January Wrap-Up

So I apologize for falling of the face of the virtual world for like a week..... I had a case of the flu/cold/mysterious winter illness. Without further ado:

My January Wrap-Up

Total Books Read: 13

I really exceeded my expectations for reading this month, which is good, because now I feel like blah and am not really reading right now, which is neither good nor fun. But I did get to read a lot of really good and interesting books while I was feeling good this month! If I have a review of the book, I will try something new and put a hyperlink on the word "review" for you to follow.

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy by Cassandra Clare (Review)
City of Bones by ^^^
City of Ashes by ^^^
City of Glass by ^^^
City of Fallen Angels by ^^^
On the Freedom of a Christian by Martin Luther
Grounding of the Metaphysics of Morals by Immanuel Kant
Poison Princess by Kresley Cole (Review)
Endless Knight by ^^^ (Review)
Raven Song by IA Ashcroft (Review)
Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole (Review)
On Liberty by John Stewart Mill
Arcana Rising by Kresley Cole 


Off the top of my head, I know that I had Twilight on my post of books to read in January, along with many others that I just straight up did not read. (whelp--- oops.) This stuff happens though, you pick up a good book ***cough Poison Princess cough*** and then you can't help but binge read the entire series. I regret nothing. Also, if you have read The Mortal Instruments, you will notice that I am missing two books on this list; again, Poison Princess is responsible and again, I regret nothing.

I'll be putting up my February TBR list sometime tomorrow!

Thanks for reading!!

Top 10 Books with Fae

Top 10 Fae Books

Or fey/faeries/fairies/any other way to spell this 

I personally love books that have very strong elements of fae. I really love all of the different ways that they get portrayed, because I feel like out of all the supernatural creatures, their descriptions are the most varying and changing from book to book. I'm currently looking for another really strong and fun book that has fae in it, and in case you are too, here are my top 10 favorite fae books.

1. Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa

2. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas

3. A Wicked Saga by Jennifer L Armentrout

4. Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas 

5. The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

6. Trylle Trilogy by Amanda Hocking

7. The Dark Artifices by Cassandra Clare

8. A Dark Faerie Tale by Alexia Purdy

9. Need by Carrie Jones

10. Tithe by Holly Black

I can't wait to find more books like these and I hope that I enjoy them just as much!

Thanks for reading!

MADNESS (The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer): A Ship in My Fleet

A Ship in My Fleet

MADNESS (Mara Dyer and Noah Shaw) 

From: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

***Assume spoilers for the entire Mara Dyer series***

I think this may be the coolest ship name that I have ever shipped. Let me explain it to you: take the full initials of each of their names and put them in order and you get....
Mara
Amitra
Dyer
Noah
Eliot
Simon
Shaw
......MADNESS

When I Started Shipping:
Right away. I literally mean right away- I think Noah is like either the second or third main character that we meet in the book and it's fairly early in the book too. Within the first few chapters if I remember. What really sealed the deal on this ship was when Mara and Noah were bantering about the hierarchy of asses. It wasn't just a funny moment in the book, but you can see the easiness that they're bantering with and you can tell right at that moment that they are going to be good together.

Favorite Canon Moment:
Hmmmm.... it's hard for me to say because I have one in mind that's a funny moment, and then another one that's heart wrenching and gives you all the feels. I don't know how to choose between the two of them so I think I'll just share both.

My favortite funny moment between them is when, I believe in the first book, they are in Noah's bedroom and Mara is testing Noah of his knowledge of his own bookshelf. She's just reading off titles without really looking ahead to see what they say, and one of the books puts her in a pretty awkward situation. I love how Noah handles it too. The heart breaking moment that I'm thinking of is right at the end of the series after Mara, Noah, and company are relatively safe in the house. There's just relief and they get to be together and they have each other after everything that they've gone through and have lost.


