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Review: To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

Mar15

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra ChristoTo Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Published by Feiwel & Friends on March 6, 2018
Pages: 342
Source: the publisher
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five-stars

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?

To Kill a Kingdom was dark, brutal, and haunting. I’ve seen this book described as many things, but two descriptions stand out the most to me: “a dark Little Mermaid retelling” and “Daughter of the Pirate King meets Language of Thorns.” Now, while I haven’t read Language of Thorns yet (I know, I know – I’m SUPER behind), I can 100% see these comparisons. And I’m 100% here for both. This world that Alexandra Christo created was like nothing I’ve ever read, and it was just incredible.

I LOVED Lira. She was fierce and brutal and unapologetic. I loved her relationship with Kahlia, and the way their bond brought out the humanity in Lira. She had incredible character growth throughout the book, and I loved the way her story ended.

I absolutely adored Elian! He was hilarious and cocky, and so sure of himself when he was on the sea. Like Lira, he had a pretty epic journey, as far as character growth went. And also like with Lira, I loved the way his story ended.

I 100% shipped Lira and Elian, even while thinking, “wow, these two are brutal and unrelenting in their missions… how can this possibly end well??” I loved their banter and the progression of their relationship. Going back to the Daughter of the Pirate King/Siren Queen comparison, I would compare their relationship and banter with that of Alosa and Riden. SO MANY FEELS!! And I loved the ending of the book sooooo much. I don’t think it could have ended any other way, and I think it ended the best way it could. It made sense for both characters.

The Sea Queen in this was absolutely, 100% pure evil. She had no redeeming qualities. And.. I kind of liked that, honestly. Don’t get me wrong, I love villain origin stories and villain retellings. I love seeing the villain’s side of the story, and seeing how they came to be the villain. But sometimes, having the villain just be the villain is necessary. In this case, it was very necessary and absolute perfection.

Other characters that deserve a mention are the members of Elian’s crew: Torik, Kye and Madrid. I loved their fierce loyalty to Elian, and found their different reactions to Lira intriguing.

The only major issue I had was that this book had a dual POV (which I didn’t know) and the US ARC didn’t warn you when the POV was switching. In the beginning, I found that very confusing. But after a few chapters, I could tell who was who by the voice and context. Some authors don’t manage dual POVs well, and it all sounds like the same character. But Alexandra Christo did a great job of giving Lira and Elian different voices.

Overall, if you couldn’t tell by my fangirly review, I really loved this book. I HIGHLY recommend it for fans of pirates, sirens, shippy banter and high-seas adventures.

~*~*~

Favorite Quote:
“Technically, I’m a murderer, but I like to think that’s one of my better qualities.” (Normally I note who the quote is from, but it might be a spoiler so I’m not going to this time. Also, in my opinion, it can work for both main characters).

five-stars

Review: Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller

Feb20

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia LevensellerDaughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller
Series: Daughter of the Pirate King #2
Published by Feiwel & Friends on February 27, 2018
Pages: 352
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
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five-stars

Alosa's mission is finally complete. Not only has she recovered all three pieces of the map to a legendary hidden treasure, but the pirates who originally took her captive are now prisoners on her ship. Still unfairly attractive and unexpectedly loyal, first mate Riden is a constant distraction, but now he's under her orders. And she takes great comfort in knowing that the villainous Vordan will soon be facing her father's justice.

When Vordan exposes a secret her father has kept for years, Alosa and her crew find themselves in a deadly race with the feared Pirate King. Despite the danger, Alosa knows they will recover the treasure first . . . after all, she is the daughter of the Siren Queen.

I loved loved LOVED this book! It was just as good as the first book, if not better. I love this cast of characters and this world, and I’m sad to say goodbye. But I enjoyed going on this adventure with them so much – it’s hard to even put my thoughts and feelings into words.

Alosa was suuuper stubborn in the beginning, and I kinda wanted to smack the silly out of her at times, but I still adored her. I LOVED seeing more of her Siren side in this book. I wish we could have seen more yet, but it was still very cool.

Riden was just as adorable and cocky and hilarious in this book as the first. He went through a LOT of conflict and character growth, and I’m really happy with where his story ended.

I still shipped Alosa and Riden hard, but I wanted to see more of their relationship. I’m very satisfied with where things ended for them, don’t get me wrong – it holds the promise of more. But I wanted to SEE the “more.”

