{Review} Radiant Sin (Dark Olympus #4) by Katee Robert

 

Page count: 345

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Published on: February 7, 2023

Genres: adult romance, mythology retelling

Format: audiobook (borrowed from library), but I also have a paperback from her Patreon 

[Purchase Here]

Rating: 4.75/5 ✨

Spice: 4/5 🌶️

CW: Body shaming (referenced briefly, historical), murder, blood, guns, explicit sex

• T R O P E S •

✨ fake dating

✨ boss x employeee

✨ espionage

✨ I hate everyone but you

✨ pining and slow burn

Synopsis:

There's nowhere more dangerous than Olympus...and no one more captivating than its golden god: Apollo. Keeper of secrets, master of his shining realm...and the only man I am powerless to deny.

*A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Apollo and Cassandra that's as sinful as it is sweet.*

As a disgraced member of a fallen house, Cassandra Gataki has seen firsthand what comes from trusting the venomous Thirteen. But when the maddeningly gorgeous and kind Apollo asks her to go undercover as his plus-one at a week-long party hosted by a dangerous new power player...Cassandra reluctantly agrees to have his back.

On one condition: when it's all over, and Apollo has the ammunition he needs to protect Olympus, she and her sister will be allowed to leave. For good.

Apollo may be the city's official spymaster, but it's his ability to inspire others that keeps him at the top. Despite what the rest of Olympus says, there's no one he trusts more than Cassandra. Yet even as their fake relationship takes a wicked turn for the scaldingly hot, a very real danger surfaces... threatening not only Cassandra and Apollo, but the very heart of Olympus itself.

Review:

KR has done it again. I have a hard time believing that her Dark Olympus books are going to get even better and then she exceeds my expectations again. I didn’t think I could love her books more and then I read Radiant Sin.

I’m always a sucker for fake dating and angst, but holy crap this book just did it for me. The way that KR crafts her characters is just so fabulous. She adds layers of depth to their characterization and their story and I am just so hooked. I loved Cassandra and Apollo’s relationship and the romance that built throughout the book. I really didn’t think I could love anyone more than Psyche and Eros, but I’m thoroughly in love with both Apollo and Cassandra. They’re both so soft for each other and they’re so stubborn about admitting their feelings. I loved them so much.

Ugh but let’s talk about how their 🌶️ tensionnnn! Someone please comment below with your thoughts because I have SO MANY! Too many for a spoiler free review. I LOVED Apollo. He was so hot; and ugh, Cassandra! She was also SO HOT! I loved the dynamic explored in this book. Probably too much, but I’m a sucker for Apollo. I couldn’t get over it. I’m still not over how hot he was.

Of all the Dark Olympus couples and groups, who is your favorite? I really think that Radiant Sin & Cassandra x Apollo is my favorite, but I really think Cruel Seduction may surpass it later this year.

Also who is going to the Cruel Seduction tour later this year? I was going to go to the RS tour, but promptly bought a ticket to the CS tour when it was cancelled. I’m so excited 🥰

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

Liv the Book Nerd

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{Review} The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood

 

Page count: 304

Publisher: Dutton

Published on: February 21, 2023

Genres: adult historical fiction, mythology, retelling

Format: eARC via NetGalley

[Purchase Here]

Rating: 4/5 ✨

CW: violence, rape, murder, sexual assault, death, kidnapping, confinement, sexism, sexual violence, grief, abandonment, child abuse, animal death, emotional abuse, physical abuse, domestic abuse, misogyny, slavery, blood, pregnancy

^^ Please consider that these elements are found throughout Greek history and mythology. These will always be found in books that retell the epics and Greek mythos and folklore. 'Twas a violent time to be alive.

 S Y N O P S I S :

Nationally bestselling author of Daughters of Sparta Claire Heywood returns with an imaginative and female-centered reinterpretation of the myth of the great hero Perseus, told through the voices of three women who are sidelined in the traditional version—his mother, Danae; his trophy, Medusa; and his wife, Andromeda—but whose viewpoints reveal a man who is not, in fact, a hero at all.