Mara:
This girl's crazy. I think one of the hardest things about her character is that she has to deal with so much crap, both inside and outside her life. Yes, she is slightly psycho, but there's also legitimate dangers around her, and there is some supernatural, life/death balance stuff. She has to deal with all of this, and try to act normal in her everyday life. She fails at that of course, but she tried for a good long time. She's incredibly determined and resilient in this, and it extend to her relationship in a way that makes her fiercely loyal to Noah.

Noah:
First, I have to let the completely shallow side come through and say that Noah may be one of the best YA guys that I have ever read. He's like Will Herondale, but with more innuendoes. Thinking about it, those two would probably be the best of friends. His sass is one of my favorite things about him, plus he has an accent, which just makes it ten times better. Actually looking at who his character is as a person though is just as great. Noah, while snarky and tending to be apparently less serious, is really devoted to helping other people and putting others before himself.

MADNESS:
These two are the definition of perfect balance. Life and death, crazy and popular, serious and aloof,  I could keep going. Another reason why Mara and Noah are so great for each other is that they are both willing so much to make it work and to pull through together. Mara helps Noah come to terms with his issues and Noah helps Mara come miles along in accepting herself and helping her understand what is happening. That may be the biggest thing about this ship- they both believe each other and support each other through the seemingly impossible.


As much as I hate to say it, I think the ship is about to be rocked! Excitingly, there is going to be another book. But, of course, there is a price. Apparently there may be trouble between the two and my heart may break in the process of reading these books. Here is an article from Entertainment Weekly that announces the next book which is set to come out this summer!

Thanks for reading!

Review: Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole

Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole

5 out of 5 Stars

I swear I am falling more and more in love with this series with every book that comes out. I don't really have anything that I would want to change about it. There were a few small details that irked me, but other than that, I was IN LOVE WITH THE BOOK. Note: if you don't like love triangles, you may be annoyed with this book. But I would still read it if I were you because there was still so much going on outside of the romantic interests that you'd probably enjoy the book. Personally, I love love triangles, so this was like the best kind of book I could have asked for.


SPOILERS AHEAD

Before I go into my usual areas of reviewing- the title confuses the hell out of me. Um, I think we had two snowflakes, with the promise of more in the future? The setting just didn't really seem winter-y to me, which makes me wonder why it's called "Dead of Winter". Death is in the story, but I'm pretty sure that is irrelevant to the title of the book. I was expecting like a freaking blizzard or something, and it only snows at the end of the book, so is the next one really in winter? Why is this the title? I am so confused...

CHARACTERS:
Evie:
Damn girl, finally taking action and managing her own sh** at the same time. Bravo. What I'm really interested in with her character is her powers, because Aric kept saying that she is so much more powerful than what she is using. And in this book, her powers extend even more, but he still says that they are only a fraction of what Evie can really do. The one thorn in my side (haha book humor) about her character is that she chose Jack?? Erm, excuse me, Miss Greene? That needs to change- pronto.

Jack:
Clear statement: I don't hate Jack, I just don't want him to be with Evie. Jack is an admirable character in this story, but I feel like there is still so much about him that we don't know yet. I would not be surprised in the slightest if he is the un-awakened Arcana. Even if he isn't Arcana, he is still quite a fore to be reckoned with. General of the army now, kills baggers like they're no problem, provides for and leads hundreds of people..... yeah he's kinda awesome. His biggest issues are his deceit and rashness (aka the main reasons he can never really be with Evie). Gotta love his accent though.

Aric:
I really love this character- he has some major issues in modernity and how to behave, but that's because he's centuries old and that's how he was raised and how he lived. BUT- he knows and acknowledges this AND he's willing to work on it. Scratch that, he is working on it. I love how fiercely loyal he is to Evie and how much he believes in her strength and capabilities, but still has her back if she needs it. His bluntness can be pretty funny at times too. It's going to be interesting to see what happens in this next book, because Evie technically chose Jack (**hisses**), but he's possibly dead? And Aric saved Evie. Plus he has her grandmother. I don't know, there are so many aspects that are set up for the next book that there are too many wild variables to predict anything.


