​If you missed my first post, basically I decided I'd recommend some of my favorite reads to help ease the boredom of being trapped at home. To make it a little easier to find what you might be looking for, I'm splitting up the books into LOOSE categories. The first post covered Romance and Fantasy, and this one is Urban Fantasy, Dystopian and Childhood/Nostalgic Books. If you're more interested in fantasy or romance (my loose definitions are below) then check out my last post! If not, here are the Urban Fantasy, Dystopian and Childhood/Nostalgic Books! 

Fantasy 
Urban Fantasy (using this term very loosely. By using urban fantasy I mean something with magic that is set in our own contemporary world.) 
Romance (Like, contemporary romance) 
Dystopian (I know everyone is sick of dystopians like the Hunger Games, but trust me, you can get a lot deeper and have more interesting set ups than the chosen one trope and such. Dystopian is just a setting, it doesn't necessarily follow the Hunger Games type set up that so many other movies tried to follow up after the massive success those movies had.) 
Childhood/Nostalgic Books (Yes, books I associate with my childhood that I still praise as fantastic reads. Anyone can read them, doesn't matter what age you are.) 

Again I would like to say: THESE BOOKS DO NOT FIT PERFECTLY INTO THESE CATEGORIES. I was just looking for something broader to fit the different novels into. There is almost definitely romance in every single one of these, or at least connections and friendships being built and developed-- what good book doesn't have that? I would highly recommend all of these books, obviously, they're all some of my favorite books. That means that they all have good plots, characters etc. Even if I highlight good character development in one overview, that doesn't mean the rest of the books don't have it. It just means that the one book's character development particularly stood out to me.
​
Anyway, let's get into the recommendations, shall we? 

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas (Crescent City #1) 
Rating: 9.8/10 stars 
Action, Intrigue, Romance and Amazing Relationships in general (friendship is a big one), as usual, Sarah J. Maas books have it all 
This is a more mature book, with some heavier themes. Definitely not just a quick, light read if that's what you're looking for. (It's not heavy and dark, though, and there are definitely some light, fun scenes). 

Why break the habit of starting this post duology with Sarah J .Maas books? This woman is after all, my favorite author and from what I've seen thus far, everything she writes is pure gold. Unlike her other two series, this newest series (only the first book is out so far) takes place in a more modern world. While it is still set in a fantasy city, it has all the modern essentials and technology so I'm counting this story under more urban fantasy than just regularly high fantasy. It's an odd blending of high fantasy with the urban setting and somehow Sarah managed to blend the two together seamlessly. 
I will admit that the beginning of this book is a little slow. There has to be a lot fo set up for the world, the characters and the relationships-- you most likely will not be sucked in from the very first page. Being sucked in sneaks up on you slowly. One minute you think you can put it down, the next you're turning the final page of the book and the sun is rising... Wait that's just me? Whoops. Honestly though, after a while I was utterly enchanted with this book and couldn't put it down for the life of me, despite the awareness of the late hour (or should I say early?). 
As I mentioned earlier, this book has everything you could want: romance, action, intrigue, mystery. The most important and standout characteristic of this novel, though, would have to be the friendships and the bonds between characters. Wow, even just thinking back on them now leaves a poignant sense inside my chest. The friendships between characters in this book are just so strong and beautiful, there really isn't any way to describe just how, well, beautiful they are. It really left an impression on me, that's to be sure. Sure, there's a good slow burn romance, badass protagonists, an intriguing plot and some hilarious and touching moments, but just the biggest shining star comes in the form of friendships. I read a lot of books, and I haven't come across many whose friendships depict anything near as deep as the friendships depicted here. It sticks with you, I can say that. I know I'm just going in circles here, but I can't emphasize enough how utterly amazing and beautiful the friendships-- specifically one that is the whole center of the plot-- are in this book. I can't get over it. 
The characters are all flawed, but that's what makes them so much more real and relatable. What makes their stories even more moving is how they have to learn from their mistakes, and how they change. Watching that is... it's amazing. I loved it. This one is long, and if you have the patience for a longer book, this is definitely one to add to your list!  

Synopsis: 

Bound by blood.
Tempted by desire.
Unleashed by destiny.

Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life—working hard all day and partying all night—until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.

Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose—to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.

As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion—one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it.

With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom—and the power of love.

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (Alex Stern #1) 
Rating: 9/10 stars 
Mystery, Action, AMAZING CHARACTERS 
This is also a mature book. It's very dark with a lot of heavy topics and themes, but if you're able and willing to read it, I would say it's definitely worth it 

I don't even know where to start with this book. The synopsis doesn't do it justice because I will admit that I wasn't all that enthusiastic when starting it-- not to say I was bored starting it, just that it wasn't the most exciting thing. Yet, I'd heard a lot of good stuff about this one so I wanted to see what all the hype was about... And yes, for once, this book actually deserves all of the hype that it gets. I love this book, it's intriguing and mysterious-- once you actually get the feel of it, it's very hard to put down. The protagonist along with most other characters in this book (except for Daniel) is incredibly flawed, with a very dark and twisted past... Yet, that only shapes her to be a better protagonist. I absolutely love this book. Though, like I mentioned above it is very dark and heavy-- not by any means a light read. It shows the worst in people, and there are a lot of topics in there that are no light matter including that of rape, abuse and drugs. It's an intense read from start to finish. So if you feel like that's not something that you can read, then don't read it. I don't want anyone to feel pressured to read it just because I think this is a masterpiece of a book-- if you're triggered by its contents, no matter how good I think it is, it definitely won't be a good read for you. Still, that being said, if it is something that even piques your interest, I would encourage you to read it-- it's an extremely well-written, well thought out book, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the series has in store. 

Synopsis: 
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Galaxy “Alex” Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale’s freshman class. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mom, Alex dropped out of school early and into a world of shady drug dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and much, much worse. By age twenty, in fact, she is the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide. Some might say she’s thrown her life away. But at her hospital bed, Alex is offered a second chance: to attend one of the world’s most elite universities on a full ride. What’s the catch, and why her?

Still searching for answers to this herself, Alex arrives in New Haven tasked by her mysterious benefactors with monitoring the activities of Yale’s secret societies. These eight windowless “tombs” are well-known to be haunts of the future rich and powerful, from high-ranking politicos to Wall Street and Hollywood’s biggest players. But their occult activities are revealed to be more sinister and more extraordinary than any paranoid imagination might conceive.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (The Infernal Devices #1) 
Series Rating: 10/10 Stars 
Action, romance, intrigue-- these books are a colossal amount of fun to read. Not too heavy either! 

