The epic conclusion to Sarah J. Maas' 7 book high fantasy series, the book we've all been waiting for for years upon years upon YEARS. Anticipation often leads to high expectations, and especially since it's SARAH J. MAAS, my expectations were pretty freaking high... And Miss Maas managed to not only reach that bar, but jump over it with Kingdom of Ash. 
Overall, unsurprisingly, this was an amazing novel, the only issues I have with it are small and nitpicky, which I will mention quickly in the spoiler section, but otherwise this was a stellar novel. 10/10 stars, each and every one is 100% deserved. The pace, the plot and the characters are all perfect. My biggest complaint about this book is that it's the end... I never wanted my time with the Court of Terrasen to end, and yet here we are. :( Honestly this series has meant so much to me and I'm SO sad to say goodbye and see it end... Still, this is one spectacular way for these characters to say adieu. (Obviously) they're all so badass in this novel, dealing with every ordeal and tribulation thrown their way. There's really nothing else to say, the book is perfect. Read it. 

Synopsis: 

Aelin Galathynius has vowed to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. The knowledge that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, but her resolve is unraveling with each passing day…

With Aelin captured, friends and allies are scattered to different fates. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever. As destinies weave together at last, all must fight if Erilea is to have any hope of salvation.

Years in the making, Sarah J. Maas's New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series draws to an explosive conclusion as Aelin fights to save herself―and the promise of a better world.

SPOULERS: 
here are my few nitpicky things: 
I really wanted to see Aelin just absolutely DESTROY everything with her fire, but of course, it makes total sense why she didn't. It was never about her powers. 
I'd been really excitedly waiting for Nox to be a huge plot point for several books, but lol nope he's there for about half and page and then buh bye. 
Where is Vaughn? Lol. That barely even matters, see? I told y'all, this book was absolute perfection. 

Also weird little flex but I got to meet Sarah for like half a second and it honestly made my life lol. 

​I am hanging my head in shame as I write this. Seriously, I am so very far behind on reviews. There are just too many to catch up on. Too many to even put in the title. Here are the mini reviews provided in this post: 
Part 1
Six of Crows & Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
Catwoman by Sarah J. Maas
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan 
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Manis Calco 
Foolish Hearts & Famous in a Small Town by Emma Mills 
​
Part 2
It Ends with Us & Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover
The Diviners, Lair of Dreams & Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray 
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson 

Yes. It's a lot of books, but not a lot of books when you think of the time period I've read them over. This is between August and January, you guys (with a few books I'm going to try my hardest to give full reviews to in-between. Those include: Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas, Queen of Air & Darkness by Cassandra Clare & Wicked King by Holly Black.) I really haven't been reading all that much lately. Not because I don't want to, but because my life has been crowded in every sense imaginable. Here's me making an effort to get back on things. (I did just read two books in the span of the last day, so that seems rather promising.) 
WARNING It's been a very long time since I've read some of these, and I did not take excellent notes so.... These may not be the most passionate reviews. I apologize. 
Here we go. 

Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover
After reading It Ends With Us, I was a little hesitant going into this novel as I wasn't sure I would get what I was expecting. Well, I didn't get what I was expecting but in a different way. I haven't read enough of Hoover's books to make this a definitive statement, but after this one I began wondering if she write light and cute romance books? Because it seems like her romances are more heavy handed. I was especially in need of a light romance after finishing It Ends With Us, and this was not exactly the cure I needed. 
While Maybe Someday is more romantically oriented, it's by no means a light, fun story. It's far more serious, and realistic, in a depressing way-- light rom coms can also be realistic.  
So yes, it was not what I needed in the moment, and also just not the book for me in general. I was expecting some sort of turmoil about the whole best friend and boyfriend being caught cheating thing (not a spoiler, literally part of the synopsis), but instead that's only mentioned a few times. It's much less about a scorned/hurt girl and circulates more around the relationship between Sydney and Ridge. I will admit their relationship is quite interesting, and it was an experience to get to see it progress, and I enjoyed the honesty between the two of them, but altogether not what I was looking for in a novel at the moment. 
At the start of the novel Sydney is moving into Ridge's apartment, as the apartment she had was shared with her best friend... who was sleeping with her boyfriend. Sydney and Ridge then begin to bond over a shared love of music, and feelings begin to stir. Only, Ridge has a long term girlfriend. 
It's an interesting set up, and an interesting story. Just, as I feel like I've said a number of times, not what I was expecting and not what I was wanting. 
The two things I liked the most about this novel are that a. Ridge is deaf, so it's interesting to see how that works into the plot and b. Colleen Hoover worked with a musician on the book, so when Sydney and Ridge write songs together you can literally LOOK THESE SONGS UP and listen to them. That adds an extremely unique and fun experience to reading. All together, not my favorite romance book, but still an interesting read. Sorry to all the hardcore Colleen Hoover fans I'm offending. 6.5/10 stars. 

Synopsis: 

Contains exclusive content: songs from Griffin Peterson 

Sydney is living in an idyllic bubble—she's a dedicated student with a steady job on the side. She lives with her best friend, has a great boyfriend, and the music coming from the balcony opposite hers is fast becoming the soundtrack to her life. But when Sydney finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her, the bubble bursts. The mysterious and attractive man behind the music, Ridge, gives Sydney hope that she can move on and they begin to write songs together. But moving on is harder than she expects, Sydney can only hope…. 

Maybe someday… 

Colleen Hoover draws you in to this passionate tale of music, love and betrayal…

The Diviners by Libba Bray 
I'm not usually an audiobook kind of girl. See, I'm a fast reader, and can absorb novels far, far faster than can be comfortably listened to. But here's the thing, as I am a seventeen year old girl with the heart of a grandmother, I recently got obsessed with knitting and crocheting, and I can't very well read while doing such hobbies. So I decided to try the audiobook for the Diviners, since it's a book that been waiting on my shelf for a very long time. 
At first I found the voices and the pace a bit annoying, but as I got into it more, I found myself constantly listening to the audiobook, and getting through the absurdly long audiobook in a couple days. Not only did I listen to the book when I was crocheting, I would also listen to it while brushing my teeth, getting ready for school in the morning, while driving to the store to buy more yarn, and even while reading other school books (I'm surprisingly good at multitasking.) This was both due to the combination of an excellent novel and also because after getting used to being read to instead of reading, I really got into the whole audiobook format. I would set the sleep timer and go to sleep listening to the book. Really, there was never a quiet moment. If you're too busy to read, I would highly recommend trying the audiobook (or any audiobook)! It's actually quite useful and enjoyable. 
Now on to the actual novel. The Diviners was nothing like I was expecting. The story mainly follows Evie O'Neill, a girl who goes to live with her uncle in New York City in the 1920s after causing a little too much trouble at home. I thought this would be a very serious story with a serious investigation into murder and an Avengers-like come together moment,  it was nothing like that. I don't even know how to describe this book, it's so unique. There's a definite element of horror, like sometimes I deeply regretted listening to this as I was falling asleep. The murder scenes are creepy as what, made creepier by the audiobook since the narrator actual whistles and sings the songs as the murderer approaches. There's also just teen drama going on. Evie's a party girl, she's a flapper after all, and doesn't like to take things too seriously. It's such a strange combination, and yet... somehow it all works. If you're tired of the same old tropes and whatnot, definitely check this book out, because there's nothing like it. 
Evie is truly her own person, I can't think of any other protagonists to compare her to. She's extroverted, stubborn and possesses an overabundance of confidence. She has the special ability to read any object she puts her hands on, which, while some other protagonists might keep their talent a secret, she literally uses it as a party trick. Yeah, Evie is definitely different from any protagonist you might read, but she's not one you'll be likely to forget anytime soon. At first she may come off as frivolous and a bit annoying, but as you get deeper in the novel, you can't help but fall in love with her. 
This is one of those novels that has a whole giant cast of characters with a plethora of POVs. I found that Evie's POV and those around Evie were the most interesting. Meaning that every single time we got to a Memphis chapter, I got a little bored. Sorry everyone who likes Memphis, he's just not all that interesting to me. 
Here's a brief overview of all the characters you'll be meeting

Mabel Rose-- she's Evie's best friend, and her polar opposite. She's meek, quiet and introverted, quite happy to just follow Evie around and live under the shelter of her helicopter parents and silently pine after Jericho Jones. I'll be honest, Mabel is not my favorite character, never has been. In the first book she's okay, but as the series progressed, she became my least favorite and at times I was ready to throw some punches at her. 

