Seth and Caleb get together? It’s been 5 books. . . Hurry the fuck up with their romance or just stop.
Will someone explain how Darcy escaped the shadows? Yeah, yeah, her phoenix flames but it just seems convenient for the plot that she broke free the moment Seth got stabbed and they all almost died. For once, I'd love an explanation but I bet we won't get one for another 2 books…that just seems to be how this series works.
I will be continuing to read this series because despite how awful it is, I'm hooked. It was just a boring and unnecessarily long book. It reminds me of every great show, how the first few seasons are awesome and then somewhere in the middle things sort of suck before the last season when things get wrapped up. Hoping the next book is better. ...more
Ummmm what the hell was that???? I repeat: WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT???
I swear I can’t even function right now. 4 ⭐️ That f*cking ending!!! Full stop!!!
Ummmm what the hell was that???? I repeat: WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT???
I swear I can’t even function right now.
This series may be slightly unoriginal (there's so many Harry Potter similarities - pureblood ideologies and references to objects like horcruxes) and the writing is absolutely trash, but HOLY SHIT do these authors know how to make me feel for these characters.
“Please, just be mine, Tory,” Darius begged. “I’d rather be alone,” I whispered.
3.5 ⭐️ Entertaining but unnecessarily long so I got bored in a few spots
I've said it in every review - the writing isn’t great. But we’re finally get3.5 ⭐️ Entertaining but unnecessarily long so I got bored in a few spots
I've said it in every review - the writing isn’t great. But we’re finally getting somewhere in the story. The reckoning trials made things exciting but the descriptions were long and boring. I don't know why but I find myself constantly having to skim mostly anything that isn't dialogue or about the romance or nymph storyline.
I'm the multiple POVs included the Heirs and Orion. I was desperate for some insight into their minds to understand the contradicting behaviors. The multiple POVs helped me understand a little bit more what's going on politically and why the Heirs are under so much pressure.
I love Darcy and Lance. But can they just figure out they’re mates already? Same with Tory and Darius. But I did like that this book was a little more clear on the relationships.
PS: Diego is a little shit and I feel like he’s going to be trouble in the next book.
*I'd like to be clear that none of these books actually deserve anything more than 3-stars when it comes to the writing. These ratings are strictly based more on my enjoyment level of the drama. I know this is not good literature, but it keeps sucking me in! ...more
FYI: My reviews won’t be as detailed as usual because I just don’t give a shit and I am desperate to read the ne4 ⭐️ Much better than the first book!
FYI: My reviews won’t be as detailed as usual because I just don’t give a shit and I am desperate to read the next book in the series IMMEDIATELY.
So here are my quick thoughts:
The romance is more straightforward instead of manipulative like in the first book. There is one sex scene that was hot, but it's like a 2 our of 5 on the spice meter. Y'all told me this series is spicy so where is it???
There's a bit more world building and explanation as to what’s really going on in the world of the fae. I really wish there was even more of this. All we've seen is the academy when they're in this big fae world. Can we get a history or geography lesson? Seriously, please bore me with an info dump because I think I need it, and so do Tory and Darcy.
The writing still isn’t great but the story got more interesting. I loved that the Vega twins covertly fight back against the Heirs! Payback is a bitch! Also, wayyyyyy less bullying from the Heirs. Thank the gods!
While the descriptive pitball game was boring AF (seriously, I don't ever want to read another descriptive scene like this again), the battle at the end was epic!!! I need more fights like this! And the way Darcy is so protective of Lance and how Tory freaks over almost losing Darius during the battle. . . y'all they are definitely Elysian Mates.
Predictions: 1. Tory and Darius / Darcy and Liam are Elysian mates. 2. Tory is a Dragon. Darcy is a Hydra. 3. Lionel is coordinating with the nymphs or let them loose in order to gain more power.
*I'd like to be clear that none of these books actually deserve anything more than 3-stars when it comes to the writing. These ratings are strictly based more on my enjoyment level of the drama. I know this is not good literature, but it keeps sucking me in!...more
4 ⭐ Solid YA contemporary fantasy about witches dealing with climate change
"You should never feel like you have to make excuses or apologize for who y4 ⭐ Solid YA contemporary fantasy about witches dealing with climate change
"You should never feel like you have to make excuses or apologize for who you are."
-Great quote! 100% true.
Summary:
There are four different kinds of witches - spring, summer, autumn, and winter - where their magic is tied to and strengthened during the season of their birth.
For centuries, witches have helped maintain the climate, but as the atmosphere becomes more erratic, they are unable to keep it under control. Their last hope lies with Clara - an Everwitch - whose rare magic is tied to every season, and strong enough to bring balance to the shifting atmosphere. However, Clara's magic is volatile and has a tendency to harm those she loves most.
