Review: Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco

Series: Stalking Jack the Ripper #2
Publication Date: September 19th 2017
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Genre: YA, Historical Fiction
Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ TBD

Synopsis: In this hotly anticipated sequel to the haunting #1 bestseller Stalking Jack the Ripper, bizarre murders are discovered in the castle of Prince Vlad the Impaler, otherwise known as Dracula. Could it be a copycat killer...or has the depraved prince been brought back to life?

Following the grief and horror of her discovery of Jack the Ripper's true identity, Audrey Rose Wadsworth has no choice but to flee London and its memories. Together with the arrogant yet charming Thomas Cresswell, she journeys to the dark heart of Romania, home to one of Europe's best schools of forensic medicine...and to another notorious killer, Vlad the Impaler, whose thirst for blood became legend.

But her life's dream is soon tainted by blood-soaked discoveries in the halls of the school's forbidding castle, and Audrey Rose is compelled to investigate the strangely familiar murders. What she finds brings all her terrifying fears to life once again.

My Rating

5/5 stars

My Review

Hunting Prince Dracula was absolutely stunning. I loved this book so much, it was just as good as the first one, if not better. I’m already dying to read the next book.

After the death of her brother and the haunting past of the Jack the Ripper case, Audrey Rose cant shake the feeling that she’s being watched. It doesn’t help that now shes living in Dracula’s castle where she has to battle for a spot to attend one of the best medical schools. When a new murderer starts killing students and villagers, and draining them of blood, everyone believes that Dracula has come back to life and is taking his revenge. Could Prince Dracula be immortal, or is someone murdering people in his name.

I forgot how much I adore Audrey Rose. I love her strong personality, she’s not afraid to be a feminist in a time where it was quite scandalous for a woman to act this way, but that doesn’t stop her. She tells people exactly how it is, she won’t let a man undermine her and she is not afraid to outsmart anyone in her class. Honestly I wish that Audrey Rose was a real person, because I would love to be best friends with her.

Her romance with Thomas is as wonderful as ever. This book definitely didn’t have second book syndrome, and their romance was basically the same as from the first book, but slowly moving forward.

The thing I love most about this series is the fact that it always manages to surprise me. I have so many guesses to who the killer really is, but the author always manages to lead me away form the true killer and think “No way it could be this person,” I love it. I’m always pleasantly surprised at how the mystery turns out. 

Overall, I love this series so much. I highly recommend it to everyone, whether you love contemporary, fantasy, or mystery this will be a series you love. I cannot wait for the next book to come out.

Happy Reading,
Aneta

Review: The Hearts We Sold by Emily Lloyd-Jones

Publication Date: August 1st 2017
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Genre:YA, Fantasy 
Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ TBD

Synopsis:  When Dee Moreno makes a deal with a demon—her heart in exchange for an escape from a disastrous home life—she finds the trade may have been more than she bargained for. And becoming “heartless” is only the beginning. What lies ahead is a nightmare far bigger, far more monstrous than anything she could have ever imagined.

With reality turned on its head, Dee has only a group of other deal-making teens to keep her grounded, including the charming but secretive James Lancer. And as something grows between them amid an otherworldy ordeal, Dee begins to wonder: Can she give someone her heart when it’s no longer hers to give?

My Rating

5/5 stars

My Review

The Hearts We Sold was such a breathtaking novel. I really didn’t want it to end.

Coming from a broken home, Dee’s only escape from her alcoholic parents is her boarding school. But when her scholarship runs out, and there are no other ways for Dee to make enough money in time, Dee strikes a bargain with a Demon. The catch to the deal is that Dee loses her heart for two years, and during that time she has to do the Demon’s bidding. Dee and three other heartless must destroy voids created at random places by imploding them from the center, but it’s a dangerous mission, and not all who enter the void come out alive. 

It was so amazing to read from Dee’s point of view. I truly loved her as a main character. Dee starts off as a desperate girl, who is always afraid of everything and does her best to be the perfect student and the perfect daughter. Watching her develop throughout the book and becoming a more outgoing person who starts looking at her own life, and doing what she truly wants. I loved her character development and she will definitely go down as one of my favourite characters.