Sam Lloyd-- Let's just introduce this beautiful boy as my one true love. Sam is by far my favorite character in the entire series, with Evie coming in as a close second. He's a thief and skilled liar, yet he is also extremely charismatic and his banter with Evie is something I live for. He gets on her last nerve and will poke at her to get a rise just for fun. If that isn't #perfect, I don't know what is. Oh, and he may have a mission and goal of his own along with some surprising secrets... 
​
Will Fitzgerald-- Evie's uncle who she comes to live with. He runs The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition and the Occult-- more commonly known as The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies, which isn't doing so hot lately. Like almost all the characters in this story, he's basically filled past the brim with secrets and backstory, many of which have yet to be revealed. Will is friends with a detective, which is why, when a ton of strange murders occur, Will is brought in to consult. (And then Evie tags along, much to her uncle's annoyance. ) 

Jericho Jones-- this is Will's sort of adopted son / employee. He's a stoic young man of giant stature yet quiet nature who is hiding (shocker) a big secret. Jericho is not my favorite character. He's sweet but when the book is filled with some much more colorful characters, Jericho falls behind in the race for my love. (also I will mention things later in other reviews of the later books). 

Theta Knight-- She's a strong minded woman who doesn't mind causing a bit of scandal-- not nearly as much as Evie does, though. At first when she was introduced, I expected Theta to be your typical mean girl, but instead she and Evie become fast friends. I loved that element of the novel. And yes, she's also hiding a deep dark secret. Theta lives with her best friend, Henry, and I have to say I adore their relationship and wish it was explored to greater depths. 

Henry DuBois-- Not much is revealed about Henry in book 1, other than he plays piano and is gay. He's funny for the tiny bits of time that you see him, and well, he's hiding something too. Shocker. You get to find out a whole bunch more about Henry in book two. I love this guy, can't t really say much more than that, sorry! 

Memphis Campbell-- yup. This is the guy whose chapters I found to be boring. He used to have power, but he lost it after a tragic event in his past. Perhaps one of the reasons I was so bored by his storyline was because it was so detached from the others who I already loved and whose fates were quite intertwined (and I'd argue their storyline was more intriguing as well.) He lives in Harlem with his little brother and their highly religious aunt. He's black, which adds an interesting and sometimes sad dynamic as you see how racist many people were back in the 20s. 

Remember how I mentioned earlier about that dash of horror? More like a heaping of horror. The story starts with some sort of spirit named Naughty John being released, and oh boy, do I wish those dumb kids had left that Ouija Board alone, because Naughty John created some creepyass scenes that will probably haunt my dreams for a long time. The creep factor of this story... Wow. If you get the opportunity, I would seriously suggest audiobooking this one because it elevates the spookiness by so much. Here's something to think about, cheerful singing whilst committing brutal murder... 

Overall, I just highly recommend this book. It's nothing like you're expecting, with a unique and interesting cast of characters and an even more unique story. Still, there were some things that just felt like they were missing. Like there were a ton of satisfying moments and scenes I would've liked to have seen, but they happened without actually being written, like they're mentioned, but we never actually get to be in the scene. The relationships are just assumed, too. Like pivotal moments between characters and just the characters getting to know each other and whatnot is more mentioned than what we actually see. I think the story's strong points are its setting and plot, while its characters' relationships and developing them is a bit of a weakness. (This becomes more prominent in later books.) See, I'm the type of person who wants to be IN the action, not hearing mention of it later! And I also love watching relationships build and seeing dynamic between characters instead of just assuming something happened "off-screen," and that a lot of what these books want you to do. 

7/10 stars. The first book is nothing AMAZING, but it's a really fun read. I was left wanting to see more moments from the "side characters" aka everyone other than Evie, as some of them (Memphis) seemed pointless to the story arc. The novel definitely had a slow side, but it also created an enchanting world. 

Synopsis: 

​Evie O’Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City—and she is pos-i-tute-ly ecstatic. It’s 1926, and New York is filled with speakeasies, Ziegfeld girls, and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is that she has to live with her uncle Will and his unhealthy obsession with the occult.

Evie worries he’ll discover her darkest secret: a supernatural power that has only brought her trouble so far. But when the police find a murdered girl branded with a cryptic symbol and Will is called to the scene, Evie realizes her gift could help catch a serial killer.

As Evie jumps headlong into a dance with a murderer, other stories unfold in the city that never sleeps. A young man named Memphis is caught between two worlds. A chorus girl named Theta is running from her past. A student named Jericho hides a shocking secret. And unknown to all, something dark and evil has awakened.

Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray 
Somehow this book is able to take on a completely different tone from the first, yet still be absolutely riveting and sufficiently scary, in its own manner. And dare I say it? I do, I think that Lair of Dreams is even better than its predecessor. Again, I audiobooked this one as I am unfortunately unable to physically read whilst crocheting, which is my latest obsession. 
Going to be real honest here-- I'm writing this part of the review in May when I audiobooked it in November.... Which means it's most definitely not fresh in my mind. 
I don't want to say much, especially because it's been so long that my feelings and thoughts are not completely accurate, but THIS IS A FANTASTIC NOVEL. It was a lot of fun to read, especially if you're curious about the seemingly side characters-- they're main, but were pretty off to the side in book one, meaning Henry, Theta, Mabel etc. Really, Henry's storyline is what drives the book. You get to find out so much more about him, and even get introduced to a new main character-- Ling Chan. She took a bit of getting used to for me, but now I like her-- I'm just not good at adjusting to new things, haha. 
While Henry's storyline really drove the plot, there were plenty of other things going on with the other characters to keep the reader entertained and intrigued.  You dig a lot deeper into Theta's backstory, follow Mabel as her life is completely turned on its head... sorry, not a big fan of her, and MOST IMPORTANTLY get caught up in a whirlwind fake romance between my true love and my fave. Aka Sam and Evie get stuck in creating a fake romance, which is positutely the best thing that could've occurred. Fake romances are cliche, but they're legit one of my favorite things, especially when being run by one of my SHIPS! Seriously, this fake romance was SO much fun because Sam and Evie's banter never fails to entertain. I mean, also they're both perfect, so they perfectly belong together, am I right or am I right? 
Anyway, sorry for the shitty review. Read this book if you liked the first one, but be aware the the tone is very different than that of the first (which still works!) Again, same as with the first book, my biggest issue is the lack of the "people" moments, really seeing a lot of vital moments in relationships and whatnot. It's not insta-stuff seeing as there's a lot going on in the background that you just don't get to see, but I want to see it! 7.5/10 

Synopsis: 
​
The longing of dreams draws the dead, and this city holds many dreams.

After a supernatural showdown with a serial killer, Evie O’Neill has outed herself as a Diviner. With her uncanny ability to read people’s secrets, she’s become a media darling, earning the title “America’s Sweetheart Seer.” Everyone’s in love with the city’s newest It Girl…everyone except the other Diviners.

Piano-playing Henry DuBois and Chinatown resident Ling Chan are two Diviners struggling to keep their powers a secret—for they can walk in dreams. And while Evie is living the high life, victims of a mysterious sleeping sickness are turning up across New York City.

As Henry searches for a lost love and Ling strives to succeed in a world that shuns her, a malevolent force infects their dreams. And at the edges of it all lurks a man in a stovepipe hat who has plans that extend farther than anyone can guess…As the sickness spreads, can the Diviners descend into the dreamworld to save the city?

In this heart-stopping sequel to The Diviners, Printz Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Libba Bray takes readers deeper into the mystical underbelly of New York City.

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson 
Gonna be real honest, the first time I saw  this book I was attracted to it because I recognized the cover art's artist. It's the same artist who does Sarah J. Maas works, I think it's Charlie Bowater? But I'm not exactly sure. Then I looked up the synopsis and wasn't exactly hooked, so I continued scrolling.
I actually forget what finally convinced me to order this book, possibly all of the amazing ratings I'd been seeing. For example, one of the reviews I read said that Rogerson was BORN to write, so I figured I shouldn't miss out on the hype and go ahead and try it out. 
Overall thoughts is yeah, it's a fun, light read. Especially if you're a fan of fae, which I am. (fan is a bit of a soft word for how obsessed I am with the fae lol.)  One of the problems with the story is just how short it is-- I literally read it in one sitting. Due to the lack of length, it felt a little lacking in the building of certain aspects. Reading this book was an odd combination of pieces that felt too fast and others that felt way too slow.  The ending especially felt rather rushed-- the magnitude of big threats wasn't felt all that much with how quickly the story wrapped up. 
I absolutely adored the descriptions in this novel, they were very vivid and illustrated. I could really see the world and its characters in my mind's eye. I also found myself laughing A LOT whilst reading this one. I loved all of the intricacies with the fae, like if you're polite to them they HAVE to be polite back. Also, the fae we get to know best throughout the novel-- Rook, is hilarious because of his childish tendencies. Seriously, he just thinks he can has what he wants and throws temper tantrums when he doesn't get them, and while that sounds unattractive, it's adorable and hilarious the way it's shown in the novel. Basically, Rook doesn't know any better when it comes to interacting with humans. Actually, all the fae are very childhish in ways, haha. One of my notes is literally "lol, all the fae are children." 
Another thing that I really enjoyed about this book was Rogerson's take on the Fae, and how, despite all the amazing things in their lives, they're empty inside. They have no emotions, which is something they envy the humans for. They're all not the glamorous beings portrayed in many other fae novels. Instead, they're all vain and glamoured beings-- not nearly as beautiful as they show themselves to be. In fact, these Fae glamour everything, including their food to make their lives seem as perfect as possible. Since they're empty inside, Fae are unable to create, which is why they are so fascinated by humans, and their dabbling in the arts. 
The romance in the book was borderline instalove, which I hate-- because then you get no time to really get attached or root for the relationship. Borderline, not totally. See, the attraction and connection springs up real quick, but the romance such doesn't happen for a long while, so I was pretty excited when the romance kicked in. 
​Again, my biggest issue with the novel was how short it is. I think most of the other issues I have with it come with its length. Like there's this whole larger set up in the background about an issue with the world that I expected to be somehow resolved, but it wasn't, which left me feeling a little disappointed any empty. Also, the plot was rather predicable for me-- all the big twists I saw coming from about 200 pages away (which is about the length of the book. 
All in all, a very enjoyable, light read 7/10 stars. There's a fun romance, and interesting and exciting plot. However, I'd advise not to expect too much depth going into the novel. It's there to tell one story, and it does that job well. It brushes on ideas that hint at greater depth in the world, but those are never truly resolved or used to their greatest potential. 

