Let me just preface this with I started writing this post way back in January so it really wasn't that far back... I just didn't finish it for a while. And by a while I mean three months, but whatever. Okay, here's the post that I started three months ago: 

I know, I know, it's a little late. I usually get these out BEFORE the new year, but hey, as usual my excuse is that I've been busy. But really! I only just got back into the country on the 21st, and from there I had a lot of Christmas things to participate in. This is the soonest I could get around to writing this, sorry. I'm also vastly behind on reviews which probably means I'll never actually review all the books I read in between because 1. that's just too many and 2. the ones I read a long time ago I couldn't go into too much detail about anyway. So if you're interested in any reads or what I may or may not have thought about them, I'd advise checking out and perhaps friending me on my goodreads (anjicooper), because that I keep pretty updating on what I'm reading and rate things there. 
As usual, I like to title this article the "best stories" because I like to include not only books, but also the movies and TV shows I watched this year-- stories. Usually I use the year as well (17 best stories of 2017) but that's just going to get harder as the years go on and then some might be there that might not even deserve to. So now I'm just going to write about what comes to mind, no matter how many or how few. I should also mention that these are in no specific order, meaning that none of these have more priority than the others. 
Alright here's the list-- in no particular order. 

The Wicked King & Queen of Nothing by Holly Black 
Books 2 & 3 in the utterly intriguing and gut-wrenching Folk of the Air trilogy... Wow the time between these two books felt so long that I didn't even realize they came out in the same year until I went back through all the books I read throughout 2019. And let me just put it out there that I'm thoroughly impressed with Holly Black that she was able to put out not one, but two phenomenal books in one series in the same year. Thank you Holly for not making us wait another whole year to find out what happened after that terrible, terrible cliffhanger at the end of the Wicked King! And yeah, sorry that's a bit of a minor spoiler because the Wicked King does end in a cliffhanger, but hey, it's the second book in a trilogy, obviously it's going to end in a cliffhanger. Honestly, both these books were just such a ride to read. If you have yet to pick this series up-- starting with the Cruel Prince-- PLEASE TRY IT! If you're inclined towards anything remotely fantasy or enjoy books with court intrigue, wit and guile, the Folk of the Air trilogy is most definitely the series for you! I don't want to say any spoilers in case you haven't read these books yet... but they are utterly brilliant I promise you. Jude is a human living in a Fae world-- and while that may seem like a disadvantage, she works it in her favor. She doesn't need the fae powers to be an all time badass. Not only is she a skilled fighter, but she's also extremely clever. One of the most powerful players at court. 
Then there's Carden-- and I'm not going to say much on him because if you haven't started the series I don't want to spoil it but... He's a great character, very intriguing. He's cunning, but not a big fighter... I would just like to point out that I quite enjoy the typical stereotypes on their heads by making Jude the badass warrior and Carden, well, not.
I cannot rave enough about how much I truly love these books. Each one gets better than the previous novel. The character and plot development is phenomenal... I've never read anything quite like this series. 
Anyway, here's the synopsis for the first book in this series if you're at all interested: 

Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.

As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare 
Despite my complaints about this novel, it still was utterly phenomenal. I adored it, but the book just didn't hold up to my Cassandra Clare Final Book Standards, but compared to normal book standards this book still would be considered to be excellent. It's classic Cassandra Clare, full of sarcasm, humor, plenty of action and intrigue and of course, a healthy dose of romance on top of all that. My biggest issue was that this novel didn't feel much like a conclusion as it set up so much, but as I keep saying, otherwise it was a very fun ride. 
Again, this book falls solidly into the fantasy category, though I suppose there's a bit of the urban fantasy element in it as it's set in modern day. 
It's the final novel in the Dark Artifices Trilogy, which, if you're interested might want to check out my review for the first book. 
And it's the (now second) most recent addition into Clare's absolutely remarkable Shadowhunter Chronicles. In fact, if you haven't read any of those I would definitely recommend them! They're one of my favorite series. The Infernal Devices & The Mortal Instruments are utterly iconic, definitely check them out! 

