I would've never come across this book if I wasn't invited to sign for the blog tour. This book is supposedly a childhood favorite of well-kn#blogtour
I would've never come across this book if I wasn't invited to sign for the blog tour. This book is supposedly a childhood favorite of well-known animator Hayao Miyazaki. You might not be familiar with that name but he did Spirited Away, My neighbor Totoro, and Howl's Moving Castle to name a few. And Mr. Miyazaki is said to be going to base his final film on this book. Of course, this piqued my interest. I didn't even ask the publicist how she comes across my blog. I am just so excited to be part of this tour for the first ever English translation.
How Do you Live features 15-year old boy, Cooper, who lost his father and finds himself in a new season of his life, with some help from his uncle. The book then has two point of views - one is Cooper's and the other is his uncle's through letters and journals. The book is very thought provoking. Through Cooper, the book tries to answer questions about life that are both basic and deep. And I can say that it somehow succeeded in that point. What I love about this book is it didn't just focus on philosophical aspect of things. There are so many lessons featured, from science and history, to politics and ethics. And of course, there are tons of lessons about humanity and morality.
It is easy to relate to Cooper because all of us came or will come to a point in our lives where we begin asking the right questions about life. We don't have to lose anyone, just as Cooper did, for us to feel that inner longing to understand life, which entails the question how to live, not just with ourselves but more importantly, with others.
Cooper is great kid, all things considered. But he seems to be preoccupied of different things to step up. I love his uncle's words. I am always excited to read his letters and journals. His words are gems to be treasured. They're very motivational. I could've highlighted lots of lines from his POV if it wouldn't slow my reading. And the book itself is slow already. That sounds like a criticism but in my case, I didn't mind the pacing. It fits the story for me. Although, I think that would be a bit of a problem for younger readers. This is, after all, a childrens and Middle Grade book.
I also love Cooper and his friends. Their friendship is so amazing. A little bit dramatic but insightful. But still, my favorite is Cooper's relationship with his uncle. I think because it makes me think of Mr. Miyazaki as the uncle. I don't know, it was just easy to imagine the animator as the one giving insightful thoughts....more
I was hesitant to read this one at first. The blurb hinted about something that the hero, Mickey O'Connor, did to the heroine and it costs Silence HolI was hesitant to read this one at first. The blurb hinted about something that the hero, Mickey O'Connor, did to the heroine and it costs Silence Hollingbrook a lot. I was worried it is something unforgivable and unredeemable. But I trusted the rating, and thankfully I did.
The book opened with Silence before Mickey, in his throne room in his palace, demanding for a kid, Mickey's daughter. But apparently, Mickey entrusted the child to Silence in the orphanage a year ago. And Mickey suddenly kidnapped the child and so Silence, bravely, went to his palace despite their history. I think there is already a snippet of the story in the previous book, but I didn't read Book 2 of this series because it is based strongly on cheating.
So anyway, I love Silence. She's tough and I love how she cared for Mary Darling, the child, even if she's not biologically hers and daughter of the man that ruined her. Mickey, on the other hand, I couldn't like it in the beginning. For me, what he did to Silence before was too much. But as the story went on, I learned how to like him, even love. His character development is amazing. It was so nice to see him let his softer side prevails until, in the end, it's what wins.
I think the author had written Mickey's character really well. The author didn't shy at showing the worst of him. He is a pirate. He grew up in the worst part of London, stealing, bedding women, and even killing. Yes, the author didn't hide the fact that he was and is a killer. Which makes that scene at the end very important, what Silence did.
I love the plot It's really well constructed. Even that reveal in Mickey's other life wasn't so surprising to me. I think it makes sense because, during the times he tells more personal stories about him to Silence, it's obvious he has a desire to have another life. Plus, that butterfly book which he said wasn't in his palace, obviously, there's another place he was hiding it.
I also liked the way Mickey kind of make up for all his mistakes against Silence. I wouldn't call it groveling exactly, but you can see based on his actions that he wants forgiveness. And really, he made my heart melts little by little with how he cares for Silence. he might not understand it at first but eventually...