The romance in this story was perfect. No love triangle, and no insta love. There is a beautiful slow burning romance that starts off very slow and gradually picks up until its something beautiful. The author did an amazing job with this romance, its so realistic yet its very easy to ship the couple. 

There was lots of action throughout the story. There was a bit of action in the beginning, and it gradually picked up and by the middle of the book I was so hooked that I could not put it down. 

My favourite part of this book was definitely the ending. I totally didn’t see it coming but it was so beautiful and well written that it was impossible not to love. Well done Emily.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book to all Contemporary and Fantasy fans, it is perfect for both. I cant wait to read more from this author.

Happy Reading, 
Aneta

Review: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Series: The Dark Artifices #1
Publication Date: March 28th 2016
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance
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Synopsis: In a kingdom by the sea…

In a secret world where half-angel warriors are sworn to fight demons, parabatai is a sacred word.

A parabatai is your partner in battle. A parabatai is your best friend. Parabatai can be everything to each other—but they can never fall in love.

Emma Carstairs is a warrior, a Shadowhunter, and the best in her generation. She lives for battle. Shoulder to shoulder with her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, she patrols the streets of Los Angeles, where vampires party on the Sunset Strip, and faeries—the most powerful of supernatural creatures—teeter on the edge of open war with Shadowhunters. When the bodies of humans and faeries turn up murdered in the same way Emma’s parents were when she was a child, an uneasy alliance is formed. This is Emma’s chance for revenge—and Julian’s chance to get back his brother Mark, who is being held prisoner by the faerie Courts. All Emma, Mark, and Julian have to do is solve the murders within two weeks…and before the murderer targets them.

Their search takes Emma from sea caves full of sorcery to a dark lottery where death is dispensed. And each clue she unravels uncovers more secrets. What has Julian been hiding from her all these years? Why does Shadowhunter Law forbid parabatai to fall in love? Who really killed her parents—and can she bear to know the truth?

The darkly magical world of Shadowhunters has captured the imaginations of millions of readers across the globe. Join the adventure in Lady Midnight, the long-awaited first volume of a new trilogy from Cassandra Clare.

My Rating

5/5 stars

My Review

“There was beauty in the idea of freedom, but it was an illusion. Every human heart was chained by love.” 

I don't think I'll ever outgrow the shadow hunter world.

After the events of City of Heavenly Fire, Emma Carstairs has grown up in the Los Angeles Institue, alongside her parabatai Julian Blackthorn and his family. While out patrolling the streets with fellow shadow hunter Christina, the two girls find a body. Bodies of humans and fairies are being found similar markings that Emma found on her parent's bodies after the war. Emma was certain it wasn't Sebastian who murdered her parents, and the new trail of dead bodies could lead to her finding the real killer. But the mysteries of Los Angeles are more dangerous and twisted than Emma and Julian could have ever known.

I walked into this book with low expectations. Cassandra Clare has written some amazing books, but in all honesty, I didn't think she could write another fantastic book in the shadow hunter series. But I was slightly wrong.

While I do think this book was absolutely amazing, and still deserves 5 stars for the writing, it just wasn't as good as City of Bones or Clockwork Angel. With those two series, we had brand new characters and exciting settings. Yet with this release, we already knew Emma and Julian from City of Heavenly fire, and Los Angeles isn't the most creative setting to pick from.

It was wonderful to see the characters from both series again. We do get to find out what has happened to Jace and Clary as well as Tessa and Jem, as they are featured in the book multiple times. But I personally found it a tad annoying, I wanted to read about the characters from this book. It just felt like Cassy was trying to drag on the original stories way longer than they should have been. I will always stand by the quote "A good author knows when to finish a book," and I just don't think Cassy knows how.

The action and storyline of this book were absolutely amazing. Cassy threw in twists and I didn't see coming, and had me loving characters I never thought I would like. 

