Title: Daughter of the Pirate King

Author: Tricia Levenseller

Pub. Date: February 28, 2017

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I’ve gotten what I came for.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.

This review will be completely spoiler free.

I listened this via Audible, and if you haven’t yet read this book, then check out the audio version – it was amazing, and I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator.

With that being said, Daughter of the Pirate King follows Pirate Princess Alosa and her mission to find ancient hidden map that would take her and her father to a hidden isle. Allowing herself to be purposefully captured by her enemies, she takes her time in captivity to search the ship.

Her job would be significantly easier if it weren’t for the first mate Riden, who is clever and very attractive – and there is instantly a kind of bond between the two of them. But Alosa is clever as well, and has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no pirate – no matter how attractive or smart can stop her.

I absolutely LOVED this book. I had heard a lot of hype surrounding the first novel, and I am so happy that it lived up to the hype. I finished the first one, and immediately wanted the second one – which I ordered off Amazon as soon as I got home from work. I loved the banter and relationship between Alosa and Riden – how there was mutual respect, and a lot of snark. I thought they complimented each other very well, and the attraction was on point.

Alosa, daughter of the Pirate King, views herself as untouchable and easily as smart if not smarter than everyone around her. I loved her confidence in who she was, but at the same time she had vulnerable moments. She was far from a perfect person, she had her good qualities as well as her flaws, but that made her feel more relatable. I liked that she felt modern without feeling out of place. She knew her worth, her power, and didn’t question her abilities to get shit done. She didn’t have to rely on certain special abilities to get most men to see her worth, and that some of them * cough* Riden * cough * preferred who she was naturally.

Riden. What can I say about Riden except I love him. I often find that when there are two MC’s in a novel, I end up liking one more than the other, but with this book, I loved them both. The only other book I can think of that gave me the same feeling is Kerri Mansicalco’s Stalking Jack the Ripper and Hunting Prince Dracula. In both of these series, I think that the main characters are so complimentary and just work together so nicely that there isn’t any room for me to feel discord with either or feel favoritism for one over the other. The witty, snarky, smart ass dialogue helped.

Their slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers relationship made me heart very happy. I can’t think of a single bad thing to say about this book – I loved it that much. Oh wait – there is one thing – it gave me SUCH A HUGE BOOK HANGOVER. As did Daughter of the Siren Queen (that review will be up soon).

Pirates should be more popular in YA and I would read the crap out of them! I do wish that there were more books in this series, because I could read about Alosa and Riden all day. I need more.  This is definitely a book that I would pick up to reread I loved it that much!

If you haven’t read this one yet, I definitely recommend it! What more could you want? Smart ass, clever pirates with romance and action – it’s a perfect combination!

Title: The Fates Divide (Carve the Mark, #2)

Author: Veronica Roth

Pub. Date: April 10, 2018

Rating: ♥♥♥♥ – 4.5

Fate brought them together. Now it will divide them.

As Lazmet ignites a barbaric war, Cyra and Akos are desperate to stop him at any cost. For Cyra, that could mean taking the life of the man who may—or may not—be her father. For Akos, it could mean giving his own. In a stunning twist, the two will discover how fate defines their lives in ways most unexpected.

Like with most of my reviews, the first part will be spoiler free, followed by a spoiler section.

I listened to this on Audible, and I highly recommend both Carve the Mark and The Fates Divide as audiobooks. It took me forever to get into the first one reading it in physical form, but the audiobook changed that. The narrators are enjoyable to listen to, and I think listening to these two books just adds something extra to the story. Though I will say that there is one downside I’ve found with audiobooks – I don’t know how to spell any of the character’s names!

The Fates Divide is the second and final installment in Veronica Roth’s Carve the Mark duology. This book splits into four points of view, Cyra, Akos, Cisi, and Ryzek/Eijeh. It takes place directly following the first book, and the characters are in a bit of a turmoil. Akos struggling with the fact that he couldn’t save his brother, Cyra having to occupy the same space as her brother who she has come to hate, Cisi who has to reconcile with loss and the return of her brothers, and Ryzek/Eijeh who have to learn to live with each other.

Their fates rule them, constantly looming over their head, and with a war between Shotet and Thuvhe bubbling to the surface, it feels more obvious than ever that they will be fulfilled. Akos thinks his end is near, Cyra may or may not have to take the life of the man who she’d always thought to be her father, who has seemingly risen from the dead to reclaim the Shotet throne.