Synopsis: 
A skilled painter must stand up to the ancient power of the faerie courts—even as she falls in love with a faerie prince—in this gorgeous debut novel.

Isobel is a prodigy portrait artist with a dangerous set of clients: the sinister fair folk, immortal creatures who cannot bake bread, weave cloth, or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. They crave human Craft with a terrible thirst, and Isobel’s paintings are highly prized. But when she receives her first royal patron—Rook, the autumn prince—she makes a terrible mistake. She paints mortal sorrow in his eyes—a weakness that could cost him his life.

Furious and devastated, Rook spirits her away to the autumnlands to stand trial for her crime. Waylaid by the Wild Hunt’s ghostly hounds, the tainted influence of the Alder King, and hideous monsters risen from barrow mounds, Isobel and Rook depend on one another for survival. Their alliance blossoms into trust, then love—and that love violates the fair folks’ ruthless laws. Now both of their lives are forfeit, unless Isobel can use her skill as an artist to fight the fairy courts. Because secretly, her Craft represents a threat the fair folk have never faced in all the millennia of their unchanging lives: for the first time, her portraits have the power to make them feel.

An action filled story, set in a fantastical world with compelling characters and complex relationships... What more could you want in a series? 
Cinda Williams Chima's high fantasy series is nothing like any high fantasy you might imagine. What high fantasy about a hunted princess ends up in a school. It's such a strange combination. Like you don't really expect there to be high school-esk teen drama when there are such high stakes, and yet here we are in the Exiled Queen, following our cast of characters all attending the same academy-- whether they know it or not. Yet, Chima still managed to blend these two very different categories seamlessly. Somehow they work. 
I'm going to be really honest with you all right now. This is not going to be the review that you deserve. I read these books back in August and have altogether forgotten the minute details that would make this review wholesome. This is just going to be a basic overview of how I felt about these books-- and a little spoilers below to discuss some of my particular feelings on events that happened during them. 
Similar to the first book, these three all had the same strange feeling of while you're reading it, it's intriguing, but when you put them down there's no magnetic pull forcing every thought to be around the plot and characters. 
One issue that I took note of with these books  (literally, I took a note, which is why I'm mentioning it right now.) was that the stories are all really more plot driven, not relationship. As we all know, a good story has a balance of both, unfortunately I found the Seven Realms' novels a little lacking in the relationship section. For example, there's this instantaneous OUT OF NOWHERE attraction/obsession one character apparently feels for another, and just... wow. I can't really say anything other than WHERE DID THAT COME FROM? WHERE? Certainly not anywhere in the Milky Way. There were just tender or relationship building moments I felt like could've really elevated these novels, and that I really would've liked to see.  
Still, I don't want you to think these were bad reads-- I actually really enjoyed them. I gave the Exiled Queen 7.5/10 stars, The Gray Wolf Throne 7.8/10 stars and the Crimson Crown 7.9/10 stars, ( and if you forgot, I gave the Demon King 7/10 stars), so yes, this series actually just gets better and better as it continues on, which is fantastic. It will never be one of my all-time favorite books that I reread once a month (yes, I do do that with some), but they were definitely fun and enjoyable reads. I would recommend if you enjoy fantasy with a hint of teen drama. These novels are certainly unique, as I mentioned earlier. They use tropes but then turn them on their heads by placing them in an unimaginable setting. 
There are some very predicable big "reveals," but somehow I didn't find that hindering my experience. What really bothered me was the relationship thing that I mentioned above. Though the next big bothering factor is truly just personal. WHY ISN'T THERE MORE MICAH BAYAR IN THESE BOOKS? I'm in love with him and have been since book 1. It wasn't his fault his father was evil and had evil marriage plans for him and Raisa! He's such a complex character (and I'm in love with him), I think the lack of Micah in all the novels is a waste of an intriguing character. (side note: one of my notes literally says Micah Bayar? I think you mean Micah Bae-yar). I think he has a bad exterior but is good underneath, (and we all know that is SO my type), and I truly believe that poor Micah was wronged by his lack of presence in any of the novels. I also would've liked to have seen more of the Micah-Fiona dynamic. There's a moment in one of the books (I don't fully remember it) but Micah says something along the lines of she's (something, I forget), but we protect each other and just, my heart. If you couldn't tell, playing with the relationships is something that is really important to me, and all together I would've liked to see more of Micah and his as I find them intriguing. (Half my notes are on Micah ahaha). Don't get me wrong, I do really like Han, and I really like the idea of him with Raisa, I just love Micah, and I wanted to see more of him, I didn't want him to end up with Raisa, though, I did want him to have a happy ending. 
Okay, one last negative about the series before I get back to the positives. This is a slight spoiler, but not intense. THE ENDING OF THE NOVEL WAS NOT A F****ING ENDING. It resolves the BIG plot issues, but staying true to a theme seen throughout the entire series, the closure on the people and their relationships was woefully lacking. The only closure you get is on the main characters, all of the side characters' fates are just left behind, not resolved. In fact, the novels bring up several issues and rifts between characters that are never resolved in the series, which, sure I guess could be interpreted as realistic, but let's be real here, I'M NOT LOOKING FOR REALISTIC IN MY NOVELS ABOUT MAGICIANS AND STOLEN CROWNS. Really, though, the ending of Crimson Crown really pissed me off because of how abrupt it was, all the side characters were really just forgotten, and that irks me even now, months later. Here's the literal note I wrote (with a little bit of censoring) (MILD SPOILERS, SKIP BELOW QUOTE IF YOU'RE SENSITIVE TO MILD SPOILERS, NOT MAJOR)
  
"F***K EVERTHING. THERE WAS NO CLOSURE ON _________....... (spoilers) MAYBE SIDE ******* CHARACTER.... BUT [they're] IMPORTNAT TOO.... Like this is really not okay. The ending was just shoved together and only [the main characters] got full closure and a happy ending.  I am so angry and upset right now." 

And before you go, Anji, there's a sequel series. I know there is, that's actually why I started this one in the first place, so I could read flame caster, but now I'm just salty. This was supposed to be a finale novel, yet the only "final"-ness came to the main characters, and none of the plethora of side ones. And you'll note earlier that The Crimson Crown had my highest rating-- it could've made it to the 8 if not higher if not for the ending that was thrown together and pissed me off, because before the ending the novel was phenomenal. And I have to admit, the ending scarred me about this series a little. It would've never been one of my all-time favorites, but I think I would've left it with some fonder memories if not for this last bit of the novel. 
Back to the positives. The two components I loved the most about this series were its intricately crafted world and political aspect. I love novels that play with the political games of court (if you know any good ones, please contact me), and the world was beautiful with all its details and careful set up of tensions and different cultures (clans, wizards, humans).. YES these novels truly did have good aspects to them, I promise, for some reason it's just easier to go on about the negatives. Maybe because I take the good stuff for granted unless it really stands out whereas all the flaws stand out to my critical mind? 

Anyway, sorry for the random, branching review. Here's the synopsis for Exiled Queen, and below are some real spoilers on my thoughts (or maybe just my notes) from reading these books. 

Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden’s Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn’t mean that danger isn't far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own. There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery—but the bargain they make is one Han may regret. 

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana’Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets. Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden's Ford. If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen. 

Everything changes when Han and Raisa’s paths cross, in this epic tale of uncertain friendships, cut-throat politics, and the irresistible power of attraction.

SPOILERS FOR EXILED QUEEN 
Basically how these are going to go is that I will just copy over my notes, unless I feel I have something else to say on them. 
"lol where did this Fiona attraction come from" (this is what I was talking about earlier) "[most] Relationships created in this book are instantaneous-- not a relationship driven story." 
"Give me more Micah, like chill the marriage wasn't his idea." 
"SO AWKWARD Amon caught her spying." 
"FINALLY HAN AND RAISA MEET AGAIN." See, I did ship them and love them together, I just also LOVE Micah and want my baby to find happiness, just not with Raisa. 
Here's a thought from now me. Was anyone else actually surprised that Crow was Alger? Because I sure as hell wasn't. It was pretty obvious. 