When Clara's magic accidentally kills her best friend, she isolates herself and closes her heart to love. It's a lonely life - one she's desperate to be free of. So when an opportunity arises to be stripped of magic, Clara must decide if using her magic to help the world is worth the price of being alone.
My Thoughts:
The story concept is refreshingly unique. Witches are a popular choice in fantasy series, but Rachel Griffin created a fascinating universe where their magic is tied to the seasons. Plus, the topic of climate change is relevant and important in our world today, so I'm glad this was the direction she went.
Clara is a stereotypical YA 'Chosen One' MC, but that didn't bother me. She's a strong protagonist who finds herself by embracing her powers. Her journey may be a bit cliche but I enjoyed it nevertheless. (Clara kind of reminded me of Elsa from the Disney movie 'Frozen').
This is YA, so there's no spice. (I'm only adding this to the review since I tend to read extremely smutty books). The main characters are 17 to 18 years old, and there are some kissing scenes, but anything past that is only alluded to and skipped over entirely. So if you're here for the spice, don't bother. However, if you enjoy sweet romance and a tender love interest, stick around.
I love Sang. He's such a freaking softie. I love his absolute kindness, belief, and trust in Clara. I love how his unconditional support allows Clara to finally discover and love herself. ♥️
There should have been a bit more relationship development between Clara and Sang. For example, I'd love to know what they talk about and bond over when not working on controlling her magic or discussing his botany project. Their romance happened relatively quickly and I needed a bit more insight as to why Sang cares for her so much already.
The story moves along quickly and feels a tad rushed at times. I have a hard time fully investing in fast-paced stories. It just doesn't usually allow for enough explanation when it comes to character / relationship development (see above). This was one of the reasons the book wasn't a 5-star for me.
Overall, The Nature of Witches wasn't necessarily profound, but it was a solid, engaging story that had me captivated from start to finish. I enjoyed it and definitely would recommend it if you're a fan of YA witchy stories.
Favorite Quotes:
"Autumn is its own kind of magic; it reminds us of the beauty in letting go.” —A Season for Everything
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"Be wary of those who will let you apologize for who you are."
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"A mess is something that needs to be cleaned up. You're not a mess. You're a force to be reckoned with."
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"You are the most magnificently disruptive thing that's ever entered my life."
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"When the only thing left is your magic, when that's all you have to rely on, you'll learn to respect it."
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"A life of isolation is too high a price for magic. A life of constantly worrying about those I love is too high a price. And I don't want to pay it."
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"He doesn't define me, but the way he sees me has given me the confidence and strength to define myself.
I think that's why I look at him like he's magic. Because to me, he is."
3 ⭐ An intriguing dark academia/magical story with many twists and turns
"The flaw of humanity," said Parisa, shrugging. "The compulsion to be unique, 3 ⭐ An intriguing dark academia/magical story with many twists and turns
"The flaw of humanity," said Parisa, shrugging. "The compulsion to be unique, which is at war with the desire to belong to a single identifiable sameness."
Summary:
The story follows six extraordinarily gifted magicians that have been selected to potentially join the Alexandrian Society - a secret society of magical academicians that houses lost knowledge from the greatest civilizations of antiquity. However, only five of the six individuals will be initiated, meaning one is eliminated.
Reina, Parisa, Callum, Tristan, Libby & Nico are recruited by Atlas Blake and given one year to qualify for initiation. During that time, they will have preliminary access to the Society's archives and be judged based on their contributions to various subjects of impossibility: time and space, luck and thought, life and death.
My Thoughts:
While this is a beautifully written story, it required my full attention and patience. The writing is academic and philosophical, which was hard to follow at times. There were many instances where it seemed that so much was being said, but at the same time, nothing at all (or at least nothing of importance in regards to the storyline's progression). BUT, I did read this after two months of Dramione fanfic and pure alien smut, so it makes sense that it took a minute for my brain to catch up. ...more
3 ⭐️ If Harry Potter / Vampire Academy / The House of Night Series and Gossip Girl had a child, Zodiac Academy would be it
This story is super interest3 ⭐️ If Harry Potter / Vampire Academy / The House of Night Series and Gossip Girl had a child, Zodiac Academy would be it
This story is super interesting and addicting, I could not put it down. Just because I don’t think it’s a 5-star doesn’t mean it isn’t hella entertaining.
However, the writing is not great. It’s like your average Wattpad story when it comes to the level of writing. Not bad enough to stop me from reading the rest of the series but I accept it for what it is and will move forward.
When it comes to the actual story, I’m annoyed AF that no one explains anything to the twins or helps them get acclimated to this new world. Like why the fuck aren’t teachers helping? Because it’s the way of the fae? What kind of cop out/lazy writing is that?