Even though this book had such a good storyline and romance, it just felt a little bit too long. There definitely could have been parts of the book that could have been skimmed and shortened. While I don't want to think badly of the author, I'm worried she just made the book a little longer to try and make more money out of it.

Either way, it was am amazing book compared to other series. As for Cassie's books, this series isn't one of her best. 

I still highly recommend giving this one a read, especially if you wanna find out what has happened to Clary, Jace, Tessa and Jem since the last book.

Happy Reading,

Aneta

Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd

Series: The Madman's Daughter #2
Publication Date: January 28th, 2014
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Mystery
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Synopsis: To defeat the darkness, she must first embrace it.

Months have passed since Juliet Moreau returned to civilization after escaping her father's island—and the secrets she left behind. Now, back in London once more, she is rebuilding the life she once knew and trying to forget Dr. Moreau’s horrific legacy—though someone, or something, hasn’t forgotten her.

As people close to Juliet fall victim one by one to a murderer who leaves a macabre calling card of three clawlike slashes, Juliet fears one of her father’s creations may have also escaped the island. She is determined to find the killer before Scotland Yard does, though it means awakening sides of herself she had thought long banished, and facing loves from her past she never expected to see again.

As Juliet strives to stop a killer while searching for a serum to cure her own worsening illness, she finds herself once more in the midst of a world of scandal and danger. Her heart torn in two, past bubbling to the surface, life threatened by an obsessive killer—Juliet will be lucky to escape alive.

With inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this is a tantalizing mystery about the hidden natures of those we love and how far we’ll go to save them from themselves.

My Rating: 5/5 stars

My Review: “Sometimes you have to embrace the darkness to stop it.” 

A darker and more mature sequel to an already amazing book. This series continues to get better and better!

As Juliet arrives back in London she is found and taken in by the wealthy and caring Professor Von Stein. But things could not get any worse, Juliet is ill. The serum she's been taking is no longer working and she must race against the clock before it stops working completely to find a new serum. She still cannot shake what has happened on the island, and it all comes back to haunt her as Edward and Montgomery both show up in London, one hunting the other. Along with a mysterious killer and a line up of dead murders, Juliet has to follow her heart and solve the mystery.

I have to say, that if you love the first book in the series, and how dark and twisted it could be, then you will love this book even more. There is a huge mystery, lots of adventure and even a bit of romance.

As I said before, this book is a bit more darker and mature than the first book. I absolutely adore this about the book because you can watch Juliet mature right in front of you and it just makes her a better character all together.

Sadly I can't say too much about the character, because I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that the old characters and the characters introduced in this book will shock and/or make you love them even more!

Overall, this book is a fantastic sequel. It did not disappoint. If you loved the first book then I would definitely continue on with the series. If you have not read the first book, go do that right now because you will not be disappointed.

Happy Reading,

-Aneta 

The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines #6
Publication Date: February 10th, 2015
Publisher: Razorbill
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Action
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Synopsis: The epic conclusion to Richelle Mead's New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series is finally here...

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

After their secret romance is exposed, Sydney and Adrian find themselves facing the wrath of both the Alchemists and the Moroi in this electrifying conclusion to Richelle Mead’s New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series. When the life of someone they both love is put on the line, Sydney risks everything to hunt down a deadly former nemesis. Meanwhile, Adrian becomes enmeshed in a puzzle that could hold the key to a shocking secret about spirit magic, a secret that could shake the entire Moroi world. 

My Rating: 5/5 stars

My Review: “I told you before, we’re the center,” she said. “And the center will hold.” 

The Ruby Circle is the perfect finale to the Bloodlines series. As Sydney and Adrian try to solve the mystery to find the missing Jill, they have to put their love to the test and solve the mystery as a couple. 

This book is just as perfect as the rest of the series. I highly recommend reading the Vampire Academy books, and then starting my personal favourite, the Bloodlines series. 

This book ties up all lose ends between the Bloodlines and Vampire Academy Series. We get to finally see how our main characters end up, but not before their final last battle.

