"Let's not be cruel. One should never save cake for later when it can be eaten now."
Finale books are extremely difficult. It's nearly impossible to meet all the reader's expectations. Sometimes finales can even destroy the reader's view of the series, because if it doesn't end in a satisfying way... It's really hard to remember the entirety of the series (no matter how good) without the blemish of the last one. To name a few finales that, unfortunately, ruined the way I view a series, Allegiant by Veronica Roth, Mockingjay by Susan Collins, The Last Star by Rick Yancy, FREAKING Requiem by Lauren Oliver... etc.
Luckily for us, Winter is not one of those books. Somehow, I don't know how Meyer did it, but she was able to satisfy my every need in this book, and bring the series to a conclusion that I have not one issue with. There are some things I'd wished would happen or happened, but nothing major. Just little things. Really this will go down in history as one of the best finale books there is. It's very close to books like Clockwork Princess, City of Heavenly Fire and Deathly Hallows. It's that good.
If you don't know what this series is, it's really good, I highly reccomend it, and I have reviews on the past three books to give you the basic information you need to know :)
Winter finishes the epic Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. The new characters introduced in the story are Princess Winter, Queen Levana's stepdaughter, and Jacin Clay, a palace guard. We actually got the pleasure (?) of meeting both these characters in the last book. Though, we didn't really get to see the true side of them, because that only really seems to come out when they're around each other.
I have to say, Winter and Jacin might be my new favorite ship for this series. They'd just everything. Winter is this fragile, kind, all-loving (sometimes crazy) girl, and Jacin will do anything to protect her. He's like Julian Blackthorn but not to the extent of making me uncomfortable. Actually, I think I'm almost as in love with Jacin Clay as Winter is. They're childhood friends, but they could never be together because of the social restraints. It's really basically all the romantic cliches along with character archetypes that I love. I love Winter and Jacin's relationship in this book, and was surprised that I was really looking forward to their chapters.
There were no chapters that I was not thoroughly invested in, I loved each and every page-- and there were a crap ton of pages. Some finale's issues are that the book feels rushed. Winter is nothing like that, Meyer was smart and used as many pages as she needed to write a satisfying conclusion. Which, as it turns out, was a lot of pages. That is perfectly okay with me, because not only did I get a great conclusion, but I also got to spend more time in this fantastic world.
Just to show how much I loved this book, I'm going to say I'm giving this book 9/10 stars. It was fantastic. I'm really glad I read this series, it was well worth the extra money I spent on buying the hardcovers as well as the ebooks of Scarlet and Cress so that I could read the books immediately. The pacing is perfect in these books, the plot intriguing and the characters lovable, easy to grow attached to. I don't know what else I could've asked for.
I don't really know what else I can say to try and convince you to read this book. All I really can add before I get into the spoilery section is you won't regret reading this. Anyway, here's the synopsis:

Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mark her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won't approve of her feelings for her childhood friend--the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn't as weak as Levana believes her to be and she's been undermining her stepmother's wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that's been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters? Fans will not want to miss this thrilling conclusion to Marissa Meyer's national bestselling Lunar Chronicles series.

Oh, and just to add here's a list (in order of favorite to least) of my favorite books and couples now that I've finished the books. 

Winter & Jacin 
Cinder & Kai 
Cress & Thorne 
Scarlett & Wolf 

Cinder
Thorne
Jacin 
Kai 
Winter 
Cress 
Scarlett 

Winter 
Cress
Scarlet & Cinder

SPIOILERS BELOW FOR WINTER
I'll just start this out by saying the very minor things I would've liked to change about this book. First off, I know a lot of other people have mentioned it, but I'll say it again. I wish Jacin and Winter felt more like part of the group. Like sure, Jacin does work with them, but neither Winter nor Jacin ever truly feel like they're part of Cinder's little rebel band like the rest of the characters. Especially since neither of them are in the room in the final showdown. Like, even people who really shouldn't have been there (I'm looking at you, Scarlet and Wolf) went in. Jacin and especially Winter have a right to be in there, fighting Levana. Okay, maybe Jacin shouldn't be in there since he's so easily controlled, but Winter. Winter has a right to be involved with the ultimate demise of the evil queen, and yet she's nowhere near. I was waiting for Jacin and Winter to show up the entire time in that throne room, and they never did. I'm gonna be honest here, I really thought Winter was going to shoot Levana in the head while she and Cinder were having that mind control gun off thing lol. 
I touched this earlier, but I just have to mention it again. I LOVE Jacin and Winter's relationship. I love how protective Jacin is of Winter, like he'll do anything for her, and as I said before, not in the creepy Julian Blackthorn way. I love how he's accepting of his fate, too. It just makes his character more likable, in my eyes. He knows he'll never end up with Winter, but he still wants to make sure she's safe, despite how much it might hurt him to see Winter with someone else. Also how Jacin can calm her down from her craziness? Like. Ah. It's so cute. He's so blank otherwise, in showing emotion, but then when he needs to help her? He's all gentleness and worry. It's adorable. And also just Jacin's way of telling Winter she's beautiful and he loves her? Through sarcasm and saying anything but those words? TELL ME WHERE I CAN GET ONE OF THESE BOYS. Jacin would sacrifice his own life for Winter and... Ah. I just love them. 
Also mentioned this earlier. It annoys the HELL out of me that the people who can so easily be controlled by Lunars (@Scarlet and Wolf) always are throwing themselves in situations where they really just become dangers to their own allies. Like WHY, WHY would you go into the showdown with Levana? Like I get that you want to go help your friends, but you'd be more helpful not being in there! they're really just putting their friends in even more danger. I was really expecting that invention that Garan made come into play so that Scarlet and stuff could be immune to Lunar control, but unfortunately that didn't come into play until wayyyy later. 
Speaking of that, let's get onto Adri and Pearl. Honestly? I'm not a good person. I felt no sympathy for either of these women. I kid you not, when it was revealed that Cinder was thrown into the cell with them I looked up from the book with a grin and said "Kill them." Not that I'd actually want Cinder to kill them, but I was really looking forward to Cinder finally getting her revenge on those bitches for the way that they treated her, but instead Cinder chose to be the bigger person. Literally Adri still insists that Cinder is selfish in the cell (and there I really just wanted Cinder to punch her... with the metal hand) and they DISOWN her and PLEDGE LOYALTY TO LEVANA, and yet Cinder still gives them a shit ton of riches. Like sure, that makes her a better person. But I'm not a good person, and I really wanted Adri and Pearl to get what was coming for them. 
While I didn't feel like anything was rushed, I did feel like the whole "poison apple" bit was resolved a bit quickly. Like it didn't feel RUSHED  but it felt like there wasn't much peril involved with it, seeing as they got the antidote in ASAP right after. Do you get what I mean? 
Oh, also, I forgot to mention in my earlier reviews, I will always love Thorne and Cinder's friendship. Like theirs is my favorite friendship in the entire series. 
Oh, one more thing. CRESS IS SO ANNOYING WHEN SHE SPAZZES OVER THORNE AND THAT LUNAR LIKE ITS OBVIOUS HES BEEN MIND CONTROLLED CALM DOWN. Though, I suppose that did spur their relationship so... 