Not in the mood for a heavy read, but also don't just want to read fun fluff? This is a good book series to fulfill that need. For those of you who know me, you'll probably be quite aware that I am a big fan of Cassandra Clare's books. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy, romance and action. Unlike the two novels above, this is not a more adult book and its main protagonists are more young adults around 17-18. This book series doesn't necessarily take place in the parameters that I set for urban fantasy, see, they take place in Victorian London, so not present day... But I figured they fit better into the Urban Fantasy setting than that of high fantasy/just normal fantasy so here we are. 
While these books are a lot of fun to read, they also are filled with touching moments with more depth than just surface level fun. The characters are very easy to grow attached to, and the plot is perfectly paced-- not too fast or too slow. If you enjoy a lot of sarcasm and sass, these books have plenty of that as well. 

Synopsis: 
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In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them...

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments #1) 
Series Rating: 9/10 stars 
Action, Humor, Romance, Intrigue-- same as above 

I just thought I'd mention that yes, these books have a TV show as well as a movie based off them, and no we are not going to talk deeper on that because I hate both renditions as they are basically nothing like their source material. So if you happen to know and like/dislike the TV show or movie, well, don't let that sway your opinion on this series, because it is completely different either way. 
Unlike the Infernal Devices series, this series takes place in basically modern day New York. (If we want to get real specific, it's 2007 New York). It's set in the same world as the Infernal Devices, though, so if you take a liking to either series you'll be glad to know that there are companion series in the same world! It's actually a lot of fun. There are three more series set in this world not on this list along with a ton of companion novels, so if you dive into the Shadowhunter world and fall in love with it like many before you, there's plenty of content to devour. It's fun because even though each series is about different characters in different times, they're connected to each other, so there are similar things, characters and families throughout. 
If I'm being honest and ignoring the nostalgia of this particular series, I would have to admit that the Infernal Devices is the superior series in terms of pacing, writing and general plot than the Mortal Instruments. Still, Cassandra Clare is a writing genius and all of her works are fantastic, so while I would say that starting with the Infernal Devices may be the more guaranteed option for you to be sucked into the series, I would also say that I started with City of Bones and love it just as much as anyone else. Honestly, when deciding between the two I feel like it would just come down to which synopsis interests you more-- but again, I would say Clockwork Angel is a better written first novel than City of Bones, just because Clare had more practice writing by then and City of Bones was her debut. They're both amazing though, so you pick! 
(Side note: if you do decide you want to read all of the books, I would recommend finishing The Infernal Devices before finishing the final book in the Mortal Instruments (City of Heavenly Fire) just because the final book has spoilers from The Infernal Devices in it. Also, I would reccomend finishing these two first series before diving into the other series in the world (The Dark Artifices, The Last Hours and the Scrolls of Magic) because they all have spoilers to these first two series. To enhance your reading experience there are also accompanying novellas, such as the Bane Chronicles, the Shadowhunter Academy and Ghosts of the Shadow Market. These novella bindups are by no means necessary to enjoy the books themselves, but they are just enjoyable and add more depth to the characters and the world). 

Synopsis: 
​
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder― much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Lux #1) 
Series Rating: 8.5/10 Stars 
Very light, fun reads, humor, action, romance 
Character age: teenagers 

​Now here is a very light, quick, easy and fun read. Everyone I've recommended this series to has loved it. It's definitely the opposite of the first two books on this list, because it's not heavy at all. These books are light and cute, and they read very quick. You'll be on the back cover before you know it. There are five books in total in this series, and something that I think is particularly fun is that the main antagonist of each novel is different, so it adds a fun new dynamic to each book. 
Also I should mention: this is not really fantasy. It's more sci-fi than fantasy, but it's set in modern day and I didn't have any other really good sci-fi books to add to my list so I just stuck it in with urban fantasy.  
Also! If you enjoy the easy writing style and general feel of these books, Jennifer L. Armentrout has a few other series set in the same genre of YA that are also quite fun reads! 

Synopsis: 
Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring… until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something… unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy #1)
Series Rating: 8.8/10 Stars 
Lots of sass, sarcasm and humor, action, romance, mystery 
Characters in their late teens, some twenties

Okay, okay hear me out. Yeah, the series name and first book title is completely terrible and cliche sounding, especially when combined with the early 2000s trend of sexy vampires-- but this series is not nearly as dumb as it sounds! I promise. It is a really unfortunate series name, and the covers are also unfortunate, and the movie was not great either, so you'll just trust me when I say that the book content is really good and a lot of fun to read. This is another light series that you'll feel like you're just flying through. It's really fun because the main character is very sarcastic and witty, but she's also a badass so that's always a plus. Like Obsidian, the Vampire Academy series is unique and fun also because the main antagonist in each book is different, so you're never quite sure what to expect. These are really fun reads that I really enjoyed, I would definitely recommend. The mythology around vampires is different from anything I've heard before too, so if you're sick of vampires, well, this is a little different from the stereotypically vampire idea of bloodsuckers who are undead and bite others to turn them etc. 

Synopsis: 
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ONLY A TRUE BEST FRIEND CAN PROTECT YOU FROM YOUR IMMORTAL ENEMIES...

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with a rare gift for harnessing the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest vampires - the ones who never die. The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a dhampir. Rose is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making Lissa one of them.

After two years of freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, a school for vampire royalty and their guardians-to-be, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. But inside the iron gates, life is even more fraught with danger... and the Strigoi are always close by.

Rose and Lissa must navigate their dangerous world, confront the temptations of forbidden love, and never once let their guard down, lest the evil undead make Lissa one of them forever...

Scythe by Neal Shusterman (Arc of a Scythe #1) 
Series Rating: 7.8/10 stars 
Action, lots of character building, some really interesting themes & ideas 

Scythe is a weird series, because I love it, I really do, but I honestly have no idea how to describe it to someone. While it's not a light, fluffy read, it's also not all that dense or heavy either. This series is particularly fun because the characters are interesting as is the plot, but it also gets you thinking. See, Scythe is set in a world where humanity has "escaped" death. Our technology has gone so far that we no longer die. To avoid overpopulation, there is one way for people to meet their final end: the Scythes, an order tasked with permanently ending lives. It's really interesting to think about the meaning of life if there was no end, and also the idea death. Each Scythe treats it differently, some give their targets warning in advance, while others spontaneously end a life to simulate the unpredictability of death as it once was-- like if you had the ability to determine who lives and who dies and how, how would you determine it? Anyway, just some weird thoughts of mine, haha. While the first book starts off slow, it eventually catches up and then you'll not want to put it down until the series is over. There are so many interesting characters and plot points. I was honestly so sad when I finished the last book because I would've loved to spend more time with these characters. 

Synopsis: 
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Thou shalt kill.

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery. Humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.