Now that Sydney and Adrian are married, I expected their relationship to slow down more and be more boring. Yet Richelle wrote such a fantastic romance between the two characters, that their love is so strong it never takes a boring aspect to it. I loved reading about it as much as I loved it in the first three books. 

Sydney has been one of my favourite characters since we first met her in the Vampire Academy books. She has honestly changed so much over 8 or 9 books that I am amazed. Yet she still remains my favourite character because she always knows what the right thing to do. Even as she grows up, she still stays true to herself and becomes such a beautiful character. 

I don't want to say too much about the plot, because I feel like most of you have read the previous books to this series, and will get very mad at me if I spoil something. But I will say that the action and adventure in this book is still as amazing as the other books. I could not put it down. Even though I wanted to read it very slow because I didn't want this series to end, I ended up finishing the book in two days. It was so good I could not put it down.

If you have not started the series yet, you have to do so now. I am very sad to see one of my favourite series come to an end. If the author decides to write more in this world I will definitely be on it and keep reading. 

Happy Reading,
- Aneta

Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers

Series: His Fair Assassin #3
Publication Date: November 4, 2014
Publisher: HMH Books For Young Readers
Genre: YA, Adventure, Romance
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Synopsis: Annith has watched her gifted sisters at the convent come and go, carrying out their dark dealings in the name of St. Mortain, patiently awaiting her own turn to serve Death. But her worst fears are realized when she discovers she is being groomed by the abbess as a Seeress, to be forever sequestered in the rock and stone womb of the convent. Feeling sorely betrayed, Annith decides to strike out on her own.

She has spent her whole life training to be an assassin. Just because the convent has changed its mind doesn't mean she has.

My Rating: 5/5 stars

My Review: “I am beginning to think that love itself is never wrong. It is what love can drive people to do that is the problem.” 

Mortal Heart is the perfect ending to the His Fair Assassin trilogy. It is the perfect finale not only for Annith, but the other characters as well. I am sad to see this series come to an end, but I can't be any happier with how this series ended.

Annith has watched her sisters come and go, but when she is told that she is in line to become a Seeress, she can't take it anymore and decides to leave the compound. As Annith embarks on an adventure out of the compound of Saint Mortain, she must put her knowledge to the test if she wants to survive. 

This whole book took me by surprise. I've heard of some people not liking Annith as much as the other characters in the series, so going in to the book I had pretty low expectations for Annith. Yet when I read the book, some of her actions took me by surprise and I ended up falling in love with Annith just like I did with the other characters. As the story continued I fell in love with her more and more, with her fearless attitude and her perseverance to keep going when nothing is going right really intrigued me and I couldn't put the book down.

Balthazaar is Annith's love interest in this story. I can honestly tell you that out of all the couples in the previous books, Annith and Balthazaar are by far my favourite. Their love is something 'different' than what you have seen in the other books, but it is just so much better than the rest. I feel like this was one of the main reasons that made me love the book so much. I don't want to spoil the book and tell you more about the romance in this book, but I will tell you that it takes you by surprise. Don't worry its a good surprise, that will make you love Annith even more.

The world-building, and the action packed plot have not changed much since the first book. Ever since the first book Robin's world-building has been extremely creative and fun to read about. I loved how she included fictional characters in past historical events and made them fit in so well. Her descriptions are absolutely perfect and make the images pop out of the pages while you read them. 
The plot is filled with tons of action that keeps you on your toes and guess what's going to happen next. There isn't a boring point in the book because there's always something happening. 

Overall, I found this book to be just as good as the others in the series, except that the romance is far better. I highly recommend this series to every I talk to. If you love action, assassins and romance this is the book for you. I do recommend you read the first two books in the series before picking this one up though.

Happy Reading,
-Aneta

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Series: Red Queen Trilogy #1
Publication Date: February 10, 2015
Publisher: Orion
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Dystopia 
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Synopsis: Graceling meets The Selection in debut novelist Victoria Aveyard's sweeping tale of seventeen-year-old Mare, a common girl whose once-latent magical power draws her into the dangerous intrigue of the king's palace. Will her power save her or condemn her?

