Review: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Introducing an instant classic—master storyteller Neil Gaiman presents a dazzling version of the great Norse myths.

Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of giants, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. From Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerges the gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to dupe others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.

My thoughts:

This book is a great compilation of Norse myths.

I had never read anything about Norse mythology before. To me this book had the basics down and gave me the myths in chronological order. It was able to introduce me to all the important gods and their myths and really made a clear overview.

Loved Neil Gaimans writing as well. For this book the writing was easy-going and quick to read.

View all my reviews

Review: Nightblood by Elly Blake - Frostblood Saga #3

Nightblood by Elly Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

The explosive finale of the New York Times bestselling Frostblood Saga, perfect for fans of the Red Queen and A Court of Thorns and Roses series. 

Ruby's world has changed more than she ever could have imagined. She's in love with a powerful Frost King. She's the heir to the Fire Throne. And she may be a Nightblood--the spawn of a vengeful deity hellbent on releasing his wraithlike Minax from their prison. Once freed, these beasts will roam the earth, devouring every last person until he or she is nothing but an empty husk. But Ruby is able to control the Minax to a degree, and now she, her beloved Arcus, and her friend Kai must find a way to bring Frostbloods and Firebloods--sworn enemies--together to make a stand against a foe more deadly than any they've faced.

In this heart-pounding finale of Elly Blake's gorgeously written and action-packed Frostblood Saga, the fate of Frostbloods, Firebloods, and all of humanity is at stake.

My thoughts:

Ready for the big finale!

I really loved the ending to this series. The writing was a little bit too slow for me in the beginning, but the last past I just blazed right through it.

I liked how you see Ruby really changing in this book, together with the people around her. Not everything is easy or perfect and it shouldn't be.

Everything changes, there's some nice plot twists in the story, but in the end it wraps up just the way I wanted it to, no lose ends.

View all my reviews

Review: Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han - To All the Boys I've Loved Before #3

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:
She is head over heels in love, her dad's finally getting remarried and her sister Margot is coming home for the summer.

But change is looming. And Lara Jean can't just ignore the big life decisions she has to make - where she goes to college for one. Because that would mean leaving her family - and possibly the boy she loves - behind.

When your heart and your head are saying two different things, which one should you listen to?

Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas - A Court of Thorns and Roses #3

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

A nightmare, I’d told Tamlin. I was the nightmare.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit—and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well. As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords—and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

Review: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas - A Court of Thorns and Roses #2

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world torn apart. 

Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas - A Court of Thorns and Roses #1

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin-one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin-and his world-forever.

What I think:

I was never really drawn to this book. Didn't find the premise interesting and never really understood the hype. The reason I picked this book up is the last book in this series coming out. So why not give it a try? Boy was I wrong for letting this masterpiece almost slip me by.

This book is so beautifully written and after a couple of chapters you even forget it's a retelling. The main story of beauty and the beast is still there, but it has been manipulated in such a beautiful way. The characters are wonderful, the world is wonderful. I feel like I don't have the words to describe this book.

It's been a while since I've been so pleased by a book, not only by the story, but also by the author's writing.

View all my reviews

Review: By Your Side by Kasie West

By Your Side by Kasie West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.

Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?

Review: Last Stand by Rachel E. Carter - The Black Mage #4

Last Stand by Rachel E. Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

He’s the Black Mage and she’s the traitor to the Crown.

Ryiah’s world was shattered the night she discovered King Blayne’s nefarious plans. Now, she has to betray the one she loves most in order to save the realm from war. Torn between love and duty, Ry finds herself on a perilous mission to help the rebels and convince the kingdom of Pythus not to honor its pact with the corrupt king of Jerar—all the while deceiving the most powerful mage in the realm, the very man sworn to protect the Crown and hunt the rebels at all costs: her husband.

She’s one step ahead, but sooner or later the curtain will fall.

Sooner or later, she’ll have to fight.

Review: Glass Faerie by Rachel Morgan - Creepy Hollow #7

Glass Faerie by Rachel Morgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Emerson Clarke: Sarcastic. Independent. Possibly losing her mind.

Because that’s the only explanation for why she occasionally sees things that aren’t there, right? But one night, an impossible power erupts from her, and Em realizes the truth is crazier than she ever thought: she isn’t losing her mind; she’s magical.

Thrown into an entirely new world of faeries, enchantments—and the annoying guy from down the road who, it turns out, isn’t human either—Em barely has time to learn even the most basic of magic before another startling truth reveals itself: she has a Griffin Ability. A special kind of magic feared by most fae. Now she’s at the top of everyone’s most-wanted list—including the mysterious glass faerie carrying out random attacks on fae.