Anyway, thanks for sticking with me, 
-Anj

"Because if there was one thing Cress knew about heroes, it was that they could not resist a damsel in distress. 
And she was nothing if not in distress." 

Cress has been locked up in a satellite for years with no human contact. She's been trapped by the evil queen's right hand, and other than that she hasn't seen anyone else in years. Sound familiar? *cough* it's a loose retelling of Rapunzel  *cough* Cress is the third book in Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles. This is a spectacular series, and I really regret not reading it sooner. I highly recommend that everyone reads it because, honestly these books are so much fun and it's impossible not to be completely absorbed in the world. 
I was extremely impressed by the first two books (Cinder & Scarlet) (I have reviews for those, if you're interested), and so I had extremely high expectations for Cress... This book smashed through said expectations. Cress is spectacular, full of intriguing but lovable characters and an enthralling plot line. This is definitely the best book so far in the series. Kind of surprising, seeing as most books lose their momentum throughout the series, but these books? They just keep gaining it. 
Cress adds, well, Cress to our lovable team of rebels. Cress is an adorable character, I really relate to her awkwardness. Of course, she hasn't had contact with humanity for a really long time, but somehow I'm still as awkward, if not more so than her. Basically she's a very relatable character that you just can't help but think is very cute. 

"I will be the judge of when you are dying, and when that happens, I guarantee you a kiss worth waiting for." 

Cress's love interest? I think we could have all have guessed who it was from the beginning, our very own Flynn Rider, Captain Carswell Thorne. I know, Flynn Rider is not on the original fairytale, actually the original fairytale is all sorts of horrible, but you know what I mean. Classic Rapunzel definitely doesn't have anything close to having a swoon worthy criminal as a love interest. Seriously, I've been seeing Thorne as Flynn since we met him last book. I'm glad this isn't a whole INTRODUCE BOTH CHARACTERS like Scarlet and Wolf, because we already got to know (and LOVE) Thorne in the last book. 

"'Do you think it was destiny that brought us together?" 
He squinted and, after a thoughtful moment, shook his head. "No. I'm pretty sure it was Cinder.'" 

The plot? As to be expected it is fast moving and a whole crap ton of fun. Our rebel group gets split up from each other (that's not a spoiler, it's in the synopsis!) and they have to remember how to deal on their own// with the allies that end up with them. It's also really nice to see the little hints toward the little references to the original tale of Rapunzel. 

"Her sadness wasn't enough. Her mourning wasn't enough. But it was all she had." 


I would give Cress 8.5/10. It was a spectacularly written and planned book. I really just, I loved it. I highly recommend that you all read it, especially if you've already read Cinder and Scarlet, like WHY WOULDN'T YOU IMMEDIATELY PICK THIS ONE UP?! 
Synopsis: 

In this third book in the Lunar Chronicles, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, now with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they're plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, a girl imprisoned on a satellite since childhood who's only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she's just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue of Cress goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a higher price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has.

SPOILERS 
OKAY THE AMOUNT OF TIMES KAI WAS LIKE OH MAYBE CINDER IS LOOKING FOR SELENE AND THEN OH WHY DOES LEVANA WANT CINDER SO BADLY I WAS JUST LIKE... BOYYY HOW DO YOU NOT SEE THAT CINDER IS FREAKING SELENA? HOW? ARE YOU BLIND? WHAT??? 
I knew Cress was Dr. Erland's daughter ever since book 1 when he mentioned his daughter, and since then I have been waiting for a daddy daughter reunion... Unfortunately, that's not exactly what came to pass and I found it really depressing that he never really got to know his daughter, and the other way around... 
Wolf? Freaking annoying in this book, like yeah, I get it your true love, the girl you've known for once week was captured, now your life is over. But... You know, couldn't you like... BE USEFUL TO HELP GET HER BACK? He just basically turns into a limp rag in this book and god, it was so irritating. 
I did really love the scene of Kai and Cinder FINALLY FREAKING REUNITED ON THE SHIP. Like they finally actually get a good chance to talk and I LOVED IT. I'd been waiting so long for it. 
And finally... That glimpse we saw of Winter kind of really freaked me out. Like she sounds like an insane eight-year-old... How are we going to get though a whole half a book of her narration of her being insane? Like... Hm. That makes me nervous. Though, I did find that I really liked Jacin. He's loyal and I can totally tell that I am going to 100% be on the Jacin x Winter ship next book. Even though, yeah, Jacin betrayed Cinder's group, it was only so he could get back to Winter... 
Anyway, thanks for reading! 
​-Anj

Little Red Riding Hood has a crisis, her grandmother is missing. And the only way for her to find her? Using the help of a mysterious stranger who goes by the name of Wolf... Seem like a good idea to you? Yeah, me either. 
Anyway, Scarlet is the sequel to Marissa Meyer's Cinder, which was a loose, sci-fi fairytale retelling of Cinderella. If you haven't read Cinder, I have a review on that so go check that out (this review will spoil Cinder.) I highly encourage everyone to read this series-- it's not one you want to miss out on. :) Let's get on to the review. 
So Scarlet. Despite the name Scarlet does not just follow Scarlet's story, it also keeps up with Cinder's story. In this book we get to see from several points of view, mainly Wolf, Scarlet, Cinder and Captain Thorne. Scarlet picks up right after Cinder ends, like literally the day of, only it starts from the perspective of Scarlet Benoit, a french farmer. Don't worry! Like I said before, we still get plenty of time with Cinder through both her eyes and Captain Throne's. (We also get to see a bit inside Kai's head as well.) 
Personally I didn't absolutely love Scarlet and Wolf's storyline. It was interesting enough, but I was a lot more invested in Cinder's storyline. Probably because I was already attached to Cinder, and also because there was just, well, I'll address it more in the spoilery section. Scarlet and Wolf's story is great, but not nearly as fantastic or intriguing (to me) as Cinder's. 
I like Scarlet, she's funny, badass and does what needs to be done. Though, I'm not Wolf's biggest fan. Like, I don't dislike him, but out of all our cast of characters I seem to like him least. He's the broody character, and I'm not really that into brooding. 
The final new installment to the team in this book is Captain Thorne. And just *swoon.* He's probably my new favorite character after Cinder. Thorne is my favorite type of character, cocky and hilarious with a heart of gold. 
Scarlet (the book) has the same fast pace as Cinder, but it's even more fun because we already know the setting and (some of) the characters, so we're able to throw ourselves into the world entirely without any reserve. 
I would give Scarlet 8/10 stars, the same as I gave Cinder. For me, 8/10 is a very good rating-- it means this is one of my favorite books. Still, it didn't increase from Cinder because during Cinder i got to be with Cinder for the whole book (or in her area), I just found myself looking forward to seeing CINDER's storyline more than Scarlet's in this book, so that kept it in the 8 (which is still really good), 
Anyway, my point is I really enjoyed this book and am really glad I picked up this series. 