Mare Barrow's world is divided by blood--those with common, Red blood serve the Silver- blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare is a Red, scraping by as a thief in a poor, rural village, until a twist of fate throws her in front of the Silver court. Before the king, princes, and all the nobles, she discovers she has an ability of her own.

To cover up this impossibility, the king forces her to play the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks everything and uses her new position to help the Scarlet Guard--a growing Red rebellion--even as her heart tugs her in an impossible direction. One wrong move can lead to her death, but in the dangerous game she plays, the only certainty is betrayal. 

My Rating: 5/5 stars

My Review: "Red in the head, Silver in the heart." 

Mare's world is divided by blood. Silvers are royalty that yield special powers from elements to reading minds, while Reds are the poor workers, destined for a life of slaving away to earn scraps or fighting in a deadly war. When Mare tries to pickpocket a stranger, he ends up landing her a job at the royal court, only to find out that the guy Mare pick-pocketed was Prince Cal, the heir to the throne. But when Mare is faced with danger she unleashes a power that she didn't know she had, in front of the Silvers.

Red Queen is an action packed, emotional roller coaster. In my eyes, this book is better than the Hunger Games and Divergent combined. It has action, family, romance, war, and betrayal. There wasn't a single minute I was bored while reading, and the characters are all so unique and different that you can't help to fall in love with them.

Mare is definitely one of the most amazing characters I have seen in a long time. I fell in love with her right away, she is selfless and cares about the well being of her family and friends, she would sacrifice herself in order to keep those she loves safe. She's a strong character, even though she's new to her powers and is a Red, she isn't a coward and knows when to fight and keep going. But what I loved most about her is that she's not perfect, she makes mistakes, some small and some really big that can cost her life, and she doesn't win every battle she fights but thats what makes her so human and so relatable. The author did an amazing job with this character, I couldn't find any flaws with her.

The plot of this story is very compelling. Like I said, its full of action, backstabbing, and romance. While this book mostly focuses on the political side of Mare's world, theres still some romance in the book to make it even better. The love triangle (at least I think its one) is well thought out and entertaining. I found myself rooting for one guy, and then at the end of the book I found myself surprised at the betrayal and ended up rooting for the other guy that I didn't like in the beginning.

Overall, in my eyes this book was absolutely perfect. I highly recommend this to all Dystopia and Fantasy fans. I am so excited for the second book to come out, just so that I can find out what happens to Mare next. 

Happy Reading
- Aneta

Talon by Julie Kagawa

Series: Talon #1
Publication Date: October 28, 2014
Genre:YA, Fantasy
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Synopsis: Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser.

Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George.

Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons. 

 My Rating: 5/5 stars

My Review: “They wanted me to sit, listen, learn, be quiet, when I wanted to run, shout, jump, fly.” 

I did not think Julie Kagawa could have done any better than she did with the Iron Fey Series... Yet I was proven wrong!!

I am a huge dragon fan! Except that every time I've read dragon books I've usually been really disappointed which is why I was very hesitant in trying this series! 
I am so glad that I did, because Julie writes about dragons like I've never seen before. This whole idea that dragons can switch into human form and have tried to live amongst us for a while now is so fantastic I couldn't believe no one ever came up with his before.

I love Ember! Her attitude and personality is so amazing and hilarious, there were moments where I didn't know if I should laugh with her or admire her for the things she did! She's one of those characters where she doesn't like being told what to do, and she likes to know the details of what she's doing and why she's doing it, which is exactly what Talon doesn't provide her. I love how she's brave enough to try and seek out answers on her own to discover the truth about Talon.
There were moments where she really had me worried, she could have handled some situation way better than how she did it, but it just added to her character and made me admire her even more.