In this magical and terrifying world that she’s entirely unprepared for, Em must try to figure out who she really is, whom to trust, and how to stay alive long enough to get back to her normal life.

What I think:

Finally had the chance to sit down and finish this book to finally review it.

I'm kind of running out of things to say about this series. I feel like I'm getting repetitive. Rachel Morgan's writing is fenomenal and she doesn't fail to amaze me with every word she writes down. This book is amazing and I just can't get enough of the old characters that come back and fell in love with the new ones introduced.

So I'll just be here, waiting for the next book.

View all my reviews

Review: How to Be a Bawse by Lilly Singh

How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life by Lilly Singh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

From actress, comedian and YouTube sensation Lilly Singh (aka Superwoman) comes the definitive guide to being a BAWSE - a person who exudes confidence, reaches goals, gets hurt efficiently, and smiles genuinely because they've fought through it all and made it out the other side.

Told in her hilarious, bold voice that's inspired over 9 million fans, and using stories from her own life to illustrate her message, Lilly proves that there are no shortcuts to success.

WARNING: This book does NOT include hopeful thoughts, lucky charms, and cute quotes. That's because success, happiness and everything else you want in life needs to be fought for - not wished for. In Lilly's world, there are no escalators. Only stairs.

Review: Candidate by Rachel E. Carter - The Black Mage #3

Candidate by Rachel E. Carter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Welcome to the Candidacy. Where dreams go to die.

Twenty-year-old Ryiah is a black mage of Combat, but she’s not the Black Mage. Yet. She’s had her eyes on the legendary robe for as long as she can remember, and in just one year, she will have a chance at her country’s prestigious—and only—tourney for war mages... Too bad she is going up against a certain prince—the one person she has yet to beat.

The Candidacy finally arrives and a winner is robed, but something dark is lurking in her kingdom’s midst. Rival nations are closing in, and it’s time to make an alliance. 

Unfortunately for Ryiah, that’s only the beginning. The worst enemy resides in the palace.

Review: Apprentice by Rachel E. Carter - The Black Mage #2

Apprentice by Rachel E. Carter

Synopsis:

She survived a trial year at the Academy of Magic, but that was the easy part…

Now sixteen-year-old Ryiah is an apprentice of Combat, her school’s most notorious faction. When she finishes, she will be a war mage, but in order to do so, she has to survive four years traveling across Jerar, training with a master she hates, her old nemesis, Priscilla, and Prince Darren, her sometimes-rival sometimes… more?

Ry’s new apprenticeship is nothing like what she prepared for. War is on the horizon and her lessons aren’t just for practice anymore.

It’s time to fight.

Review: First Year by Rachel E. Carter - The Black Mage #1

First Year by Rachel E. Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Before the age of seventeen, the young men and women of Jerar are given a choice —pursue a trade or enroll in a trial year in one of the realm’s three war schools to study as a soldier, knight, or mage…

For fifteen-year-old Ryiah, the choice has always been easy. Become a mage and train in Combat, the most prestigious faction of magic.

Yet when she arrives, Ry finds herself competing against friend and foe for one of the exalted apprenticeships. Everyone is rooting for her to fail—first and foremost among them is Prince Darren, the school prodigy who has done nothing but make life miserable since she arrived.

Will Ry survive, or will her dream go down in flames?

Review: The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West

The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she has to think fast. After all, she'd been telling her friends about him for months now. This was supposed to be the night she proved he existed. So when she sees a cute guy waiting to pick up his sister, she enlists his help. The task is simple: be her fill-in boyfriend—two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies. After that, she can win back the real Bradley.

The problem is that days after prom, it's not the real Bradley she's thinking about, but the stand-in. The one whose name she doesn't even know. But tracking him down doesn't mean they're done faking a relationship. Gia owes him a favor and his sister intends to see that he collects: his ex-girlfriend's graduation party—three hours, zero commitment, a few white lies.

Just when Gia begins to wonder if she could turn her fake boyfriend into a real one, Bradley comes waltzing back into her life, exposing her lie, and threatening to destroy her friendships and her new-found relationship.

Review: Raven by Rachel Morgan - A Creepy Hollow Story

Raven by Rachel Morgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsys:

The glittering magic of high society faerie life, with a hint of forbidden romance ...

When design student Raven Rosewood, daughter of high society fae, is almost killed in an explosion, her parents insist on assigning a bodyguard to protect her at all times. Raven agrees, but only if she can choose the guard.

Flint’s life couldn’t be more different from that of his employers. He doesn’t agree with their extravagant ways, but he’s admired their daughter Raven since he first met her. When asked to guard her more closely after her life is threatened, Flint is happy to take on the assignment.