Renegades by Marissa Meyer (Renegades #1) 
Series Rating: 8/10 stars 
action, romance, humor, deception, superheroes 

This series is a lot of fun to read, if I were to just give it one word I'd say fun pretty much encapsulates the whole thing, the characters are fun, the plot is fun-- the book is just a fun time. Something I really enjoyed about this series, especially with the first couple of books, is that even though there are heroes and villains, there isn't necessarily a definable line between good and evil. The "heroes" are real, and they are flawed. They make mistakes and aren't wholeheartedly good, even if they're trying to be, and the villains aren't all necessarily evil. They fight for what they believe in. A point made by one of the main characters is that people are so reliant on the heroes to save them and help them that they never do anything for themselves-- which is an interesting thought, I honestly felt pulled between both sides while reading these, which is precisely the point. See, the novel is told from two perspectives: the villain's and the superheroes. To clarify, Nova, the "villain" is the niece to the biggest supervillain of all, a man who was defeated approximately 10 years prior to the events of the novel. Then there's Adrian, the superhero side of things. He's the son of the two biggest superheroes and therefore solidly believes in everything the Renegades stand for. Their paths meet when Nova infiltrates the Renegades' ranks as part of he anarchists' (villains) plan. Obviously things get a little twisted, especially with feelings thrown in the mix. Like I said, this book is a lot of fun, the deception of it is entertaining, as is watching their alter egos being archenemies while their normal personas grow closer. 
Another cool thing to mention about this series is that the powers are pretty unique.While there are the typical powers of super-strength and invisibility, but there are also superpowers of being able to bring their art to life, or turning into a swarm of butterflies or bleeding gems that can be weaponized or not needing to sleep/being able to knock others out. It's just fun seeing the unique powers throughout. 

Synopsis:

Secret Identities. Extraordinary Powers. She wants vengeance. He wants justice.

The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies — humans with extraordinary abilities — who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone... except the villains they once overthrew.

Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice — and in Nova. But Nova's allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both.

Angelfall by Susan Ee (Penryn & the End of Days #1) 
Series Rating: 8/10 Stars 
Action, lots of banter & sass, humor, romance 

This is another very fun read. Also, these books are very short, so if you're not looking for a long commitment, these are the books for you. 
While the setting for these books is incredibly dark, it's hardly noticeable above all the humor and banter. If you enjoy banter and sarcasm, these are definitely something that you want to check out. I love the main character, she's strong, brave, sassy-- basically anything you could want out of a YA heroine. Anyway, nothing else to say but read these! 

Synopsis: 

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken (The Darkest Minds #1) 
Series Rating: 8.5/10 Stars 
Action, Romance, Road Trip trope

Last, but certainly not least in my list of dystopians is a book series that has a special series in my heart. This trilogy is one of the first few that I was reading just when I was starting my real big book obsession, and they really helped to fuel it. 
I'm going to say this upfront-- this book does have a bit of a slow start. The first 50 or so pages are a little eh, but once the pace picks up there's no going back.
Just thinking about this series is making me smile and get the warm fuzzies. The characters are just so lovable. I adore the relationship building in this book-- both romantic and platonic. 
(P.S. If you watched the movie, do yourself a favor and ERASE IT FROM YOUR MEMORY. We don't talk about that poser). 

Synopsis: 
​
When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.

When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter #1) 
Rating: 10/10 Stars 
Magic

The most obvious of obvious books that basically is the epitome of this category. What is more nostalgic than Harry Potter? I'm assuming most of you have already read this, but why not read it again? Might bring you back to those happy younger days... (Even if they weren't actively a part of your childhood specifically, you were still younger when they came out!) 
And to those of you who haven't read it yet... WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?! There's a reason why this series was and is such a worldwide phenomenon and don't just give me the "oh I watched the movies" bull. Yes, the movies are very good, unlike many of the book-to-movie adaptations mentioned on this list, but guess what? The books are better! They expand so much more on the world and are more detailed in ways you never even realized you were missing out on. 

Synopsis: (Do y'all really even need this?) 
​
Harry Potter's life is miserable. His parents are dead and he's stuck with his heartless relatives, who force him to live in a tiny closet under the stairs. But his fortune changes when he receives a letter that tells him the truth about himself: he's a wizard. A mysterious visitor rescues him from his relatives and takes him to his new home, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

After a lifetime of bottling up his magical powers, Harry finally feels like a normal kid. But even within the Wizarding community, he is special. He is the boy who lived: the only person to have ever survived a killing curse inflicted by the evil Lord Voldemort, who launched a brutal takeover of the Wizarding world, only to vanish after failing to kill Harry.

Though Harry's first year at Hogwarts is the best of his life, not everything is perfect. There is a dangerous secret object hidden within the castle walls, and Harry believes it's his responsibility to prevent it from falling into evil hands. But doing so will bring him into contact with forces more terrifying than he ever could have imagined.

Full of sympathetic characters, wildly imaginative situations, and countless exciting details, the first installment in the series assembles an unforgettable magical world and sets the stage for many high-stakes adventures to come. 

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Person Jackson and the Olympians #1) 
Rating: 9.8/10 Stars 
Mythology 

Yeah, here's the source of where most people my age learned our greek mythology from ahah. Here's another series where we get to watch the character grow up-- starting out as a 12-year-old and going up to 17. A bit like Harry Potter in terms of the sort of "chosen-one" trope but trust me when I say Percy Jackson is very much its own thing. This series is hilarious-- the characters, the scenes, everything is stuffed full of humor, and there's so much sass and sarcasm... Honestly, these are some of the most fun reads you'll ever come across.
And guess what? If you like the writing style there are plenty of other series by Rick Riordan like this! There's a sequel series that follows up this one called the Heroes of Olympus which is just as fun and encapsulates the magic perfectly. Then there's a couple loosely connected sequels to that (Magnus Chase, the Trials of Apollo). Riordan's series span past using Greek mythology for inspiration as well, with Heroes of Olympus taking inspiration from Roman mythology, and Magnus Chase being Norse mythology. Also! There's the Kane Chronicles which is based on Egyptian Mythology! If I'm being honest, I've only actually read Percy Jackson, Heroes of Olympus, and Kane Chronicles-- all of which I have adored, so I'm just saying, if you enjoy the writing and story style, there's plenty more material. 

Synopsis: 
​
Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse - Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy's mom finds out, she knows it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he'll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends—one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena - Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods

Eragon by Christopher Paolini (The Inheritance Cycle #1) 
Series Rating: 8/10 Stars 
High fantasy, dragons! 

This is another favorite that I've read over and over and over again. These books are all the very roots of my adoration for the fantasy genre, though I suspect that Eragon had a lot of influence over me seeing as high fantasy is probably my favorite genre. This is another series that's pretty famous, and if you haven't read it, odds are you've probably seen it around. The core idea around these books is dragon riders, which is very fun. The books are well-written, with intriguing plots and characters as well as spectacular character growth and evolving relationships. I will admit they are rather lengthy, with parts that can feel long so if you're not a patient reader, perhaps these are not the books for you. 