Two of my favorite secondary characters were Niridia and Mandsy. They’re kick-ass pirates and loyal friends. And they had some hilarious lines/moments.

The deaths in this book hit me like a punch to the gut. These characters are so incredible and so real that I felt their deaths just as deeply as Alosa did.

The writing definitely improved from book one to book two. As I mentioned in my review of the first book, the writing in Daughter of the Pirate King was a bit stilted and awkward. There was a LOT of improvement in Daughter of the Siren Queen.

The ending was sooooooo satisfying. I’m still sad to be leaving this world and these characters, but it was an incredible ending. I can’t wait to see what Tricia Levenseller does next!

I HIGHLY recommend this book to those who enjoyed the first book – you WON’T be disappointed with this incredible sequel! I’d also recommend it to those who love all things sirens, pirates (in general), Pirates of the Carribean, and kick-ass female heroines.

five-stars

Review: Shadowsong by S. Jae-Jones

Feb5

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Shadowsong by S. Jae-JonesShadowsong by S. Jae-Jones
Series: Wintersong #2
Published by Wednesday Books on February 6, 2018
Pages: 384
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
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three-stars

Six months after the end of Wintersong, Liesl is working toward furthering both her brother’s and her own musical careers. Although she is determined to look forward and not behind, life in the world above is not as easy as Liesl had hoped. Her younger brother Josef is cold, distant, and withdrawn, while Liesl can’t forget the austere young man she left beneath the earth, and the music he inspired in her.

When troubling signs arise that the barrier between worlds is crumbling, Liesl must return to the Underground to unravel the mystery of life, death, and the Goblin King—who he was, who he is, and who he will be. What will it take to break the old laws once and for all? What is the true meaning of sacrifice when the fate of the world—or the ones Liesl loves—is in her hands?

I don’t even know how to start this review. My heart is broken – this book BROKE my heart. But not in a good way. It physically pains me to say that. I haven’t felt this crushed over a book since I read The Crown’s Fate last July – though One Dark Throne comes in at a close second. I mean.. Those of you who follow my blog know how much I LOVED Wintersong. Words can’t even describe my feelings for Wintersong – it was gorgeous and left me feeling breathless and dizzy. It spoke to me in ways no book ever has.

Shadowsong did none of that. It was.. confusing. I mean, like, Alyxandra Harvey-level confusing. For over half the book, I had no idea what was going on. I’ve seen other bloggers complain about the formatting of the US ARC (which is what I read), and that DEFINITELY contributed to the confusion. There were like… three (???) different stories happening and the breaks between sections/stories were super confusing. Maybe it’s less confusing in the finished copy? I can only hope…

I was completely detached from the characters in Shadowsong, which is weird and sucky because I LOVED them and felt for them in Wintersong, but in Shadowsong I just… didn’t. All the characters just fell flat in Shadowsong. The biggest disappointment was the Goblin King. I really didn’t care about the Goblin King’s past, and found those scenes so beyond boring, I almost started skimming them. And that makes me sad because I WANTED to care. But I just didn’t.

I can appreciate – and relate to (some of) the metaphors to mental illness (like Page 313). My detachment had nothing to do with that. It was just in general. I just didn’t care what happened to anyone. And I saw the ending coming a mile away – it was interesting, but completely predictable.

The writing was still elegant and lush, and the tone still had an old-time feel to it. And the book was intriguing enough at times that it kept me reading until the end. But overall, it just wasn’t what I expected or hoped for. I have a few other thoughts, but I don’t want to drag this review out anymore – it hurts too much. This book hasn’t changed my feelings about Wintersong, and I’ll still always love and support Wintersong and S. Jae-Jones. I think she’s an amazing writer and I can’t wait to see what she does next!

three-stars

Guest Review: Traveler by L.E. DeLano

Jan28

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Guest Review: Traveler by L.E. DeLanoTraveler by L.E. DeLano
Series: Traveler #1
Published by Swoon Reads on February 7, 2017
Pages: 352
Source: the publisher
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four-half-stars

Jessa has spent her life dreaming of other worlds and writing down stories more interesting than her own, until the day her favorite character, Finn, suddenly shows up and invites her out for coffee. After the requisite nervous breakdown, Jessa learns that she and Finn are Travelers, born with the ability to slide through reflections and dreams into alternate realities. But it’s not all steampunk pirates and fantasy lifestyles—Jessa is dying over and over again, in every reality, and Finn is determined that this time, he’s going to stop it…This Jessa is going to live.