PLOT:
I liked this book more than Endless Knight I think partially because there was a more defined plot line in this one. We had this whole ordeal in the beginning, trying to save Jack from the Lovers, and then Aric just rolls in and is like, "Lol, those were clones", and the journey continues. Another thing that was slightly introduced in this book was the presence/ lack of presence of the gods. Since my biggest question remains, how are they going to end the game, I think they might meet the gods? Face them head-on? Something- I think that the gods are going to be flushed out with a bit more detail and possible incorporated more corporeally into the story. I hope so at least- that'd be pretty cool.

WORLD:
I love how the team is like exploring and taking charge of this world After the Flash. They keep learning new things along with the reader and we all get to experience this strange variation or echo of what the old Earth was Before the Flash. Like I mentioned earlier, I would really like to see this world expand to include more information about the gods that created the game, if not actually include the gods themselves. I still have no idea how on earth the team's gonna end the game, because eventually only one Arcana will remain right? Even if the others die of old age, there will still be one that is the last to die, and then it begins again, no? So what's the loophole? Are they gonna kick the asses of the gods? Cause that'd be kinda awesome


I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW! I will probably jump straight into Arcana Rising after I finish writing this review. Or maybe Day Zero, I haven't decided yet. Either way, I'm really hoping that the books are all going to be amazing after this one, cause it would suck if they tapered off or devolved from here.

Thanks for reading!

Review: Dead of Winter NO SPOILERS

Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I swear I am falling more and more in love with this series with every book that comes out. I don't really have anything that I would want to change about it. There were a few small details that irked me, but other than that, I was IN LOVE WITH THE BOOK. Note: if you don't like love triangles, you may be annoyed with this book. But I would still read it if I were you because there was still so much going on outside of the romantic interests that you'd probably enjoy the book. Personally, I love love triangles, so this was like the best kind of book I could have asked for.

Before I go into my usual areas of reviewing- the title confuses the hell out of me. Um, I think we had two snowflakes, with the promise of more in the future? The setting just didn't really seem winter-y to me, which makes me wonder why it's called "Dead of Winter". Death is in the story, but I'm pretty sure that is irrelevant to the title of the book. I was expecting like a freaking blizzard or something, and it only snows at the end of the book, so is the next one really in winter? Why is this the title? I am so confused...
Characters:
Evie: Damn girl, finally taking action and managing her own sh** at the same time. Bravo. What I'm really interested in with her character is her powers, because Aric kept saying that she is so much more powerful than what she is using. And in this book, her powers extend even more, but he still says that they are only a fraction of what Evie can really do. The one thorn in my side (haha book humor) about her character is that she chose Jack?? Erm, excuse me, Miss Greene? That needs to change- pronto.
Jack: Clear statement: I don't hate Jack, I just don't want him to be with Evie. Jack is an admirable character in this story, but I feel like there is still so much about him that we don't know yet. I would not be surprised in the slightest if he is the un-awakened Arcana. Even if he isn't Arcana, he is still quite a fore to be reckoned with. General of the army now, kills baggers like they're no problem, provides for and leads hundreds of people..... yeah he's kinda awesome. His biggest issues are his deceit and rashness (aka the main reasons he can never really be with Evie). Gotta love his accent though.
Aric: I really love this character- he has some major issues in modernity and how to behave, but that's because he's centuries old and that's how he was raised and how he lived. BUT- he knows and acknowledges this AND he's willing to work on it. Scratch that, he is working on it. I love how fiercely loyal he is to Evie and how much he believes in her strength and capabilities, but still has her back if she needs it. His bluntness can be pretty funny at times too. It's going to be interesting to see what happens in this next book, because Evie technically chose Jack (**hisses**), but he's possibly dead? And Aric saved Evie. Plus he has her grandmother. I don't know, there are so many aspects that are set up for the next book that there are too many wild variables to predict anything.
PLOT:
I liked this book more than Endless Knight I think partially because there was a more defined plot line in this one. We had this whole ordeal in the beginning, trying to save Jack from the Lovers, and then Aric just rolls in and is like, "Lol, those were clones", and the journey continues. Another thing that was slightly introduced in this book was the presence/ lack of presence of the gods. Since my biggest question remains, how are they going to end the game, I think they might meet the gods? Face them head-on? Something- I think that the gods are going to be flushed out with a bit more detail and possible incorporated more corporeally into the story. I hope so at least- that'd be pretty cool.
WORLD:
I love how the team is like exploring and taking charge of this world After the Flash. They keep learning new things along with the reader and we all get to experience this strange variation or echo of what the old Earth was Before the Flash. Like I mentioned earlier, I would really like to see this world expand to include more information about the gods that created the game, if not actually include the gods themselves. I still have no idea how on earth the team's gonna end the game, because eventually only one Arcana will remain right? Even if the others die of old age, there will still be one that is the last to die, and then it begins again, no? So what's the loophole? Are they gonna kick the asses of the gods? Cause that'd be kinda awesome.
(hide spoiler)]
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW! I will probably jump straight into Arcana Rising after I finish writing this review. Or maybe Day Zero, I haven't decided yet. Either way, I'm really hoping that the books are all going to be amazing after this one, cause it would suck if they tapered off or devolved from here.