Danae: Banished from her homeland thanks to a prophecy foretelling that her unborn child will one day cause the death of her father, the king of Argos, Danae finds herself stranded, pregnant, and alone in a remote fishing village. It’s a harsh new world for a young woman who grew up as a coddled princess, and forging a new life for herself and for her young son Perseus will be the hardest thing she’s ever done.

Medusa: As a member of a reclusive band of women who live deep in the woods, known as the Gorgons, Medusa has eschewed all contact with the outside world. That is, until the day she finds an injured boy named Perseus in the forest.

Andromeda: When a harsh sandstorm threatens to destroy her nomadic desert tribe’s way of life, Andromeda knows that a sacrifice will be required to appease the gods and end the storm. But when a forceful young Perseus interferes, Andromeda’s life is set on an entirely new path.

As Perseus becomes increasingly obsessed with the promise of his own destiny, his heroic journey casts a shadow of violence and destruction across all three women’s lives. But even as he tries to silence them, the women may find that reclaiming their voices is their only hope for lifting themselves into a better future.

R E V I E W :

I really loved reading The Shadow of Perseus. Heywood has taken every fantasy element from the Greek stories and has constructed the myths that surround the hero, Perseus, and reestablished it as a story from history.

I've always been a sucker for feminist retellings. So often, women are just plain overlooked or overshadowed by their male counterparts. When they said "history is written by the victors," they weren't kidding.

This book follows the three main women from Perseus's origin story: Danae, his mother; Andromeda, his wife; and Medusa, the "monster" he slayed.

Each woman is incredibly well developed. Their voices and stories were so addicting and I just flew through this book. I also really loved the commentary throughout as they grappled with the terrible actions and decisions that were being made around them and affecting how their lives would turn out. When Heywood took out the fantasy elements that come with Greek mythology, it really just amplified how horribly women were treated in the ancient times. This book was incredible to read -- a really quick-paced novel with gripping narrators and focuses -- but it was in no way an easy book to read.

The one thing I had wished for was more page time with Perseus. The shifting perspective between the women was really enlightening to how each of them took in his behavior, his personality, etc., but I genuinely would have like to know, in his own words or thoughts, what he thought of himself. Obviously, it's pretty evident that he really thought highly of himself -- or that he wanted to be perceived to be so big and wonderful -- but I don't know. I think it would be really interesting to be inside his head as he slowly succumbs to his toxic masculinity.

I was really curious how Heywood would grapple with Perseus's paternity, but from the get-go, she subverts the truth of his birth. It really adds to the tension (and the irony) that surrounds his every action. Even early on, since he truly believed he was the son of Zeus, he had an air about him. But from the perspective of his mother, we see how delusional an fragile he is. He's incredibly traumatized -- which is really sad -- but also even if his mother were to reveal that he wasn't of godly birth; he doesn't respect her enough to actually believe her. It's incredibly wild to me to see his gradual downfall as he consistently treats everyone he meets like a lesser person -- especially the women of his life. He's just a demanding, irritable, delusional young man who refuses to take accountability. That is evident as well in his consistent lies and boastful stories he tells of his horrible escapades.

I really wish I could adequately share how much I loved Andromeda's parts of the book. Her defiance and resilience were not only inspiring, but also incredibly depressing. Because why do women have to be the one who have to endure? It makes me so angry.

I genuinely wish Medusa's portion of the book had been longer, but only because I needed more of Heywood's version of the Gorgons. I also wish her budding adoration for Perseus was better developed. I really didn't understand her almost instant interest in him. I understand that she was longing for a relationship she could never have, but she was blatantly ignoring the red flags she had pointed out herself.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved how she utilized ancient geography and expanded upon a more realistic version of what traveling and trading would mean to the Greeks. As ancient conqueror's it makes so much sense to see them venturing toward more areas of the world around them. I also love how human every single character was. The book was incredibly well done and I'm just thrilled that I could read it early.

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

Liv the Book Nerd

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{Review} Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Page Count: 453

Published On: November 8, 2016

Published By: Feiwel and Friends

Genre(s): YA, fantasy, retelling, romance

Source: personally purchased

Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository 

My Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland—the infamous Queen of Hearts—she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next queen.

Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the king and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship. Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

~~~

Hey, guys!

I've been such a fan of Marissa Meyer for years, but this story did not live up to my hopes. I bought this book a long time ago, knowing that because it was Marissa Meyer that I would enjoy it. While the book was entertaining and interesting, I was just bored and sick of the main character by the end of it. 


Though this was a really fascinating retelling and back story to the Queen of Hearts, I felt like the amount of buildup toward her eventual end was really slow. Sometimes getting through this book felt like a dredge through a muddy pond. The book started out so nicely -- from the bizarre introduction to the world of Hearts to the immense amounts of baking that Cath partook in. However, once you got into the book it was as if the madness and bizarre-ness of the world of Wonderland were completely thrown out the window. Granted, a lot of the events that occurred were bizarre and the characters were wildly strange, but they just weren't what I would expect of the characters of Wonderland. I wish that it had been more consistent. 

The plot was also not the best. The majority of the plot was just Cath whining about what she didn't want to do. She didn't do much of anything. She was just obnoxiously whiney. I felt like she refused to stand up for herself when it meant the most, she constantly ignored the advice of others and did whatever she wanted even though it was obvious that she wasn't the best at making decisions. Actually, she never really made many decisions. Not the decisions that counted. She also was just really dumb and wouldn't support herself until she had the help of a dude. I felt like the book really lacked the feminism that Meyer had frequently shown in her other works.

When it comes to Marissa Meyer, I know that I can count on her to create a really dimensional and romantic relationship bloom from the most annoying characters. This was not the case in Heartless. While I really liked Jest's character. I wish the book had been a dual perspective between Jest and Cath (though I know why MM didn't use that technique). Their relationship was just a bit too annoying for me. She really just gave us the reasons to ship the two characters, I felt like it wasn't shown enough to actually make me connected to their relationship or feelings. Just not my cup of tea. 

Overall, the book was underwhelming and kind of boring. I didn't like the main character, the romance was bleh, and there should have been more feminism, stabbing, and more murder from the Jabberwocky. There was hardly any plot to make it worth it to me. Though I didn't like the bits that tend to make or break the book, I really did enjoy the magic, the side characters (Hatta, Cheshire, and more), the world of Chess, the Jabberwocky conflict, and the baking. I wish that I had loved this book, but I just didn't click with it. I know so many adore this book. I definitely would have loved it more in 2016 when it first came out. 

I have a review for Marissa Meyer's other series, The Lunar Chronicles. It's absolutely one of my favorite series. 

Happy reading!
Olivia
~ Liv the Book Nerd ~

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{Review} Circe by Madeline Miller

Page Count: 393

Published On: April 10, 2018

Published By: Little Brown & Company

Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction, Mythology, Historical Fiction, Retelling

Source: audiobook via Audible & hardback purchased through Book of the Month

Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository 

My Rating: 4.75 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child—not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power—the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.

Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.

But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.

~~~

Hey, guys!

I've been really meaning to read this book for the longest time. I've been a fan of Madeline Miller's prose and style for such a long time. Back in April of 2018, I picked up Circe fully intending to read it right away, but in the true Liv the Book Nerd fashion, it didn't happen! Who's surprised? (No one.)

I also read her short story, Galatea, back in January and I was instantly hooked. It's truly a masterful short story. I read it free through my library and Hoopla. If your library provides the Hoopla service, I definitely recommend Galatea. However, I did use my free trial for Audible to read Circe because it was not available through Hoopla.

Here is my review of Galatea: {click here}

Here is my BOTM book haul that features Circe: {click here}

This novel contains some themes and scenes that may trigger other readers. 

TW/CW: violence, gore, torture, physical/emotional/child abuse, suicidal thoughts, (brief scene) self harm, graphic childbirth, (mentions of) bestiality, (mention of) incest, animal sacrifice, death of siblings, death of child/ren, death, rape, adultery, and war themes and scenes

The standalone novel, Circe, follows the nymph, goddess, and witch Circe throughout her life -- from her creation and birth until the end of her life. Over the course of her life, Circe goes through many life-changing experiences that change her as a being and help her to realize her full worth and potential. This book is about love, healing, family, motherhood, and self-love. It's about finding your truth, your true chosen family, and *magic*. 