A message from Meredith: Hey everyone! Today, I have Lissa here with a guest review for Traveler by L.E. DeLano!

You can find Lissa on Twitter!

Without further adieu, here’s Lissa’s review! Enjoy!

~*~*~*~*~

This book was interesting and well written and I was truly invested in the characters. The magical concept was creative and has many possibilities.

The characters met one of my major requirements in a book, in that I liked them. I was rooting for them and wanted them to succeed. I adored Finn from the start. A couple of the other Jessas annoyed me from time to time with their actions, but Finn was always true.

And oh my, that ending! Definitely has you wanting to read the next one.

However, as interesting as the magic system was, it didn’t seem to always follow its own rules. Or maybe the rules didn’t completely make sense to me. At any rate, the writing and the characters mostly override this issue for me as far as enjoyability goes. But others might have a problem suspending their disbelief.

four-half-stars

Review: One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake

Dec6

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: One Dark Throne by Kendare BlakeOne Dark Throne by Kendare Blake
Series: Three Dark Crowns #2
Published by HarperTeen on September 19, 2017
Pages: 464
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
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four-stars

The battle for the crown has begun, but which of the three sisters will prevail?

With the unforgettable events of the Quickening behind them and the Ascension Year underway, all bets are off. Katharine, once the weak and feeble sister, is stronger than ever before. Arsinoe, after discovering the truth about her powers, must figure out how to make her secret talent work in her favor without anyone finding out. And Mirabella, the elemental sister once thought to be the certain Queen Crowned, faces attacks like never before—ones that put those around her in danger she can’t seem to prevent.

Fennbirn’s deadliest queens must confront the one thing standing in their way of the crown: each other.

Three Dark Crowns (book one in this series) was one of my favorite books in 2016. It was dark and delicious, and helped get me (temporarily) get out of a reading slump. While I still enjoyed One Dark Throne (as evidenced by the 4-star rating), it wasn’t as epic as Three Dark Crowns, and I was just a bit disappointed with how certain things ended.

First of all, apparently this is now a 4-book series? When originally it was a duology? I mean… I LOVED book one, but this doesn’t need to be a 4-book series. One Dark Throne was way too long and started to feel dragged out around page 300. After 300 pages, I was restless and bored, and just wanted to see how the story would end. But lo and behold, at the end of 464 pages, I still didn’t know how the story ended because it’s NOT ENDING YET. I have to get through two more books for that. Maybe I can chalk this up to “Second Book Syndrome,” since it’s now technically the second book. I’m still excited for book three, and can’t wait to see what happens next; however, I really wish this could be wrapped up in book three – I really don’t think it needs two more whole books to wrap up…

…Yet, at the same time? All I’ve thought about for the last week is being back in this world. I keep thinking “Gee, I want to go home and read Three Dark Crowns/One Dark Throne” – and then I realize I can’t because I finished them. So… Clearly I’m obsessed with these books and this world.

In Three Dark Crowns, Katharine was my favorite of the sisters. In One Dark Throne, Katharine was wicked and a little bit scary. I was very intrigued by what happened to her, and I was dying to see what would come of it. I’m a little surprised by the way her story ended, though, and I’m upset there wasn’t more resolution (due to the 4-book series thing). As intrigued as I was, though, Katharine wasn’t my favorite in this book…

…Mirabella was! I found her chapters the most compelling, and I found the elemental power most intriguing of the three. I really loved her character development and the way her story ended, and I can’t wait to see what happens next for her.

And, as was the case with the first book, Arsinoe was my least favorite. I’m intrigued by the revelation from book one, and it was interesting to see how that played out in this book. But I just wasn’t interested in her as a character at all. The only good thing about her chapters was Jules and Camden. Jules is still my absolute favorite character, and I really really REALLY want her to get her own book!

Despite the book lagging around page 300, the ending was epic and incredible and suspenseful and things happened that I didn’t see coming. Again, I’m still VERY excited for book three, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. If I’m right about this book having “second book syndrome,” then I have a feeling book three will be a wild ride!