Synopsis: 

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive. 

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

SPOILERS BELOW 

What I started to say earlier, and then realized was a spoiler was that I was not nearly as invested in Scarlet and Wolf's relationship because it felt SO instalove-y. Literally they've known each other for a week and Wolf is like You're the only one and Scarlet's all I'll be your Alpha female. Like... Really? I hate instalove, and their relationship felt very much like instalove, so I couldn't really get attached to it. Like, sure, they're fine together, but I couldn't really bring myself to care either way. Also Wolf, just not my type. Especially not when Thorne is introduced in the same book as him. 
But I do think Wolf's naiveness about food was oddly adorable at the beginning of the book. then as the story progressed on, I found myself caring less and less about him-- though I do love it whenever they bring up the tomato thing again. 

Thanks for reading, 
Anj

Imagine this. The clock strikes midnight, and the dramatic music grows louder and louder as Cinderella hurriedly rushes from the palace. The Prince is only a steps behind, rushing out to catch this mysterious girl. As Cinderella runs down the stairs, three at a time, she trips and falls. Not because her heel fell off, but because her foot did. 
Cinder by Marissa Meyer is a book that I should've read a long time ago-- one that everyone, it seems, has already read and raved about. This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for the last three years, because while everyone's raving about this book convinced me to buy it, I couldn't bring myself to read it. Now, why? Why wouldn't I read a book that it would seem that literally everyone absolutely loves? Well, here's why. The idea of cyborgs kind of really freaks me out. And the idea that Cinder is a cyborg just really pushed me away from the series. 
Ironically, while reading the book I got really pissed off at all the characters who were prejudiced against Cinder because she was a cyborg. 
Basically what I'm trying to say is that I absolutely loved Cinder, despite or maybe because she was a cyborg. You really get used to the idea as you read the book, if you haven't read it, I highly encourage you to. This is not a series you want to miss. If the idea freaks you out, just be comforted knowing it made me uncomfortable as well. You actually grow to like Cinder more because of her cyborgness-- it's really useful. It's not like Cinder is a robot or anything (though there are robots in these books and they're kind of awesome), it's like she's a human, who lost limbs and got them replaced with metal ones. (Plus there's like a computer in her brain, but she still has a human brain, I promise!) 
If you didn't pick up on it yet, Cinder is a fairytale retelling of Cinderella. A very loose fairytale retelling, but it's really fun to see the aspects of the fairytale in there along with all the fun new twists Meyer puts in her story. 
The plot is fast paced, seriously, the action/stuff happening starts in the first chapter. I had no trouble becoming fully immersed in this futuristic world, and I doubt anyone will. While things happened quickly, the book did not feel rushed. In fact, I think the pacing was just right for the story being told. It gave time to get attached to the characters, but nothing felt like it was filler. Everything really needed to be there. 
This book shockingly enough, follows Cinder, (that was sarcasm, if you couldn't tell through text) a mechanic cyborg who lives with a cruel step-mother and two step sisters. Cinder is a fantastic protagonist. She's clever and selfless, and yet not to the extent where it becomes annoying. Her character is one that it is easy to sympathize and side with. I really found myself rooting for her in this book, and am looking forward to seeing more of her story. 
Kai, the prince, is Cinder's love interest. I've literally been shipping the two of them since they met. Like even after their first exchanged words I already really shipped their relationship. Kai is determined and likable-- despite the fact that he was raised to be a politician. He'll do whatever he has to for the good of his country, even if it isn't ideal for him. He's cute and slightly flirtatious as well. All together a very swoon worthy character. 
The last character I'd like to address is Iko, Cinder's android. She is absolutely hilarious and actually one of my favorite characters so far. I look forward to you all meeting her, because I have a feeling you'll be as charmed by the little android as me. 
I would rate Cinder 8/10 stars, it was really exciting and it made me want to immediately want to read Scarlet. Which is why I immediately ordered it on amazon... and then bought it on iBooks. Yeah, I was really excited. 
Oh, and just to clear something up that I was confused about before y'all go diving into this wonderful book (if there is anyone left in the world who hasn't read it), these aren't like a companion series. What I mean by that is that they're all interconnected and still follow the same characters from the previous books' point of view, each book just adds some new characters to our group. I thought this series would be like the These Broken Stars books, where each book has its own full arc for its characters, and while the characters are in the next book, they're not big parts. That is totally not true. This is an actual series that follows Cinder throughout all the books, as well as the other characters. 

Synopsis: 

Sixteen-year-old Cinder is considered a technological mistake by most of society and a burden by her stepmother. Being cyborg does have its benefits, though: Cinder's brain interference has given her an uncanny ability to fix things (robots, hovers, her own malfunctioning parts), making her the best mechanic in New Beijing. This reputation brings Prince Kai himself to her weekly market booth, needing her to repair a broken android before the annual ball. He jokingly calls it "a matter of national security," but Cinder suspects it's more serious than he's letting on.

Although eager to impress the prince, Cinder's intentions are derailed when her younger stepsister, and only human friend, is infected with the fatal plague that's been devastating Earth for a decade. Blaming Cinder for her daughter's illness, Cinder's stepmother volunteers her body for plague research, an "honor" that no one has survived.

But it doesn't take long for the scientists to discover something unusual about their new guinea pig. Something others would kill for.