SPOILERS FOR GRAY WOLF THRONE

"Why does everything have to go wrong, ugh." 
"Also Han get over it, she clearly loves you." 
"MICAH KNELT FOR RAISA. I'M CRYING." See what I mean? Micah really does have a good heart. Yes, I'm biased, shut up haha. 
"Alright Mellony time to get your ass outta here." Seriously, I barely remember anything, but I do remember how ANNOYING this girl was. 
"HE GAVE HER HANALEA'S RING." 
"Loved the political aspect." 

SPOILERS FOR CRIMSON CROWN

"Such an intricate world." 
"Yay Alger knows his line continued." 
"Han slightly possessed? Outburst to Fiona." 
"Micah threatening Han for Raisa. Bae." I forget what this was about, but pretty sure it was in regards to Raisa's safety which was a real turn on for me, haha. 
"The flash piece Fire Dancer had-- I knew it! It's a trigger or something." 
"Ugh, still haven't seen enough of Micah." 
"Jt was Lucius, not Hanalea, who betrayed Alger. Calling it now." -- and I was right. 
"Glad there's not the typical turning on each other plot." That was enjoyable about these books-- they weren't typical. 
"Him only remembering the tavern song. I'm dying." That was a pretty funny moment. 
"FINALLY A MICAH CHAPTER." and I had hope for nothing, because there was only one. 
"Yo, dude, Micah deserves to know his family is dead." This really made me angry at Han. No matter how much Han may dislike Micah, don't you think he has the right to know that they're gone? Especially Fiona, his twin-- this was when that quote I cited earlier happened. Wow, I really wish we'd gotten to see more of their relationship. 
Okay next quote was one where I was getting mad at Han about him preaching about getting over the past and then going to to think of all the things he resented Micah for and wouldn't be helping him with... But he didn't say Micah, he called him "a Bayar." It was something like he wouldn't be "teaching to a Bayar." Which just goes to show that Han is still chained by family prejudices-- literally what he was just saying that Micah or someone should get over. 
"Micah just getting his heart broken. My poor baby." 
"Micah thought Han was dead, okay? HE DIDN'T KNOW." Really, Micah's fam did wrong him by lying to him. He thought he was telling Raisa the honest truth by saying Han was dead and trying to help her by proposing a marriage. I hate that this was never resolved and the novel ended with Raisa thinking Micah had lied and resenting him for it. I waited for a last scene just between the two of them clearing things up, imagine my disappointment when that never happened. If you couldn't tell, I just want my baby to be happy, haha. 
"Lol Raisa is my age and getting married." And yet I still haven't had a boyfriend... hmmm... 
"I KNEW IT. ALGER AND HANNALEA REUNITED." yeah, this was actually one of the perks about the end of the book. I'm glad they got to see each other again. 
And then there was the quote about lack of closure in the ending. You guessed it, it was Micah I was raging about. But also Fire Dancer and Cat and the rest of them didn't get a happy ending or closure or anything. Only Raisa and Han did, so I rest my point. Not the best ending. 
 
Anyway, thanks for reading this scattered review, sorry it took so long to come out 
Love you all, 
​Anji

Here's a book that's been on my TBR for years now. A decadent world filled with magic and culture, a delicate balance of power between the monarchs, wizards and clanspeople... so delicate that it's about to collapse. Filled with intrigue, action and just a dash of romance, The Demon King truly is a fun and enthralling ride. 

While this book has been on my radar for years and years now, I've always been hesitant to pick it up. Why? Well, years back I tried out the Chima's other series-- the Heir Chronicles, and was not particularly impressed. I read the first and second book, bought the third, and still have yet to pick it up. Maybe one day, probably not. But then again, I felt drawn to this series, mostly because of its high rating on Goodreads (4.2-- anything above 4 means most likely a phenomenal book.) Of course, I still didn't get the push I needed to read it, until I read a recommendation for Flamecaster, which is the first book in a sequel series to the Seven Realms series (this series). I wanted to just read Flamecaster, but I read a review saying I have to read the Seven Realms series first... So here we are. And let me make this clear from the get-go: I am so glad I read this series. 

​The Demon King follows two main protagonists-- Raisa ana'Marianna, the rebellious crown princess, and a reformed thief Han Alister. Both characters and their separate are quite interesting-- though, if I'm being honest, The Demon King definitely is the worst/ least interesting book in the series. As is common with high fantasy books, it takes a lot to set up the world, therefore, a lot of The Demon King was exposition-- just introducing the characters and the world they live in. Still, there was something that kept me reading it. Like, while reading, it's very hard to extract yourself and put the book down (after a bit in, I'll admit the start was a bit slow), but once you put the book down, it's not all that hard to not think about it anymore either. 

The most impressive thing about the book was its world. It took a lot of effort to really set it up and show where you were. I loved the political conflicts between the clans, the wizards and the monarchs. It made the world seem so much more realistic and relatable. There is a true complexity and depth written into their strained relationships-- and it was intriguing to read about. 
​
I would give the Demon King 7/10 stars, it was fun, but like I said, when I put it down, it wasn't something that I felt tugging at me to pick back up again. If you didn't get the vibe from the review, I'm actually writing after having finished the entire series so, just take my word for it and believe me when I say the series most definitely gets better-- worth the read, especially if you enjoy fantasy / action with a dash of romance like I do. 

Synopsis: 

Times are hard in the mountain city of Fellsmarch. Reformed thief Han Alister will do almost anything to eke out a living for his family. The only thing of value he has is something he can't sell—the thick silver cuffs he's worn since birth. They're clearly magicked—as he grows, they grow, and he's never been able to get them off.

One day, Han and his clan friend, Dancer, confront three young wizards setting fire to the sacred mountain of Hanalea. Han takes an amulet from Micah Bayar, son of the High Wizard, to keep him from using it against them. Soon Han learns that the amulet has an evil history—it once belonged to the Demon King, the wizard who nearly destroyed the world a millennium ago. With a magical piece that powerful at stake, Han knows that the Bayars will stop at nothing to get it back.

Meanwhile, Raisa ana'Marianna, princess heir of the Fells, has her own battles to fight. She's just returned to court after three years of freedom in the mountains—riding, hunting, and working the famous clan markets. Raisa wants to be more than an ornament in a glittering cage. She aspires to be like Hanalea—the legendary warrior queen who killed the Demon King and saved the world. But her mother has other plans for her...

The Seven Realms tremble when the lives of Hans and Raisa collide, fanning the flames of the smoldering war between clans and wizards.

Thanks for reading (sorry for such a short review, it's actually been a couple weeks since I read the book and I kinda forget the big things since I didn't take notes) 
Anji

"A prince may be the subject of myth and legend, but he can't live in them. He should live in the real world, where he can create them. You should pay less mind to fairy tales, Elian, or that's all you'll become." 

Vicious and clever, Alexandra Christo tears her way into the book world with her stunning debut novel To Kill A Kingdom. Loose fairytale retellings seem to be all the rage these days (Cinder, A Court of Thorns and Roses, etc.), yet I never knew I needed a wicked retelling of the Little Mermaid until I read this book. I was missing out, and I didn't even realize it until this book came along. 

Like I said before, it's wicked, and it's cunning, and it's a whole boatload (haha) of fun. Usually when I'm in a deep book hangover, the only cure is to read a sweet romance to snap me out. It's usually no good to read another action/fantasy story, because my mind is still stuck in another world. I still picked up To Kill A Kingdom for some reason-- even though I knew the odds of me liking it were slimmer due to the fact I was still feeling hurt by the ending of the Wolf by Wolf. Yet against all odds, I didn't just end up liking the book. I love it. 

"Royalty cannot be unmade. Birth rights cannot be changed. Hearts are forever scarred by our true nature." 

It very loosely tells the story of The Little Mermaid-- and I mean loosely. Like, the main character is half fish, her love interest is a prince and she has red hair and at some point gets turned into a human. The rest is a series of twists and turns that are all their own. To Kill A Kingdom will take you on a marvelous ride, stealing your breath and yanking at your heartstrings. It has a fun and intriguing plot, and even more fun and lovable characters. 

The "mermaids" of the story are not, in fact, mermaids. They are sirens, not the creepy vulturelike type of siren, but the mermaid-like sirens who sing to sailors and are their peril. Every year on her birthday, a siren will enchant some poor sailor and rip out their heart. It's brutal and it's vicious, and I love everything about them. They're solitary, cruel creatures who care for nothing but themselves. They do not bond, and they do not care. They simply exist to satisfy their own pleasures. 

"I may not have my fins, or even my voice, but I am my mother's daughter. I am the most murderous creature in the hundred kingdoms."

While all sirens are feared, not many sprout as much terror in the hearts of man as the Prince's Bane, otherwise known as Lira, the princess of the sea. Lira is cruel and brutal, just as a siren should be-- or at least, she tries to act that way. I loved Lira's character because of how sharp she is. She's nothing like the sweet, naive Ariel. Nope, Lira is a personality of her own, and the only way to describe her is sharp. She's cunning, and more than that-- she has a very sharp tongue, always quick to lash out with clever words. Her and Elian's word spars are part of what made the book so enjoyable. She's a strong protagonist, able to defend or attack even when in a strange body in an even stranger setting. 