Garret and Riley... I usually have a clear choice in love triangles but this time I'm stumped. I love Garret, and I love how he is going through pretty much the same thing and Ember and not knowing if their organization has been honest with them. He's really cute and I super athletic which I love. But on the other hand we have Riley, and he's that badass/motorcycle riding/rouge dragon. I usually have a thing for the mysterious bad guy that ends up falling in love with the main character, but this time I would have to say that I like Garret's personality way more than Riley, but Riley is a dragon which is major cool.
If Garret was a dragon I would most likely be trying to get married to him right now, but I guess not all wishes come true.

The plot of this story was fantastic, while it was a little long, there was tons of action and surprises that made you want to keep reading. Julie's writing just keeps getting better and better, and it just makes you fall in love with the characters, the plot and the world-building. All aspects of the book were perfectly written.

I cannot wait to continue reading this series when the next book comes out. I highly recommend this book to all Fantasy lovers, no matter the age group, and no matter if you like Dragons or not. You will love this book.

Happy Reading,
-Aneta

Splintered by A.G. Howard

Series: Splintered #1
Publication Date: January 1, 2013
Genre: YA, Fantasy
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Synopsis: This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.

When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own. 

My Rating: 5/5 stars

My Review: Splintered captivated me right from the beginning. This fantastic retelling of Alice in Wonderland begins with Alyssa, a descendant of Alice Liddell herself. Alyssa embarks on a new adventure when she realizes that Wonderland is real, and the only way to save her mother is to travel down the rabbit hole and fix all of Alice's mistakes. 

I love almost everything about this book! I love all the characters (except for one), and the fantastic world that Mrs. Howard created based off of Wonderland. There is tons of action to keep you on your toes, and blindsides that will leave you with your mouth hanging open!

Alyssa is such a relatable character, you honestly can't help but love her. Even though her mother is locked up in an insane asylum, and she can hear plants and bugs talk to her, Alyssa does her best to try and be a normal teenage girl. She works at a vintage store, and skateboards in her free time. I love that about her. I love how even though her mother is considered crazy and she doesn't want to be anything like her in the beginning of the book, you can still tell she loves her and that her touch means everything to her. Alyssa may not be the smartest character out there, but she knows how to follow her conscience which always leads her in the right direction. I would definitely follow her on a quest anywhere!

For me, the love triangle in this story is very one sided. Alyssa has a huge crush on her neighbour Jeb, who is dating someone else. As Alyssa's friend and neighbour, Jeb ends up following Alyssa through her mirror to London and goes on the quest with her. Throughout the whole adventure in wonderland, Jeb tries to hold Alyssa back and get her to go home so that she doesn't get hurt.
I found Jeb to be one of the most whiny characters I have ever read about! Half of the time the only words that came out of his mouth were "Alyssa lets go home. I don't want you to get hurt." While it was nice that he cared about Alyssa, he was also holding her back and being such a debby-downer that I got really annoyed at him.

On the other side of the love triangle, we have Morpheus. Morpheus appears to Alyssa when they were children and taught her everything she knows about Wonderland, after her mother's accident Alyssa forgot everything about Morpheus and what he taught her, but after an incident with her mother, the memories start coming back to her, and Morpheus guides her back into Wonderland. Pretty much the complete opposite of Jeb, Morpheus encourages Alyssa to go on this quest to save her mother, even though his intentions may not be always right, he believes and trusts Alyssa and looks out for her best interest. Morpheus is smart and very mysterious, but he's really kind and caring towards Alyssa. 

The world-bulging in this story was absolutely amazing! Even though the author didn't create Wonderland, she made huge differences in the characters and the landscape of Wonderland, and it was perfect! All the descriptions and landscapes in this book were described so well I could feel like I was alongside Alyssa and Jeb as they travel through Wonderland. Every flower or bug that talked to Alyssa in the read world was described so well I could hear and see them in my head. I am really impressed with the world-building and authors writing.

Overall, this book is one of the best books I've read in 2014, and it makes me wish I read it sooner. I highly recommend this book to all Fantasy fans, especially if you love classical retelling, you will definitely love this book. Other than Jeb, I found this book to be perfect, and I absolutely can't wait to continue with the series.