Well, I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did! And if you're still weird about the cyborg thing, don't be! You won't regret reading this book.
-Anj 

Bloody, full of actions, lies and deceit, Now I Rise is everything I expected it to be. The second book in Kiersten White's brutal Conquerer's Saga brings the world of Vlad the Impaler to life... That is, if Vlad the Impaler had been born female. An interesting twist on history, the Conquerer's Saga is quite the enthralling series, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction, or anyone who just wants a good novel with a lot of action and engrossing storyline and characters. This book is perfect for fans of things like Game of Thrones, the story is dark, (and as stated before) bloody, and full of complex, cunning and fierce characters. The reader is sure to be hooked. 
Now I Rise is book 2 in the Conquerer's Saga, the first book is called And I Darken, if any of this series sounds interesting at all to you, I would recommend you pick up the first book. If you want any more information on it, I did do a book review back in January, so go check that out. 
Anyway, on to Now I Rise. God, I love the titles of this series. And I Darken. Now I Rise. They're just so epic sounding, perfect for the books they describe. 
Now I Rise was quite the fun read. I really enjoyed being reunited with the characters, though the strains on the different relationships ceaselessly irked me. I just want Radu and Lada to be reunited and go rule Wallachia together. Just leave Mehmed behind. 
 I feel basically the same about the characters after finishing this book as I did after finishing the first book. Lada, I love her as a protagonist because of her drive. If she wants something, she will do anything to take it. And she does. She's strong, and always ready for a fight. Yet, she has her flaws. She is not a people person. And when I say that I mean REALLY not a people person. Like I am not a people person, but in comparison to Lada? I am the peopleiest people person in the world. She's really not good at handling interactions. I couldn't help but be a little annoyed at that, like all Lada really knows is violence. The only way she wants to handle things is through force, and to be a good leader you have to have a balance of force and compromise/being good working with others. Lada is not good at working with others, and she won't heed others' advice about it. (*cough* Nicolae.) 
Then there's Radu. Love him, he's a great character. But his biggest flaw is Mehmed. And his love for Mehmed. He'll do anything and everything for the sultan, even going as far as choosing Mehmed over his own sister. Radu's love of Mehmed blinds him to Mehmed's oh so obvious flaws. And that was a CONSTANT source of aggravation for me. Like no, go join your sister and be happy. Screw Mehmed. At the beginning I just could not stand Radu and his constant pining over Mehmed, but as the story continued on I found myself really enjoying Radu's arc. And I'm really looking forward to the direction his character is taking. 
Then the last "main" character of the series. Mehmed. Does he even count as a main character in this book? Maybe a supporting one. He isn't in the story nearly as much as he was in the first book (yay), but he's mentioned a crap ton, because, of course, he's a vital player in the events of the plot. Also unsurprising, most of the time he's mentioned in every paragraph of Radu's. Ugh. I just don't like Mehmed at all now. I didn't like him much after finishing the first book, but reading this one? No. Not a fan. 
The plot was interesting-- I found myself feeling quite invested in the fates of the side characters and the outcome of the big fights and wars. While it told a fun story, I felt the plot was a little rushed. Not in the way of how many trilogy ends with just shoving too much information in your face, this plot was rushed in the way of cutting scenes too short. Like I just felt that we, the readers, needed to be able to delve deeper into the scenes, situations and  characters. Just everything felt short and crisp. The scenes were the bare minimal, getting the information you needed to know and then going ahead to the next scene. While it did get its purpose done, I just was left feeling a little detached from that. Like, I put the book down multiple times and didn't exactly feel the need to pick it back up. Saying that, the story still is enthralling and hard to put down (as proven by how late I stayed up last night), but once you put it down, it just eh. You don't yearn to read it again. Or I should say I didn't yearn to read it again once I put it down. 
All in all, I would give Now I Rise 7/10 stars. It was a very enjoyable read, and I do look forward to reading the next book, but I couldn't help but feel a bit detached from the series just because of how it was written and how almost choppy the book felt because of all the short, information filled scenes. 
Anyway, here's the synopsis: 

Lada Dracul has no allies. No throne. All she has is what she’s always had: herself. After failing to secure the Wallachian throne, Lada is out to punish anyone who dares to cross her blood-strewn path. Filled with a white-hot rage, she storms the countryside with her men, accompanied by her childhood friend Bogdan, terrorizing the land. But brute force isn’t getting Lada what she wants. And thinking of Mehmed brings little comfort to her thorny heart. There’s no time to wonder whether he still thinks about her, even loves her. She left him before he could leave her.

What Lada needs is her younger brother Radu’s subtlety and skill. But Mehmed has sent him to Constantinople—and it’s no diplomatic mission. Mehmed wants control of the city, and Radu has earned an unwanted place as a double-crossing spy behind enemy lines. Radu longs for his sister’s fierce confidence—but for the first time in his life, he rejects her unexpected plea for help. Torn between loyalties to faith, to the Ottomans, and to Mehmed, he knows he owes Lada nothing. If she dies, he could never forgive himself—but if he fails in Constantinople, will Mehmed ever forgive him?

As nations fall around them, the Dracul siblings must decide: what will they sacrifice to fulfill their destinies? Empires will topple, thrones will be won . . . and souls will be lost.

SPOILERS BELOW (BOOK DISCUSSION) 
Alright, I've already been very clear on my stance on Mehmed. So it will be no surprise that I was really rooting for the people of Constantinople to win the fight. Especially after meeting the people of Constantinople. I loved seeing how torn Radu felt-- because yes, these were good people. And then I really didn't appreciate how Radu still chose Mehmed in the end, despite his realizations about Mehmed during his time away. Just UGH. I'm really hoping Radu will be able to break away from Mehmed's grasp on him, and of course, I want him to go and join Lada. 
Literally for the majority of the book it was SHOWN how much these two siblings need each other. They fill out the gaps for each other. They were always thinking What would Lada do? Or What would Radu do? And when Radu thought Lada never thinks what he would do I almost screamed. HOW DOES RADU NOT REALIZE HOW MUCH HIS SISTER NEEDS hIM? AND HOW MUCH HE NEEDS HER? SCREW MEHMED. 
Then there's my issue with Lada. She really needs to fucking learn to like get along with people. Instead of just immediately going stabby stabby. Like I get that it's suppose to be all female empowerment with her, but seriously, if she hadn't killed all those boyars and Tomas, she could've had a lot more power. Sure, they wanted to use her, but that's why she needs Radu, so she can use them. And she needs to be merciful, like I see the practicality of killing all of the Danesti children, but Nicolae, my bae, is right when he tells her she shouldn't. Besides, THERE'S AN OBVIOUS STRAIN ON NICOLAE's RELATIONSHIP WITH LADA AND I FEAR THAT's LEADING UP TO HIM LEAVIN HER AND NOOOO. Nicolae was hardly in this book, like he was there, but he wasn't really vital to all the plot things so he only really got a few lines. I need more Nicolae! 
Anyway, thanks for reading. Love you all. 
​-Anj