Synopsis: 

​One boy...
One dragon...
A world of adventure.

When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.

Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds.

Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands.

Thanks for reading & I hope you fall in love with these books the same way I did :) 
​-Anj 

"I believe that the only way to balance the power of what we can do is with sacrifice. Accepting that we cannot posses the things and people not meant for us, we cannot control every outcome; we cannot cheat death. Otherwise there's no meaning to any of it."
The second book in Bracken's Passenger duology is absolutely captivating, taking you on a beautiful journey across the centuries. For those of you who are unaware, Passenger is a novel about a girl who discovers she's a time traveler, and then must embark on a journey-- kind of like a scavenger hunt through time-- in order to save her mother. It's not the most unique of premises, but trust me when I say there are a ton of unique ideas inside the story. Especially with the way time travel is described. 
Bracken happens to also be the author of one of my favorite series-- the Darkest Minds. (One that I highly recommend), so of course, when her new book, Passenger, came out last year I absolutely had to read it. Unfortunately I found Passenger to be rather disappointing. It was good, but it certainly did not live up to my expectations. This I suspect was because I was unable to really connect with either of the two protagonists very well. The things I loved the most about the first book were the time travel elements and the mystery surrounding the plot. I would have to say the same about this book, though, I would also have to say I enjoyed this book much more than the first. 
Somehow Wayfarer did not make it on my TBR list for 2017... Whoops. It was meant to be there, I guess I was just really tired while writing it and forgot this book. 
Anyway, for those of you interested in the books and haven't read them yet, I would recommend them to you. They possess some truly unique ideas and really just take you on a journey through time. With that said, there are definitely spoilers below FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NOT READ PASSENGER yet, so I recommend you people turn away. Spoilers are no fun. For those of you who have read Passenger, you're good, keep reading. 
I avoided reading this book for a while, just because I remembered being disappointed by the first and because I've been drowning under a gargantuan pile of schoolwork lately. But finally, though, on my eight hour plan ride home from Spain I picked this book up... and did not put it down until I was done. Like I said before, I definitely enjoyed the second book more than the first. While both novels have elements of mystery in them, I definitely enjoyed the mystery in Wayfarer more-- there were a couple plot points that I was unable to unravel until the book did it for me. Something that does not often happen. 
Most of the complaints about Wayfarer are about how the protagonists-- Nicholas and Etta-- are not together for the majority of the book. Personally, I was not overly bothered by this. If you read my review for the first book, you'd know I haven't been particularly attached to their romance, so them being apart doesn't bother me too much. In fact, I found I liked their journeys more when they were apart. It was much more interesting to see their relationships build with other characters. 
Another thing I mentioned in my last review-- the characters I was most interested in were Rose Linden and Henry Hemlock. Similarly, these were the characters that most interested me in this book. I just love how Rose doesn't have a clear good and evil line. She blends it quite often, seeing the ends as justifying the means. She seems cruel and cunning, willing to do anything to get what needs to be done. This is one of my favorite kinds of characters. It really excited me to find out more about Rose and her backstory, and honestly I just wanted to read more about her this entire book. Alexander, if you're reading this (which I doubt), I would absolutely love a book just following Rose in her teen years, when she helps to create the Thorns and infiltrates into the Ironwoods. Honestly as interesting as these books were, I think I would be ten times more intrigued in seeing Rose as she goes through all these experiences and becomes the woman that we first meet in Passenger. It has the perfect setup too-- Augustus Ironwood falls in love with her, and so does Henry Hemlock. Two men on two opposing sides of a war. 
Speaking of, as I predicted (and so did everyone else), we get to meet Etta's father, Henry Hemlock in this book. I loved his character, and was excited every time we got to see him. I also loved how complex his relationship with Rose is. I just wish we got to see more of it. I really hope that Alexandra writes some spin offs, because she has so much more material in these stories to elaborate on. And I really want it to be about Rose and Henry and Augustus. 
I really thought we'd get to know more about Augustus Ironwood in this book, too, but sadly, we didn't. HEY! Alexandra! Please, please, I just need a novel about these characters that came beforeeee. Please. I need it. 
We're actually introduced to a whole cast of new characters in this book, which is another reason people have complained about the book. It just crams so much new information in, because it's a duology there aren't more books to carefully set everything up. There are a ton go things that just kind of came up and slammed you in the face-- like none of it had ever been mentioned (or at least, not that I remember) so a ton of BIG plot points in this book just seemed to come from nowhere. Then again, I should probably reevaluate this after I reread both books again sometime. 
Because of this whole new number of characters, there were just a ton of plot points that didn't get fully wrapped up. Which is another reason I suspect Bracken might be planning some spin offs (or I hope). This book left me feeling happy, yet a little unsatisfied. There are the fates of some characters and some characters' relationships that I'd really like some more closure on. (Or just a spin off novel or two on Rose, Augustus and Henry. PLEASE) 
"Promises are for saints and losers. Most of the time we can't even keep the ones we make to ourselves." 
Anyway, Rose and Henry weren't the only characters I really enjoyed in this book, though I did like them the most. I also liked getting to see and know Sophia more. She's a really complex character (they all are), and she turned into a main character in this book, while she was only a minor one in the last book. That was a good choice on the author's part. I really came to appreciate her sarcastic, spunky attitude. 
"The whole building quaked as it galloped toward the pooling wine. 
'My God,' Sophia said. 'That's an animal with its priorities straight.'"
While I'm on the topic, I should mention that I was really truly impressed with how well woven the web of characters are. They all have extremely complex backstories, emotions and relationships and I LOVED IT. 
Anyway, we also meet a new character that was mentioned in the last book that I completely forgot about. I really loved this character and wished I got to see more of them and see how their fate turned out. You'll know who I'm talking about if you read the book. 
All the characters go through some major character arcs in the story, something I really enjoyed following because it was so well written. 
I'd give this book 8/10 stars, it really was enjoyable and I loved the scraps we were thrown about Henry and Rose. I also really appreciated the plot and just the complexity of the entire story. Highly recommend it. 
Synopsis: 

All Etta Spencer wanted was to make her violin debut when she was thrust into a treacherous world where the struggle for power could alter history. After losing the one thing that would have allowed her to protect the Timeline, and the one person worth fighting for, Etta awakens alone in an unknown place and time, exposed to the threat of the two groups who would rather see her dead than succeed. When help arrives, it comes from the last person Etta ever expected—Julian Ironwood, the Grand Master’s heir who has long been presumed dead, and whose dangerous alliance with a man from Etta’s past could put them both at risk. 