Happy Reading,
-Aneta

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass #3
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
Genre: YA, Fantasy
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Synopsis: Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy. 

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love? 

My Rating: 5/5 stars

My Review: Sent away to the land of Wendlyn, Celaena is all alone in a strange new world. When she is tracked down buy a fairy prince named Rowan, she goes on a new mission to train with the prince until she is ready to fave her aunt Maeve in order to seek out answers that could possibly help her in the battle against the King of Adarlan. Yet things aren't always what they seem, theres new enemies, new friendships and new love interests, with a touch of the classic kick-ass characters and surprise twists! The third book to the throne of glass series is probably the best one yet. 

The character development in this series always gets to me! Honestly, it is probably the most character development I've ever seen over a set of three books, and the best part is were only half way through the series. In the first book we just knew of Celaena the assassin, during the second book we learned more about her past and how she truly feels inside. Then finally in this book its like we got a huge wave of character development and it is so beautiful. We see Celaena completely broken down, he heart shattered into pieces so small you couldn't even see them with the naked eye. But then we learn of her past as Aelin and we see her rebuild herself by pulling in her old life as Aelin and her new life as Celaena mixed together and she truly becomes the most amazing character I have ever read about.

It is so easy to sympathize Celaena's life. There have been points in all our lives where we feel like you are honestly nothing, you have no one, and everything is your fault. Reading about Celaena going through this feel like you're going through the pain and heartbreak with her. The author has written the book so well that you feel like you could be Celaena, when she cries, you cry and when she laughs, you laugh. 

The amount of emotion in this book is unreal! I was honestly sitting on the bus reading this book during a sad part of the story, and I couldn't hold in the tears. So there I was, sitting on the public bus with like 50 other people, crying my eyes out. Thats how real this story is.

On the other side of the world, we follow Chaol and Dorian's story. As the Captain of the Guard makes plans to go back to Anielle, a new visitor comes to the castle. Aedion is the fierce young general under the control of the king, but what Chaol finds out about Aedion is that they have more in common than it seems. As the pair work together to solve the puzzle of the King's power, Dorian tries to control the unpredictable magic he has with the help of new friend.

My favourite character (other than Celaena of course) is Rowan, hands down. Name me one person who isn't attracted to smart and mysterious older guys that can rock tattoos and kick some ass. He is literal perfection. As soon as he came into the picture i was like "Chaol who?" Rowan is cold, cruel and distant, but then you get to know him and you see his relationship with Celaena and its like "Let me love you.. please"

Surprisingly, there is a third plot going on during this book. We get to follow the story of Manon and the witches. After "someone" killed Baba Yellowlegs, the witches decide to team up with the King. In doing so, they are granted to be his new army, and as a gift they are each given a wyvern beast. They must all train their wyverns and learn how to fly on them in order to compete in the games that decide who will be the leader of this new army and which clan is truly the best. 
I always found Manon interesting and different than the other witches, which isn't necessarily a good thing. Her whole plot revolves around her choosing her wyvern and then becoming friends with it and teaching it to fly. If you've ever seen the movie "How to Train Your Dragon" the plot is basically the same, just with witches and wyverns instead of humans and dragons. As the story progressed I started to respect Manon a lot more as a character, but theres nothing special about her.

This whole book is just unforgettable and brings a whole new level to Celaena Sardothien. If you've loved the book and Celaena so far, this is a must read. Even if you were iffy about Celaena before you still need to give this book a chance because I can guarantee you will have a new love for her. I definitely recommend this book to everyone! I feel like everyone can relate to some aspect of this book, even if you usually don't read fantasy.

Happy Reading,

- Aneta

Picture Perfect by Holly Smale

Series: Geek Girl #3
Publication Date: June 5th 2014
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Amazon ~ Goodreads 

Synopsis: "My name is Harriet Manners, and I'll always be a geek."

It's the hilarious third book in the No.1 bestselling, award winning GEEK GIRL series!

