{Review} Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas

Page Count: 565

Published on: September 2, 2014

Published by: Bloomsbury

Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance

Source: Paperback 

Age Rating: 16+

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak―but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth . . . a truth about her heritage that could change her life―and her future―forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons, but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed?

The bestselling series that has captured readers all over the world reaches new heights in this sequel to the New York Timesbest-selling Crown of Midnight. Packed with heart-pounding action, fierce new characters, and swoon-worthy romance, this third book will enthrall readers from start to finish.

~~~

"There was a glittering darkness in her, an endless rift straight through her core."

~Heir of Fire~

Hey, guys!

     I've been such a huge fan of Sarah J. Maas for a long time and every time I write a review for her books I'm equal parts excited and nervous to put my feelings into words. Books like Maas' books are just so much fun to write but they're so difficult at the same time. 

Expect a bit of a ramble-y review:

     Anyway, I adored Heir of Fire. Compared to the slight disappointment that Crown of Midnight, HoF was stupendously great. I adored every part of this book. SJM has really written a great book. Oh my gosh the new characters were so much fun --- MANON! Oh my gosh I love Manon. This story is becoming so fleshed out and magical. I cannot wait to see what happens next. 

     Heir of Fire follows Celeana right after Crown of Midnight. After the events of CoM, her world is going to be forever changed as Celeana has to figure out how to navigate the hardships of life and her inner demons. What will happen when crazy and dark evils are unleashed on Erilea?

     I adored this book. We were introduced to some really fantastic characters, the plot developed really nicely, the previous characters were beautifully fleshed out, and I was so addicted to this story while reading. I'm currently reading Empire of Storms, so I, of course, had to continue with the series. 
     I loved the new characters in this book. In Heir of Fire, we were introduced to Manon Blackbeak, Rowan Whitehorn, and Sorcha. I loved all three of these characters intensely. Sorcha is such a sweetie and I loved how she and Dorian interacted. I loved their relationship. However, I was really skeptical the whole time because of my doubts. I love Dorian and I just wanted him to be happy and safe. 

     Manon. Oh, she is probably going to be one of my all-time favorite characters. She is such a badass. I adore everything about her. She is so twisted and so unlike any other character I've ever read about. I love the whole concept of the witch covens and Manon and her Thirteen are just such a great group. I wish that the witch-y dynamic had been introduced into the series a bit more throughout book 1&2 (but because I just hit the 130ish page mark in EoS I'm glad that I slowly built up). 

     Oh my oh my let's talk about Rowan a bit. He is so dreamy and wow. He is just so wow. I am so in love with his character. I ship Rowaelin so hard. They are probably my #1 ship in this series. They are the perfect pair in the TOG universe. I love how their relationship progressed from the "I freaking hate your guts" to "gradual tolerance" to "we have to work as a team" to "oh I get you now we're almost friends" to "friends" to "best friends" to "soul mates" (they're soul mates in my book). He is just such a great character. He is definitely one of my favorites.  

I know I'm rambling but that's what I typically do in Maas Reviews.

      I had really hoped that Celeana and Chaol would make up a bit, but Celeana was in Wendlyn for the majority of the book, so that didn't happen. I really love how realistic their relationship is. They don't make up overnight. 

     I also really loved the political and magical aspects of this book. The world building just keeps on building with Maas books. Her writing style is so eloquent and beautifully done. The magic system just keeps developing as the historical aspects of Erilea keeps getting developed as the conflict builds. I love how Maas has been building up the conflict bit by bit in every book. It's just magic. She has that magical ability to create a well fleshed out story that you never get sick of.  

     The ending of this book really threw me for a loop. I was totally shaken to my core. I was so close to crying...I'm surprised I didn't full out sob because I was definitely screaming "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!!!!" In my head. I don't think I'm over it still. 

I've already read Queen of Shadows and I'm probably 25% through Empire of Storms and I loooove them. Expect rave reviews for them as well. 

My Maas Reviews:

• Throne of Glass
• Crown of Midnight
• A Court of Thorns & Roses
• A Court of Mist & Fury
• A Court of Wings and Ruin

Happy reading!

Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

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{Q&A/Review With Bailey} Jorie & the Gold Key by A.H. Richardson

Page Count: 247

Published in: 2015

Published by: Serano Press

Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Childrens, Middle Grade
Source: Paperback -- provided by author/publishing house

Age Rating: middle grade

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Bailey's Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

When Jorie and Rufus planned another summer of adventuring, they didn’t plan on sharing it with a snooty, stuck-up, bossy 10-year-old Nigel. When the Wizard Grootmonya calls on Jorie to remedy another disaster in Cabrynthius — the theft of the Magic Stones, Jorie grabs the Gold Key and the three children descend to the enchanted land beneath the Tarn. There they find more extraordinary adventures that bring them face to face again with the wicked Lord Fodomalk and his evil butterfly. Their troubles grow as the fiendish dragon not only snatches Nigel, but confines him to a cold dank cell with the illusive Professor Schrinch (yes, he’s still alive and as sneaky as ever). Jorie and Rufus — and the persnickety Nigel — are joined by all their old friends in this rollicking tale of magic, strange impersonations, and hair-raising exploits. They help Master Nigel with his confusion of the world beneath the Tarn and discover strengths in their new friend that even he didn’t know he had. Aside from spurts of jealousy from Rufus and impatience from Jorie, Nigel learns about bravery and friendship as he struggles with belief and enchantment. Follow this feisty threesome back to the evil, dark world of Shyloxia and the beautiful, bright world of Cabrynthius, where live all manner of creatures, naughty and nice. Do they recover the Magic Stones? What does that Gold Key open for them? Do they survive the shadowy world of nasty characters? Do Jorie and Rufus accept Nigel into their world? And what about Chook — that beloved baby dragon? And if you want to know how Jorie and Rufus survived their first summer adventures, pick up your copy of Jorie and the Magic Stones.