Meanwhile, Nicholas and Sophia are racing through time in order to locate Etta and the missing astrolabe with Ironwood travelers hot on their trail. They cross paths with a mercenary-for-hire, a cheeky girl named Li Min who quickly develops a flirtation with Sophia. But as the three of them attempt to evade their pursuers, Nicholas soon realizes that one of his companions may have ulterior motives. 

As Etta and Nicholas fight to make their way back to one another, from Imperial Russia to the Vatican catacombs, time is rapidly shifting and changing into something unrecognizable… and might just run out on both of them.

Anyway, sorry for the all over the place review, but I'm super jet lagged and tired. I just wanted to crack this review out as soon as possible. Thanks for reading! 
​-Anj

Bracken's take on time travel was both exhilarating and unique. Now, I'm not going to say that I have a lot of experience with time travel stories, but I certainly haven't even heard of a take on time travel like this. For those of you who didn't know, Alexandra wrote one of my favorite series, The Darkest Minds (I highly recommend it, if you were thinking  of reading it.) The thing is, even with the Darkest Minds, the first fifty or so pages were kind of boring and hard to get attached to. It's only after the first fifty pages that I actually got invested in those books and to be honest, it took about the first hundred and fifty pages for me to get interested in this book. There was a lot of exposition. In all honesty, I did prefer the Darkest Minds Trilogy to this, but Passenger pleasantly surprised me. 

This book follows the perspective of its two protagonists- Nicholas Carter and Etta Spencer. Etta is from the 21st Century and is blissfully unaware of the time traveling life. Nicholas is from the... eighteenth century? (I think) and has some deep regrets. The idea of a romance between two characters from different centuries is quite interesting, though, I have to admit, Etta and Nicholas' romance wasn't one I grew particularly attached too. To me, it just seemed like it was moving too quickly. I get it, they only had like a week or so together but seriously, it way too much for the amount of time they actually spent together. I could've lived with the romance if a certain thing hadn't occurred towards the end of the book, it all just seemed like too much, like I really already wasn't in love with the romance, but the event towards the end just made me feel more cut off and unattached to the series. Also, to really grow attached to characters, you have to have some kind of connection to both people involved. I didn't really have that connection with either Etta or Nicholas. I'm no violin prodigy nor am I a sailor. And their emotions weren't exactly something I grew connected to, either. I just couldn't put myself in their shoes, which made it kind of hard to understand these characters. 
Okay, now I'm just stating all the things I didn't like about that novel, that'll make y'all think this isn't a good read. Trust me, this book is worth picking up, you just have to be patient with the plot and with the characters. 
Something I really enjoyed about this book was the suspense and the element of mystery. I did find myself really enjoying the time travel element as well as the element of mystery surrounding Rose Linden aka Etta's mother. Rose was a minor character, not actually appearing in many of the scenes, but she's the whole reason the story is happening and I found her character fascinating. She's probably the character I was most interested in while reading this book, I really hope we get to find out more about her in the next books. Her character is cold and cunning. To her, the ends justify the means, but she's not an antagonist, I find that kind of character very interesting.  She's still very much a mystery to the readers, you find out some about her a long the way, but I'm very curious to know what really happened to her from her perspective. 
Someone I'm expecting to see a lot more of in the next book is Henry- someone I don't think we saw in this book, but I'm sure, since this is a duo logy, that we'll be meeting him sometime soon. Another character I'm interested in seeing more of is Augustus Ironwood. We don't know much about him other than he was a jerk after Rose left and was madly in love with her. In the next book I'm hoping Alexandra unravels some of these mysteries. 
Anyway, this book is quite interesting and I highly recommend it if you're into time travel or suspenseful stories. The whole idea of this book is a time traveling treasure hunt- which is different from anything I've ever heard of and I found it quite fun, wondering where they'll go next and such. I'd give this book a 7.5/10 stars. I enjoyed it and will most definitely be picking up book 2 when it comes out. 
 
Synopsis: 
passage, n.
i. A brief section of music composed of a series of notes and flourishes.
ii. A journey by water; a voyage.
iii. The transition from one place to another, across space and time.

In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has traveled not just miles but years from home. And she’s inherited a legacy she knows nothing about from a family whose existence she’s never heard of. Until now.

Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods—a powerful family in the colonies—and the servitude he’s known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can’t escape and the family that won’t let him go so easily. Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, Nicholas’ passenger, can find. In order to protect her, he must ensure she brings it back to them— whether she wants to or not.

Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveler who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods’ grasp. But as they get closer to the truth of their search, and the deadly game the Ironwoods are play­ing, treacherous forces threaten to sep­arate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home . . . forever

(also sorry for the hurried review, I have a bunch of things due in school tomorrow!!) 

I'm so sorry for not posting this review when I finished this spectacular book, I've been so busy recently. Every day there's always a test I have to study for or an essay I have to finish. It's exhausting, actually. I'm hoping it's just this overwhelming since it's almost the end of the first term. Well, hopefully the second term will be easier and I'll have more time to do the things I want, because honestly I'm not having a lot of time to do anything besides school work these days, but since field hockey just ended that should help a little. Seriously, I'm not even getting enough sleep these days. Okay, so that's my excuse for not posting a lot recently. For now I think I'll just try to post my book reviews on the weekends and try to schedule them for the week. So if you want to keep up with what I'm reading and stuff then become friends with me on goodreads! go to my about page to find my goodreads ;). 
Back to the book. In the Afterlight was great. I liked it a whole lot better than a lot of dystopian endings. But still, this book was a little disappointing, I'll admit. Maybe it was because we were confined in the same space for most of it, overall though, I highly enjoyed this book. It didn't live up to my highest expectations but it was certainly well written and intriguing. I'm giving this book a 10/10 stars. Why? Because, like I said, it's well written, the plot was well thought out the characterization was amazing and chemistry was realistic.  I think that Ruby is a great, strong female protagonist and I love reading from her point of view. Liam was a little aggravating in this book, but I still love him all the same and Cole. Ah, Cole. If you guys didn't know, Cole is my favorite character in this series, followed closely by Ruby, Liam, Chubs, Zu and Vida. So pretty much I love all of Alexandra's characters. They're so well written and well thought out. I hear Alexandra is writing another series and seriously, I'm so excited to read it. The only character I really HATED. Was CLANCY FREAKING GRAY. I just wanna kick that asshat in the family jewels. Even more now. I loved that we got to see more of Cole in this book. I know a lot of people were like "EH! Cole is so annoying! Liam!" I like Liam guys, don't get me wrong, but don't diss Cole for it. It's not his fault about what's going on between Ruby and Liam. Cole really gets Ruby and that made me love him even more in this book. It's obvious that Cole cares a lot about Liam by the way he acts when he thinks Liam gets hurt or is in danger. He just doesn't know how to show it, and I get that, Cole, I really do. So yeah, if you insult Cole I'll get pissed off because I'm always going to be on his side of things. Where Liam's that sweet boy next door, Cole's more of the bad boy and as you all know, I do love my bad boys. I won't lie, I'm Cole biased in these books. So if you don't like that, well that's fine (kinda you're just making me sad) but I do and nothing is going to change that. Oh, and Alexandra, if I'm honored enough to have you reading my review (probably not, but if you are, I LOVE YOU!) I know you said you didn't want to write a novella about Cole, but I would love to read more about him and I feel like there's a lot you could cover there. 
If I were to be able to choose a color I think I'd want to be a blue. Being able to control minds or set things on fire would be awesome but the price that comes with that would be too hard for me to bear, I do so believe. I think I'll just stick to having telekinesis. 
If you haven't read this book series at all yet, where have you been? This is one of my all time favorite series so go pick up the first book right now even though I may have slightly spoiled you. The first book is called The Darkest Minds and is written by the ever amazing Alexandra Bracken. 