The story is told from dual POVs, Lira's and Elian's. Elian is a pirate at heart, but stuck in a Prince's body. All he wants is to be out at sea with his loyal crew, hunting the creatures who hunt him-- sirens. Yet, he has a duty to his family and to his country, a duty that he despises. How can he be responsible for a nation when he feels an undeniable calling to the sea? Like Lira, he's not just clever, but he's also cunning. He comes up with the most devious plans, and never backs away from a fight.

Neither Elian nor Lira are what you'd, or at least I, expect(ed). They're both masters of sass, and clever snaps, which makes their interactions a joy to read. I found myself laughing out loud and snorting more times than I could count. Their banter just... made everything so much better. 

"You can't win a war. Someone else just loses." 

The world Christo has created is rich and beautiful. Not only did she create a glittering setting, but she also even went as far as to write parts of a language for the story! Now that's impressive and takes good commitment. I was shocked when I reached the end of the book and discovered it to be a standalone-- from the intricate world Christo put the effort into setting up, and the amazing characters, I assumed (and wanted) there to be more books. Yet, so far there aren't any plans for more. Unfortunately. 

Every element of this story is breathtaking, not just the world. It's all so beautifully written and... Wow. This really is just a work of art. It would be impossible to know that this was the author's debut novel-- some authors have been publishing for years and still have yet to master the elegance that Christo has with her words, her characters and her storytelling. 8/10 stars, To Kill A Kingdom is a truly beautiful and exciting masterpiece.

I will admit that yes, the beginning of the story seemed a bit slow-- perhaps overly slow in my eyes because I was still fawning over Luka Lowe and Yael, but it really catches up, I promise. You just have to learn to love the characters, and then everything follows. :) I highly recommend this book to any and all, it has every element you could possibly want and more. You honestly don't know you're missing out, but you really are if you haven't read To Kill A Kingdom yet. 

Synopsis:  

Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most—a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever.

The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby—it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good—But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy?

Thanks for reading, 
​Anj

Ever wonder what really happened during the last race between Luka and the real Adele Wolfe? Iron to Iron answers that question. Unfortunately it isn't a fully fledged novel, only about 100 pages, but any time with Luka Lowe is worth the read for me. 

It was a bit of a painful read, seeing as Luka isn't falling for Yael, he's falling for Adele. Still, definitely worth the read because it's set in this world with these characters! How could you not read every last word dedicated to them? 

I enjoyed this novella. It was adorable seeing Luka turn into this little puppy falling in love, and then horrible seeing him hurt. Seriously, it was leading up to the betrayal moment and I silently wished for it not to happen while also silently rooted for it to occur. Why these warring thoughts? Because if the betrayal never happened Luka would never have been hurt, and I never want to see my precious baby hurt, but if it had never happened, Luka also probably would have never fallen for Yael for a lot of reasons including the fact that Adele would have not won so Yael could never enter the race and also that Luka would still be in love with Adele, which would be inconvenient seeing as he absolutely must be in love with Yael. 

After reading this book, I just need more closure with Yael and Felix... and a Wolf by Wolf from Luka's POV. That's not too much to ask for, right? Haha. Ryan, if you're reading this, please, I need more Luka Lowe. Give me a Wolf by Wolf from Luka! I'll buy all the copies if necessary to pay you the adequate amount. Haha. Well, I'd give Iron to Iron 8/10 stars. It was a fun read, of course it wasn't as good as the actual books in the series, though. 

A story just as bloodthirsty and brutal, if not more so, than its predecessor. Full of action, violence, betrayal and subterfuge, Blood for Blood is an epic conclusion to the Wolf by Wolf duology. Relationships are broken, but some are mended. How do you act around the people who you bonded with as a different person? An interesting question, and one probably nobody knows how to answer-- seeing as none of us can shape shift into someone else. 

Blood for Blood has an interesting balance of plot v. character heaviness. It just seemed to tip very strongly in either direction during different parts of the book. The characters, especially Luka, grew so much during this book, and it was a privilege to watch his journey. And I'm not just saying that because I'm totally in love with Luka Lowe. Sure, I would love anything that had to do with him, but his character growth in this book made him even more of a dream-worthy character. 

Unlike Wolf by Wolf, Blood for Blood is told from three different perspectives. Can you guess whose? Yael, Felix and Luka's. While some books suffer when changing their POVs through a series, this actually enhanced the reading experience. It was fantastic being able to see into their thoughts-- especially their reactions to finding out Adele was not actually Adele. In fact, the book would have suffered without showing these characters because each character had their own individual journey mental & physical to overcome. (Don't read that as they're all separate during the book-- they're not!)

While the book was stellar-- the writing, characters and action superb, I found myself wishing for a few things that didn't occur. Firstly I wanted more touching/actual moments between our main duo. No, I don't mean romantic, just more talking and bonding, I guess, between them with her as Yael instead of Adele. Sure, there were a few, but my greedy heart expected and direly wished for more. Mostly with Felix-- I wanted a lot more closure between Felix and Yael than I got. It was mostly Felix that I was pondering about during the first book on how he and Yael would act together once he knew, and unfortunately I didn't get too many "touching" scenes between them to find out. What I mean when I say "actual" moments is that while the characters are together for a lot of the novel, you hardly see any actual interactions between them. You just see thoughts going through their head and then the events going on around them. 

I was sort of nervous going into this book because I thought the real Adele Valerie Wolfe was going to be a bigger player and... Well, I didn't want her to be because again, I'm selfish and want all the attention for my girl, Yael. Plus, from what I gathered in the first book, Adele was not someone i would like. She seemed kinda selfish, but maybe I just thought that because I was purposely against her due to the fact that I'm totally team Yael. 100%. 

But slight spoiler, we hardly even saw Adele at all during this book. How is it that she's such a looming, important presence but even after finishing the series I feel like I barely know her? (Yes, I have read Iron to Iron). While I was dreading her being a bigger character, I was somehow still disappointed when she stayed very much in the background. 

I would give Blood for Blood 9/10 stars, while it was still a fantastical novel, it didn't touch me quite as much as Wolf for Wolf. Don't get me wrong, Blood for Blood was great, but Wolf for Wolf was a phenomenal work of art. Seriously, I was left with a BIG book hangover after finishing this novel. The biggest one I've had in a long time-- it left a gap in my soul bigger and heavier than I could've thought was possible. This isn't a finale you want to miss out on-- nothing that happens is what you could expect. Unlike other novels where characters get unexpectedly lucky, everything that could go wrong did go wrong, and anything that you're hoping could go wrong, doesn't. Seriously, Blood for Blood is nothing like what you would expect. 

Synopsis: 

There would be blood. Blood for blood. Blood to pay. An entire world of it.

For the resistance in the Third Reich, the war may be over, but the fight has just begun. Death camp survivor Yael, who has the power to skinshift, is on the run: the world has just seen her shoot and kill Hitler. But the truth of what happened is far more complicated, and its consequences are deadly. Yael and her unlikely comrades dive into enemy territory to try to turn the tide against Hitler’s army, and there is no alternative but to see their mission through to the end, whatever the cost.

But in the midst of the chaos, Yael’s past and future collide when she comes face to face with a ghost from her past, and a spark with a fellow rider begins to grow into something more. Dark secrets reveal dark truths and one question hangs over them all—how far can you go for the ones you love?

SPOILERS 

WHY DID LUKA HAVE TO DIE? Sure, it showed his tremendous character growth, willing to sacrifice himself versus betraying Yael in the first one, but NO! LUKA AND YAEL deserved so much more. They deserved a future! NOT LUKA GETTING SHOT GODDAMNIT. Wow. Luka's character growth was just beautiful throughout this book and wow. I love everything that happened with him minus the fact that he was killed. I especially loved seeing him see Yael and still be in love with her. Seeing the slight glimpses of the race through his mind made me squeal in delight I mean... 

"To Luka's (very small) credit, he hadn't meant to fall in love with Adele again. He'd plunged into the 1956 Axis Tour bent on a single thing-- revenge." 

"His plan was this: Watch Adele Wolf like a hawk. Pretend he still loved her. Gain her trust, her alliance, her heart, and cement it with a kiss (which happened to be laced with a soporific that would knock her out for hours and give him a sold lead, another victory)." 

"The more Luka watched, the more he realized there was a problem with his plan.... He couldn't pretend he still loved Adele Wolfe, because he did." 

AH. If you aren't screaming at these, where is your heart? 

"Only when they were even-- a heart for a heart, a victory for a victory-- could they be together." 

Just watching them in love is beautiful. It was perfect. And I just wish there was more. Watching Luka interact with Adele when he's no longer in love with her? Wow. That was just so satisfying. 