Finale by Stephanie Garber 
It would seem that 2019 really was the year for final books, because here we have another one. Finale, the third and final book in Garber's enchanting Caraval Trilogy. We've been sucked in by the magic both in the story and in Garber's writing since the very beginning, and here we finally get to see how the story and the characters' lives wrap up. It was truly a fun ride, and a series I would recommend to anyone who likes fantasy and magic (which is obviously something I'm very into since the first four entries on this list have all been fantastic fantasy novels). These books, especially the first couple really play games with your mind and make you think-- or at least try to figure out what is real and what is not...  If you have yet to pick up Caraval (Book 1) please do! I adore it. 

Stain by AG Howard 
Here's the first entry on this list that I wouldn't have predicted in 2018-- the other three are ones that I would've guessed might be here since they're in series that I love but this one? I didn't even know existed until I happened to stumble across it in Barnes and Noble. And wow, I am so glad that I happened to pick it up. This is an author that I had never even read a book from before, but it absolutely blew me away. You know how loose fairytale retellings are all the rage right now? Well, Stain falls right in that category, but it's not any of the commonly used tales-- cinderella, beauty and the beast, the little mermaid. Nope, Stain uses the Princess and the Pea for its inspiration, a much more badass and tough Princess and the Pea, but it still manages the capture the magic and enchanting aspect of a fairytale. 
Stain is set in a fantasy world where one kingdom in the past was split into two. Now the two kingdoms are day and night, and they have been at war for as long as anyone can remember. But now may be the time for the two to come back together, after all, the beginnings of the prophecy have started to be fulfilled. A night princess was born to the day royalty and a day prince was born to the night royalty. All they have to do is come together to fulfill the prophecy and rejoin the two kingdoms... Except it can never be that easy, can it? When you throw in an evil stepmother and stepsisters, along with a lot of magic as well as nefarious creatures? Definitely not an easy task. 
The writing and tone are magical, really truly feeling like you are reading a fairytale, and not just some modern rendition. I can't emphasize enough how much I loved this book. Please, please read it! 
Here's the real synopsis: 
​
"Once upon a nightmare, her fairy tale begins...

This high-fantasy gothic fairytale, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea, is set in an alternative medieval world split apart by magic. To win back her kingdom of perpetual day, save her night prince, and reunite the sun with the moon, a princess incapable of speech or sound must prove herself everything a traditional princess is not: tough enough to sleep on a bed of nails, and loud enough to be heard without a voice."

Rebel by Marie Lu 
The long awaited book we all always knew we needed, but never thought we'd actually get. AH. I cannot emphasize enough how utterly perfect this novel was. Look, if you were a fan of the Legend Trilogy, you knew you needed this book. Champion (book 3) definitely was not the conclusion we all wanted or needed. This is that conclusion, picking up several years after the epilogue of Champion. Not only does it follow Daniel, but it also really introduces us to Eden, Daniel's younger brother who drove much of the plot of the Legend trilogy. And of course, our darling June also is involved in the plot. I can't say much without spoiling the Legend Trilogy, but all I can say is that this book was perfect. We all knew we needed it, and if you know what I mean, you know what I mean. Utterly fantastic, work of art, beautiful, perfect novel. 
If you don't know then, well, lucky you! You can start the Legend Trilogy and get to read this darling 4th book without having to wait years and years for the conclusion we all needed. 

Supernova by Marissa Meyer 
 Oh look! Another conclusion, shocking. Supernova is the third and final book in Marissa Meyer's Renegades. It's fantasy, but also a bit of a mixture of dystopian and just plain out a superhero novel series. But what makes this series fun is that the superheroes aren't necessarily the good guys-- following between two perspectives, both young prodigies for opposing sides: the heroes and the villains this series puts a spin on some stereotypical ideas and brings up some very interesting ideas all while being fun and intriguing reads as well. Supernova was a very fun conclusion, all the secrets kept between the characters came to light-- it was everything I could've hoped for. If you enjoy the whole superhero trope definitely check these books out! They have everything: action, romance, intrigue, and what's the fun if there isn't a little deception involved too? 