Victorian Era England with a twist. Seven Ancient beings of death and destruction are plaguing the lands, making everyone live in fear. Cities are being destroyed. Many lives are being lost. And there's hardly a thing that people can do to stop them. Their only hope of salvation? The sorcerers. And even the sorcerers don't seem to be enough. A prophecy foretells that a female sorcerer will save them all. Henrietta Howel is that female sorcerer, or is she? 
A Shadow Bright and Burning is a very fun novel and I really enjoyed reading it. Though I was expecting a kind of Clockwork Angel feel (because of the setting), and that wasn't what I got. It was still a fun read, just the setting didn't play into the story nearly as much as I was expecting. 
Henrietta is a great protagonist, she's strong but not entirely full of herself. I enjoyed reading from her perspective because she was really someone I could root for. 
Her best friend Rook, well, I liked him enough to not want him to die, but apart from that? Not overly attached. 
Henrietta is brought to train as a sorcerer, the first female sorcerer in a long time. So basically she's surrounded by a bunch of sorcerer boys. That element excited me about the book, haha. 
Julian Magnus is one of the many sorcerers. And he is so my type. Flirtatious, cocky and loves to joke. Also, he may joke most of the time, but when it comes down to it he's very protective. He's a regular Will Herondale. Haha. What's not to love about this boy? Okay, he's actually a very confusing character, but I'll get more onto that in the spoilers section. 
Then there's George Blackwood. The jerkish, brooding rich boy. Of course, he's hiding some things too. 
There are other boys, but these are the two that stand out most in my mind. If you don't like one, you'll probably find the other attractive. Or if you're into the pst friend type there's always Rook. 
​Of course, the high light of this story isn't the fun of attractive boys, although that is very appealing. The fun of the story is turning the cliche of the chosen one on its head. 
They all think Henrietta is the chosen one... but she'd not. That's the fun of the story, it's so different from most other stories because the CHOSEN ONE is a very classic cliche because it's one people love to read about. 
The world building is very well done as well. We get introduced to a lot of lore about magicians, wizards and witches. It's actually very interesting lore, and the villains of the story? The Ancients? I have a feeling we have a to more to learn about them and I'm very excited to see more of them. I have a feeling there's a lot more than meets the eye (and there's a lot that meets the eye). I have to say I'm really looking forward to seeing more of these characters and more of this world. 7/10 stars, it was a really strong beginning to hopefully a new favorite series. I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy fantasy and or historical fiction. It's a fun read. 

Synopsis: 
I am Henrietta Howel. The first female sorcerer. The prophesied one. Or am I?

Henrietta Howel can burst into flames. When she is brought to London to train with Her Majesty's sorcerers, she meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, young men eager to test her powers and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her. As Henrietta discovers the secrets hiding behind the glamour of sorcerer life, she begins to doubt that she's the true prophesied one. With battle looming, how much will she risk to save the city--and the one she loves?

DICUSSION SPOILERS 

Okay Magnus/Julian. WHAT THE HELL?! He really did seem like the perfect boy, very Will Herondale-esk. And then he was all like we could sleep together and all but I can't be with you and I was like Will? Is that you? Except then his character just basically completely changes to showing him in a darker light-- him saying she was a tease and whatnot. Like what the hell? And not just that then it goes back to oh yeah they're friends again and he's actually a good person again. That left me feeling very confused, because despite everything I still am really attached to this character. It was left with maybe a feeling of hope for Julian and Henrietta and despite all the horrible things he said... I still want them together? Sorry, I know that's wrong but I just got so attached to Julian in the first half and am hoping to see more of a better side of him in the later books. 
I don't really understand the relationship between Rook and Henrietta. Like I know Rook has romantic feelings for her, but it's unclear how Henrietta feels about Rook. I like Rook, don't love him. And I certainly don't want him and Henrietta to end up together. 
George? I really feel like it's either him or Julian as end game. Who knows really. 
I'm curious about the Ancients. I had this theory maybe the skinless guy is her dad somehow because her dad isn't dead but haha. Probably not. 
Anyway, just really enjoyed this series and am looking forward to reading more! 
-Anj

Remember, it's just a game. Nothing is real. Caraval is a game that feels all too real to its players, making it impossible to distinguish reality from the game. Each and every page of the game is bewitching and magical, sure to enthrall its readers as much as the game does its players.
This book really takes you on a fun journey. It has a different feel from most other novels, something about the writing style is beguiling. A little haunting maybe, too. For those of you who read the Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern it has that kind of feel. Of course, I didn't particularly enjoy the Night Circus. I really enjoyed Caraval.
The best element of the book is that your mind gets to play the game along with Scarlett, Caraval's protagonist. You're told not to trust anyone or anything-- even your senses can betray you in the Game. And it's a great deal of fun to try and unravel the Game, truly figuring out what might happen. Of course, some of the plot twists were horribly obvious and I guessed them from the beginning... but then somehow those plot twists twisted in the opposite direction. Hmm. Even for the reader it's hard to distinguish what is really happening in the book and what is make believe.
The writing is spectacular, finding the perfect words to make the world (or game) of Caraval enchanting. Then the plot is also extremely well put together, using classical elements that make a story interesting (quest with a high stakes deadline + mystery) and adding new twists on it. The pacing also feels right, not too fast or too slow. Just right. Thinking about it, I don't think I'd change a single element about this book-- other than making it longer. I want more of this magical world! Sure, I might not have absolutely loved some things, but I didn't dislike them. I think the book fits together too perfectly, any change might mess that perfect balance up. 
The book, Caraval, follows Scarlett Dragna, a governor's daughter who suffers from an abusive father. She'll do anything to protect her sister, and it seems like she's finally found their escape-- in her betrothed, who has promised to sweep both Scarlett and her sister, Donatella, away from their father forever. But Scarlett's never even met her betrothed-- she doesn't even know his name, and Donatella is a little more than doubtful about this husband. When Scarlett gets an invitation to play in Caraval, a magical game she's dreamed of attending ever since she was a child, Donatella is convinced that Caraval is the escape her and Scarlett despitely need, for the winner of the Game gets one wish. And that wish could be used to allow Scarlett and Donatella to finally escape from their father's reach. However, an unforeseen issue arises in the Game. Donatella is stolen away, and the goal of the game is to find her... and if Scarlett doesn't, she'll never see her beloved sister again. With the stakes suddenly raised, Scarlett is despite to find Donatella, but the problem is she doesn't know who to trust. For in the game, you can't trust anyone. The other players are only in it for themselves... And then of course, you can never tell who's a player in the Game, or who's an actor, perpetuating the game.
Sound interesting? Well, if it does, I highly reccomend this book. I went through it in less than a day, it's just so good. Nearly impossible to put down. I would give Caraval 7/10 stars, or 4.5 stars on Goodreads. It really was a fun read. I wasn't the biggest fan of some characters, like I didn't really connect with Scarlett on everything, but I didn't dislike her. I just wasn't as enthusiastic about her and her sister as I am about some other protagonists. She's still a good protagonist, just not my favorite. Though, I can't help but say I really did enjoy the male protagonist of the story. You'll just have to wait and read the book to meet him.
Anyway, here's the synopsis:

Remember, it’s only a game…

Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval—the faraway, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show—are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic. And whether Caraval is real or not, Scarlett must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over or a dangerous domino effect of consequences will be set off, and her beloved sister will disappear forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval…beware of getting swept too far away.