~~~

Hey, guys!

Bailey's been asked by Serano Press to review the next book in the Jorie series and she's finally able to write a review! I hope you all enjoy it. She has a fun time reading and reviewing for LtBN blog. Here are her thoughts on Jorie 

& the Gold Key! 

Bailey's Review for Jorie & the Magic Stones: {click here}

~~~

Q: What is Jorie & the Gold Key about? Can you summarize it a bit?

A: This book is about Jorie when she's called back to Cabrynthius to find the Magic Stones. She has to go to a place called the Cave of Fire and she has to unlock a door to find a magic blanket. By then, a boy named Nigel is captured by the evil wizard Lord Fodomalk. They go on the magic blanket to meet up with the great wizard Grootmonya and save Nigel.

Q: What would you rate this book? Why?

A: 4.5 stars. Because it was a really good book. I really liked the plot. I like the drawing style of the cover. 

Q: What did you like about this book? What did you dislike?

A: That even though the evil wizard is evil, he has a daughter (Anwyn) who is really cool and who was in love with Greddan. I like the magic stuff too.

I just didn't like the name Rufus on a person. It makes them sound like a dog. 

Q: Are you going to continue with the series?

A: Yes if there are more books.

Q: Do you have anything else to say to the people reading this?

A: No.

Other Reviews By Bailey: {click here}

Enjoy!

Happy reading!

Olivia & Bailey

~LivTheBookNerd~

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{Review || LivTheBookClub June 2017 BOTM} Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh

Page Count: 240

Published on: October 24, 2017

Published by: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Genre(s): Middle Grade, Mystery, Paranormal

Source: Paperback - via publisher 

Age Rating: PG

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

The only daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has always known she’d been raised for one purpose and one purpose only: to marry. Never mind her cunning, which rivals that of her twin brother, Kenshin, or her skills as an accomplished alchemist. Since Mariko was not born a boy, her fate was sealed the moment she drew her first breath.

So, at just seventeen years old, Mariko is sent to the imperial palace to meet her betrothed, a man she did not choose, for the very first time. But the journey is cut short when Mariko’s convoy is viciously attacked by the Black Clan, a dangerous group of bandits who’ve been hired to kill Mariko before she reaches the palace.

The lone survivor, Mariko narrowly escapes to the woods, where she plots her revenge. Dressed as a peasant boy, she sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and hunt down those responsible for the target on her back. Once she’s within their ranks, though, Mariko finds for the first time she’s appreciated for her intellect and abilities. She even finds herself falling in love—a love that will force her to question everything she’s ever known about her family, her purpose, and her deepest desires.

~~~

Hey, guys!

     This review has been a long time coming, but I'm finally getting to it! Julia and I read this for the summer book club back in June. I, unfortunately, was really disappointed in this book. Unlike Renee Ahdieh's previous books, the characters, the plot, and the whole concept of this book fell really flat for me. The characters were boring, annoying, and two-dimensional, the plot was underdeveloped, the magic, overall, lacked any kind of magical-ness. I was entertained and the writing style was interesting, but I just felt like Ahdieh just wasn't writing her best in FitM. I adored her Wrath and the Dawn duology. They were stunningly written and so intensely beautiful. I was so impressed, however, I feel like this book was written by a completely different person. 