Harriet Manners knows more facts that most. She knows that New York is the most populous city in the United States. She knows that its official motto is "Ever Upward". She knows that 28% of Americans believe we never landed on the moon.

But she knows nothing about modelling in the Big Apple, and how her family will cope with life stateside. Or how to "become a brand", as the models in New York put it. And, even more importantly, what to do when the big romantic gestures aren't coming from your boyfriend...

Does geek girl go too far this time?

The laugh out loud follow-up to award winning GEEK GIRL and MODEL MISFIT will have you in stitches.

My Rating: 5/5 stars

My Review: Picture Perfect is the perfect ending to the amazing Geek Girl series. If you haven't started this series yet, I have no idea what you're waiting for, go read it right now!

Harriet is back, and she's even funnier than before. Her amazing character is still the same down-to-earth geek that everyone loves, but this time her Geekiness is taken all the way to New York City.. well sort of. 

When Harriet and her family arrive in America, things don't go according to Harriet's list, once again. Her new home is two hours away from the city, her new tutor makes her feel stupid, and her parents forget her birthday. 

I have loved this whole series so much. Harriet and her family are absolutely hilarious and I know that every time I read these books that they can make me happy no matter whats going on in life. Every one of these books is well written, adorable and hilarious. 

I wish this series wasn't coming to an end because I need more Toby!! Yet this book has the perfect ending to the series and I couldn't have asked for anything better.

I highly recommend this series to everyone, no matter what age or favorite genre, you will love it.

Happy Reading,
-Aneta

Storm Siren by Mary Weber

Series: Storm Siren #1
Publication Date: August 19th 2014
Publisher: Thomas Nelson / Harper Collins
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Adventure
Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ B&N

Synopsis: “I raise my chin as the buyers stare. Yes. Look. You don’t want me. Because, eventually, accidentally, I will destroy you.”

In a world at war, a slave girl’s lethal curse could become one kingdom’s weapon of salvation. If the curse—and the girl—can be controlled.

As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn’t merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth — meaning, she shouldn’t even exist.

Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.

Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she’s being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons.

But what if she doesn’t want to be the weapon they’ve all been waiting for?

Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, Storm Siren is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win.

My Rating: 5/5 stars

My Review: Storm Siren is captivating, exciting and will keep you on your toes throughout the whole ride.

With a fascinating world, and amazing characters this book will blow your mind. Nym has a power she can't control. When she was little this power caused her to burn down her house, with her parents in it. Since then Nym has been a slave, going from owner to owner. But when she looses control at a slave auction, Nym is taken to a new life living at a grand house where she is left with a choice to either learn to control her powers and use them to protect her country, or be killed. She is called the strongest Elemental in history, now can she control it?

Nym is one of the strongest and most realistic female characters I have ever come across. She lives her life in constant fear of her powers and regret of her past, which leaves some pretty strong repercussions on herself. I felt like this was incredibly realistic, with that much pain and suffering I feel like no normal person could be completely sane, and seeing that Nym wasn't perfect just made this book so much more realistic. 

There is a love interest in this book, and I feel like it was written perfectly. This story is sort of leaning away from the typical love triangle which is perfect for everyone because no matter if you like love triangles or hate them, you will enjoy the romance in this book. 

What I loved most about this book, is that it isn't all about romance. It's mostly about Nym learning to control her powers and following her heart to do what is right. We see huge character development not only in the main characters but also in the smaller characters who are important to the story.

The world-building is out of this world. The descriptions of the characters, the places and the different creatures were so well written I could just picture it clearly in my head. The lengths were perfect, there was enough to make a picture but there wasn't so much where it was boring. It was absolutely perfect.

Just be prepared for the ending. It's a clifhanger.. AND ITS ONE THAT ABSOLUTELY KILLS YOU!!


I need the next book. Like right now.


I highly recommend this book to all the YA fans and everyone who love to read Fantasy books. I can guarantee that this will go on your favorites shelf. 

Happy Reading.
-Aneta