SPOILERS TO IN THE AFTERLIGHT BELOW


Okay so I read the first three chapters of this book before it actually came out. And OMG Cole! When he and Ruby are having that talk about being monsters, my heart just went out to them. I'm glad that Ruby was able to find a sane person who could understand her feelings and see where she's coming from. Liam, Chubs and Vida just couldn't understand her on the same level as Cole. And I loved the growing friendship between the older Stewart and Ruby in this book. 
Seriously, when they found Zu I was just like... what? It was definitely not what I was expecting, I thought it'd be a little more complicated than that, but all in all it was great having Zu back, and when she spoke. awdskbgwukb
Before I forget,  let's cover the small tidbit of Sam, shall we? I feel like we should've seen more of Sam in this book. Like if you're going to write a novella about her and get us interested in her, at least give us more of her and Lucas in the last book. We hardly saw her at all and we only saw Lucas once, I think that Alex could've used Sam and Lucas a little bit more in this book. 
"They don't burn do they? Not like us." COLE! There were so many inspiring lines in this book. And if you've been following m blog for  while now, you'd know that I do love my inspiring quotes as well as my humorous ones. 
"What they don't tell you about forgiveness is this you don't give it for the other person's sake, but for your own." 
When Cole and Liam got into that physical fight, omg I thought that Cole was going to like, accidentally light his brother on fire or something. On the fire topic, I seriously thought that they'd be in a fight (like with the government) and Cole would have to use his power to save himself and that's how Liam would find out. Instead, Cole just tells Liam, I found that rather surprising to be honest. 
Ruby and Liam's relationship was so frustrating in this book. Most of it I was just screaming in my head JUST TALK!!! They seriously needed to sit down and as Clary Fairchild/Morgenstern/Fray would say, DTR, define the relationship. And they only did that at like the end. Which was why it was so frustrating, but I think that was the point. It was so awkward when Ruby found Liam's cheat sheet. They just had this like, heated make out session and then she reads this thing that makes her think he doesn't trust her. I get where Ruby is coming from though, I feel insecure about everything, especially my relationships, in life, too, so even though I thought she was being over-dramatic, I could see her angle. 
I think we all knew that it would't be Nico going into Thurmond. It was obviously going to be Ruby. It makes sense, it started there so it felt appropriate that the book should end there. I wasn't expecting that going into the book, so kudos to you, Alex. 
Haha Gav! I loved that little side thing, how he was being a dick and then Cole scared the shit out of him. Cole Stewart, I love you. 
Another thing that annoyed me about Liam, some of his decisions were so impulsive in this book. Like when he went out to get food, or when he 'left' to get Liv. I do think that Ruby should have stood up more for Liam when he and Cole were in fights, but I don't think Liam should've been so impulsive just because he wanted to be involved, although some of his ideas did help. Just as a little add in, I would've loved to see what happened when Cole told Liam he was a red and a few more of Cole and Liam's interactions in this book. 
Okay. I was avoiding this for the whole review but I guess I have to cover it............. When Liam and Cole went 'scouting' I knew something was going to go wrong. BUT WHY?! WHY ALEXANDRA WHY?! *weeps* Why did you kill off Cole? D: As soon as Nico said a Stewart was dead, I knew it was Cole. 1. Because I was kind of preparing myself for it the entire book and 2. Because I knew Alex would never kill off Liam. But I want Cole back *pouts*. Seriously, I almost took a star off because Cole died. I kept telling myself that the video was fake and that Cole would pop back in any minute, but...No. Seriously you have no idea how excited I would get whenever I saw a capital C coming up. So here is why I hate Clancy even more than I did after Never Fade, which I didn't think was possible. HE KILLED COLE. That little bastard killed my baby. He set the whole freaking thing up. UGH! I wanted to see him dead SO badly in this book. When his mom was shooting him, I'll admit, I felt no empathy or remorse for him. I usually feel a little empathy for all the characters but for Clancy? No. When his mom was shooting him I got pure joy out of it. Okay maybe not pure, but joy and satisfaction. He killed Cole and so Clancy and I will never ever ever ever be on the same page, not like blog wise because we already are, but like page as in same ideas or side. UGh. Someone please go mortally injure Clancy and give him a slow painful death. 

I was to lazy to take notes on this book. BUT SERIOUSLY AMAZING BOOK. I was able to finish this book before I even got to school this morning, but seriously go read this, especially if you're as impatient for In The Afterlight like I am. THIS BOOK JUST MADE ME WANT IT MORE. But seriously Alexandra, what is up with you and making your novellas end like this? I would give this novella a 9/10 stars. I liked it a lot better than the last novella, and I really hope to see Sam, Lucas and Zu in In The Afterlight. Actually I better see them, Alex. If you're going to bring Sam back into the story and add in Lucas we gotta hear about them in the last book! I seriously can't wait until that book comes out and this book made me even more impatient! Sparks Rise is about Sam, yeah remember her? From the first book? She's the one Ruby was best friends with until she accidentally erased herself from Sam's memory. Sam was the rebellious one. I loved hearing Sam's POV on Ruby, and how she just can't quite remember her but she really misses her. Then there's Lucas, Sam's childhood best friend. This book is dual POV coming from both Lucas and Sam. Before I felt bad for Ruby when she lost Sam since they were such good friends, but I didn't really care much about Sam, but after this book I have a lot more respect for Sam, though, my favorite characters still remain to be Cole, Ruby, Liam, and Chubs. Alex! When I saw the name I thought it was about Cole! Seriously, false hope there, but I did really end up enjoying this book, as you can see from my rating. 
Synopsis: 
Don’t miss the thrilling novella that connects the last two novels in the New York Times best-selling Darkest Mindstrilogy. 