The UnHoneymooners by Christina Lauren 
This has to be the most rom-com type of book that I've ever read. I mean seriously, it takes place in Hawaii, and has a hate-to-love relationship. Lots of bickering and unrealistic situations but that's what makes this book so much fun and such a rom-com. If you like the rom-com movies, I would definitely recommend trying this book out! The relationship is so much fun, as is the read. This is definitely one of those light happy reads that'll have you laughing out loud and swooning. The best kind of rom-com that there is. I definitely couldn't recommend this one more. It was my first Christina Lauren novel and I have now read almost every single one of their books-- if that isn't telling, I don't know what is. READ IT! 
Synopsis: 

Olive is always unlucky: in her career, in love, in…well, everything. Her identical twin sister Ami, on the other hand, is probably the luckiest person in the world. Her meet-cute with her fiancé is something out of a romantic comedy (gag) and she’s managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a series of Internet contests (double gag). Worst of all, she’s forcing Olive to spend the day with her sworn enemy, Ethan, who just happens to be the best man.

Olive braces herself to get through 24 hours of wedding hell before she can return to her comfortable, unlucky life. But when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning from eating bad shellfish, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan. And now there’s an all-expenses-paid honeymoon in Hawaii up for grabs.

Putting their mutual hatred aside for the sake of a free vacation, Olive and Ethan head for paradise, determined to avoid each other at all costs. But when Olive runs into her future boss, the little white lie she tells him is suddenly at risk to become a whole lot bigger. She and Ethan now have to pretend to be loving newlyweds, and her luck seems worse than ever. But the weird thing is that she doesn’t mind playing pretend. In fact, she feels kind of... lucky.

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren 
Oh look! ANOTHER Christina Lauren book made it on my list. Shocker. While the other novel is very rom-com, light and happy? This novel... This one is another whole category. All I can do to describe Love and Other Words is that it really hits on a deeper level. Not only did the story resonate with my soul, but it also, just, wow. I can't even describe how much I absolutely adore this book. The relationship depicted is one that is just so deep and moving that I-- I'm so sorry! There are just no good words go to describe it. You're just going to have to read it. The relationship is so much more than just a light-hearted romance-- it's more than a friendship too. You get to see the relationship and the bond build between the two main characters, and you really grow attached and grow to love both of them and what they have between them. It's a beautiful relationship and a beautiful book. I couldn't praise this book more-- it's become one of my all-time favorites and I don't even know how many times I've reread it at this point. 
Love and Other Words is told over two time frames: the present and the past. In the present Elliot and Macy haven't seen each other in the last 10 years, why? That's what we all want to find out. In the past, we get to see Elliot and Macy meet, and watch them become best friends, and see how that grows into something more... and then find out why it all blew up. I cannot praise this book more. Just read it. It's perfect. It's beautiful. It's everything. 
Synopsis: 

The story of the heart can never be unwritten.

Macy Sorensen is settling into an ambitious if emotionally tepid routine: work hard as a new pediatrics resident, plan her wedding to an older, financially secure man, keep her head down and heart tucked away.

But when she runs into Elliot Petropoulos—the first and only love of her life—the careful bubble she’s constructed begins to dissolve. Once upon a time, Elliot was Macy’s entire world—growing from her gangly bookish friend into the man who coaxed her heart open again after the loss of her mother...only to break it on the very night he declared his love for her.