      Let's talk about characters. This book didn't have any characters that I connected to. I felt like the characters that we met in this book were just "there" and didn't actually fit the story. The main character, Mariko, was just so annoying. I felt like she just whined the whole time and she would never make up her mind. She was just a mess. At first, I was really into her character. I thought she was really badass and really inspiring, but once the book started to progress, she just constantly whined and didn't progress at all. Anything that happened to her just seemed like a convenient plot device to keep the story going. The story didn't flow well at all. 

     The whole romance aspect of this book was just a big "nope" for me. I could not get behind the random and all-of-a-sudden kind of love. The romantic plot did not build up at all. It felt like it just was plopped into the story to make it "interesting". The little development that we got was much too rushed and I didn't really sense any real chemistry between the two characters. They went from enemy strangers to acquaintances to lovers. I just really didn't like that pacing. It was too much. The romance could have been left out and the plot would have been fine. I just think it was really unneeded. 

     I feel similarly about the magic system in this book. I don't know much of anything about it after reading the book. It just exploded towards the end of the book and left me confused. I really thought there would be more magic throughout the book, but I felt like it was just a mish-mash of an attempt at a history-based fantasy novel..but not done well. 

     I was hoping for a more history-based Japanese story, but I was just left with a massive state of confusion. The first part of the book was really fantastic and intriguing. I was really into the first part, however, the rest of the book was just a muddle of confusing ... stuff. I was just really confused throughout the book. 

    This book was far too busy for my taste. There was just too much happening and nothing productive. The ending was far too rushed and confusing. I'm still not sure what was happening. There were far too many instances where I was just questioning why I was reading the book. If I had not been reading it for the book club and buddy reading it with Julia, I would have probably DNF'd the book. Overall, I was just bored and confused. I only like a couple of the minor characters. I don't even remember their names. 

Favorite Characters: Yumi, Yoshi, and the peasant girl Mariko's brother likes

Least Favorite Characters: Mariko, Okami, & Ranmaru

Book Club Discussion Board: {click here}

Book Club Links:

Goodreads: {click here}

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Instagram: @livthebookclub

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Liv's Social Media:

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Instagram: @livthebooknerd

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Blog: www.livthebooknerd.blogspot.com

Julia's Social Media:

Twitter: @jujuthereader

Instagram: @juliatharp

Happy reading!

Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

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{Review} Ruby & Olivia by Rachel Hawkins

Page Count: 240

Published on: October 24, 2017

Published by: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Genre(s): Middle Grade, Mystery, Paranormal

Source: Paperback - via publisher 

Age Rating: PG

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

A spooky middle-grade story that's full of fun, friendship, and humor--perfect for fans of Ingrid Law and Lisa Graff.
Ruby is best friends with Emma, but she and Emma's twin sister Olivia are definitely not friends. Unfortunately, Emma will be away for the summer, while Ruby and Olivia are going to be stuck at a community service day camp for troublemakers--together. 
To kick off the spirit of service, the campers are outfitted with bright pink polka-dotted t-shirts with smiley faces on the front, then tasked with cataloging the contents of an abandoned mansion. Sorting through objects in an old house sounds boring, and working with each other is that last thing the girls want to do, but the stuff is actually pretty cool. There's everything from mink stoles to golf clubs to stuffed deer heads . . . and . . . wait . . . is that stuffed deer head watching them? 
When the taps run freezing cold and doors slam inexplicably, Ruby and Olivia wonder if the other campers are having a bit of fun, or if the abandoned mansion is looking for new residents. To solve the mystery, Ruby and Olivia will have to put their grudges aside and figure out how to be a team with or without Emma.

~~~

Hey, guys!

This adorable spooky middle-grade book was sent to me for an honest review from Penguin Random House. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

   Ruby and Olivia follows two young girls who are sent to a community service camp after getting into trouble. The kids are sent to a spooky house to inventory and count the items in preparation for renovation. Two of the girls, Ruby and Olivia, become unlikely friends as supernatural and spooky things begin to happen to the campers. They begin to investigate the house in order to figure out what's happening; and when they begin to find clues to the answer, who knows what will happen. 

   I was so excited to receive this book for review. I'm such a sucker for twin books and the fact that it had a spooky element to it really reeled me in. I really enjoyed those aspects, as well, however, I do not think they were incorporated as well as they could have been. I feel like the characters could have been a bit more dynamic and their relationships could have been more realistic. The relationships in this book felt like plot devices rather than something that should have been a concrete part of the book. The plot could have been more fleshed out as well. I think that Rachel Hawkins has a really sweet base to an even spookier story. However, this is an adorable middle-grade novel. I really did enjoy the characters and I really enjoyed the premise of the plot. 

     I really enjoyed the spooky bits of this book, but I really didn't think that they were fleshed out enough to actually be spooky. There just wasn't enough happening for it to be legitimately spooky. Granted, it's a middle-grade book, but I know plenty of kids in the age group that would like to get scared pantsless. 

     I really didn't think that the sister relationship between Emma and Olivia was resolved either. I just felt like it was resolved too quickly and too efficiently. There wasn't nearly enough said to resolve their issues. I also don't like how the drama between Olivia and Ruby was resolved. It was too convenient and too quick. I just felt like the characters were two dimensional and static. I wish there had been more development.

     I really loved how Ruby and Olivia's friendship developed. I think that their friendship is really interesting and as they grow closer, they'll become really good for each other. I love how Ruby helped Olivia grow as a sister and I love how Olivia helped Ruby communicate and express herself. This book perfectly showed what it's like to be in the awkward middle school age. These girls were super cute. I'd love to read more about them.

      For what this book is and for the age group that it is marketed for, I think this is a cute book. I think that it is thoroughly entertaining. I would have loved to read this ten years ago. This would have been one of my favorite books, I'm sure. As a twenty-year-old, it just wasn't all for me. My sister, Bailey, will love this book, though. I can't wait to show her it. She loves Liesel and Po by Lauren Oliver and this gives me some spooky vibes, so she will definitely love this one.

AUTHOR BIO

Rachel Hawkins is the author of Journey's End, the Rebel Belle series, and the New York Times bestselling Hex Hall series. Born in Virginia and raised in Alabama, Rachel taught high school English before becoming a full-time writer.

Happy reading!
Olivia 

~LivTheBookNerd~

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{Review} The Tailor (Shadow & Bone #1.5) by Leigh Bardugo

Page Count: 18

Published on: May 23, 2013

Published by: Holt/Macmillan

Genre(s): short story/novella, fantasy, high fantasy, young adult

Source: Paperback - via publisher 

Age Rating: PG

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

New scene from Shadow and Bone told from Genya's point of view.