I definitely still recommend this book to those who loved the first book, and those who are Kendare Blake fans. It wasn’t as epic as Three Dark Crowns, but it was still a fun read.

four-stars

Guest Review: Ally by Anna Banks

Nov5

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Guest Review: Ally by Anna BanksAlly by Anna Banks
Series: Nemesis #2
Published by Feiwel & Friends on October 3, 2017
Pages: 320
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
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five-stars

Princess Sepora of Serubel and King Tarik of Theoria have formed an uneasy truce between their kingdoms since the deadly plague began to rip through Theoria. Since their feelings for each other are entangled in politics and power, they must use their own trusted resources to find common ground.

But when traitors with powerful allies arise from unexpected places, Tarik and Sepora face challenges that will change both of their kingdoms forever. Will they learn whom to trust—including each other—in time to save their kingdoms, their relationship and even their lives?

A message from Meredith: Hey everyone! Today, I have Lissa here with a guest review for Ally by Anna Banks!

You can find Lissa on Twitter!

Without further adieu, here’s Lissa’s review! Enjoy!

~*~*~*~*~

Ally picks up right where we left off in Nemesis (and thank goodness, because I was dying to know what happened next!) As we left our hero and heroine together but not, the story focuses on both their continued relationship struggles and the external political and societal issues. Sepora’s parents come into play in a big way and Sethos’ role increases as well.

There were plenty of swoonworthy and a few sob worthy moments and I was completely invested throughout the whole book. (I read it in nearly one sitting. If only I didn’t need sleep!) There were several twists and turns to keep you on your toes as well.

I will say that I almost want to take a star or half a star off for the new cover. I hate it. If Nemesis had a similar cover when it first came out, I may have skipped it (or waited a really long time to read it) because this cover is boring and unattractive. Luckily, I was already heavily invested in this world and a fan of the author’s writing, so the cover became irrelevant.

But the ending was completely satisfying with a heartwarming epilogue. Highly recommended for fantasy fans, and lovers of great characters. I look forward to seeing what Anna Banks will write next.

five-stars

Guest Review: Nemesis by Anna Banks

Nov4

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Guest Review: Nemesis by Anna BanksNemesis by Anna Banks
Series: Nemesis #1
Published by Feiwel & Friends on October 4, 2016
Pages: 359
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
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five-stars

Princess Sepora of Serubel is the last Forger in all the five kingdoms. The spectorium she creates provides energy for all, but now her father has found a way to weaponize it, and his intentions to incite war force her to flee his grasp. She escapes across enemy lines into the kingdom of Theoria, but her plans to hide are thwarted when she is captured and placed in the young king’s servitude.

Tarik has just taken over rulership of Theoria, and must now face a new plague sweeping through his kingdom and killing his citizens. The last thing he needs is a troublesome servant vying for his attention. But Mistress Sepora will not be ignored. When the two finally meet face-to-face, they form an unlikely bond that complicates life in ways neither of them could have imagined.

Sepora's gift may be able to save Tarik’s kingdom. But should she risk exposing herself and her growing feelings for her nemesis?

A message from Meredith: Hey everyone! Today, I have Lissa here with a guest review for Nemesis by Anna Banks!

You can find Lissa on Twitter!

Without further adieu, here’s Lissa’s review! Enjoy!

~*~*~*~*~

As a long-standing fantasy fan and an extremely character driven reader Nemesis hit all the right buttons with me for a fabulous read.

First up we have a well-developed fantasy world with an interesting blend of magic and science. There is some basis in an Egyptian landscape/society, but it is largely cosmetic. There is extensive world building that makes it the author’s own.

Then you have the characters. Sepora is spunky, and opinionated, and caring and courageous and I adore her. Tarik is at once bemused by and attracted to her spirit and secrets. In addition to his rapport with Sepora, Tarik has his own trials and growth as a character. The supporting characters are well developed and add to the plot and development of the main characters without being blunt cardboard stereotypes.

Plus I am a sucker for animal sidekicks. And both MCs have their furry or not so furry friends.
The stakes in this series are legitimate and unambiguous, with real consequences and moral dilemmas handled realistically by all parties, without being overtly preachy.