Even though all the books in the series can be read as standalone, it's still better to read them in order. Because there are so many plot elements and characters that are constant in the series. This series has overarching plots that made each story even more interesting. One element that I really liked in the series is the Ghost of St. Giles. He is a vigilante that fights crime at st. Giles at night. He is just a myth for most but it's obvious that he is real. In fact, his identity was revealed in this book and I love the dynamic between the Ghost and Mickey, especially at the end. :) But I think, I don't know if I'm remembering this correctly, the identity of the Ghost isn't just one. I'm not really sure because it's been a while since I read the other books in the series. I didn't read them in order and the last one I read was book 9, just last week, and the Ghost isn't a big thing there anymore. ...more
First of all, even though this book can be read as a standalone, it is so much better to read the series in order. because the whole series has recurrFirst of all, even though this book can be read as a standalone, it is so much better to read the series in order. because the whole series has recurring characters and the main characters in each book already showed up in other books. Like Asa, the hero in Sweetest Scoundrel. He’d shown up in some of the previous books in the series so I already know him. But then again, I’ve only read a few in the series before reading this one and I’m not really confused as to who’s who. But most of the side characters are familiar to me.
Now. let’s focus on Asa and Eve and their love story. I don’t really remember Eve Dinwoody from the previous books but judging from some events that happened in this book, I’m pretty sure she already showed up before. She is a bastard of a duke and sister of the current one. Even though her brother accepted and cares for her, Eve is broken due to a traumatic event that happened when she was a child. I feel for her. It’s difficult for her to trust anyone, especially men and she can’t even stand a touch from men she doesn’t trust. And that’s why, I think it’s very heartwarming how understanding and patient Asa was regarding Eve. I’ve met Asa in previous books and he’s not the kindest character. He’s actually an ass most of the times, and it still showed in this book. But with Eve, he was different. He earned her trust and affection little by little and did everything in Eve’s time. (mild spoiler) The only time he lost it and insisted that he will do it without asking Eve first and even if she doesn’t like it is when they were attacked while in the carriage. Eve said he didn’t have to be violent but Asa insisted that he will do everything to make her safe, even kill…And that’s when I fell in love with Asa. It shows that he can be truly patient with eve because it’s what she needs but when needed, he would step up even if it bothers Eve. I think that’s very sensible. And in that scene, I also admired Eve more because she accepted Asa’s reasons, which shows she’s trying so hard not to be controlled by her trauma.
The attraction between Eve and Asa was not instant. Both of them even kept some of their initial opinions about each other till the end. The romance developed in a nice pace, which is not common in historical romances. I think, so far, their romance is one of the best I read in the series. It was so heartwarming but also very intense. There are also several steamy scenes. I wasn’t expecting the kind of steam in this book. Do not forget that Eve is not comfortable with a man’s touch. So the ways Asa used to make her comfortable in anything sexual were not that common and I never expected those scenes to be so hot. Extremely hot.
I like the conflicts in the story and how they’re handled. First, there was Eve’s trauma. I think that was handled really well. Then there was a fact that in the social ladder, Eve, despite being a bastard, is higher than Asa. Asa doesn’t have a title and not an aristocrat and the fact that his business needs the money that Eve’s managing is kind of refreshing in a historical romance that involves aristocrats. I love the mystery side of the story. There were dangers and suspense. There’s a bit family drama as well in Asa’s side and I like that. There’s just one thing about Asa’s past experience with a girl that I think wasn’t cleared enough. I would’ve liked more backstory about that.
As I said, the characters from other books in the series made cameos. I don’t know all of them but the ones I know, I was glad to see. My favorite side character might be Val, Eve’s brother. Sure, he isn’t present in the book but his name is constantly mentioned. He’s a big part of this story, and if I am honest, a big part of the series. Val is portrayed as some kind of an antihero throughout the series and was even a real villain in some books. Even so, he’s the most intriguing among all the characters in the series and I can’t wait to read his story. Another character that intrigued me is Alf, Val’s messenger. Alf is described as a boy with features of a boy, but I’m suspicious. You see, I just read a historical romance with a character that’s supposed to be a man but turned out to be a lady so I’m suspicious, no, hopeful that Alf is a woman and will have her own story in the series. I know it’s a bit far-fetched but like I said, I’m hopeful.
Another thing is the author’s deliberate inclusion of someone’s POV, a servant’s. Obviously, that servant will be more important as the series goes on but in this book, her POV is seemingly separate because it involves Val more than Eve’s. It’s another reason I can’t wait for Val’s story.