~~~

Hey, guys!

Julia had lent me her copy of Siege & Storm and her copy featured the awesome novella: The Tailor. This novella consists of a scene from Genya's perspective that took place between Shadow & Bone and Siege & Storm. 

This was such a great novella. I didn't realize that I needed this scene until I read this novella. This really revealed an influential key part of Genya's character. I was so sad about her character change back in the day, but after reading this bit, I kind of understood why she did what she did. I just hope she has a fantastic character arc. 

I can't reveal much about this novella, but I highly recommend it. If you've read the other Grisha books then, this is pretty important for the character arcs and the development of the story (in my opinion).

I cannot wait to read Ruin & Rising! I need it in my life!

My Bardugo Reviews:

• Six of Crows: {click here}
• Shadow & Bone: {click here}
• Siege & Storm: {click here}

Happy reading!
Olivia
~LivTheBookNerd~

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{Review} Siege & Storm(The Grisha #2) by Leigh Barudgo

Page Count: 435

Published on: June 4, 2013

Published by: Henry Holt & Company

Genre(s): Fantasy, YA, Romance

Source: Paperback - borrowed from Julia

Age Rating: YA

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Twitter: @Lbardugo

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm. 

~~~

Hey, guys!

     I read this book a couple months ago back when I actually had time to read and it was one of my favorite books that I read. I desperately miss the Grishaverse and I cannot wait to read more after this semester ends. Siege & Storm follows Alina and Mal after the end of Shadow & Bone and continues on with their magical and politically driven adventure. I absolutely loved this book. Leigh Bardugo has such a magical ability to create such an interesting and addicting world and amazing characters that I can't help but love. 

     Once again, I'll sound like a broken record when it comes to Bardugo's books. Her writing style is so addicting to read. She has such fantastic ability to create a rich, dark, and intriguing world and magic system that I want to know more about. I just adore every element of this book. It was a bit slower than Shadow & Bone, but there was so much tension as the book progressed, so that is probably why.

      I loved the new character, Nikolai, that was introduced. He is so dreamy and I hope he doesn't end up to be an ass. He's so complex and interesting and I cannot wait for the series that is being developed about him. I need it tomorrow. I still cannot help but love the Darkling. He's such a fantastic villain. I need more about him. I (not-so) secretly hope for a great character arc. He and Alina are just a massive ship for me. I want it. Mal can choke. I still cannot stand him. He's no good for Alina. No thank you. Alina is so complicated and fantastically written. I adore her character.

Okay you're going to hate me for using the world "complex" again, but it's my go-to for this review, I suppose. 

The political aspects of this book are so rich and complex and I just get so caught up in the politics of the war. I need more and I cannot wait to read more about it. The issues that these characters are facing are so fascinating and I cannot wait to finish this series, but yet I don't want to at all! Ah this will be so bitter sweet!

My Review of Shadow & Bone: {click here}
My Review of Six of Crows: {click here}

Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

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