I seriously hope you all give this book a chance, because boy, it's a fun ride to get on. I wish I could go back and read it over for the first time again. Maybe y'all can do that for me. :) 
​
Thanks for reading, 
-Anj

"We fear things because we value them. We fear losing people because we love them. We fear dying because we value being alive. Don't wish you didn't fear anything. All that would mean is that you didn't feel anything." 
In this series, Julian Blackthorn writes I-A-M-R-U-I-N-E-D. That pretty much sums up how you'll feel (and how I already feel) when you finish this book. It just completely destroys everything in your soul, but in a good way. And by good way I don't mean good things happened, I mean it's a good book and because of the good quality of the book, you fall in love with the characters and the story. And when things go wrong, it just hits you. If I would have to decide being hit by a truck and the end of this book, I'd say this book provided more pain to my soul. But I still wouldn't want to be hit by a truck anytime soon. 
"When people die, our dreams of what they could be die with them. Even if ours is the hand that ends that ends them." 
So as I've established, I am in emotional pain and suffering after finishing this book. AND THIS PAIN IS GOING TO LAST FOR TWO FUDGING YEARS BECAUSE THAT LAST BOOK ISN'T COMING OUT UNTIL 2019. Yeah. You heard me. 2019. We gotta wait two years for the next book. Anyone got a time machine? If so, please hit me up. I don't know how I'm going to be able to endure life through these next two years. Actually, yes I do. I'm gonna read other fantastic books, but still, I'm going to have an extremely large hole in my heart until I get my hands on and read Queen of Air and Darkness. 
"People often run even when they have nowhere to go. It is all about what you can bear in the place where you are." 
Anyway, for those of you living under a rock, Lord of Shadows is the second book in the Dark Artifices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare. For those of you who are living under a gargantuan rock, Cassandra Clare is the author of the Shadowhunter Chronicles, which consists of several series, yes that's write SERIES as in book SERIES, set in the same world, but in different time frames about different characters. The Shadowhunter Chronicles has a very special place in my heart. I've always loved reading, but it was City of Bones (Mortal Instruments Book #1) that really brought me into the reading world and got me OBSESSED. So far, the Shadowhunter Chronicles has three series and two novella bindings. The three series are The Infernal Devices (Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, Clockwork Princess), which is set in 1878, The Mortal Instruments (City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls, City of Heavenly Fire), set in 2006, and The Dark Artifices (Lady Midnight, Lord of Shadows, Queen of Air in Darkness), set in 2012. The two novella bindings are the Bane Chronicles and Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy. BUT GET INTO THIS SERIES, because there's more! If you get into it, there's so much material to fall in love with and it's all spectacular. There's the Last Hours series, that starts coming out next year that follows the next generation after the Infernal Devices, there's a new series on Magnus Bane and there's rumor of another series called the Wicked Powers, following the younger characters of The Dark Artifices. Basically, I'm in for the long haul, and you'd be smart to get in on the Shadowhunter Chronicles because they are GOLD. (I've done reviews on the Infernal Devices (I think), City of Heavenly Fire and Lady Midnight, if you're interest in getting into this series, check the reviews out.) 
Now on to actually talking about Lord of Shadows. As usual, this book flew over my already high expectations and just... It was absolutely spectacular. It was everything I'd hoped it would be and more. It had all the things we've come to expect from Cassie's books-- great action scenes, characters that it's impossible not to fall in love with, a riveting plot and last but not least, amazing humor. It's still early in the year, but I have to say that so far this book has won the title of my favorite book of the year. I'm having trouble imagining a book that could trump this one, but I guess we'll have to wait and see. 
I really don't now what I can say that will convince you to read this book if you're on the fence about it. It's fantastic. Please, just go read it. You'll love yourself for it later. 
Here's the synopsis: 

Would you trade your soul mate for your soul?

A Shadowhunter’s life is bound by duty. Constrained by honor. The word of a Shadowhunter is a solemn pledge, and no vow is more sacred than the vow that binds parabatai, warrior partners—sworn to fight together, die together, but never to fall in love.

Emma Carstairs has learned that the love she shares with her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, isn’t just forbidden—it could destroy them both. She knows she should run from Julian. But how can she when the Blackthorns are threatened by enemies on all sides?

Their only hope is the Black Volume of the Dead, a spell book of terrible power. Everyone wants it. Only the Blackthorns can find it. Spurred on by a dark bargain with the Seelie Queen, Emma; her best friend, Cristina; and Mark and Julian Blackthorn journey into the Courts of Faerie, where glittering revels hide bloody danger and no promise can be trusted. Meanwhile, rising tension between Shadowhunters and Downworlders has produced the Cohort, an extremist group of Shadowhunters dedicated to registering Downworlders and “unsuitable” Nephilim. They’ll do anything in their power to expose Julian’s secrets and take the Los Angeles Institute for their own.

When Downworlders turn against the Clave, a new threat rises in the form of the Lord of Shadows—the Unseelie King, who sends his greatest warriors to slaughter those with Blackthorn blood and seize the Black Volume. As dangers close in, Julian devises a risky scheme that depends on the cooperation of an unpredictable enemy. But success may come with a price he and Emma cannot even imagine, one that will bring with it a reckoning of blood that could have repercussions for everyone and everything they hold dear.

"Break my heart. Break it into pieces. I give you permission." 