I really enjoyed this one and ended up liking the main characters. Eve and Asa surprised me. I wasn’t expecting Asa’s soft side considering how ass he usually was in the previous books and I wasn’t expecting Eve’s development throughout the story. So if you love surprising characters in a heartwarming, steamy and suspenseful story, this one is for you....more
3.5 stars (read for #NetgalleyARC and #TropeAThon)
The title and blurb of For the Wolf scream Little Red Riding Hood but it is actually more Beauty and3.5 stars (read for #NetgalleyARC and #TropeAThon)
The title and blurb of For the Wolf scream Little Red Riding Hood but it is actually more Beauty and the Beast than Little Red Riding Hood. Red and the Wolf might be from LRRH fairy tale but everything else in the story is from BatB – the forest, the trees, and the vines, the castle (the Keep), the library, the mirror, and even the cursed beast. Which makes this retelling even more appealing to me because I loved BatB the most among the fairy tales I know.
For the Wolf features a tale as old as time indeed. The plot is cemented to century-old dealings between kings and magical creatures in Wilderwood, and later, to the captivity of the said kings. Right from the beginning of the story, with Red’s preparation as a sacrifice, it is easy to tell that the legends she knew aren’t accurate. Everything is vague and mysterious and I love that. I love stories that are filled with secrets, just waiting to be discovered by me, the reader, along with the main characters. Some parts of the story are easy to predict, like the things about the Wolf. Not only because it was already stated in the blurb that he is more of a human than a monster. Aside from that, there are lots of things about the Wolf that are easy to predict. I know exactly who he’s going to be to Red. Like I said, this is a BatB retelling, so go figure. There is even one thing that involves the Wolf and Red that I guessed right from the start. But that doesn’t mean, I didn’t enjoy reading the story. Despite having predictable parts, For the Wolf still has lots to offer to the readers and yes, it’s not perfect, but I was glued to my Kindle till the end. I wanted to know what will happen to Red and Wolf’s story, which is also a love story. Of course, it is. ...more
I always say that I love childhood friends turn lovers, and I love it, even more, when the characters have grown apart over the years and reconnected.I always say that I love childhood friends turn lovers, and I love it, even more, when the characters have grown apart over the years and reconnected. This is what happened with Penelope Marbury and Michael Lawler, Marquess of Bourne. Penny and Bourne were childhood friends. along with another man, Thomas, who is also important to the story. Their families and estates are neighbors and so they pretty much grew up together. Even though Bourne and Thomas are a bit older than Penny, that didn’t stop them from being close. Bourne even refers to the three of them as the trinity a few times throughout the book. But between Bourne and Thomas, Penny has always been closer to Bourne, who she calls by his Christian name, Michael. That is so sweet, by the way. Because even when they met again after ten years, Penny still calls him Michael. Even when Michael is being an ass.
And Michael is an ass in the first half of the book. Michael is actually the main reason why I’m not giving this book a perfect five-star rating. The feminist in me didn’t like some of his actions towards Penny. No, he never hurt her physically but he basically forced her into marriage just so he can get back everything that he lost – so that he gets his revenge. There were also lots of lines that really rubbed me the wrong way. I think the author is really set to show Michael as hardened by what happened to him. And somehow, I get it. I understand him. He was betrayed by someone he trusted and he also thought that one of his closest friends (not Penny) abandoned him at that time. So for a decade, all he has in mind is how he gets back what he lost and gets revenge. I mean if for ten years you thought of nothing, focused on nothing but to accomplish one thing, it will be hard to give it up no matter what changed in your life. But yeah, Penny suffered because of that because she became like an instrument and I really didn’t like that. The only reason I don’t hate Bourne completely is that it’s also apparent that he’s been in love with Penny all these years and he took care of her. And he’s also always fascinated and very proud of her. He basically worship her, if only his heart wasn’t hardened by what happened to him.
On the other hand, Penny is a badass. She’s so sensible and practical. She didn’t really let herself become an instrument to Michael’s plans, she fought him every step of the way, and in the process, take advantage of her new situation. Penny is also a victim of a scandal and that made it hard for her to get a proper match. And now she’s almost a spinster and decided she wants more in life and wants to use Bourne’s current business to achieve it. I love that. I love characters who didn’t let their hard situations become their downfall. And darn, her antics at the end – AMAZING. If Bourne made the feminist in me frown, Penny made me clap. I love her. I can understand why Bourne is so besotted to her and just like him, I find it hard to believe she’s still single because she’s amazing. Plus she’s from a highly respected family in society. Her family is really rich. LOL.