Told in alternating timelines between Then and Now, teenage Elliot and Macy grow from friends to much more—spending weekends and lazy summers together in a house outside of San Francisco devouring books, sharing favorite words, and talking through their growing pains and triumphs. As adults, they have become strangers to one another until their chance reunion. Although their memories are obscured by the agony of what happened that night so many years ago, Elliot will come to understand the truth behind Macy’s decade-long silence, and will have to overcome the past and himself to revive her faith in the possibility of an all-consuming love.

Love, loss, friendship, and the betrayals of the past all collide in this first fiction novel from New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren

From Lukov with Love by Marianna Zapata 
I'm sorry. I'm a sucker for a good hate-to-love relationship, as fairly well depicted on this list. This is one of those stories and wow, it was a great read. A lot of fun, and like all the books on this list-- the relationship is so much bigger than just the romance, there's also friendship, a little bit of rivalry, and everything in-between. From Lukov with Love is a great novel. It's filled with humor, a compelling plot and a cast of very lovable, easy to grow attached to characters. Another thing that makes this novel so much fun? The two main characters are figure skaters, and what brings them together is their competitive drive. 
Zapata is famous around the romance book lover community. I've read a few of her books this year, and this by far is my favorite. 
​
Synopsis: 
If someone were to ask Jasmine Santos to describe the last few years of her life with a single word, it would definitely be a four-letter one.

After seventeen years—and countless broken bones and broken promises—she knows her window to compete in figure skating is coming to a close.

But when the offer of a lifetime comes in from an arrogant idiot she’s spent the last decade dreaming about pushing in the way of a moving bus, Jasmine might have to reconsider everything.

Including Ivan Lukov. 

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella 
Here's another famous chick-lit author, and I finally got around to trying one of her novels. Again, I've read a lot, A LOT of her books at this point, and I've Got Your Number Still Remains to be my all time favorite by her. It's cute, the back-and-forth is priceless. I love the characters and the set up, it's like a rom-com and the read is a whole lot of fun. 
​
Synopsis: 
I’ve lost it. :( The only thing in the world I wasn’t supposed to lose. My engagement ring. It’s been in Magnus’s family for three generations. And now the very same day his parents are coming, I’ve lost it. The very same day! Do not hyperventilate, Poppy. Stay positive :) !!
 
Poppy Wyatt has never felt luckier. She is about to marry her ideal man, Magnus Tavish, but in one afternoon her “happily ever after” begins to fall apart. Not only has she lost her engagement ring in a hotel fire drill but in the panic that follows, her phone is stolen. As she paces shakily around the lobby, she spots an abandoned phone in a trash can. Finders keepers! Now she can leave a number for the hotel to contact her when they find her ring. Perfect!
 
Well, perfect except that the phone’s owner, businessman Sam Roxton, doesn’t agree. He wants his phone back and doesn’t appreciate Poppy reading his messages and wading into his personal life.
 
What ensues is a hilarious and unpredictable turn of events as Poppy and Sam increasingly upend each other’s lives through emails and text messages. As Poppy juggles wedding preparations, mysterious phone calls, and hiding her left hand from Magnus and his parents . . . she soon realizes that she is in for the biggest surprise of her life.

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne 
Apparently this novel is a cult-classic favorite-- one that's so popular that it's being made into a film. Guess what? Yup. This one is also a hate-to-love relationship... Except it never truly is hate, more like... tension? I suppose you'll just have to read the book to find out. Like I've said for most of the books on this list-- this novel is a VERY fun read! Both the main characters are lovable and hilarious, as is the relationship between them. They are truly each other's equals and opposites, but they compliment each other in every way that matters. I can't believe it took me so long to find this book because trust me when I say that I am utterly in love with it. 

Synopsis: 
​
Nemesis (n.) 1) An opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome.
2) A person’s undoing
3) Joshua Templeman

Lucy Hutton has always been certain that the nice girl can get the corner office. She’s charming and accommodating and prides herself on being loved by everyone at Bexley & Gamin. Everyone except for coldly efficient, impeccably attired, physically intimidating Joshua Templeman. And the feeling is mutual.