See, I didn't expect this book to shove its way to my favorite book of the year because there was a lot of competition for the title (mainly A Court of Wings and Ruin), but also because I wasn't all that invested in the main love story of the series-- which is between Emma Carsairs and Julian Blackthorn. Well, I'm still not that invested in their romance, I'm not against it, but I just don't particularly care for them together, either. They're no Jessa or Clace. But really, the romance is a small part of the larger and much more emotionally investing story. 
Why don't I love Julian and Emma? I love Emma, she's a great character. It's Julian I really don't like much. I love my dark, tormented characters, but Julian? It's not that he's too dark. Or too evil, because I love characters that are so much more evil than Julian. But Julian... It's like he's got tunnel vision, he only cares for his family and Emma. He'll do anything for them. That's not that bad, right? Hahaha well. He doesn't care what happens to anyone outside his family and Emma, as long as they're okay. Literally, he'll do ANYTHING for his family and ANYTHING against everyone else. I just... I really don't like that about him. He's also a pathological liar and ugh. No. Julian, not a big fan. 
You get to meet some new characters in this book, like Zara Dearborn (why isn't there a universal letter, or a key spot for a middle finger?), and you get to go deeper into the workings of the Shadow World and Faerie. And then you also get to know characters in or mentioned in previous books better, such as Kieran, Jaime and... Well I guess you'll just have to wait and see, right? 
Not the best part, but one of the best parts of this book is getting to see some well loved characters from the previous books, like Clary and Jace. (There are more, but you're going to have to read it to find out who.) I have to say, I was a whole lot more happy when the previous characters were in the story, because it's like seeing your best friend after a really long time. There's no other way to describe the feeling. Like I read the book because it was really good, but I'm also very emotionally invested in seeing what happens to the older characters, as well as the new ones. 
Haha, I was so excited about getting back into the book that from the very first line I was squealing in delight. And also, just so excited and happy at action scenes, humor scenes, awkward scenes and Jace scenes that I was literally squealing in delight and FANNING myself. Yeah. I'm weird, I'll be the first to admit that. 
10/10 stars, but really, are you even surprised? There is nothing about this book that wasn't absolutely perfect. Even the ending, it was... horrifying and I would do anything to change it, it was still well written and good for the plot. But still, haha I was so bitter about the ending I refused to write 10/10 on my notebook when I'd finished because just... no. 

Now let's get into the book discussion, shall we? 
SPOILERS BELOW FOR LORD OF SHADOWS 
I love the Jace-Kit relationship, I feel like we have a lot more to see from that. And just. Aw. I love everything about Jace, but we already knew that, didn't we? My question is-- why don't we see any Clary-Kit scenes before Jace and Clary are leaving for Faerie? He's basically in the EXACT SAME situation as she was, except he knew about the Shadowworld and she didn't. She could've really helped him adjust. 
I wasn't exactly sure how I'd felt about Kit at first, but by the end of the book I loved him. I loved seeing him come to accept his Shadowhunter heritage and realize that he wanted to be a Shadowhunter, I loved seeing his relationship with Livvy (still crying) and Ty.
Something that was simply not acceptable about this book was Clary saying she thinks she'll die soon. Yeah. I literally wrote in my notes "WHAT THE FUCKING CLARY WILL NOT FUCKING DIE. CASSIE YOU LIAR." Haha, yeah that hurt me emotionally. Though I'm not actually going to hate Cassie for killing Clary, if she does, which I doubt she will, because Clary is her character and I'm sure it would be good for the plot if Cassie did it. 
It was nice to flashback to Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy with Jon and Marisol, but then Jon was beheaded so... okay then. 
The part that said some like "Most of them had been scribbled in by some idiot named Will H." I absolutely died, especially since Will is Kit's (amazing) ancestor. I just loved all the references in the London Institute to the Infernal Devices characters and to the Last Hours characters (anyone want to tell me what's up with Lucie and Jessie? If you're confused *laughs* me too, but I'm a bit intrigued and super excited as well.) 
BUT HOW THE FUCK IS BRIDGET STILL ALIVE? TID TAKES PLACE IN 1878. SHE'S MORTAL. HOW IS SHE STILL ALIVE? Like, yeah that's definitely Bridget because she remembered the scones thing (Oh, Gideon, I'll never stop loving you), but HOW IS SHE STILL ALIVE?!! It's 2012!!!! (In the book). 
Also guys, the Warlock that helps them is named "Shade" everyone is freaking out about how that's Ragnor because the green skin... But guys, really? His name is Shade.  I feel like that has to be a reference to Mortmain's father, whose name was Shade. 
Then Magnus shows up and gets them out of there safely. I was so excited to see Magnus again, because it's Magnus and BECAUSE IT MEANS ALEC. My lovely Alec.
Lol also Magnus of course is the one who pops in when Julian and Emma are in bed together. He's been very good at popping in at inopportune moments. 
I actually really started liking Kieran in this book. I'm going to plant my feet firmly when I say I SHIP Mark and Cristina, but really I really really started to like Kieran. When Emma mentioned that Cristina was on a ship to a three way with the boys, I think she voiced all of our thoughts. 
Also Mark thinks at one point he really has a thing for dark haired people. Lol, Mark. Me too, buddy, me too. 
Reading Ty's letter to Annabel was adorable. It was just so cute. I loved it. But now that we've brought the subject up, I guess it's time to rant. 
ANNABEL HOW FUCKING DARE YOU. YOU KILLED YOUR OWN KIN (okay, your own kin killed you, but let's ignore that for a moment). YOU KILLED YOU OWN KIN. YOU KILLED LIVVY HOW COULD YOU. THAT WAS NOT RIGHT. I WAS WILLING TO GIVE YOU A CHANCE. YOU SEEMED LIKE A FAIRLY DECENT CHARACTER WHO I FELT SYMPATHY FOR AND THEN YOU HAD TO GO AND RUIN EVERYTHING BY BEING A SPAZ AND A BITCH ANDKILLING ROBERT (IZZY WONT HAVE HER FATHER TO WALK HER DOWN THE ISLE) AND KILLING LIVVY. NO. NO. I LOVED LIVVY. I LOVE LIVVY. SHE CANNOT BE DEAD. THIS IS A MAGICAL WORLD. SOMEONE FUCKING BRING LIVVY BACK RIGHT NOW. (Actually, I feel like Julian might actually use the Black Volume to bring Livvy back, but still...) CASSANDRA I KNOW YOU HAVE A THING FOR KILLING A CHILD MIDWAY THROUGH THE SERIES AND MAX WAS BAD, BUT IT WAS OKAY. NOT LIVVY THOUGH. HOW THE HELL COULD LIVVY BE KILLED? EVERYTHING WAS GOING TO BE OKAY, WHICH IS WHY WE ALL KNEW IT WOULDN'T BE BECAUSE NO MIDDLE BOOK ENDS OKAY, BUT STILL. OMG HOW COULD THAT HAPPEN. I CAN'T EVEN. THIS BOOK JUST KILLED MY SOUL. HOW COULD WHYYYYY. 
Alright. If you couldn't tell, I'm real hurt and salty about Livvy dying, and Robert too. Annabel, you crazy bitch. And also, WHY COULDN'T THEY JUST FUCKING USE THE MORTAL SWORD ON ZARA DUCKING DEARBORN. Why? Now it's BROKEN so we can't actual know the real FUCKING TRUTH. Yeah. This subject makes me a little emotional. If you couldn't tell. 
Well, I'm getting a little tired of typing. If any other vital things pop into my head, I'll be sure to make another book discussion post. :) That was a fake smile. My soul has been shattered by that book ending. 
"'We are but dust and shadows," said Ty, not looking up from his book. 
"Some of use are very handsome dust," Jace added, as the door flew open and stuck her head in.
"Come to the library," she announced. "The tentacle is starting to dissolve." 
"You drive me wild with your sexy talk," said Jace, pulling on his gear jacket.'" *squeals* Clace is everything good about life. 
__
"'We'll have to get our energy the old-fashioned way." 
Mark looked puzzled. "Drugs?'" 
__
"'The first time we watched Titanic, you cried." 
"I have seasonal allergies.'" 
___
"'The Herondales have always been famous for their good looks," said Bridget, "but if you ask me, the Lightwoods are the more sexually charismatic of the bunch." 
Alec spit out his tea. Magnus seemed to be keeping a straight face, but with an effort.'" 
___
"Really? You all have to sleep with Magnus Bane? How exciting for you." 