Bourne’s character really grew throughout the book. He had lots to grovel about and he did just that. I think that’s why in the end, I didn’t hate him. In the end, he did everything he can to make up for his mistakes to Penny and he became fair to her. I loved it when Penny demanded things that affect Michael’s plan of revenge and he lets her. Sure there were wagers every time that happens but still, it made the narrative even more entertaining to read. Besides, it’s expected that wagers and gambling are part of the narrative because
I love The Fallen Angel, the gambling hall that Bourne and another three Fallen Angels own. The name suit the four owners and I think the author did a great job at constructing everything about the gambling hall. I love everything it represents and what it’s trying to accomplish in the era that doesn’t women forget that they’re the lesser sex. I love the idea of THE OTHER SIDE which is a part of the gambling hall but is reserved for ladies. I think it’s genius.
The side characters are amazing, I love Bourne’s partners – Chase, Temple, and Cross. It’s amazing that their characters are so clearly distinctive even though the three of them, four including Bourne, have lots of similarities. As I said, the four of them are all fallen angels. Still, it’s so easy to recognize who is who. So far, my favorite, or should I say, I’m more interested in is Chase. Chase is the founder and basically recruited the other three. To summarize their characters: Bourne was the young Marquess who lost in the wager, Cross, as his nickname suggests, bears the cross of his mistakes, Temple is the murderer, the fighter, the one that everyone fears and Chase is the most mysterious. Chase is always present but surrounded by mystery. I’m so excited about Chase’s story.
Another thing that I love about this book is the letters. There is a featured letter before each chapter begins and they’re all so sweet. At first, they were letters exchanges between young Bourne and Penelope, and then Bourne stopped…Ugh! I never realized this before but I think letters in the narrative is one of my favorite tropes in Romance. The Romance is amazing by the way, Despite Bourne’s character, the romance developed pretty well. There are lots of sweet and steamy scenes.
As I said, the only reason I didn't give this book a perfect rating is Bourne's actions in the first half of the book, but aside from that, I love every part of it. So if you can also ignore Bourne's stupidity and understand his motivations instead, then please give this book a chance....more
When I read the blurb of this book, I instantly thought of Lucifer on Netflix. I just finished the last season that time. That made me so excited to rWhen I read the blurb of this book, I instantly thought of Lucifer on Netflix. I just finished the last season that time. That made me so excited to read Shadow Stained even though in my mind, I knew Lucifer would be too modern compared to it. In some way, I am right. Reading Shadow Stained didn’t give me that modern feel, which is what I expected. But on the other hand, it was a downside for the writing because the book is supposedly modern than how it’s portrayed. I was expecting a full blown fantasy but this is actually more paranormal, more urban. And the setting is not the medieval or magical world I was expecting. Sure the setting is fictional, but it’s modern enough. I mean they have phones and earphones.
Let me be clear, that’s not a criticism because it’s not necessarily bad. I didn’t really dig the setting so much but I don’t really have big issues with it. In fact I think, it’s just a me-thing. I just feel like sometimes, the author describes the setting in contrast to the vibe of the story. Like the village in the beginning. In my mind, I was envisioning a really old village, like the ones we see in medieval TV shows but based on the description, that’s not correct at all. I mean they have a cafe in that village. The vibe sounds like it’s really old but the description differs. So see, it’s a me-thing. It’s my fault that I envision different than wat is described.
It’s so weird I started with the setting in this review. Now, as for the characters. I think the characters, especially the main characters, are the best part of this book. I love Drayvex. He’s so sarcastic and egotistic, I love him so much. He’s so unapologetic for who he is, and I’m going to say this again – that is a very good quality in a fictional character. I also liked the development that his character underwent, although obviously there’s still a lot in his character.
Now, Ruby. She’s so relatable. She’s not trying to be a badass and just, you know, doing her best. She just does what she’s supposed to do in every situation. She’s even terrified of monsters, which is very uncommon in main characters these days. These days, all main characters are badasses and fight monsters with courage. Nothing wrong with that but it’s so refreshing to have Ruby.