Trapped in a shared office together 40 (OK, 50 or 60) hours a week, they’ve become entrenched in an addictive, ridiculous never-ending game of one-upmanship. There’s the Staring Game. The Mirror Game. The HR Game. Lucy can’t let Joshua beat her at anything—especially when a huge new promotion goes up for the taking.

If Lucy wins this game, she’ll be Joshua’s boss. If she loses, she’ll resign. So why is she suddenly having steamy dreams about Joshua, and dressing for work like she’s got a hot date? After a perfectly innocent elevator ride ends with an earth-shattering kiss, Lucy starts to wonder whether she’s got Joshua Templeman all wrong.

Maybe Lucy Hutton doesn’t hate Joshua Templeman. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.

Zombieland: Double Tap 
The long awaited sequel to the fan-favorite Zombieland of 2009. I wanted to see this movie so badly I found a theater to watch it in while I was in Spain ahah. I'm not totally fluent in Spanish, so I had to research subtitle theaters, which aren't exactly all that popular with the Spanish but I found one! This one was equally as hilarious and fun as the first. Zoey Deutch's performance as Madison really added to the movie, as did the rest of the performances from our main cast of the first movie. Big fan of the Zombieland franchise here. 

The Boys 
Where To Find It: Amazon Prime Video 
This show turns the all too popular trope of superheroes on its head. Its tagline is "never meet your heroes," and in this dark, dark world the superheroes are corrupt. And what makes it even more fun? For any fans of superheros, the big "seven" of the show are based very obviously on the big characters from the Justice League!  They're famous, and all their rescues are televised and marketed-- and they've grown corrupt, just like a celebrity or politician could be. And when the most powerful people are bad, who can stop them? And while not all the superheroes are bad, none of them are really good either. The series is really interesting because there are no black or white characters as there usually are with superheroes, instead everything is a mixture of both, some leaning more or less towards one side, but none of them fall totally on one end of the spectrum. That's what makes the series so intriguing-- you never know what's going to happen. Plus the acting is superb! A definite much watch. 

Synopsis: 

A group of vigilantes set out to take down corrupt superheroes who abuse their superpowers.​
A group of vigilantes set out to take down corrupt superheroes who abuse their superpowers.
A group of vigilantes set out to take down corrupt superheroes who abuse their superpowers.

Body Guard
Where To Find It: Netflix 
This is another very intense action/mystery TV show. It follows a bodyguard (Richard Madden) who is assigned to protect a politician who stands against everything that he believes in... That's the synopsis but the show goes so much deeper than any of that, but I can't tell you because it would spoil everything that makes the show so good! All I can really say on good conscience it's intriguing, and if you enjoy that kind of suspenseful, intriguing action genre, this is definitely a show for you to check out. 

Synopsis: 
​A contemporary thriller featuring the Royalty and Specialist Protection Branch of London's Metropolitan Police Service.

Umbrella Academy 
Where to Find it: Netflix 
Here's another show that plays with the idea of superheroes, but in a drastically different way. Sure, the characters are superpowered, but the central theme of the show is really about the family. I'm pretty sure the tagline is something like SUPER dysfunctional. Basically this show is about seven superpowered kids who were adopted by an eccentric millionaire. As children they were famous for being in a superhero group, but as they grew up they became estranged. Now they're back together for their father's funeral and through a series of chaotic events it seems they might have to stick together for a while. This show is weird, and that's what makes it so fun. It has a very light tone in comparison to the Boys, and there's plenty of humor to go along with the action. But there are also definitely serious moments, so I'd say it's a perfect blend of them all. Another thing that makes the series so good? The visuals as well as the music. Many of the scenes are written to music, so the scenes and the music fit perfectly. Each episode has a least one truly iconic scene with an iconic song. It's spectacular. Who ever knew Istanbul )(Not Constantinople) could fit a gunfight scene? But oh, it fits perfectly. Better get caught up before season 2 comes out! 
Synopsis: 
​A family of former child heroes, now grown apart, must reunite to continue to protect the world.