I've always been such a big nerd for mythology -- especially Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology. My love for mythology and storytelling stems from stories like The Illiad, The Odyssey, anything by Rick Riordan, Hans Christian Anderson, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, and so many more. Stories have always been such an impactful part of my childhood and have impacted what I've chosen to do with my life. Even now, I'm writing my own story that is influenced and inspired by Norse mythology. Mythology, to me, is very important because we can learn from the lessons that the characters have experienced and try to understand the struggles of others. 

Circe is known for her role as the enchantress in The Odyssey. Odysseus and his men come to her island and attempt to take advantage of her hospitality -- stealing from her, attacking her, and just generally being pigs. So, she turns them into what they are -- she turns them into stinky swine. However, Odysseus convinces her to keep him for herself and they become lovers. He also is immune to her magic because of the aid of Hermes. He becomes distracted from his quest and he stays with Circe for a year as her lover. They eventually leave, but many believe that his stay with Circe was to teach him and others who read/listen to his tale that women are irresistible seductresses who manipulate men and are threats to men's morality and lead them astray. (Which is bullshit.)

Reading Circe was such a lovely experience. I actually listened to 90% of the book and read about 10% physically. I personally enjoyed listening to it much more than reading it physically. Circe is not a speedy quick book. You can't just pick it up and read it in a day. (However, if you did do this, more power to you. This is my personal opinion and I could never read a Madeline Miller novel in one sitting.) This story is slow, but still quite fast paced. If you enjoy slower books, but they are a bit of a drag for you to physically read, I definitely recommend the audiobook. The narrator, Perdita Weeks, was PHENOMENAL! I love her work.

So much happens in this story. So many things are shown to the reader that honestly made me have to stop and put down the book/pause the audiobook. Circe goes through so many traumatic and terrifying things that I just had to sit and THINK. While this is a really great retelling of The Odyssey, it's not just a retelling! It's Circe's story! The Odyssey plays a small part in her story -- as does Odysseus -- but this is all Circe. The Odyssey is just a small part of Circe's journey to self-fulfillment and growth. 

Circe is probably one of my new favorite protagonists -- well, she's not new, but she's new to me! She's strong, she's driven, she's flawed, she's a feminist boss ass chick! I just absolutely adore her journey and I wish that I could have more from her. I aspire to be as strong, confident, magical, and independent as Circe. I love her.

Throughout the story, readers realize that any story will be told differently by whoever tells it, but it will especially be told differently if a man tells the story. Ballads and epics will always be told to favor the hero, not the heroine. Women in the stories are witches, sorceresses, and enchantresses that need to be stopped, defeated, tamed, subdued, ended, killed. Circe is like no other hero that I've heard before. She's not a hero! She's a witch, she's an enchantress, a goddess -- she's a woman! She fights for her independence and autonomy. This is a story of a woman who is fighting for her worth. 

“They do not care if you are good. They barely care if you are wicked. The only thing that makes them listen is power.”

If you are unfamiliar with Madeline Miller's writing, I definitely recommend her work. She is a true queen of mythology and retellings. With her background in classic literature, history, languages, and her immense talents in writing, you won't be disappointed.

If you haven't already gone to put your copy on hold at the library, bought it, ordered it, etc. PLEASE DO! READ THIS BOOK!

You can order a signed and personalized copy of Madeline Miller's books {here}.

I will be going to a discussion and signing for Madeline Miller toward the end of June. I am so excited! Pictures and gushes to come to my Twitter and Instagram!

Other Retellings You Would Love:

• The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood ~ The Odyssey from Penelope and the servant's perspective 
• Grendel by John Gardner ~ Beowulf from Grendel's perspective
• Uprooted by Naomi Novik ~ a sort of Beauty and the Beast retelling

Happy reading!