I think both Drayvex and Ruby’s characters have sensible motivation in whatever they’re doing. I enjoyed it when they joined hands, working together, and yet never waiver in their own personal goals. That makes this book both a character-driven and plot-driven. The combination of two has always been my favorite. Another thing is, I wasn’t expecting Shadow Stained to be also emotional.
The story started with a bang. The author definitely knows how to have a hook in her book but it kind of slows down for a few chapters. But the pace picked up again once the stone was taken. Speaking of the stone…It’s not the most unique magical thing, which makes the whole magical system not so new as well. But that’s fine. I still liked it.When I read the blurb of this book, I instantly thought of Lucifer on Netflix. I just finished the last season that time. That made me so excited to read Shadow Stained even though in my mind, I knew Lucifer would be too modern compared to it. In some way, I am right. Reading Shadow Stained didn’t give me that modern feel, which is what I expected. But on the other hand, it was a downside for the writing because the book is supposedly modern than how it’s portrayed. I was expecting a full blown fantasy but this is actually more paranormal, more urban. And the setting is not the medieval or magical world I was expecting. Sure the setting is fictional, but it’s modern enough. I mean they have phones and earphones.
Let me be clear, that’s not a criticism because it’s not necessarily bad. I didn’t really dig the setting so much but I don’t really have big issues with it. In fact I think, it’s just a me-thing. I just feel like sometimes, the author describes the setting in contrast to the vibe of the story. Like the village in the beginning. In my mind, I was envisioning a really old village, like the ones we see in medieval TV shows but based on the description, that’s not correct at all. I mean they have a cafe in that village. The vibe sounds like it’s really old but the description differs. So see, it’s a me-thing. It’s my fault that I envision different than wat is described.
It’s so weird I started with the setting in this review. Now, as for the characters. I think the characters, especially the main characters, are the best part of this book. I love Drayvex. He’s so sarcastic and egotistic, I love him so much. He’s so unapologetic for who he is, and I’m going to say this again – that is a very good quality in a fictional character. I also liked the development that his character underwent, although obviously there’s still a lot in his character.
Now, Ruby. She’s so relatable. She’s not trying to be a badass and just, you know, doing her best. She just does what she’s supposed to do in every situation. She’s even terrified of monsters, which is very uncommon in main characters these days. These days, all main characters are badasses and fight monsters with courage. Nothing wrong with that but it’s so refreshing to have Ruby.
I think both Drayvex and Ruby’s characters have sensible motivation in whatever they’re doing. I enjoyed it when they joined hands, working together, and yet never waiver in their own personal goals. That makes this book both a character-driven and plot-driven. The combination of two has always been my favorite. Another thing is, I wasn’t expecting Shadow Stained to be also emotional.
The story started with a bang. The author definitely knows how to have a hook in her book but it kind of slows down for a few chapters. But the pace picked up again once the stone was taken. Speaking of the stone…It’s not the most unique magical thing, which makes the whole magical system not so new as well. But that’s fine. I still liked it.When I read the blurb of this book, I instantly thought of Lucifer on Netflix. I just finished the last season that time. That made me so excited to read Shadow Stained even though in my mind, I knew Lucifer would be too modern compared to it. In some way, I am right. Reading Shadow Stained didn’t give me that modern feel, which is what I expected. But on the other hand, it was a downside for the writing because the book is supposedly modern than how it’s portrayed. I was expecting a full blown fantasy but this is actually more paranormal, more urban. And the setting is not the medieval or magical world I was expecting. Sure the setting is fictional, but it’s modern enough. I mean they have phones and earphones.
Let me be clear, that’s not a criticism because it’s not necessarily bad. I didn’t really dig the setting so much but I don’t really have big issues with it. In fact I think, it’s just a me-thing. I just feel like sometimes, the author describes the setting in contrast to the vibe of the story. Like the village in the beginning. In my mind, I was envisioning a really old village, like the ones we see in medieval TV shows but based on the description, that’s not correct at all. I mean they have a cafe in that village. The vibe sounds like it’s really old but the description differs. So see, it’s a me-thing. It’s my fault that I envision different than wat is described.
It’s so weird I started with the setting in this review. Now, as for the characters. I think the characters, especially the main characters, are the best part of this book. I love Drayvex. He’s so sarcastic and egotistic, I love him so much. He’s so unapologetic for who he is, and I’m going to say this again – that is a very good quality in a fictional character. I also liked the development that his character underwent, although obviously there’s still a lot in his character.