Sex Education 
Where to Find it: Netflix 
Alright! Here's one that's not dark or action-filled. Light, with fun characters and an absolutely hilarious watch, Sex Education was a pleasant surprise. If you're looking for a good laugh, this series is absolutely perfect for you. 

Synopsis: 
A teenage boy with a sex therapist mother teams up with a high school classmate to set up an underground sex therapy clinic at school.

Anyway, those are some of the best stories I read/watched over the course of 2019! Sorry that it came so late! Hopefully you look into some of these and might actually enjoy some of them as much as I did! 
​-Anj

Let's just start this off by saying that this book left me shook to the core. Wow, the Wicked King was a wild ride and I absolutely adored every second of it. 
Overall thoughts: amazing. I loved Cardan and Jude-- their landmine filled relationship is literally everything, the tension is through the roof and that was my everything while reading this one. Individually, they're very interesting characters, but together they are everything haha. Like the background of betrayal and all with them is just too good. 
Still hate Taryn, like I know there was a short from her perspective that tried to "explain" everything, but I basically just hate her and while some betrayal is okay, hers was not. (not a spoiler, talking about the previous book). Like she waltzes in at the beginning of this one, doesn't apologize and just wants everything to be better, well guess what T, IT'S NOT. (Yes, I'm totally fine. It's all good. It's fine. I don't care...) 
Yeah, this book took my emotions on a super bumpy roller coaster. Honestly, the first book was good, but this one is a work of ART. 9/10 stars, obviously I highly recommend! If you even slightly enjoyed the first book, definitely pick this one up (if you haven't already, this review is coming very late, I'm aware.) 
Synopsis: 

The first lesson is to make yourself strong.

After the jaw-dropping revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her younger brother safe. To do so, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne. Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough if Cardan were easy to control. But he does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her even as his fascination with her remains undiminished.

When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world.

SPOILERS: 
OKAY so it's been like half a year since I read this but can I just freak out over the fact that OH DEAR GOD SHE TOLD US THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK SO LONG AGO!!! The title of the last book has been released for years now. It's called QUEEN OF NOTHING. BECAUSE JUDE IS QUEEN BUT IT'S OF NOTHING. I'm highkey disappointed in myself for not even thinking of this. I know it's such a toxic relationship but I LOVE CARDAN AND JUDE. And I love how they're equals now. It's great. Okay. Yeah. That's the only spoilery thing I have to say because well... it's been so long whoops. 
Thanks for reading, 
Anj
​

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. 

"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.