Thanks for reading!

View all my reviews

Review: Raven Song by I.A. Ashcroft

 Raven Song by I.A. Ashcroft (Blog Tour)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book Blurb:

A century ago, the world burned. Even now, though rebuilt and defiant, civilization is still choking on the ashes.

Jackson, a smuggler, lives in the shadows, once a boy with no memory, no name, and no future. Ravens followed him, long-extinct birds only he could see, and nightmares flew in their wake. Once, Jackson thought himself to be one of the lucky few touched by magic, a candidate for the Order of Mages. He is a man now, and that dream has died. But, the ravens still follow. The nightmares still whisper in his ear.

Anna’s life was under the sun, her future bright, her scientific work promising. She knew nothing of The Bombings, the poisoned world, or the occult. One day, she went to work, and the next, she awoke in a box over a hundred years in the future, screaming, fighting to breathe, and looking up into the eyes of a smuggler. Anna fears she’s gone crazy, unable to fill the massive hole in her memories, and terrified of the strange abilities she now possesses.

The Coalition government has turned its watchful eyes towards them. The secret factions of the city move to collect them first. And, old gods stir in the darkness, shifting their pawns on the playing field.

If Anna and Jackson wish to stay free, they must learn what they are and why they exist.

Unfortunately, even if they do, it may be too late.

Raven Song is the first of a four book adult-oriented dystopian fantasy series, a story of intrigue, love, violence, and the old spirits in the shadows who wait for us to notice them again. Readers of Neil Gaiman, Holly Black, and Charlie Human will enjoy this dark magic-laced tale rooted on the bones of what our world could become.

Author Bio:

​I. A. Ashcroft has been writing fiction in many forms for almost twenty years. The author's first book, written at age seven, featured the family cat hunting an evil sorceress alongside dragons and eagles. This preoccupation with the fantastical has not changed in the slightest.

Now, the author dwells in Phoenix, AZ alongside a wonderful tale-spinner and two increasingly deranged cats. Ashcroft writes almost exclusively in the realm of darker fantasy these days, loving to entertain adults with stories of magic, wonder, despair, violence, and hope, bringing a deep love of mythology into every tale penned. The author also loves diverse and intriguing casts of characters.

When not buried in a book, one might find Ashcroft learning languages, charting road trips, and playing tabletop RPGs with clever and fun people.

Review:

I was really excited when I had the opportunity to receive a copy of this book in order to review it. It looked really interesting, new, and engaging. And it was! A more exact star review is 3.9 stars out of 5. If you are a world-building/plot reader, then you will probably really really like this book. I.A. Ashcroft did a really good job building the futuristic society and world where the story takes place, and it is done in a way where the details are meted out over a length of time instead of all at once, which is really appreciated. 