Now, Ruby. She’s so relatable. She’s not trying to be a badass and just, you know, doing her best. She just does what she’s supposed to do in every situation. She’s even terrified of monsters, which is very uncommon in main characters these days. These days, all main characters are badasses and fight monsters with courage. Nothing wrong with that but it’s so refreshing to have Ruby.
I think both Drayvex and Ruby’s characters have sensible motivation in whatever they’re doing. I enjoyed it when they joined hands, working together, and yet never waiver in their own personal goals. That makes this book both a character-driven and plot-driven. The combination of two has always been my favorite. Another thing is, I wasn’t expecting Shadow Stained to be also emotional.
The story started with a bang. The author definitely knows how to have a hook in her book but it kind of slows down for a few chapters. But the pace picked up again once the stone was taken. Speaking of the stone…It’s not the most unique magical thing, which makes the whole magical system not so new as well. But that’s fine. I still liked it.
Like I said in my one-sentence review, this book gives me that classic feeling that I liked when reading a paranormal story. I love it....more
4.5 stars. This is so well-written and held my interest till the end. Definitely, a must-read even if you’re not a history lover.
First of all, I have n4.5 stars. This is so well-written and held my interest till the end. Definitely, a must-read even if you’re not a history lover.
First of all, I have no idea of this part of history and who these people are before reading this book. LOL. But spoiler alert, I enjoyed reading this book so much.
This book is set in 6th century A.D. and to be honest, at first, that was enough for me to lose interest. If not for this blog tour, I don’t think I will ever pick a book that is set in that period. The story follows an Irish monk, St. Columba, and a Scottish warlord by the of Aedan mac Gabran, who eventually became Columba’s advisor. I always find it hard to describe the qualities of characters that are based on real people. All I can say is if I enjoyed how they were depicted in the story, and in this case, they were. I really enjoyed reading the historical accounts in the eyes of the characters.
It is also fascinating for me to see these characters not only in the events that were written in history but also in very mundane things. I love seeing historical figures doing mundane stuff. They become human beings in my eyes and not just figures in the history books. And I think the author really did a great job at introducing the Columba and Aedan to the readers. As I said, I have no idea about this part of history and these people before reading this book, and still, I find the characters and the events very interesting to read and definitely worth my time. I mean all parts of history are worth our time but like I always say in my reviews of historical fiction, I’m not a fan of history.
The thing about writing historical fiction that is based closely on real events is it’s important for the author to choose the events that she will include in the book. Sure, every part of the history is important but in Historical Fiction, the author must decide which ones really matter to the story she’s telling and themes she’s trying to tackle. And I think in Chronicles of Iona, the author did a great job at it.
I was so fascinated by how the events unfold. It’s like I was watching a movie and everything was clear and makes sense. I was seriously trying to remember every part of the history that was featured. This book made me feel like I will do wrong if I don’t remember what I read. That doesn’t sound sensible but whatever. LOL.
The writing is superb. Though I must say this isn’t a book that aims to entertain. The Chronicles of Iona is the kind of book that needs undivided attention from the reader. But it isn’t hard to read as well. The writing is designed to make the reader glued to the pages.
This book is surprisingly a page-turner. I was interested in what I'm reading till the end. ...more
I really liked the first book in this series, Karik’s First Battle, and so when the author asked me to review the second installment in the series, I I really liked the first book in this series, Karik’s First Battle, and so when the author asked me to review the second installment in the series, I said yes without any second thoughts. Turns out, Ylmi’s saga is even better than its predecessor.
The story started in the same way the first book did, with a Bard telling a story, though if I’m remembering it correctly, in the first book, the Bard was just referred to as an old man. But anyway, a small issue. From there, the narrative went on introducing Ylmi before she met Karik. I really liked knowing Ylmi better, especially from her own point of view. I liked her in the first book with Karik but I love her even more in her own book. She’s such a badass without trying so hard. She doesn’t let anyone be the boss of her. In the battle, she’s basically a force to reckon with, She also has a wolf companion and I find that as an amazing addition to her character.