Imagine a dystopian future where, after twenty years of living in chaos, the world is finally coming into order. Who has risen up to bring order back into society? Superheroes, of course. 
Renegades follows two protagonists leading very opposite lives. One was raised among the superheroes, and believes there is no greater cause. The other was raised to hate superheroes and everything they stand for. 
Nova Artino despises the Renegades, which is what the superheroes have taken to call themselves. She is the youngest member of a fallen rebel group called the Anarchists. The Anarchists stand for freedom, freedom for the prodigies-- people with powers-- but they are, for the most part, seen as the cause that threw the world into turmoil for twenty whole years. The Anarchists are the villains of the story... or so the people think. Not only does she hate the Renegades for her cause, but she also has her own personal reasons to detest them. 
Meanwhile, Adrian Everhart was brought up with two of the most famous superheroes as his parents. He believes in the system with all his heart, and has always looked down upon the villains.  Still, Adrian is on a mission, and the only person who can help him solve this mission is a super villain named Nightmare. The issue is, he has no idea how to find her... but she may be closer than he thinks. 
Something I really enjoyed about the book was simply the diversity and uniqueness of the superpowers, especially for our main characters. Nova (Nightmare) has the power of being able to put other people to sleep & also to not need to sleep at all. Adrian (Sketch) has the superpower of bringing any drawing to life. Then you have both of their "teams." On Nova's team, there's a character with the ability to make explosives out of the gases in their air, and another who can control any type of bee and wasp. Adrian's team has a girl who can turn into monarch butterflies and a girl whose blood, when cut, turns into weapons. I mean, those are pretty uncommon powers that you don't see very often, eh? 
I also love the trope of two main characters being on opposite sides-- like a relationship (friendship or romantic) that is complicated by them being low-key each other's enemies. Sorry, bad wording but you get the point-- think of Magneto and Professor X. I also love the trope of the wolf in sheep's clothing, disguise but falling for their own con a little. This book has all of that. It's so much fun to watch this sort of relationship get set up over the course of the novel-- and I look forward to seeing it to a more extreme in upcoming books. 
Renegades is fun and well written-- just as you'd expect from the author of the Lunar Chronicles. (Ah THOSE ARE GOOD BOOKS!) and exciting. The plot and characters are interesting, and I really look forward to seeing where these characters and their relationships are going-- especially after the ending of the book. While the ultimate TWIST was something I suspected, there were quite a few cliches I was expecting to happen that just didn't. 
Nova had to be my favorite character-- she's a badass, and also not a good guy. She's more complicated than someone just doing things to be good, she has her own reasons and motivations. She can be selfish. I love that about her. I also love her relationship with the Anarchists. While the rest of the world views them as villains, they're her family. The people that raised her, and that makes their relationship and the way I view them all the more interesting. And while I think superheroes would be awesome, I also agree with the point she's trying to make throughout the book that powers don't make heroes, and that people need to step up and be a hero when needed-- even without powers to assist them. 
Also just a little side note-- the front of the book has a cast of characters, introducing each character with their allegiances and powers, which really helps to sort out who is who and what they can do-- it was something I was flipping back to frequently during the beginning of my read through. 
I would give Renegades 7/10 stars, it was a really well written and fun novel. I would highly recommend to anyone who appreciates superhero stories. While there are parts that move a bit slowly, the characters and plot make up for it. 

Synopsis: 

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

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

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


SPOILERS
Let me just say I was really disappointed in Ingrid, not the writing of Ingrid but the character's choices. Like, I really enjoyed seeing Nova with all these "totally evil" characters who were really just people fighting for something they believed in-- and they really did act like a family together, which I thought was very sweet. The way the Anarchists were connected was probably one of my favorite if not my favorite relationship of the book. They were like a family, a very dysfunctional family. And they weren't these badass bad guys, either. Queen Bee was kinda crazy, in a lovable way-- but not what you'd expect from one of the most feared beings in the world. 
Ingrid really seemed like the most down to earth Anarchist and I was hoping to get a good relationship out of her and Nova, but she turned out to be super evil and back-stabby so... Yeah, no, I'm disappointed in you, Ingrid. 
The big twist at the end-- that Alec was alive wasn't too much of a surprise from me. There was some very good subtle hinting towards it, and well, I was really secretly hoping in the pit of my stomach that he would be alive. I enjoyed the brief sightings we saw between Alec and Nova, and am looking forward to seeing more. 
Anyway, that's really all I have to say other than I'm really looking forward to reading he next one! 
​-Anj