Olivia

~ Liv the Book Nerd ~

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{Review} Galatea by Madeline Miller

Page Count: 37

Published On: August 13, 2013

Published By: Ecco

Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology, Adult, Historical, Retelling, Short Stories

Source: ebook- accessed through Hoopla

Where To Find It: Amazon 

My Rating: 5 stars 

Goodreads synopsis:

In Ancient Greece, a skilled marble sculptor has been blessed by a goddess who has given his masterpiece – the most beautiful woman the town has ever seen – the gift of life. Now his wife, Galatea is expected to be obedience and humility personified, but it is not long before she learns to use her beauty as a form of manipulation. In a desperate bid by her obsessive husband to keep her under control, she is locked away under the constant supervision of doctors and nurses. But with a daughter to rescue, she is determined to break free, whatever the cost...

~~~

Hey, guys!

My friends, Mariana, Alice, Brooke, & Becky, have been urging me to pick up a Madeline Miller book for quite some time, but it just hadn't happened. When I found this short story on Hoopla, I had to check it out. 37 pages? No sweat! 

This was exactly what I needed. This short story was absolutely flawless and so addicting and engaging. If you're a fan of ancient myths, you will absolutely be a fan of this short story. 

Galatea is a retelling of sorts from Galatea's perspective after the events of the story of Pygmalion. This story was just so brilliantly done. Miller really creates such a beautifully complex and intense character that I cannot help but adore. She is so inspiring and her journey post-sculpture life is so inspiring from a young woman's perspective. 

This story is a lovely examination of the impact of society's expectations on women and their overtly controlling and objectifying expectations for "the perfect woman".

This was perfect, powerful, and beautiful. Please read this short story!

Happy reading,

Olivia

~Liv the Book Nerd~
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Song Recommendation

{Review} The Forest Queen (Mechanica #0.5) by Betsy Cornwell

Page Count: 304

Published on: August 7, 2018

Published by: Clarion Books 

Genre(s): Fantasy, Retelling, YA
Source: Paperback - ARC provided by publisher

Age Rating: 12+ 
TW: domestic/physical abuse, elder abuse, rape, sexual harassment, suicide/suicidal thoughts

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Book Depository: {click here}

My Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

When sixteen-year-old Sylvie’s brother takes over management of their family’s vast estates, Sylvie feels powerless to stop his abuse of the local commoners. Her dearest friend asks her to run away to the woods with him, and soon a host of other villagers join them. Together, they form their own community and fight to right the wrongs perpetrated by the king and his noblemen.

~~~

Hey, guys!

      An advanced reading copy was sent to me for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you HMH/Clarion Books for sending me this fantastic book.

       In The Forest Queen, the main character, Sylvie, feels absolutely powerless when it comes to her older brother. After her brother becomes the Sheriff of their area and begins to take over management of their family estate, she becomes even more unhappy and afraid of his behavior. After John decides to marry her off to one of his friends, she has to make the decision to run away or be unhappy and fear for her life. She decides to run away with her best friend, Bird, to the woods. In the woods, she finds safety, hope, and community. Sylvie and Bird soon recruit other villagers to their ragtag group and together, they create a rebel group to insight change in Woodshire. 

      This book has quickly become a new favorite of mine. I absolutely adored every bit of this book. The characters were so well thought out, the world was lush and beautiful, the writing style was lyrical and descriptive, the pacing was perfect, and the topics and themes that were discussed in this novel were so well done. I really really loved how diverse and fun the people in this book were. It seemed that people with darker skin were in the more wealthy families, however, families also had no issue with inter-mingling so everyone had different traits from different ethnicities. Betsy Cornwell has created a literary masterpiece. 

      Sylvie, Mae Tuck, and Little Jane are such inspiring characters. Little Jane was such an inspiration throughout this book. She goes through so much turmoil and trouble and her growth as a character was so much fun to read about. I just absolutely adore her. I cannot say more without spoiling, but she is definitely a new favorite character. Sylvie! My girl! Oh my goodness I just loved her. She also goes through some intense and scary stuff, but her growth and the experiences she has really shape her positively. Her journey to fully understanding what her people went through under her brother's regime was really great to follow. Sylvie is a naturally wonderful and caring character and to see the abuse that her people were enduring was a hard blow to It was just so wonderful to follow. Mae Tuck is, honestly, a badass. She is also a new favorite character. I absolutely love how strong and accepting she is. She just held herself so well and she just tries to love everyone for who they are. 

     I also really enjoyed Bird and Sylvie's relationship. Their friendship is so lovely to read about and their blooming romance was so sweet. It was an intensely slow burn sort of romance, but I really enjoyed how their story wrapped up. Bird is such a lovely character. He wasn't as prevalent in the story for me (the strong and wonderful female characters had my focus), but I really enjoyed what he added to the story. 