I have a love/hate relationship with stories where drama is created because the characters act instead of listen, and this happens on every page of this story. Can the twins just once again reiterate how they don’t want the throne and then the fae actually listen? Or explain to them the process of denying the throne and their birthright?
The bullying annoyed the fuck out of me. Yeah, I know, this is a bully romance. But it is constant and never ending. Like, give these girls a fucking break, I can’t handle this much psychological trauma and tension. Damn. And again, why the fuck aren’t the teachers stepping in?
And after all this, I’m still going to read the next one because it’s free on KU. Sue me. ...more
4.5 ⭐️ Captivating & thought-provoking YA fantasy novel
Before I start on my review, I want to address those of you who are skeptical about this book b4.5 ⭐️ Captivating & thought-provoking YA fantasy novel
Before I start on my review, I want to address those of you who are skeptical about this book because of what you may have heard from others who accused this story and author of being "offensive," "racist," or "homophobic." This book is set in a FICTIONAL, fantasy world with many characters who are prejudice and cruel towards other races, homophobic, and religiously intolerant. These themes are present throughout the book and may be distressing for some readers. However, in no way is the author condoning these actions. In fact, the story focuses on the young main character, Elloren, who is a kind and 'decent' person but has some deeply rooted prejudices due to her society and upbringing. Elloren is sent to study at a diverse university where she is forced to interact with other races for the first time. After getting to know these people and doing her own research, her opinions and understanding of the world gradually change.
"Real education doesn't make your life easy. It complicates things and makes everything messy and disturbing. But the alternative Elloren Gardner, is to live your life based on injustice and lies."
This is a dark yet hopeful story showing that anyone can change if they are brave enough to question their beliefs, even if that means everything they know to be true is wrong.
Brief Summary:
Elloren Gardner is the granddaughter of the last Black Witch who saved the Gardnerian people during the Realm War. And while she looks identical to her famous grandmother, Elloren was not gifted with powers.
Since her parents' death, Elloren and her two older brothers have lived a simple life in the country with their eccentric uncle. However, when an attempt on Elloren's life is made, she is sent to Verpax University along with her brothers to keep her safe. While Elloren is excited at the chance to step out of her grandmother's shadow and follow her dreams of becoming an apothecary, life at university proves to be challenging. Not only does the university admit all manner of people - including the sworn enemies of all Gardnerians - and many have not forgotten the Black Witch's role in their defeat during the Realm War, but a few jealous Gardnerians make her life a living hell.
As Elloren struggles to fit in, she makes a few unlikely friendships that challenge and ultimately change her beliefs and understanding of the world.
Things I liked:
Amazing world-building. There are many different fantasy races, which Laurie Forest thoughtfully introduces and throughout the story provides histories, cultures, and preconceived notions within each race. Since the world is so complex and this is an introduction, the pacing is a little slow but totally necessary.
The magic system is fantastical. There are many magically gifted races and creatures in this story. Elves and Amaz have rune magic, Fae have elemental magic, Gardnerians have wand magic, Icarals have fire magic, Urisks are geomancers (gem and stone magic), and Lupines are shifters and have enhanced senses. These are only a few of the races, but they each have a unique kind of magic. We were introduced to some of these magical elements in this book, but I hope we see much more of it as the series progresses.
The character development of Elloren is inspiring. Elloren goes from living a sheltered life in the country to a dynamic life at a diverse university. Her understanding of the world is challenged, and while it takes some time, her views are ultimately changed for the better. Since the book is written in the first person, the reader gets to experience first-hand what it's like for someone rooted in ignorance to search for the truth and become enlightened. We can even apply this in our own lives. If we would actively question our beliefs, listen to others, and live with compassion, our world would be a much better place.
There were a few interesting plots in this story. The first was about political unrest between the Gardnerians and the subordinate races under their rule. The second was about Elloren's trials and hardships at university, including her struggle with making friends. The third was the romantic drama between Elloren and Lukas concerning wandfasting - where two Gardnerians are bound together magically forever. Each of these plots intertwined with the overarching story of Elloren's transformation from a naive country girl to an enlightened individual with a purpose.
There really wasn't anything I didn't like, so we're just going to skip ahead to my final thoughts!
This book is more New Adult (18+) versus YA due to some of the content - sexual assault, rape, racism, homophobia, and violence. There also should be trigger warnings. But overall, I love how Laurie Forest addressed these difficult subjects. I've never read anything quite like this before. Harry Potter might come close since there are racist elements in the HP universe (Muggles vs. Pure Bloods), but this book went even further.
This is a story about realizing how your beliefs are heavily influenced by your environment and having the courage to challenge them. This is a story about self-discovery and redemption. This is a story about fighting injustice and celebrating diversity. This is a story about love and friendship. If anything of this sounds interesting to you, I highly recommend reading this book....more
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