I really enjoyed Carve the Mark – the world, the characters, I fell in love. I will fight you for Akos, he’s mine. I loved how all the characters were flawed and so human. More than once I was caught up in everything that the characters were feeling. The Fates Divide was no difference. Once again, Roth wrote a book that sucked me in, had me feeling everything the characters felt. I could feel Cyra’s and Akos’ frustration and fear. I could feel Cisi’s need to be able to express herself, her need to help people. In Ryzek/Eijeh’s case, I could feel my burning hatred for Ryzek. (I don’t think he could ever have a redeeming arc, in my opinion). I would have been okay if his POVs hadn’t been in the book.

There was a moment in this book where, if I had been reading a physical copy I probably would’ve dropped it and screamed. Something that Roth does really well in these two books is making the characters and readers go through the same revelation at the same time. The twist that occurs in this book – I didn’t see it come at all. It was a shock, it blindsided me, but I wasn’t angry about it. It actually made complete sense, and it was oh so clever.

Overall this book was so good! If you liked Carve the Mark then you definitely want to check out the second and final installment. If you want political intrigue, manipulation, love, heartache, coming to terms with ones fate, family and the fight to survive, then you probably want to check this book, and the first one out!

Now for the spoiler section.

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I mentioned this earlier, but that big plot twist that I’m sure had everyone gaping and that blew everyone’s minds – yeah that one.

HOLY CRAP.

They were switched at birth.

Again. Holy crap.

Did not see that coming.

And then we find out that Cyra’s true fate had been completed when she refused to torture Akos, and she died. And that Akos inherited her fate to cross the divide. They had both been living in fear or at least apprehension of their fates their whole lives only to have already completed them. Which then leaves one thing left that has to be done, kill Lazmet Noavek.

Okay, to be honest, I wasn’t really sure what I was going to talk about in this spoiler section. The only thing I really wanted to talk about was that major Fates plot twist and threw the whole book on its head.

I really enjoyed this book, more so than the first one. I liked that there was less world building and more character development. I liked how the story progressed and the reader could see every move that was happening, from multiple different angles. The political intrigue and manipulation on all fronts was so interesting, and I was engaged with the story the whole time.

There were moments when I wanted to shake Cyra and Akos for not trusting their feelings for each other, and I wanted to smack Ast. From the first time he was introduced I knew he wasn’t good news. He. Made. Me. So. Mad.

Okay, to be honest, I wasn’t really sure what I was going to talk about in this spoiler section. The only thing I really wanted to talk about was that major Fates plot twist and threw the whole book on its head. I’m glad Ast ended up being sent away.

OH! Another thing. Who all thought that Akos was going to die in the end when he faces off Lazmet. Because I did. I honestly thought she was going to do the same thing as Allegiant. I wouldn’t have been mad if he had died because it really felt like it w

as going to happen. I would have been mad because it would have felt like a copy of Allegiant. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so freaking happy that he lives, because I love him, but there was a moment when I didn’t think he’d get back up.

I did think that the book ended a little abruptly, and a little too happy, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this duology, and it’s definitely a new favorite!

If there’s anything I missed that you’d like my thoughts on, feel free to comment!

Title: A Court of Frost and Starlight

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Pub. Date: May 1, 2018

Rating: ♥♥♥ -3.5

Narrated by Feyre and Rhysand, this bridges the events in A Court of Wings and Ruin and the upcoming novels in the series.

New in the #1 New York Times bestselling Court of Thorns and Roses series, A Court of Frost and Starlight is a glimpse into the lives of Feyre and Rhys as they begin to recover from the war that changed their world.

Feyre, Rhysand, and their close-knit circle of friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly-changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it, a hard-earned reprieve. Yet even the festive atmosphere can’t keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, she finds that those dearest to her have more wounds than she anticipated — scars that will have a far-reaching impact on the future of their Court.

Like with most of my reviews there will be a spoiler free section followed by a spoiler section. This also won’t be a long review since the book was relatively short.

I knew going in that this was only a novella, a story epilogue to bridge the gap between ACOWAR and the new spin off series set in this world. Even knowing that, I was left kind of disappointed? I went into the book so excited to visit this world and these characters that I love and came out the other side deflated.

I was happy to see Rhys and Feyre again, along with the rest of the Inner Circle. Though I would have been happier if the book had just been from their points of view rather than basically everyone getting a chapter. (Not gonna lie, I would totally take the whole series from Rhys’ point of view).

I don’t know, there’s not much I can talk about without spoiling the very few things that actually happened in this novella.

So, onto the spoiler section.

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I feel like I didn’t need to see how much shopping they all did. I don’t care about the act of shopping, just tell me they went shopping, and show me what they got.

Also, Rhys and Feyre not being together for the majority of the book – really. REALLY. Ugh. And the “taking her in the air because we haven’t had a moment alone” scene – oooookaaayyyy.

