Since I don’t write reviews for every book I read, I decided it would be a good idea to bring back my Monthly Wrap-Up posts! At least this way, I can share a few thoughts for all the books I read in a book. My biggest struggle this past month has been in deciding which books to read next, the new releases on my TBR or the backlisted books? But as much as I try to keep a game plan, the heart wants to read what the heart wants to read!

Book Reviews

THE CRUEL PRINCE: I had waited so long for this book to come out and I was not disappointed. This was my first book by Holly Black and now I can see why everyone loves her work. The Cruel Prince was everything I had hoped it would be and more. I loved the world Black created, the Fae courts, the twists, the reveals, the characters; it’s all amazing. ★★★★½

 

EVERLESS: Everless was another book that I had really been looking forward to reading in the new year, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. My biggest issue was that it felt like this was a story that I’ve already read before. The concept of time and blood irons is unique and intriguing, but as for the rest of the book, it followed the same plotline and tropes similar to whole bunch of other YA fantasies and became too predictable. ★★★

THE SHADOW QUEEN: I’ll be honest: I only picked this up because I wanted to read the other two books in the series. I didn’t have a whole lot of high expectations going in, especially considering all the negative reviews I had read, so it more of a “I just have to get through this” kind of read. Eventually I’ll read The Wish Granter and The Traitor Prince, which seem to have way better reviews, but I’m not in a great hurry. ★★

 

SHADOWSONG: It seems like a lot of people have been disappointed by Shadowsong, but as for myself, I really enjoyed it! I absolutely love the lush, lyrical writing and descriptions and find it matches the tone of the story perfectly. Shadowsong differs from Wintersong in that the story focuses almost entirely on Liesl and her growth as character, including her changed relationships with Josef and Käthe. Overall, I was ecstatic to be thrust back into the world S. Jae-Jones created and was very pleased with the sequel! ARC received through NetGalley. ★★★★ [review]

A CLASH OF KINGS: A Clash of Kings was just as page-turning and entertaining as A Game of Thrones, and I actually found myself liking some of the characters’ POVs that I didn’t enjoy reading previously. Arya’s chapters and storyline became more interesting to me and I didn’t mind Catelyn’s chapters as much either, even though my opinion of her as a character more or less remained apathetic. I also really enjoyed reading Theon’s chapters, surprisingly. I despise him as a character, but I couldn’t deny that his chapters were engaging, informative, and full of action. A Storm of Swords is a mammoth of a book, but I’m determined to start it soon! ★★★★★

YOUR ONE & ONLY: If you’re looking for a unique YA Dystopian story with excellent execution, skillful writing, and great characters, look no further than Your One & Only. What seems like would be a typical YA Sci-Fi novel, rife with tropes and romance-heavy, Your One & Only actually focuses on plot and character growth, with the romance riding shotgun, much to my pleasant surprise. I highly recommend this book and I think other readers will become as enraptured by the story and characters as I was. ARC received through NetGalley. ★★★★ [review]

THUNDERHEAD: I’m glad I reread Scythe beforehand or I would have been very lost and confused. I was so thankful to be back in the world created by Neal Shusterman. I loved following Citra’s and Rowan’s stories as they continued (more Rowan next time please, thanks), but there was a new character added whose chapters I didn’t really care for. Thunderhead ended with a huge cliffhanger (rude) and I cannot wait for the third book in the series! ★★★★

EVEN THE DARKEST STARS: The best thing about this book was the world-building and setting. It was completely magical and unique. Unfortunately, the rest of the book was pretty mediocre and followed the same recipe as many other YA fantasies, unnecessary love triangle included. That being said, I wasn’t ever bored while reading and I am stilled interested in reading the sequel, especially after the final twist at the end of the story. ★★★

THE DAZZLING HEIGHTS: These books are so addicting. I stick to my original assessment that they probably will only appeal to a certain type of reader, but I love them. The drama and web of secrets continues in the sequel. Only this time with new lies, new twists, new secrets, and new characters. Avery, Atlas, Rylin, and Cord are still my favorite characters, but I was glad to see Leda finally redeem herself in this book. I absolutely despise Calliope, however, and I hope the third book involves her downfall. Also, there was definitely not enough Cord in this book (or Cord + Rylin interactions). Dear Katherine McGee: please fix this issue in The Towering Sky. ★★★★

UNEARTHED: Oh man, this was such a fun read. I have a weakness for Sci-Fi books set in space and this was just my bread and butter. Jules and Amelia were amazing characters to follow and they really made the story so much more enjoyable. The setting, writing, and plot were all really well done. I figured out the big twist/reveal at the end when I was less than a quarter of the way in to the book, but it didn’t diminish my enjoyment at all and I’m excited for the next book in the series! ★★★★

THE GIRL IN THE TOWER: I wasn’t as enamored by The Bear and the Nightingale as everyone else seemed to be, so I was initially apprehensive on how well I would like this. To put it simply: this book is stunning and it has become on of my favorites books. The atmospheric setting, lush writing, and vivid imagery all come together to create a magical, enchanting story full of history and elements of Slavic fairytales.  ★★★★★ [review]

Other

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