The story is told in three parts. The first is the introduction of Ylmi and her life before Karik. The second part is when she met Karik and the others and it’s wars from there to the end. I enjoyed the battles in the first book but reading it again in Ylmi’s POV is amazing. I got to see different sides and it’s a great picture. Although, at some point, I felt like some parts are just repetitions of book 1 so it’s not as intense as the first time. But the wars, the battles scenes are really well done. They were well-crafted and the descriptions are perfect.
I love the dynamic of the characters. I already said it in my review of book 1 but I’m going to say it again, I’m looking forward to reading the next installments in the series from their perspective. I hope it would be as amazing as Ylmi’s perspective as well. Also, it’s apparent that something big is building up in the world of Karik and I can’t wait to see it unfold as the series goes on....more
I was invited to be a part of this blog tour via email, but by the publicist herself and not a blog tour host. Seeing that it is a childrens book, I sI was invited to be a part of this blog tour via email, but by the publicist herself and not a blog tour host. Seeing that it is a childrens book, I signed up because I thought it would be a nice break from everything I’ve been reading these days. The publicist then sent me a Netgalley link, along with the first book in the series. I’m just so happy to add short books on my Netgalley shelf because they’ll be faster to read and I want my feedback ratio increase. LOL. I just need some reading accomplishment this year, okay? ...more
This is such a cute, fun, and quirky story. I love it so much. You can never really go wrong with childrens and middle-grade books.
The Becket is literThis is such a cute, fun, and quirky story. I love it so much. You can never really go wrong with childrens and middle-grade books.
The Becket is literally a list by Becket, aka Rebecca, about the things she wants to accomplish in her first summer on her grandmother's farm. Becket is a city girl but she's excited to have a new life on the farm, but no change is easy. This is a story of a girl, of growing up and adapting to new places.
But Becket handled her new life like a pro. Yes, like a pro because I hope I'm like her when thrown in such a situation. She says "Beautiful Alert" every time she sees a beautiful thing that she wants to share with the people around her. That's just so cute and wholesome and so enthusiastic.
All the characters are very well-rounded, not just Becket. The plot is also quite heartwarming and insightful. So I think grown-ups will love this book as well. I mean I'm 29 and I really enjoyed this book....more
I love books that make me think, like a puzzle that I need to solve, and Keepers of the Gate is definitely one. I’m no fan of history so my knowledge I love books that make me think, like a puzzle that I need to solve, and Keepers of the Gate is definitely one. I’m no fan of history so my knowledge about the subject is so little and think I always say that every time I review a book with historical background. But despite my lack of knowledge and even enthusiasm about history, I always enjoy fiction books that are based on real events. Keepers of the Gate gave me a glimpse of a part of history of the Native Americans, highlighting the Sullivan’s expedition and the destruction of the Iroquois Confederacy and the death of two characters, Pilan and Teka. Pilan vowed to find his beloved Teka again in another life, thus the mystery of reincarnation and time travel.
Two centuries later, in Geneva, New York, Twilight Ends B&B stands in sacred grounds where the Iroquois village used to be. And its owners, the Newhouse family, guards a secret that involves two artifacts filled with mystery.
I love how layered the plot is, with lots of characters to follow. Each one has an interesting story that is part of the mystery surrounding the Newhouse clan. It is hard to say anything about any of them and I think it’s part of the fun, if you meet them yourself. One thing I can say is that the author had written them well, well enough to make me care, especially for the Newhouse family, as they try to protect their own not only for the future but as well as the past, and of course present.
That was what surprised me in this book, Keepers of the Gate is more than just a story of reincarnation and time travel but also of family and love. It is heartwarming as it is suspenseful – I love it.
I love the setting. It’s very atmospheric and enthralling. It opens in a scene from the past, and I was hooked. I know I said I’m not familiar with history, even so it is apparent that the historical aspect of the story was very well-researched. Aside from that, I’m familiar with the author’s writing style now because I also read her other book recently. At times, yes, due to the historical aspect, the narrative becomes a bit informative rather than narrative, but that’s ok.
I enjoyed this novel and I think, all lovers of Historical Fiction and magical realism would enjoy this book as well. And with that ending, I’m so ready for book 2....more
I knew I would love The Meeting Point when I read its blurb, and I was right. It is one of the three contemporary romances I’ve read last week. Let meI knew I would love The Meeting Point when I read its blurb, and I was right. It is one of the three contemporary romances I’ve read last week. Let me just say that all three of them are set in small towns. I love small town romances. I think it’s more intimate and homely, if that makes sense. There’s something about a romance in a small town that makes me feel at home.