Thanks for reading!
​-Anj

Looking for a sweet book that will leave you in a sobbing puddle on the floor from the sheer adorablilty? Always and Forever, Lara Jean is the book for you. The third book in Jenny Han's addictively charming To All the Boys I've Loved Before trilogy, this book is sure to keep you enraptured in its cute, yet relatable story.
Three years ago, I was shopping around in Target and came upon a book with an impossibly adorable cover. I'd never heard of it, but I bought it just for the cover. Later that summer, I actually got around to reading the book. And I absolutely loved it. I found its protagonist, Lara Jean, to be relatable and easily sympathizable, and I found the conflict to be entertaining. I enjoyed the characters and the different relationships, and when I finished? I just started over again.
Then two years ago the second book, P.S. I Still Love You came out, and yep. Han still had the ability to hit very close to home with her writing and just, whack my heart to death. Is this a sad series? NO! Haha, I don't want to leave that impression of that at all, it's actually very cute and light. It just is so cute that it leaves me feeling very... wanting because I WANT BOYS AND A RELATIONSHIP LIKE THIS! Actually, who doesn't?
Anyway, my point in this little story is, if you haven't read the first two books yet, what are you doing? They're so cute and lovely there's no way you won't become as in love with this series as I am. All of them give you that warm, fuzzy, happy feeling because of their cuteness.  Also, don't continue reading this review because I'm about to start spoiling the first TWO books, so if you haven't read them yet, you should.
On to this book. OH MY GOD. This book was just as perfect as the last two. The characters are just so real. Except not, because Peter is too perfect for this world. Honestly, even from the first page and a half I was sucked into remembering how happy this series makes me. But seriously though, I'm not sure if I'd be able to find a more perfect modern day interest than Peter. He's a LAX BRO who's an actually nice guy. He sees when Lara Jean wants to leave parties and takes her home-- even if he doesn't want to leave. And he read a book series for her. HOW CAN--? Sorry. He's just too precious for this Earth.
I try not to go too much into my personal life in reviews, but I have to bring it up in this because I just have to. I relate so much to this series. Minus the part about letters being sent out and having boys fighting over me. Haha. See, Lara Jean's mother is dead, so's mine. And then, actually there's a ton of stuff, but I'll just bring up why the whole lax bro thing hit me so hard. There's this one guy that I have a thing for-- and he's a lax bro. In my school, lax bros think themselves a big thing, and they're kind of jerks. So Peter being a perfect boy and a lax bro? Ah. Swoon.
Anyway, back to the book. The characters are just so real, they all have their flaws and that just makes them all the more lovable. Not just the characters, though, the situations they're put in feels so real and relatable, too. So not only are these books the epitome of adorable and goals, they also feel like they could actually be obtainable, they're not just that romance book you read because it's a far off dream, they feel like they could actually happen (minus the part about the actually likable lax bro (and by likable I mean decent)) 
I was in kind of a book hangover after reading A Court of Wings and Ruin, and there is no better cure to a book hangover than one of the books in this series. You really can't help but fall completely in love with all the characters. It's just... I don't know why other word to describe it other than adorable. Everything is just adorable. And cute. And perfect in an imperfect way. 
Alright, here's what I have to say to you if you've already read the first two books and are debating on whether or not to read the third-- WHY ARE YOU DEBATING AT ALL? PICK THIS BOOK UP IMMEDIATELY, it's so happy and adorable and perfect, I promise you won't regret it. 
Anyway, here's the synopsis: 

Lara Jean’s letter-writing days aren’t over in this surprise follow-up to the New York Times bestselling To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and P.S. I Still Love You.

Lara Jean is having the best senior year a girl could ever hope for. She is head over heels in love with her boyfriend, Peter; her dad’s finally getting remarried to their next door neighbor, Ms. Rothschild; and Margot’s coming home for the summer just in time for the wedding.

But change is looming on the horizon. And while Lara Jean is having fun and keeping busy helping plan her father’s wedding, she can’t ignore the big life decisions she has to make. Most pressingly, where she wants to go to college and what that means for her relationship with Peter. She watched her sister Margot go through these growing pains. Now Lara Jean’s the one who’ll be graduating high school and leaving for college and leaving her family—and possibly the boy she loves—behind.

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

10/10 stars. This book is a piece of art, honestly. I don't think there will ever be a time that this series will ever not make me completely, blissfully happy while reading them (while also depressing me a little just because I'm single and bitter.) 
​Anyway, I hope you all read this one! 

SPOILERS BELOW 
Um. Well, here, I'll be honest with you, I actually read this book almost a month ago and don't have that much of a recollection of things that I actually wanted to discuss other than how perfect Peter is. He's perfect, anyone want to fight me on that? No one? Good. He's a lax bro who will leave parties early when it looks like his girlfriend is ready to go and HE READ A BOOK SERIES FOR HER. Do boys get any more perfect? Oh, and also he's in it for the long haul, not just for sex. Yeah, no. Boys do not get more perfect than that. 
​The college situation was one that did actually feel like a real one. There are no guarantees on anything when it comes to colleges. 
Um. Oh, I really liked seeing John, even if it was for a split second because he's just also perfect, but in a different way from Peter. Funnily enough, I completely forgot about Josh until I went back and reread the first two books because he's hardly even mentioned in this book. Which is kind of sad, because it's a reminder that some people who are always in your life can cease to be in it at all. 
The one little thing that I noticed but didn't necessarily have an issue with, just that I noticed was that all the books basically have the same thing with Peter and Lara in terms of relationship and breaking up. They break up (or something like that) near the end, and then at the very end they kind of get back together (they don't exactly get back together at the end of the first book, but it's alluded to.) 
​

Anyway, thanks for reading this review. I'm sorry that it's choppy, I wrote the first half a month ago and didn't bother to reread it before writing more, so I'm sure I repeated myself a lot. Sorry. 
​-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