Now let's move on to the other beautiful boy. Felix, my sweet, loyal baby. Who isn't nearly as loyal anymore. Okay, yes, he's loyal to his family, but not to Yael! I could understand his plight, I really could, but did it make me feel that it was okay? No. Every moment I was hoping that he would be caught and be turned to the right side, but he never was, not until it was too late. 

Unfortunately we couldn't get too many touching scenes with Yael and Felix. You basically get that one scene with the chess pieces where she makes that promise to him, but otherwise they were in the same area, but never actually had a deep talk. I get that they don't really have time-- the world is at stake-- but I STILL NEED THOSE MOMENTS. I especially craved more closure between Felix and Yael at the end of the novel, after Yael finds out about his treachery. Sure, she takes him to his family, but do they talk? NO. I JUST NEED MORE CLOSURE, OKAY? It bugs me to think about that it's not resolved... 

Anyway, thanks for reading, 
​Anj


​

"Once upon a different time, there was a girl who lived in a kingdom of death. Wolves howled up her arm. A whole pack of them -- made of tattoo ink and pain, memory and loss. It was the only thing about her that ever stayed the same."

Dark and gritty, Wolf by Wolf is everything you could possibly want in a book and more. I read a lot. I read a lot of different books, and I've read a lot of great books... And this is by far one of the best books I've ever read. I'm not kidding when I say that Wolf by Wolf is everything you could imagine in a great book. It has all the elements you could possibly want-- a badass protagonist, thrilling plot and intriguing side characters.

Let me start this review by telling you a quick story. Meet the protagonist, me. When I came across this book, I was stunned by its rating on Goodreads. A 4.27/5 stars. For those of you unfamiliar with Goodreads, usually a 3.80 or above means a fairly promising book. Anything above a 4 means a fantastic book. And as high as .27? It has to be a phenomenal read. Therefore I had to add it to my TBR list. 

Then I read the synopsis... And instantly lost my interest. See, the synopsis just felt really... dumb to me. It sounded like a very weird plot that I would not be into at all. I mean, come on motorcycle race to kill Hitler? How absurd does that plot line sound? (PLEASE DON'T STOP READING THE REVIEW! TRUST ME, IT'S A GREAT BOOK.) You may be feeling the same way I did then-- hesitant and ready to never think about this book again. Don't. Don't make that mistake. You don't wanna be missing out on this book. Then I skimmed my friends' reviews on Goodreads, and they were all 5 star and glowing... So I kept the book on my To Be Read list, but felt hesitant to ever pick the book up. 

Skip forward a couple weeks and I'm getting on a six hour flight to go on vacation in California. Before leaving for the airport I downloaded 3 books. Wolf by Wolf was one of them. That was my way of forcing myself to read it and see what all the hype was about. Still, Wolf by Wolf was the last of the three books-- that's how doubtful I was about it. 

It's extremely difficult to come out of a book with a positive reading experience when going in with negative expectations... Yet somehow I came out of this book in complete awe. I instantly got the next book, read that, cried because it was over, and then reread the series again. The point of this little anecdote is that while the plot synopsis might be a little... strange, don't worry about it. Push through and really try to enjoy the book. (Also side note, my friend thought it sounded dumb too, but I forced her to read the book and she loved it. So...) 

"She-wolf. An interesting choice."
"I didn't choose it," she told him. "It chose me." 

Here, I'm going to try and set up the story for you in a way that doesn't sound crazy-- but even if it does, I still really want to encourage you all to try it out. Alright, picture this-- a world where the Axis Powers won World War II. Kind of a scary thought, huh? Since the Axis won, that means their lovely leader, Adolf Hitler is still alive, leading the people of Germany-- only, it's not just Germany, it's an entire empire of conquered nations. 

"Not everything was gray ashfall, yellowing weeds, withered blue hands, crimson rivers of blood....There was still beauty in this world. And it was worth fighting for."

The Axis Powers valued strength in their youth-- so as victors of the world war, they host an annual motorcycle race across their territory-- 20,000 kilometers-- to show the strength of their people and find the most promising youth to be the next face of the empire. From that perspective, the motorcycle race makes sense. 

Last year, the race had its first female victor-- Adele Wolfe. When she attended her victor's ball, Hitler waltzed with her on live television. No one is able to get that close to Hitler, especially not on live television, so the resistance forms a plan to spark continent-wide rebellion. Kill Hitler on live TV where everyone can see it-- the only issue is that no one else has ever been able to get that close to him. Only Adele Wolfe can, and she can only do that if she wins this year's race and is offered another dance at the victor's ball. 

Now meet Yael. She's a Jewish girl who escaped her concentration camp with the help of a unique ability. While at the camp, she was tested on, and those tests caused her to be able to shapeshift-- or skin shift, as she calls it. Yael works for the rebellion, and now she has a very important mission. She has to kill Hitler, and she's the only person who can... as Adele Wolfe.

So Yael enters this years race disguised as last year's Victor. All she has to do is win, not so hard, right? Wrong. The race is full of sabotage along with all the natural difficulties of riding a motorcycle 20,000 kilometers throughout multiple continents. Plus, there's the issue of not being discovered, which didn't seem like it would be an issue until Felix, Adele Wolf's twin brother, enters the race. Not to mention Luke Lowe, another victor hellbent on wining again, who seems to have a tangled past with Adele-- one that Yael knows nothing about. So Yael must pretend to be Adele and try to figure out what Adele's relationship is with these two boys and learn how to act towards them...

There's my best shot at giving a synopsis and setting up the story without making the plot sound completely nuts. If that still didn't win you over, here, let's talk about elements of the book.

"Not alone. It was a cruel irony that this was the message she had been chosen to deliver. She, the loneliest of all. The girl without a people. Without a face. The girl who was no one. Who could be everyone."

Yael is quite literally the perfect protagonist. She's tough, but also vulnerable. She genuinely cares for everyone-- every life matters to her. She has a lust for vengeance, but is also understanding and empathetic.  She's a very easy protagonist to really root for and sympathize with. 

"She thought she was ready for this mission. Ready for anything. 
But not this. Not relationships. 
This wasn’t something she could fake."

Now let's talk about the two main side characters that I've fallen madly in love with. Luka Lowe and Felix Wolfe. Two vastly different boys that both provide the same problem for Yael. She doesn't know them, and she doesn't know wheat's between them and Adele. Luka is another victor of the race, and a cocky bastard to top that off. (AKA perfectly my type) His lighthearted banter with Yael is one of my favorite things. He has so many layers, and it was so much fun trying to uncover the true Luka Lowe as the book continued on. Felix is the exact opposite of Luka. While it seems that Luka may or may not be out to get Adele/Yael, Felix is there to protect her. He's strong and loyal to a fault. He'll do anything and everything for his twin, and AH. I just loved him for that.

I'll admit, the plot had a pretty slow start. It took a while to get into the story, but once you get in, it's impossible to pull yourself out of the riveting world of subterfuge, lies and betrayal. The race's storyline was absolutely enthralling, it had my heart racing at all the intense moments and me squealing in excitement basically all the time. The story flashes between present and past, Yael in the race, the past-- her time in the concentration camp and then teaming up with the rebels. I mean, I think this might be an obvious comment but I preferred the present story (most books with dual stories are like that). While, yes, I did come to appreciate the flashbacks (you need them, to see where Yael is coming from. They are definitely necessary plot points), the first few just seemed to break up the momentum. (This was when I was still hesitant about the book.) As I got into the flow of things, the flashbacks seemed more well placed, and more interesting. 

The race is no ordinary race. Because of the length of the journey, the race isn't solely dependent on speed. In fact, speed is a bit of an afterthought. If you're going to win the Axis Tour, you have to concentrate on survival and pay attention to your competitors. Close attention. There is plenty of sabotage that occurs along the roads, and if you're even going to think about making the 20,000 kilometers, you're going to need allies to watch your back. But who can you trust when everyone is in it to win? I loved this aspect of the plot, it was a truly exhilarating adventure-- especially with all the tricks and twists the occurred along the way to Tokyo. 

While the race itself is a draw, so are the characters and their relationships. It's so intriguing to watch Yael interact with these two boys, see her attempt to uncover who Adele is, even when she doesn't know who she herself is. The relationships are so complex, and so beautifully written... Seriously, I don't even know the words to describe how much I love everything about these characters and their stories. 

Graudin has written a masterpiece. It's highly unusual that I give a new book this rating, and even more unusual that I am giving this to a book that I was convinced I would dislike but 9.5/10 stars. If everything I've said already hasn't convinced you to read Wolf by Wolf, I just have to say 9.5/10. That's how amazing this story is. Sure, it has a slow start, but the novel catches up and overtakes its beginning. If you're not convinced yet, I don't have anything more to say other than READ IT. 

Synopsis: 

Her story begins on a train.

The year is 1956, and the Axis powers of the Third Reich and Imperial Japan rule. To commemorate their Great Victory, Hitler and Emperor Hirohito host the Axis Tour: an annual motorcycle race across their conjoined continents. The victor is awarded an audience with the highly reclusive Adolf Hitler at the Victor’s Ball in Tokyo.