    Overall, this story was freakin' fantastic. I had the best time reading it. The story was so addicting and I didn't want it to end. I'll definitely have to pick up Betsy's other books: Mechanica and Venturess. I read Mechanica when it first came out, but it's been a hot minute so I'll definitely have to eventually reread it. I highly recommend that you pick up The Forest Queen. It's an absolute gem. Please read it. If you enjoy the tale of Robin Hood, you'll love this book. 

My Review of Mechanica {click here}

I hope you enjoyed this review! Happy reading!

Olivia 

~Liv the Book Nerd~

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{Review} Language of Thorns (Grishaverse #0.5, #2.5, #2.6) by Leigh Bardugo

Page Count: 281

Published on: September 26, 2017

Published by: Imprint

Genre(s): YA, Fantasy, Retellings, Anthology, Short Stories

Source: hardback -gift

Age Rating: YA

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

My Rating: 4.75 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Love speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns.

Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price.

Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.

Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.

This collection of six stories includes three brand-new tales, all of them lavishly illustrated with art that changes with each turn of the page, culminating in six stunning full-spread illustrations as rich in detail as the stories themselves.

~~~

Hey, guys!

     Back in December, my boyfriend's lovely family gifted me this book for Christmas. I was so excited to read the stories and be re-immersed into the Grisha world. This book totally lived up to the hype and my expectations. The stories were fantastic, the writing was A+ as always, the illustrations were stunning, and the book itself was just amazing. I love these stories so much. I couldn't find anything that I didn't like about this book. It was just straight-up awesome. Cue the excessive gushing and lack of critical analysis. 

     This book was just gorgeous! I'm so in love with the stories that Leigh Bardugo created for this world. Each story was so hauntingly beautiful and the language and imagery that they created were just so imaginative and stunning. I'm so pleased with both the physical look of the book and the actual content itself. The illustrations throughout the book were just so intricately done and the detail that went into their making is just astoundingly beautiful and perfectly reflected the stories and their spooky vibes. Each story was intricately crafted in a way that left you desperately wanting more, yet still satisfied with how their ending was summed up. 

      Each story in this Grisha anthology is inspired by common known and lesser known fairy tales, myths, and folklore. The five stories each represent the five areas/countries in the Grisha universe. The stories are such a fantastic representation of the Grisha world. Each story adds more to the world building and reveals a more in depth look at the history of the world.

Other Grisha Reviews:

• Shadow & Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1) by Leigh Bardugo
• Siege & Storm (The Grisha Trilogy #2) by Leigh Bardugo
• The Tailor (The Grisha Trilogy #1.5) by Leigh Bardugo
• Six of Crows (The Six of Crows Duology #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Happy reading!

Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

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{Review} Quests For Glory (The School For Good & Evil: The Camelot Years #1) by Soman Chainani

Page Count: 568

Published on: September 19, 2017

Published by: HarperCollins

Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's/Middle Grade, YA, Romance
Source: Hardback -personally purchased

Age Rating: PG

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

My Rating: 4.75 stars

Twitter: @SomanChainani

Goodreads synopsis:

With every end comes a new beginning in the fourth installment of Soman Chainani’s New York Times bestselling School for Good and Evil series, Quests for Glory. Join Sophie, Agatha, Tedros, and the other students as they begin a new era in the Endless Woods—The Camelot Years—where Evers and Nevers alike must move beyond the bounds of school and into the biggest, boldest adventures of their lives.

The students at the School for Good and Evil thought they had found their final Ever After when they vanquished the malevolent School Master. Now, on their required fourth-year quests, the students face obstacles both dangerous and unpredictable, and the stakes are high: success brings eternal adoration, and failure means obscurity forever.

For their quests, Agatha and Tedros are trying to return Camelot to its former splendor as queen and king. For her quest, Dean Sophie seeks to mold Evil in her own image. But soon they all feel themselves growing more isolated and alone. When their classmates’ quests plunge into chaos, however, someone must lead the charge to save them...

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Hey, guys!