I guess I’m just frustrated. Sure, my expectations were probably too high, but I was hoping for the wedding we never got to see, I was hoping for Rhys and Feyre to actually be together – suspend my belief that this is actually how they would act after a war, and just give me the warm cuddly and sexiness that is the two of them together.

I was happy that Feyre got back into painting and art in general again and got to draw Rhys. Also, thank you SJM for the wall scene – (I want to say I’ve been waiting for it, but that feels weird to type) – and I’m glad they were all together for the solstice.

I think Lucien should just go away. I don’t hate him, but I find that I can’t forgive him. And I definitely don’t want or like him mated with Elaine (I want her with Az.) I can’t forgive how Lucien stood by and let Tamlin treat her the way he did – I just can’t. I can acknowledge that he really didn’t have a choice (but let’s be real, he did, and he chose wrong, imo) but he didn’t do anything to help her, didn’t speak up for her, and I don’t care if the only companionship he can find is with a bunch of humans. No pity from me. (also the fact that he’s so quick to anger just makes me not want him with Elaine even more).

Now, Nesta. I know she’s going to be the focus of the next book in this spin off series, and I know she’s dealing with a lot, but I don’t think that gives her the right to treat everyone as shitty as she is. I think you choose the victim mentality, and I think on some level that’s what she’s doing, and she blames her sister for her misfortune, when really it was Hybren’s fault and not Feyre. Nesta has always been distance if not nasty towards her youngest sister, and it makes me not want to root for her.

I hate how she’s treating Cassian. You can’t be willing to die with someone and then just blatantly ignore them after the fact.

Ugh. Now I’m just ranting. I’m going to end this review/rant here. While this was my least favorite book in this series, I am looking forward to what Sarah has in store for us next!

Title: The Wish Granter (Ravenspire, #2)

Author: C J Redwine

Pub. Date: February 14, 2017

Rating: ♥♥♥♥ – 4.5

The world has turned upside down for Thad and Ari Glavan, the bastard twins of Súndraille’s king. Their mother was murdered. The royal family died mysteriously. And now Thad sits on the throne of a kingdom whose streets are suddenly overrun with violence he can’t stop.

But Teague is ruthless and more than ready to destroy anyone who dares stand in his way—and now he has his sights set on the princess. And if Ari can’t outwit him, she’ll lose Sebastian, her brother…and her soul. 

Like with the majority of my reviews, the first part will be spoiler free, followed by a spoiler section.

RUMPELSTILTSKIN RETELLING!

I’m not going to lie, I went into this book not expecting to love it as much as I loved Shadow Queen. I’m so happy I was wrong. I actually think I ended up loving this book more than the first one. Granted it’s been quite a while since I read the first book, but this book was so good! I listened to it through Audible, and the narrator did not disappoint!

This book follows Ari and her quest to free her brother from the Wish Granters grasp, only she’s bit off more than she can chew, and before she is successful, she suffers many setbacks. Partnering with the palace’s new weapons master, they conceive a plan that will hopefully end with the Wish Granter defeated.

This book has everything – slow burn romance, action, adventure, sass, wit, love and loyalty, and a whole heaping of evil.

I loved Ari and Thad’s relationship even if he often ended up treating Ari like she couldn’t stand on her own two feet. I get why he acted that way, he was trying to protect her and keep her under Teague’s radar. Ari was determined, and not afraid to get her hands dirty. She felt like she didn’t fit into the royalty crowd and often proved that she didn’t. Teague – despite his villainous ways, was a great character. He had me boiling with annoyance and rage, and I loved it. Sometimes you can’t help but like the bad guys. (I also think knowing the story of Rumpelstiltskin helps humanize him a bit). I loved Sebastian. I loved and hated that he was the vulnerable one – loved that it was almost a kind of role reversal and hated because how dare he hurt so much. * sobs * I loved how Ari just inserts herself into his life, letting him know that she was there, but still gave him the space he needed, and treated him as an equal. I loved how it slowly dawned on him that Ari had become more than just “Princess Ari” to him.

Overall, I just really loved this book, and the slow burn romance and the crafty evil way Teague conducted his business.

I thought I was going to have a spoiler section for this review, but I don’t think I am. I loved this book so much and could talk about it for hours, but I think that delving too much into what exactly happen would take away the magic that is this book. It’s a wild ride with some dark elements, and not so happy moments, but it’s also a book about loyalty and love and standing up for those who are closest to you. It’s about figuring out who you are and how far you are willing to go to protect the people you love. Ari proves herself to be all of those things.

Okay, I lied a little bit. There’s one thing I want to talk about, so here come the spoilers.

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I think knowing the story of Rumpelstiltskin kind of impacted the story, because I knew basically how it would end, Teague wouldn’t win, and it would all end up happy. I think that’s why I couldn’t give this book a full rating.