Yael, a former death camp prisoner, has witnessed too much suffering, and the five wolves tattooed on her arm are a constant reminder of the loved ones she lost. The resistance has given Yael one goal: Win the race and kill Hitler. A survivor of painful human experimentation, Yael has the power to skinshift and must complete her mission by impersonating last year’s only female racer, Adele Wolfe. This deception becomes more difficult when Felix, Adele twin’s brother, and Luka, her former love interest, enter the race and watch Yael’s every move.

But as Yael grows closer to the other competitors, can she bring herself to be as ruthless as she needs to be to avoid discovery and complete her mission?

From the author of The Walled City comes a fast-paced and innovative novel that will leave you breathless.

SPOILERS 

I don't have much spoilery talk to say. I've basically said all my opinions above. If any of you want to actually talk about the details of the book, though, I'd be totally down. I fell in love with this book and need as many people as possible to talk to about it. The moment that rings out in my mind now that I've reread it multiple times that makes me squeal with delight is at the beginning of the race when Luka is doing the pincer movement and saying "Let's have fun, Fraulein!" and AH. Emotions. I love that. 

Anyway, thanks for reading, 
Anj

“Sometimes I miss this. You. Me. Secrets. Stars.” His words curled out with the smoke—wisps of burning air that actually looked pretty. “I thought I was invincible. Before you.”

Set in a world where the rich are absurdly rich and the poor are living in absolute shambles, Pacifica follows Ross and Marin, two people who were born on opposite sides of the spectrum. Ross is the son of the most powerful man in the world and has lived a life of luxury, while Marin was quite literally born in a land of trash and is now living in the poorest of the poor districts. 
Pacifica is an action filled novel-- but that's not the thing that really sets it apart and pulls the reader into the dystopian world of Pacifica. What really sets this book apart and lifts it up and beyond is its characters. 
Ross, the boy prince with the heart of gold. He's made up of good intentions and always unconsciously just sees the best in people. He's literally such a sweetheart and while the sweethearts aren't usually the ones who steal my heart in books, Ross really won me over. He's trusting, good natured and possesses an unseen disability-- one that he has never told anyone about because he's the president's son. He has to be perfect. And wow, his imperfections really just made him more perfect and more realistic in my eyes. 
Then there's Marin. The girl from the slums and a pirate at that. Her father raised her to be cruel, to be cunning-- and that's all really anyone ever sees of her, if they even bother to look past the poor clothes and the grime. She's such fun protagonist, really all you could ever want in one-- clever and self-made, having worked for what she has and what she is. 
And a third character that is hardly seen in the book, but whose presence is highly important, is Adam, Ross's best friend and son of the vice president. But there's more to him than what meets the... well, not eye, the outwardly description. See, Adam and his family is from the slums, and he's never really fit in with any of the people in Ross's circle. The gap between the rich and the poor is gargantuan, and the disdain the aristocrats feel towards those from the slums is colossal. The only one to have ever accepted Adam is Ross. Their friendship is what drives the book-- after all, if Adam had never been taken, Ross would've never gone on a fantastical journey with Marin to find him. 
The relationship between the characters is phenomenal. Adam and Ross's friendship is the epitome of what everyone wishes their friendships could be. Ross quite literally is willing to go to the ends of the Earth to find Adam and bring him back to safety. While this relationship is already established before the book begins, as you progress through the book, you get to see and understand more of their friendship-- which makes you able to love it even more. 
Then there's Marin and Ross's relationship. This is one that doesn't exist before the start of this book and you really get to watch it build and become something beautiful throughout the book. I quite literally fell in love with them and their reactions with each other. Sure, the romance takes a back burner to the plot, but it is still there, and wow, the tension is real. 
Of course, though the characters and their relationships are what elevates the book to become something truly remarkable, the plot is also quite action-filled and thrilling. It was exciting and fun and AH. This book is truly everything you could hope to find. It may have a tweed bit of a slow start, but once you get into it, you're in and it's three AM. 
8/10 stars, this book was truly a work of art. Wow, I can't even express in words how taken I was by this story and these characters. I'm pretty sure that a reread is on the horizon quite soon, because I'm ready to be taken back into this world. It's unusual to read a standalone novel and get this attached, but here I am, still quite enraptured with the novel. Yes, you heard me-- it's a standalone. I actually didn't realize this when going into it, I assumed it would be a series like basically any other action book you'd pick up in the store... But it's not, which is amazing because it was able to create and wrap up an enthralling story in a satisfying manner-- but it's also a little disappointing, because I could use more books with these characters. At least I can be comforted in knowing that they're probably happy-- a new book would mean new troubles. Anyway, I hope you all give this book an opportunity and then proceed to enjoy it as much as I did/do. 
Synopsis: 
​
Marin is corsario royalty, a pirate like her father and his father before him. Sailing the ocean to chase adventure is in her blood. But these days no one cares that the island town her people call home is named after her grandfather. They have a new leader, one who promises an end to their hunger – and one who thinks that girls are meant for the kitchen or the brothel. Marin knows she's meant for more than that, and with the sudden influx of weapons on the island, and rumors of a pending deal with the enemy oil nation in her wake, she knows a big score to gain the council's favor is the only way to save her people, and herself.

Ross lives a life of privilege. As the president's son he wants for nothing, but he longs for a life of adventure. On a dare, he convinces his best friend Adam to sneak out to the Docks, the site of local race riots between the poor Shorlings and the upper class. But when Adam is arrested along with the other Shorlings, and not even the president is willing to find him, Ross finds himself taking matters into his own hands. He journeys back into the Docks, ready to make deals with anyone, even a beautiful pirate, if it means Adam's safe return.

When Marin and Ross meet in dangerous Shoreling territory he sees a way to get his friend back and she sees her ticket home. The ransom a president’s son would command could feed her people for years and restore her family’s legacy. But somewhere in the middle of the ocean, Marin must decide if her heart can handle handing over the only person who has ever seen her as more than a pirate.

Sorry, I'm not going to be able to write full on reviews for all these books because I am so very behind on book reviews. These aren't even the only books I have left to review,they're just a few of them. Anyway, here's a quick overview of each book and what I thought go them. 

​The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross
Here's another book that has been getting a ton of hype. I've been seeing it everywhere, plus it has a 4.05 on goodreads. If a book on goodreads has something in the high 3's, that means it's probably something you want to check out. If it's above four? Definitely not something you want to miss out on. Therefore, even though the synopsis didn't grip me, I got the book. 
Unfortunately, I was not very impressed. Everything was just so convenient and easy. Any challenge that occurred wasn't even worrying, because it was resolved in the next chapter or even the next few paragraphs. There just was no feeling of peril because the book's pattern showed that problems were not all the hard to overcome. 
There was also the "connections" made in the novel. People bonded way to quickly. I get that there are some people that you can just click with, but the depth of the bond created between characters in a matter pages was rather off-putting. It's really hard to believe that a relationship created in a matter of pages is so deep. Not just believing, either, it's hard (if not impossible) to connect or really care all that much about the relationship because you, as the reader, can't actually feel the relationship is real. Seriously, I laughed at a line because I was like you guys can't have bonded that quickly.  
Another thing that I didn't especially couldn't get into or connect with was the romance. It just made me feel sorta weird and uncomfortable. That's all I'm going to say about it in the nonspoilery section. Also just a strange side note: the "biggest question" of the book (which was pretty obvious even if you didn't read the family trees) was given right in the first few pages due to the family trees. Plus it didn't even matter that much plot-wise, anyway so... I dunno, like it wasn't a big cliffhanger keeping me on the edge of the seat because a. it was already given away b. it was obvious anyway and c. it didn't matter that much even when it was revealed. 
I'm giving this book 6/10 stars. It had some good elements, but most of it was overshadowed by the rushing and easy solutions.  I can't say that I'll be coming back to read the sequel. 
Synopsis: 
​
When her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron.

Growing up in the southern Kingdom of Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her for such a life. While some are born with an innate talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she belatedly chose to study knowledge. However, despite all her preparations, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true—the solstice does not go according to plan and she is left without a patron.

Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Suspicious of his intent, and with no other choices, she accepts. But there is much more to his story, and Brienna soon discovers that he has sought her out for his own vengeful gain. For there is a dangerous plot being planned to overthrow the king of Maevana—the archrival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the northern throne. And others are involved—some closer to Brienna than she realizes.