Anyway, The Meeting Point is more of a Chick Lit than regular contemporary romance. Maya Maas, the main character finds her life turned upside down when she went to surprise her boyfriend, only to find out that he’s cheating on her, the information given to her by the driver who dropped his boyfriend off. She then found herself in a mini tour, thanks again to the suggestion of the driver.
I love the set up of this novel, from the concept to the execution. The concept of having two strangers seemingly fated to meet. I love that so much because that doesn’t happen often in real life, or actually they happen but we’re too busy to acknowledge fate. Call me romantic or idealistic much, but I do believe in fate or destiny. ...more
“There’s something here, beneath the surface. Something alive. Can’t you feel it? Don’t you want to…join it?”
I love stories involving faes an3.5 stars
“There’s something here, beneath the surface. Something alive. Can’t you feel it? Don’t you want to…join it?”
I love stories involving faes and magic so when I got the chance to request a book from BookSiren again, I chose this one. The thing about Intended is it’s very atmospheric. I love the fairytale vibe in the narrative. It’s so magical. The author didn’t shy away from using various mythical creatures and she uses them to the story’s advantage. And even though they’re not new creatures in fictional worlds, the author certainly made them appear unique in her story. And I love the fact that there are magical and non-magical people in the story. It’s not every day, I read a fantasy book that also features non-magical people who also act like modern people in real life.
The world is intricate and fascinating. It’s very well-crafted and not just because of the magic system. I also like the political system of the fictional world. The back story is amazing and made the whole world more interesting. The past really gave sense to everything in the present world.
The magic system is really very clear. I liked the concept of the different magic powers in the story. Of course, Charlie’s magic is the best. She can basically do some great things in the forest. I also think that her father using her magic for his advantage but at the same time being nice to her is a refreshing concept. It’s because I’m so used to reading parents using their children to their advantage and still being cruel to them. In this book, Charlie is being spoiled by her dad greatly.
Speaking of spoiling, that’s the only reason I see why Charlie seems so childish and immature. She sounds like a fifteen-year-old rather than a twenty-four-year-old. Her actions are juvenile and even her inner monologue sounds like she’s a spoiled teenager. Her reasoning in circumstances is that of a child. So I don’t really like her that much even though I love her magic. But I do love her interactions with Daniel. Daniel is a human and a magician, who willingly became immortal to do greater things. I love that he really cares for his world and for others. He’s more likable than Charlie.
But like I said, I love their interactions. The development of the characters is good enough. The story also flowed at a nice pace. The nice pacing didn’t just show the smooth flow of the plot but also of the growth of the characters. There is also a romance but I love that it didn’t take over the main story. I love it when romance in books didn’t steal the spotlight from more interesting aspects of the story.
If you like magical stories with faes and various mythical creatures, I highly recommend this book....more
I am a fan of the Bergman Brothers even though I didn’t get to read the third book in the series. That said, I didn’t encounter any issue reading thisI am a fan of the Bergman Brothers even though I didn’t get to read the third book in the series. That said, I didn’t encounter any issue reading this one without reading the previous book. But I highly suggest that you read the series in order because it is easier to remember which brother is which.
With You Forever features Axel Bergman, the most serious among the Bergman brothers, and Rooney Sullivan, the warmest, brightest, most cheerful woman on earth (Axel’s earth ...more
Anyone who has read The Wall of Winnipeg and Me knows who Zac, the hero in Hands Down, is. I am pretty sure we all wished for Zac’s own book 3.5 stars
Anyone who has read The Wall of Winnipeg and Me knows who Zac, the hero in Hands Down, is. I am pretty sure we all wished for Zac’s own book after finishing TWoWaM. And Mariana Zapata, the queen of Slow Burn Romance, thankfully loves her readers and we got Hands Down. Another thing about Mariana Zapata is most of her books are in one universe. There are quite a few that are related to The Wall of Winnipeg and Me and I will share my review of all of them at the end of this post.
Hands Down features Zac Travis, the starting quarterback in NFO, though in both TWoWaM and in this book, he got problems with his career. But no worries, it’s one that’s been resolved in this book so spoiler alert, happy ending in that aspect. ...more
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