Despite the gulf between their stations in life, Raven and Flint can’t help growing close to one another. As the pressure of Raven’s final fashion show builds, along with the threat of her parents discovering her relationship with a guard, Raven and Flint must decide whether their differences will push them apart or bring them closer together.

Raven is a companion story to the bestselling YA fantasy Creepy Hollow series. While it is best enjoyed in conjunction with the rest of the series, it is a standalone story that can be read on its own.

Review: The Gang Leader's Angel by Chibz_Love

The Gang Leader's Angel by Chibz_Love
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

In Jacob Hunters world there is no place for innocence. Becoming a gang leader at the age of 19 he was forced into a position he never wanted in the first place but a year later, he's embraced it completely by becoming the ruthless, menacing leader of the 'Scorp' gang. His life is all guns and no play. At least it was until he bumps into a girl who gives him first aid after he got shot.

Juliet Harper is an angel to say the least.Some would call her naive as well and they wouldn't be wrong. She's just a living breathing ball of happiness, sarcasm and kindness. So imagine what would happen if she were to stumble across a guy slightly older than her walking down the street with a bleeding arm from where he was shot. I'll give you a hint; she offers him help.

And from them on starts the journey between the two. A relationship with two polar opposites. It doesn't take long till he becomes her hero and she becomes the devils little angel or you could call her the gang leaders angel...

Review: The Trouble with Flirting by Rachel Morgan - The Trouble #2

The Trouble with Flirting by Rachel Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Labelled a nerd for most of high school, Livi sees her first year of university as a chance to redefine herself. She can finally enter the popular crowd and maybe even land herself a super hot boyfriend. But Livi’s about to discover that the price of popularity may be more than she’s willing to pay, and that what — and who — she wants most has always been right in front of her.

Review: On the Fence by Kasie West

On the Fence by Kasie West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

For sixteen-year-old Charlotte Reynolds, aka Charlie, being raised by a single dad and three older brothers has its perks. She can outrun, outscore, and outwit every boy she knows—including her longtime neighbor and honorary fourth brother, Braden. But when it comes to being a girl, Charlie doesn't know the first thing about anything. So when she starts working at chichi boutique to pay off a speeding ticket, she finds herself in a strange new world of makeup, lacy skirts, and BeDazzlers. Even stranger, she's spending time with a boy who has never seen her tear it up in a pickup game.

To cope with the stress of faking her way through this new reality, Charlie seeks late-night refuge in her backyard, talking out her problems with Braden by the fence that separates them. But their Fence Chats can't solve Charlie's biggest problem: she's falling for Braden. Hard. She knows what it means to go for the win, but if spilling her secret means losing him for good, the stakes just got too high.

Review: Zenith by Sasha Alsberg & Lindsay Cummings - The Androma Saga #1

Zenith by Sasha Alsberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

There is darkness sweeping across the stars. 

Most know her as the Bloody Baroness, the captain of a fearsome glass starship called The Marauder. Androma and her crew strike terror in the hearts of those who cross them amongst the many corners of the Mirabel Galaxy. 

When a routine mission goes rogue, the all-female crew is captured by a bounty hunter from Andi’s past and forced into a job that could, quite literally, start a war that will devour worlds.

Meanwhile, on the far side of the galaxy, the ruthless ruler Nor waits in the shadows of the planet Xen Ptera, biding her time. The final pieces are about to fall into place, liberating a plan that will tear Mirabel in two. 

As the Marauder hurtles toward the unknown, there is one lesson that proves to be true: No one can be trusted in a galaxy that runs on lies and illusion. 

From internet sensation Sasha Alsberg and multi-genre author Lindsay Cummings comes a new serialized space opera, full of action, intrigue, and steamy star-crossed romance. 

Perfect for fans of Hugh Howie, Sarah J Maas, and Beth Revis.

Review: A Faerie's Curse by Rachel Morgan - Creepy Hollow #6

A Faerie's Curse by Rachel Morgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

A witch’s curse. A world-ending prophecy. A daring rescue mission. Don’t miss the heart-pounding finale to Calla’s story!

On the run from the Guild of Guardians, Calla Larkenwood and her team of fellow outlaws plan a daring rescue operation into the Seelie Court itself. As if that isn’t enough to keep them busy, the power-hungry Princess Angelica has begun preparations for a horrifying prophesied spell that will forever change both the magic and non-magic realms.

When Calla is blindsided by an unspeakable tragedy before the rescue can be carried out, she struggles to remain focused on her mission. She believes she’s reached her lowest point—until a witch reveals the final blow: she has cursed Calla’s magic. With time running out, can Calla save the one she loves and stop the prophecy from being carried out before the curse claims her life?