With war brewing between the two lands, Brienna must choose whose side she will remain loyal to—passion or blood. Because a queen is destined to rise and lead the battle to reclaim the crown. The ultimate decision Brienna must determine is: Who will be that queen?
SPOILERS 
Okay, so the big plot point of Brienna's father is quite literally GIVEN IN THE FAMILY TREES. Plus it also didn't even matter all that much. Sure, it gave Brienna access to the laws in stone (which I forgetting the name of), but she already had the necklace, so that was just a plus. Then her dad got killed before anything even could be interesting-- like one of the plot lines that I actually was interested in was the relationship plot between Brienna, her father and her brothers. But then, you know, the mean brother and her father were killed so... Like it's just disappointing because of all the potential this book showed, and most of it was killed off. literally. 
The quick relationships I was talking about? Mainly between Jourdain and Brienna. Like that father-daughter connection sprung up out of nowhere. I never saw her bonding with him, and then BOOM there was the deep, airtight father-daughter bond. And then from that, she bonded ASAP with everyone else-- like she and the Princess trusted each other and bonded real quick. Basically just all the deep relationships introduced in this book were unbelievable and quite frankly, annoying. I wouldn't be annoyed by them if they were probably constructed, but they weren't, and therefore I did not connect or feel invested in the relationships. 
Just everything was so easy. Not that I necessarily need people's deaths, but it's kinda surprising that everyone survived that BIG final battle. Especially since they were riding in the front... Also surprising that Norah was able to literally predict the exact thing that would happen. I actually laughed out loud upon hearing her prediction like. HAHAHAH. It was so on point, too on point. 
Also the fact that they actually followed Brienna's plan (and that the plan worked), even though they were all strategy experts and she was literally a master of knowledge (as in like, history and such), just, wow. Same with the visions. They were "hard" to find for about a chapter. And then Brienna got the perfect vision explaining where the necklace was. Also, how convenient is it that Merei could fight? Like she was trained in instruments, but suddenly she's an expert enough archer to be able to survive a big battle. 
The relationship between Cartier and Brienna was just... no. Only a couple of chapters in I could tell that this was going to be a romance and I was just hoping that it wouldn't occur. But it did. Of course, it was made more comfortable by me looking at the family tree and seeing that they were actually only 8 years apart, but still... there's something about teacher romances that makes me feel really weird and just. No thank you. 
Sorry this is all me ranting. This book was just so easy. No peril. it was all rushed and ugh. I can't believe it has such a high rating on goodreads. Sorry for all of you who loved this book and I just trashed it.. This just wasn't the book for me. 

Defy by Sara B. Larson 
Normally this book would be totally down my alley. A badass female pretending to be something else, and a love triangle between a bad boy prince with the heart of gold and a sweet guard... Hm, I take that back. I probably would've liked this book if I had read it eight years ago. Now? It was just too much cliche for me. Yes, I have been known to love cliches, but only when they put a twist on it to make the story interesting. There was nothing interesting about Defy for me. It was just a stereotypical cliche book. It didn't have anything to set it apart from all the other novels that had similar tropes-- especially considering that every element of the story was predictable and every problem was easily solved. There was nothing to enthrall the reader. 
It might have impressed me a few years ago, but now I was just meh with the book. My main complaint about it, as you have already gathered, is that it wasn't fun or original. Like, if you like cliches a lot, this might be one to check out because while there is nothing fun or impressive, it still has action, adventure and romance. Not that I actually cared that much about the characters of the plot, but you know, it still had the components a good book would have. It was standard, but nothing special. I actually read this because a friend recommended it to me. She absolutely adored the story and the characters-- while I rolled my eyes about every five seconds. 
My friend told me that this book was similar to Throne of Glass. It's not. The only similarity is having a main character in a love triangle with a prince and a guard... but the similarities stop there. Not that that was the reason for me to not love the novel-- I wouldn't want a recreation of Throne of Glass, that would offend me and my love for Sarah J. Maas-- but I just want to say that this book doesn't even come close to measuring up to Throne of Glass. Sorry, Defy, Throne of Glass is just a work of art. 
Easy to read, but also easy to put down. That's what I'd say about the book if I could put it into one sentence. 6/10 stars. I'm sorry to say that I won't be continuing the series-- I'm just not invested or interested in it enough. 

Synopsis: 

Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?
SPOILERS
Ugh. I'm just annoyed that both boys already knew that she was female. That was the fun reveal and secret that I actually read the book to see. I thought it would be something like the movie She's the Man (Which I love), where it's a weird chemistry between the girl pretending to be a boy and her love interest (because he's a love interest and he thinks she's a he) and then getting the shock when he turns out to be a she. I was looking forward to that because I thought it would be fun to see their reactions... Unfortunately that didn't happen. 
Also just like HOW TYPICAL WAS THIS PLOT? Did Rylan ever have a chance? Haha no. Is Damien the to prince that stole my heart? Nope. I was not all that interested in him. What makes him different from all the other bad boys I've fallen in love with? I have no idea. I just couldn't bring myself to care about anyone or anything in this novel. 

Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston
Here's another new release that got lot of hype. Basically the story of Anastasia in a dystopian space. It seems I am at odds with a lot of my goodreads friends, because they all loved this book. I was not nearly as enraptured with it. In fact, whilst reading it I was powering through with the goal of being done with it-- never a good sign when you're reading a book.
Heart of Iron had all the right plot elements to make a mind blowing book, but the way it played out just didn't hold my interest. 
Perhaps it was because the vital elements felt rushed, while the rest of the novel dragged. How can a book be both rushed and too slow? I have no idea, but somehow this book managed to do just that. 
The part that was rushed was the relationship building-- mostly with Robb and the crew of the Dossier. He grows very attached to everyone on the ship very quickly. Every time he refers to them in a fond way, I would just look up and kinda pause for a moment. That just seemed so unrealistic seeing as he barely knew all of them etc. Sure, he might like them, but the way he views them is with a much deeper connection than my mind found plausible. There was also a bit of a case of instalove happening. Not quite the full instalove more like instalove with mistrust. But still, instalove. The stuff of my hatred. 
 The plot also felt rush during the critical moments. It just moved along hastily, so hastily I didn't have time to feel involved or become attached to either the story or the characters. Yes, I said it, I didn't care about any of the characters either. Just none of them really clicked with me. That is to say, I didn't particularly dislike any of them immensely, some of them made choices that irked me nearly to the max, but I didn't hate any of them. Not only was the plot rushed, but it was also very predictable. Foreshadowing? It was more like forelighting, I predicted everything that happened and wasn't surprised by a single "twist." While I do pride myself in being able to predict things... I do like a little suspense as well. 
Other than the instalove with mistrust romance, there was also a romance that I just felt weird about. And maybe that's on me, I mean, I'm sure other readers were fine with it, but the idea of a romance with a robot... It just weirds me out. A lot. Sorry, maybe I'm not open minded enough? But yeah, that's how I felt about that romance. 
I'm going to give Heart of Iron 6/10 stars. It had its moments, but failed to suck me into the world, or even really get me to care. Sorry for all the big fans of the book, but I wasn't all that impressed (if you couldn't tell from the review). I probably won't be coming back for the second book. 
Synopsis: 

Seventeen-year-old Ana is a scoundrel by nurture and an outlaw by nature. Found as a child drifting through space with a sentient android called D09, Ana was saved by a fearsome space captain and the grizzled crew she now calls family. But D09—one of the last remaining illegal Metals—has been glitching, and Ana will stop at nothing to find a way to fix him.

Ana’s desperate effort to save D09 leads her on a quest to steal the coordinates to a lost ship that could offer all the answers. But at the last moment, a spoiled Ironblood boy beats Ana to her prize. He has his own reasons for taking the coordinates, and he doesn’t care what he’ll sacrifice to keep them.

When everything goes wrong, she and the Ironblood end up as fugitives on the run. Now their entire kingdom is after them—and the coordinates—and not everyone wants them captured alive.

What they find in a lost corner of the universe will change all their lives—and unearth dangerous secrets. But when a darkness from Ana’s past returns, she must face an impossible choice: does she protect a kingdom that wants her dead or save the Metal boy she loves?
​

That is, until her mother is arrested under Article 5, and Ember is taken to a reform school. And it wasn't just a random arrest, either, Ember's mother was arrested by Ember's first and only love interest... 
Ember was a fine protagonist. Not particularly awe inspiring, but not hate-worthy either. Like I said before, she makes idiotic decisions, but nothing to fully turn me against her. Then there's Chase, Ember's ex-boyfriend.  He's the serious, brooding type-- which is not exactly my type. So no, I did not fall head over heels with him, but he was still a good love interest for Ember. Perhaps a little too somber for me, but maybe that's fitting for the world that they live in. Honestly, I was more attached to a character named Sean who you meet for a solid ten seconds, but still, I like him. 
I also was interested with the character Tucker, which may say more about me than the book. I always like the bad characters-- want to know their backstories and see their redemption... but it's unlikely that I'll ever find out more because, well, I'm not all that interested in following up in the sequel. This book left off in a place that I'm fine with and I don't care that much to pursue the characters, so... Sorry, probably not coming back for the sequel. I'd give the book 6/10 stars. It had its moments, but overall was not very fascinating. 
I picked the book up because I'd recently read another book-- Pacifica-- by the same author and was totally in love... Unfortunately this novel didn't have the magic of Pacifica. Possibly because the writing was not nearly as good, same with the character and plot development. My review for Pacifica will be coming out soon, so I don't want to spoil you on that, but I loved it. Stay tuned to hear more of my thoughts ;). 
Anyway, thanks for reading,
Anj