But also, the ending. I didn’t really like the whole Ari dying only to be resurrected part. It felt a little convenient, an easy way to motivate Sebastian into killing innocent people, which is kind of what Teague wanted him to do. It felt a little too much like a plot device, instead of actually necessary to the story. With that being said, it still shocked me and left me full of sadness and rage.

I think the end of the book played out too cleanly and quickly compared to the rest of the novel. True, Ari had been working towards the name breakthrough the whole novel, but once she figured it out, it all just progressed very rapidly, until Rumpelstiltskin was drifting into the night sky, and the kingdoms safe, and Sebastian getting his house on a hill (and the girl). For how hard Teague made their lives throughout the whole novel, he seems to begrudgingly acquiesce pretty quickly – granted he had no choice but to follow Ari’s commands per the contract, but it still felt rushed.I was kind of hoping that Ari might use the contract to limit him or force him to be a better person (fae) but she had him kill himself.  Maybe I sympathize with Teague too much, or he’s too humanized after hearing his backstory, but I didn’t really want him dead. I feel like he and Ari could have made a good team, or something. (But now I understand why ABC on Once Upon a Time gave Rumpel and Belle the Beauty and the Beast storyline, because in a way, it kind of was one in the novel.

Other than the ending being a little rushed, I loved this novel, the story, and the characters, and I have high hopes for the third book in the series The Traitor Prince!

Title: The Wendy

Author(s): Erin Michelle Sky & Steven Brown

Pub. Date: January 16, 2018

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

THE WRONG KIND OF HERO.


“Girls can’t be in the navy! Girls take care of babies! You’re so stupid, you don’t know anything!”

London. 1783. Wendy Darling is an orphan, living in an overcrowded almshouse, ridiculed for believing in a future she can never have. More than anything in the world, she wants to be the captain of a ship. But that’s impossible.
 Isn’t it?

By 1789, she’s sixteen, old enough to be sold into service–as a dressmaker or a servant. When she learns that the Home Office is accepting a handful of women into its ranks, she jumps at the chance, joining the fight against the most formidable threat England has ever faced. Magic.

But the secret service isn’t exactly what she had hoped. Accompanied by a reimagined cast of the original Peter Pan, Wendy soon discovers that her dreams are as far away as ever, that choosing sides isn’t as simple as she thought, and that the only man who isn’t blinded by her gender … might be her nation’s greatest enemy.

This will be a spoiler free review!

I want to say that the reason I bought this book was based on my love for Peter Pan – and in part it was. My main reason for buying this book was for the cover, because omfg it’s so gorgeous. I decided that it didn’t matter if I loved the book or hated it, I wanted it on my shelf for the cover alone. Good thing I really ended up loving it.

This book also came at a really good time. I was in a horrible reading slump, pretty much obsessing about VIOLET EVERGARDEN on Netflix, and nothing was capturing my attention. Enter The Wendy – this book was a perfect combination of the world from VE and what I was looking for in a book, and voila, reading slump over.

Now, a downside. I didn’t realize that when I bought this book it HAD JUST COME OUT and now I have to wait for the next one. WWWWHHHYYYYYYYYY! I can’t wait for book 2!

The story starts with a young Wendy living in an almshouse in London in 1783. She’s young, but she already knows that she doesn’t want to be a girl who is stuck in a job she doesn’t want. She’s adventurous, witty, and smart, and she wants to use her talents for other things rather than sewing and cleaning. Fast forward to London 1789, she’s older and serving the Home Office. England is under attack by a formidable threat – magic.

I will say that I was a little wary going into this book, because I’ve read some Peter Pan reimagining’s and retellings before that have fallen really flat. The Wendy didn’t though. It was fresh and felt true to the original. I really loved Wendy, and how she was fiercely independent and able to stand on her own. I liked that she fought for what she wanted and rarely took no for an answer.

Now for the relationships between Wendy and Captain James Hook, and Peter Pan. Between Wendy and Hook, there is nothing but a constant battle of wills to see who can outsmart and out-manipulate who first. This makes for an engaging read and left me dying for more interaction. Hook is definitely the more traditional of the two and is often pushing Wendy’s buttons to get a rise from her. The relationship between Peter and Wendy is different. Peter doesn’t judge her because she’s a girl, in fact he kind of empowers her.

The writing in this book was perfect – not too fast and not too slow – it kept me engaged and turning the next page. Everything was so easily to visualize even though the authors didn’t spend exorbitant amounts of time on painstaking details. It felt familiar but fresh, pulling on the story Barrie wrote all while pulling it into the present. If you are looking for an exciting, adventurous Peter Pan retelling, you definitely want to check this book out!