Once again Emma Mills proves her outstanding ability to write an absolutely adorable romance and story in her novel This Adventure Ends. Mills previously displayed her prowess in her debut novel, First & Then, which was an equally adorable and quirky adventure that I highly recommend if you're in the mood for a cutesy romance. 
Like First & Then, This Adventure Ends isn't solely a romance book. While First & Then concentrated on the idea of family, This Adventure Ends expands its boundaries out to friendships as well. And boy, do I love the relationships in all of Mills' novels. She sets them up in such a compelling and realistic way that it's impossible not to get attached to the relationships, both romantic and platonic. 
While there was a romantic undertone to this novel, it was a undertone. There, but definitely not the most important highlight of the novel. The most important being the friendships made throughout the book. It was very enjoyable watching Sloane, the book's slightly lonerish protagonist, make friends and then watching those relationships build. 
The characters are so genuine and real that it feels almost as if they might step out of the book at any moment. The entire novel, actually, felt very realistic, while also being entirely too cute and adorable to handle-- it's definitely not stereotypical. 
Sloane isn't your typical loaner, at least, she's not the image that pops into my head when the word "loaner" is mentioned. What I mean when I say that Sloane is a bit of a loaner is that she's never really had any close friends. She had friends, but none of them close enough to even make her want to stay in her hometown (city?) of New York when her parents wanted to move right before her senior year. Sloane is funny in a sarcastic, deadpan manner that I appreciate. While she's not exactly the expert on relationships, it's fun to watch her stumble through actually forming real bonds of friendship in her new town. 
Meet Vera and Gabe, two twins who couldn't be more different. Vera is a vivacious, effervescent girl who everyone can't help but love. Meanwhile, the book at first describes Gabe as being "serious." Something that made me a bit nervous because I don't like a very serious guy. Luckily, it wasn't the sort of serious that I was thinking. It actually makes whenever Gabe actually does crack a joke or laugh all the more rewarding. He's a bit socially awkward, which I love. While I love a confidant guy, I also love my socially awkward boys. Really, I guess it's not all that hard to impress me when it comes to book boys, haha. I love these twins, because of their relationships with Sloane as well as their presence throughout the book. Like I said before, the characters are very well fleshed out, and they feel so real... It's hard not to fall in love with any and all of them. 
I'll be completely honest with you, I've had this book sitting on my shelf for longer than I'd like to admit. I actually had it the day it came out (thanks, Amazon prime pre-orders), but did I read it? No. Why? Because well, I didn't really feel compelled to do so. I was worried Mills' magic from First & Then would be lacking in this novel, and also the idea of hunting down a portrait just didn't hook me. Sometimes I just really hate myself, and this is one of those times. Similar to me avoiding reading Better Off Friends, it was really just a dumb mistake. I could've experienced the joy and happiness This Adventure Ends had to share years ago! But I waited until now because... Because I just didn't feel like reading it. Ugh. Why, Anji? Why? I will not make that mistake again and have already bought Mills' most recent release and plan to read it ASAP. 
Anyway, getting off track, I'm giving this book 8/10 stars because I absolutely loved it. It had me cringing at the embarrassing moments, laughing at the funny ones and grinning like a maniac most of the time I was having the pleasure of reading it. (Also side comment-- can we just appreciate how cute and aesthetically pleasing all of the covers for Mills' novels are??) I highly recommend this one, and hope you all enjoying reading it as much as I did! 

Synopsis: 

Sloane isn't expecting to fall in with a group of friends when she moves from New York to Florida—especially not a group of friends so intense, so in love, so all-consuming. Yet that's exactly what happens.

Sloane becomes closest to Vera, a social-media star who lights up any room, and Gabe, Vera's twin brother and the most serious person Sloane's ever met. When a beloved painting by the twins' late mother goes missing, Sloane takes on the responsibility of tracking it down, a journey that takes her across state lines—and ever deeper into the twins' lives.

Filled with intense and important friendships, a wonderful warts-and-all family, shiveringly good romantic developments, and sharp, witty dialogue, this story is about finding the people you never knew you needed.

SPOILERS BELOW

I love how realistic the ending is. While you would want them to get their painting back... Most of the time, that wouldn't happen. That would've been the "fairytale" ending, and, given how realistic the rest of the novel is, that wouldn't seem right. Also, the painting isn't the point! It's the motivation for finding the painting. 
I also would like to comment on OH MY GOD. Gabe and Sloane. Love their relationship and the slow burn of it. I mean, I knew he was asking her out, but clearly Sloane didn't catch on the first time. And the tucking in part? I was dying from the cuteness there.