    If you've followed my blog for a while, you'd know of my love for Soman Chainani's books. I've been such a huge fan of the School For Good & Evil series since mid-2015 and when I found out that Soman was releasing a new trilogy that takes place right after The Last Ever After....you guys have to know that I hardcore fangirled. This series is so fantastically written. I can't wait to tell you all what I think of Quests For Glory. Let's get into it! 

     I think that this book is a wonderful re-introduction to the characters. It's been a bit since I read The Last Ever After and a little bit less of a bit since I read the Handbook (if that makes any sense). The pacing was a bit slower compared to the original trilogy. I did enjoy this book, but it was harder to get back into this book. 

     We are once again intertwined in the lives of Sophie, Agatha, and Tedros. I really enjoyed how their stories continued in this book and how their characters have developed since the last battle in The Last Ever After. 

     I adore how Tedro's character has developed in this book. He goes through so much conflict and turmoil for a kid his age. He goes through an amazing amount of inner conflict and turmoil that I felt was just so realistic. His struggles really touched my heart and after reading this book, I really do love Tedros even more. I think he is much more dynamic and interesting compared to his behavior and character in the first three books. In QFG he's had to go through so many adult decisions and he's so much more responsible...or rather, he's desperately trying to be. His effort and genuine desire to do well for his people is so beautiful and commendable. I was worried that he would not live up to the expectations that one would hold for the new king of Camelot. He is a kid!!! I just desperately want him to heal and listen to his friends and family. He's just so caught up in his stuff and he's panicking and floundering...I just hope the situation improves for him. He's such a good kid.

     Agatha is my girl. I adore her so much. The struggles that she and Tedros face in this book, both romantically and through their adventures, was so great to read. I love the way their relationship is going...they're struggling. Hardcore. So many books make long-term relationships (especially in a fairy tale setting) seem easy and magical. I love that Soman has further developed this relationship and continued to make their relationship somewhat of a struggle bus. So many relationships are written in a way that makes it seem easy when in fact, maintaining a relationship is actual work. I just really enjoyed the struggle that these kids went through. 

     Their struggles and worries were so realistically frustrating. I genuinely worried for their mental health. Their lack of communication was so realistic for their ages. Teens and young adults are kind of stupid when it comes to relationships. We don't think things through..especially when we're stressed and worried about the relationship. I just adore how real their interactions were. 

    The political subplot and themes in this book were fantastic. I love how the world building was further developed through the use of political intrigue. I love love love the conflicts that this new villain caused. The struggle that Tedros and Camelot continued to face was so fascinating. I just love the conflict. 

     I'm so interested in seeing what is going to happen with the Quests. I was already intrigued by the whole concept, but wow-oh-wow is this going to be fun. The last few action bits the last few fights and battles were so rad. They were a magical and action-packed roller coaster of emotions. The focus on Good & Bad and Truth & Lies were absolutely riveting. It was extremely relevant to what this world is currently going through. 

     This book really made me think and wonder about the outcome. I truly did not know what would happen next. I could not pinpoint the outcome of any of the twists. No one was safe! I was literally freaking out about every death. Soman is taking every risk and he doesn't seem worried at all! I really did not expect the deaths that occurred. I'm still reeling... I did not want their deaths to be real. 

     Can we also appreciate the format of this book? I just adored the multiple perspectives! I'm so glad that we get to be in so many different characters heads. Nicola of the Woods Beyond is going to be a fantastic addition to the gang. I love love love her. AND HORT! HELLO! So much dynamic character growth! I adore that he's beginning to see the flaws in Sophie. She really has not grown as a person or learned from her mistakes (I hope she does!). I feel so much for Hort's character in this book. In my Goodreads reading updates I went on a small (spoiler-y) tangent about his character and about how I love him now (but let's face it before he was hot he was a sweetheart. Kinda gross, but he means well.)

    Overall, this book was absolutely delightful. It was frustrating, it was hopeful, it had such fantastic character development. I cannot wait for book 2 of The Camelot Years. This spinoff series is going to be great! 

My SFG&E Reviews: 

• The School For Good & Evil: [click here]
• A World Without Princes: [click here]
• The Last Ever After: [click here]
• The Ever Never Handbook [click here]

Happy reading!
Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

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