Sam didn’t think things could get worse at Thurmond rehabilitation camp. Then the Reds arrive. Everyone assumed the kids with firepower had been killed years ago. Instead they were taken away, brainwashed, and returned as terrifyingly effective guards. To her horror, Sam recognizes one of them: Lucas, the one spark of light in Sam’s dark childhood. Lucas has a deadly secret–he beat the brutal training that turned his fellow Reds into mindless drones. When Sam defends herself against an attack by a vile PSF guard and faces a harrowing punishment, Lucas must risk his everything to save her. 

Includes a bonus preview chapter from the final Darkest Minds novel, In the Afterlight


Let's talk about this bonus 'chapter' shall we? So the prologue- like one page and then the 'chapter' is literally like 2-3 pages! Now I REALLY want In The Afterlight! (Which I guess is the point) someone please give me In The Afterlight now! I NEED IT. I need to read about Ruby, Liam, Cole, Chubs, Zu, Sam, Lucas, Vida and everyone else!! Okay, sorry about how short this post is, I gotta go and reread my favorite part of Never Fade (where he remembers) and sob about how In The Afterlight isn't out yet. See you guys next time ;) Though, I thick I might take a break from reading for a little, but don't worry I will still be reading (I just started Kiss of Deception) I just won't be full-time reading for now because I feel like taking a break :)

I've been thinking of doing  this for a while now and since I haven't posted for a couple days I figured I should do it now. I just ordered a pretty big shipment of new books from amazon so I'm going to have a pile of books to review for you pretty soon :) but then again school's coming back so.... :( 
So this post is songs that make me think of a book or a person/relationship in the books or TV show. 

True Love by Pink - Katy (Ann) Swartz/Black and Daemon Black's relationship in The Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. 
I know this song could fit for a lot of other relationships, but I feel like Katy and Daemon's fit it best 
Echo by Jason Walker - Isabelle Sophia Lightwood, City of Glass, The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
Isabelle just felt so alone during that period after Max's death, blaming herself for everything I just think this song kind of fits her state of mind 
Angel with a Shotgun by The Can - Alex Andros and Aiden St. Delphi's relationship in the Covenant Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout 
Maybe it's because I had an obsession with this song when I read this series, but just listening to this song makes me think of the two of them because Aiden will do anything to protect Alex, including breaking all the rules
Shattered by Trading Yesturday - Jace Herondale and Clary Fray/Morgenstern's relationship end of City of Bones through City of Glass, The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
Because both Jace and Clary are so hurt, confused and broken by the fact that they're siblings, the lyrics in the song 'I've lost who I am' especially make me think of Jace 
All of Me by John Legend - Daemon Black and Katy Ann Swartz/Black's relationship in the Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout 
This song also makes me think of Daemon and Katy especially the lyrics 'You're crazy and I'm out of my mind'  “Daemon pressed his forehead against mine. "Oh, I still want to strangle you. But I'm insane. You're crazy. Maybe that's why. We just make crazy together.”  I just love Daemon and Katy
Down by Jason Walker - Seth Covenant Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout 
this song especially goes for the last book, Seth tried for everything but lost it all I loved Seth and Alex's relationship, didn't you? Seth was just so sweet and adorable
Secrets by One Republic - Simon Lewis and Isabelle Sophia Lightwood (The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare), Jace Herondale and Clary Morgenstern (The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare), Liam Stewart and Ruby Elizabeth Daly (The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken) 
This is one of my all-time favorites. It just goes with everyone's relationship, okay? but I don't feel like putting them all down. Okay, maybe not everyone's relationship, but a lot of the relationships in books. "Here. This is a place where you don't need to lie." LIAM AND RUBY Adkjsnv (So excited for In The Afterlight!!!) 
Feel Again by One Republic - (another bunch of relationships) Simon Lewis and Isabelle Sophia Lightwood, Jace Herondale and Clary Morgenstern (the Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare) Daemon Black and Katy Ann Swartz (The Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout), Gabriel Merrick and Layne Foster (Elemental by Brigid Kemmerer), William Owen Herondale and Theresa Gray (The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare) Ruby Elizabeth Daly and Liam Stewart (The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken) Sutter Keely and Aimee Finecky (the Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp) 
At least one in these relationships were sort of frozen in some sort of state and the other person helped them to well, feel again. Jace, Isabelle, Daemon, Gabriel, Will, Sutter. Ruby and Liam helped each other. 
Uncharted by Sara Bareilles - Katniss Everdeen The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Maybe it's because I was obsessed with this song when I read the Hunger Games, I don't know, but this song makes me think of Katniss
Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol - Jace Herondale and Clarissa Morgenstern The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
I don't know, the lyrics just make me think of Jace and Clary 
Over You by Ingrid Michaelson - Alexander 'Alec' Gideon Lightwood and Magnus Bane in the beginning of City of Heavenly Fire, The Mortal Instruments
Because they're so obviously not over each other but Magnus is kind of trying to weakly convince himself that he is, so if you listened to the song, you'd get it
Beautiful Soul by Jesse McCartney - Jace Herondale and Clarissa Adele Morgenstern, The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
More for Jace to Clary over Clary and Jace's relationship but yeah 
Change by Taylor Swift - Lena (Delirium by Lauren Oliver) 
I did listen to all Taylor Swift while reading these books when I was in Scotland, but I feel like this song just goes well with Lena's story- with Julian and Alex 
Hey Brother by Avicii - Niklaus Mikaelson from The Vampire Diaries and The Originals 
This song, just sort of from Klaus to Elijah and Rebekah

That's all I have for now, you can comment your thoughts or if you have any songs that go with your books/TV shows, if I find more maybe I'll make a part 2, I'm thinking about putting some more contemporary novels like To All The Boys I've Loved Before, Anna and The Franch Kiss, Lola and The Boy Next Door, Isla and the Happily Ever After, The Fault in Our Stars, My Life Next Door etc. next time ;) See you guys soon. 