Another thing that stood out to me was that the action started right away- you jump right in, head first, not knowing how deep the water is. And because of some of the aspects of the book (sorry- not gonna spoil!), it worked really well. The reader is thrust into this world that is similar to ours, yet everything is different, and is taken on a journey that you can't predict the answer too. The reader discovers along with the characters, causing the story to be surprising and eventful and captivating.

I'm not sure when the next book of the series will be out, but I will definitely be keeping an eye out for it! I.A. Ashcroft has a spectacular world here to play around in, and I am 99% sure that he will, which is good news for us readers.

Thanks for reading!

View all my reviews

Review: Endless Knight by Kresley Cole

Endless Knight by Kresley Cole

5 out of 5 Stars

I am so quickly becoming addicted to this series. My favorite interest in it though has shifted from the post-apocalyptic details to the paranormal Tarot card details. Endless Knight seamlessly blended with the first book Poison Princess and just kept building on it. There were a few bumpy character development moments, but even those were minor. The plot actually wasn't as definite in this book. I would even dare to say that it wasn't definite at all, that this book was all set up for some bigger picture. But that didn't bother me at all because there was so many other things happening with world building and character development. If you're reading this because you're wondering if you should continue, I would say go for it and that it is worth it.

SPOILERS AHEAD

CHARACTERS:

Evie: The most frustrating thing about this book was Evie character at times being incredibly weak. It wasn't as often as it was in the first book, but there were still some moments when I was not impressed by her actions. However, I get that's part of who she is though as a person- not aggressive, peace and flowers and all that jazz. Otherwise, I think her character is in the most impossible situation at the moment. She literally has almost no one. She had her grandma to go to, but then realized that her grandma would train her to kill. She had Matthew and Jack, but then they both lied to her. She even had Death, but he's being a mentally unstable creep, so he might be out of the picture too (juries still out on that one- we'll see what happens in book 3).

Death: I feel so bad for this guy!!! He has literally been spending his entire life alone, and the one person he could spend it with has been trying to kill him, and he majorly messed up this time around, and I just don't want him to be alone.... but at the same time he's kinda brutal, so it slightly negates the sympathy. I am really interested to see what happens with his character, because there has almost been a switch flipped inside of him where he now wants to be good and get out of the game. But he has literally a millennia of isolation, so he's probably a little more than crazy.

Jack: I was SO EXCITED for his character, and then we find out that he killed Evie's mom?!?!?!?! UM. Crap- now what do I think about him? I don't think he should be with Evie, especially because now we can't trust his motives, because by the way, he was Brand's half-brother. ***Flips table***

The other Arcana were in general I though really well written. I think one of my favorite characters is going to end up being Lark, but there hasn't really been enough for us to see her fully yet. Almost, but not entirely.

PLOT:
Like I said earlier, I really don't think there was any major plot line except maybe a continuation from book, being that they were trying to find Evie's grandmother. But I think that's fine because there was so much that we learned in this book. It ended up being a book about character development and world building so that (I think) we can plunge into a full plot knowing all of the details so that the future books don't have to slow down ever to explain things for us.

WORLD:
Back in my original review of Poison Princess
(R.I.P. review.... I'm not even going to link it here, it's not worth it) I had talked a little bit about Kresley Cole's writing, but I feel like I really need to highlight this world and paranormal element that she has created. In this book, there was such a great knowledge about the Major Arcana that was thrown at us. There are the Tarot cards, and sometimes there are also the Minor Arcana, and there are only certain ways that some of the cards can be killed, and so many other details and BACKGROUND (cough the marriage cough) that we didn't know before. My biggest question that is remaining is, how can they actually stop playing the game? Especially if there is a higher force that put them all there like pieces on a chessboard? What loophole are they going to find? What are the clear original rules? I feel like there's still so much to this world of Arcana and I can't wait to see how it progresses in the next book.

This second book has solidified my decision to read the rest of the series. It is a mix of paranormal (original paranormal too), dystopian, romance, and adventure. I really loved this book and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the third book Dead of Winter.

Thanks for reading!