Okay so this is a side story between The Darkest Minds and Never Fade. It's about this Skip Tracer and Zu. So I would rate this book a 5.5/10 stars. I didn't enjoy it so much. I was expecting something, I don't know, like The Darkest Minds and Never Fade? It was from the perspective from someone we've never heard of. I literal had to drag myself through this book, until Zu came into it. It was a little easier to read. But when I had to go to sleep in the middle, I wasn't up pondering what was going to happen. It just didn't pull me in as much as the other 2 novels. 
Spoilers below
So what did you guys think of Gabe? I think that was the skip tracer's name anyway. I read it a bit ago and it wasn't TOTALLY interesting so I didn't really pay attention to it. He seemed like kind of a jerk to me. I felt really bad for Zu. Like seriously what I thought was going to happen was that somehow she'd start TALKING to him. But no. When she was saying that she had two brothers and a sister. I just felt overwhelmed with feels on that, since she was talking about Ruby, Chubs, and Liam. I was really hoping they'd pop in somewhere. I also really hope that Zu returns for in the Afterlight. I love Zu. 
The whole thing with Jim and Della. I was SHOCKED about them being Liam and Cole's parents. But it was so cute how Della like sinks down when she reads the note. Actually, I wasn't totally shocked, when it was talking about Della's southern drawl, I was like LIAM. Because it seems to mention Liam and Cole's drawl a lot. 
Apparently Alexandra, if she's going to make another short story it's going to be about that freaking arse, Clancy Gray.
In my opinion, I would really enjoy a side story about Cole, what about you? I know Alexandra said she didn't really like Cole because of her devotion to Liam, but..... I CAN'T BE THE ONLY ONE WHO LIKES COLE! 
The ending kind of confused me, was that like Hina's relative shooting Gabe or was it another Skip Tracer? I don't even know, I was just glad to get this book over with. I'm sorry for all you who liked this short story, I just didn't feel too attached to it. Sorry I don't have much more to say

This is such an amazing series. 
In total I would rate The Darkest Minds 9/10 stars and Never Fade 9/10. 
(The last book In the Afterlight comes out September 16) 
All together the Series reads, 'The darkest minds never fade in the afterlight'. Though there is a side story, In Time, which I haven't started yet. 
So here's the Synopsis 
When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government "rehabilitation camp." She might have survived the mysterious disease that's killed most of America's children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.

When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she's on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her-East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can't risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living
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It's better than it sounds, I promise. 
So if you haven't read this series, drop whatever you're doing and go read it, then come back and you can read my quite spoiler-ry review. 

SPOILER ALERT.  FOR THE DARKEST MINDS BELOW


I was really confused and a little bored in the first few chapters of The Darkest Minds, I'll admit to that. But once she got broken out, I wasn't really sure what to think. I was kinda suspicious of Cate, and Martin definitely creeped me out. Though, I was really hoping they would be on Ruby's side (Though they kinda are, aren't they? Well, maybe not Martin) So anyway when Ruby got that memory from Rob I was like OMG THEY'RE SOME TYPE OF MASS PSI SERIAL KILLERS!! Like seriously. Then when Ruby found Zu, I thought it meant like there was a dead body crinkling and that Rob and Cate had put it there? I don't even know, I just remember thinking that. 
It was so funny when Liam and Chubs saw Ruby, how they like flipped out, and Chubs brought the whole kitten-in-a-mail-box thing up. 
I loved Zu's relationship with the three (Ruby, Liam and Chubs) it was very cute how they all had a special type of love for her. I was really worried when she left to go to Hina's home. 
Then there's Liam's relationship with Ruby. That was most defiantly cute, I really liked to watch it grow. And Ruby's relationship with Chubs, how he seemed to hate her in the beginning and then warmed up to her gradually. 
In the Walmart, it was so cute how Zu and Ruby were like, looking at everything. We all know what the boys there wanted was Ruby, we all could've guessed it. Liam was already falling for her, though. He would never let her go. 
Now let's move onto the topic of the Slip Kid. My first reaction to this was, who the heck would want to be known as the 'Slip Kid' like that's the most retarded name I've ever heard. (Probably not actually, I've read a lot of books) Second when I found out that Clancy Gray was the Slip Kid I was like WHAT KIND OF NAME IS CLANCY?! Ha now I know why he chose the name 'Slip Kid'. Haha. I do love myself a love triangle if you've ever read any of my earlier reviews. Though as soon as 'Clance' started being an arse I was like ALERT ALERT ALERT< Then when he was like 'let me look in your brain' I was like NO NO NO SUSPICIOUS SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then he like raped Ruby. WTH. I loved the part afterwards though, where she and Liam kiss and he rages. Then when they meet at the border, would it be kinda wrong if I liked the part where Liam got all protective and jealous? Because I did. Though, Clancy having him beat up was overboard. I was pissed about that. 
When Ruby and Liam bumped outside the bathrooms and he was like 'I don't think we've met before' my heart literally skidded to a halt and dropped. 
I can't even tell if Clancy actually had feelings for Ruby or if he just wanted someone like him to love him. I mean after his mom.... tehe. 
Okay, when Chubs got shot I totally thought he was going to die. (How could a bread thrower to ducks die?!!!!!) I was freaking out. 
Then the whole story Liam pieced together about them meeting normally....... I felt like crying. Because I knew  I knew  she was going to wipe him. I knew it. Then she kissed him, and he forgot her........ I was literally choking. I just couldn't... That was one of the closest times I've come to crying over books, if not the closet. Yes,  I did read Allegiant, people. Also the closet I've been to crying in over like 6 months. If you've read my earlier reviews, you'd know, I am NOT a crier. SO THAT HURT THAT WOUNDED ME. 






SPOILERS BELOW ON NEVER FADE




Okay I was not Okay with this beginning. I was not sure if Chubs was alive or not and that was not OKAY with me. Also ZU was not in the book. At all. Then we didn't hear about LIAM until 45% into the book (excuse the percentage I haven't bought the hardcover YET) well we HEARD about him. But we didn't get to see him until then. Sure Liam's not my type. Well besides the fact he's hot, he's not very cocky or arrogant but he is kinda broken. 
How do you guys feel about Vida? How do you say her name? I say Vi- da      I like her. 
Then there's Jude it killed me that he died. But I kept thinking he would every bend in the road so when he finally died I flipped. 
What is up with all Liam's mood freaking swings here? Is it because he's missing Ruby? OMG he got his memory back?! I was like YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!! I was afraid it'd go all Champion on us there. But then when he left, I was SO SCARED he got shot and would die and go all Allegiant on us. 
That was extremely creepy and awesome the way she handled Rob. But then she thought she was a monster.... No it was a means of survival. 
I was SOOOOOOO happy when Chubs came back into the story. I missed him sooo much. 
Oh and one last topic before I go, I can't believe I forgot this subject. 
COLE. 
So when he said that southern darlin' thing. I thought it was LIAM who had been captured. But nope. It was Cole. who BTW is extremely hot and cocky and really cares for his little brother and is also a red. It's funny he's a RED and his name is COLE. Get it? I love Cole. My heart always dropped when I thought he was died. Same with Cate. Also Alex gives a little foreshadowing because when Cole is in the shower with Ruby it says he's burring hot, huh wonder why. I love Cole he's definitely one of my favorite characters.
Remember when I said that was the last topic? I lied. 
So Clancy ugly name is back. I was like NOOOOO I HATE  YOU!!!!!!!!!!! Then the whole Nico betrayal. Did ANYONE see that coming? Sorry this blog post is so short.. I'm a little busy right now and still getting over finishing Never Fade a few hours ago. Maybe I'll do another post on it later. speaking of I need to do one on the Maze Runner talking about how much I hated it (Sorry Maze Runner fans)