Perfect for fantasy fans and lovers of independent minded characters and witty banter. I eagerly await the next book.

five-stars

Review: Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust

Nov3

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa BashardoustGirls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust
Published by Flatiron Books on September 5, 2017
Pages: 384
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
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four-half-stars

Frozen meets The Bloody Chamber in this feminist fantasy reimagining of the Snow White fairytale

At sixteen, Mina's mother is dead, her magician father is vicious, and her silent heart has never beat with love for anyone—has never beat at all, in fact, but she’d always thought that fact normal. She never guessed that her father cut out her heart and replaced it with one of glass. When she moves to Whitespring Castle and sees its king for the first time, Mina forms a plan: win the king’s heart with her beauty, become queen, and finally know love. The only catch is that she’ll have to become a stepmother.

Fifteen-year-old Lynet looks just like her late mother, and one day she discovers why: a magician created her out of snow in the dead queen’s image, at her father’s order. But despite being the dead queen made flesh, Lynet would rather be like her fierce and regal stepmother, Mina. She gets her wish when her father makes Lynet queen of the southern territories, displacing Mina. Now Mina is starting to look at Lynet with something like hatred, and Lynet must decide what to do—and who to be—to win back the only mother she’s ever known…or else defeat her once and for all.

Entwining the stories of both Lynet and Mina in the past and present, Girls Made of Snow and Glass traces the relationship of two young women doomed to be rivals from the start. Only one can win all, while the other must lose everything—unless both can find a way to reshape themselves and their story.

Girls Made of Snow and Glass was SO FREAKING GOOD!!!!! I loved everything about it – the plot, the characters, and the writing. This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2017, and it definitely did NOT disappoint!

I absolutely loved Mina. I know we’re supposed to dislike her, as the Evil Queen, but you guys know I LOVE a good villain/villain origin story, so I was completely fascinated by Mina’s story. She was so strong and fierce! I hated how her father and the people of the north treated her, though. At times, you could see the scared, vulnerable little girl hiding beneath the crown. She wanted nothing more than to be loved, yet she couldn’t see the love that was right in front of her.

Lynet was an interesting character, but I found some of her scenes a little more boring compared to Mina’s. About 60% into the story, it really started to slow down and I got to a point where I only wanted Mina’s POV. But things definitely picked up as the book went on, and Lynet came to be a strong character with plenty of fight in her. I LOVED how her story ended!

I loved the relationship between Mina and Lynet – I know that’s weird to say, when we all know how the original Snow White fairy tale ended. But this book allowed us to see a different side to both girl and queen. It was a refreshing take, and always had me on the edge of my seat – always wondering how the author was going to get from where the characters were in this story to where they were in the original fairy tale. It didn’t seem possible, but the author pulled it off in an intriguing, masterful way!

I really liked Nadia, despite not fully trusting her. There was just something about her that made me feel suspicious – and then the revelation about her confirmed my suspicions. Yet I still liked her. I really liked the relationship between her and Lynet. It was a slow burn, but it was worth it – the way things ended, it was SO satisfying. And I loved the way Nadia’s story ended in general.

Nicholas was a complete and total ass. He didn’t truly love his daughter, he was just mourning the loss of his wife and trying desperately to recreate her via his daughter. I also hated the way he treated Mina. It’s one thing to mourn the loss of someone, it’s another to forget about the living – or treat them terribly – because of that loss. Gregory, also, was a disgusting ass – but that was less of a surprise, so the gross things he did were only mildly shocking.

The only character I don’t have a lot to say about is Felix. I was intrigued by him in the beginning, and then he lost my interest. He lacked a personality and despite understanding why, I just reached a point where I didn’t care for him or his story anymore.

I loved the way many things in this story mirrored (see what I did there?) the original fairy tale, but I also loved the creative liberty the author took – I was never a huge fan of the story of Snow White, but this book made me SO happy!

Overall, if you couldn’t tell from my super rambly review (seriously, sorry if this review is rambly and wordy and weird – I loved this book so much, I couldn’t really articulate how I felt about it), I absolutely adored this book!!! I can count on one hand how many books I TRULY loved this year, and this is one of them! I HIGHLY recommend it to those who love fairy tale retellings! I can’t wait to see what Melissa Bashardoust does next!

~*~*~

Favorite Quotes/moments:

“Lynet always saw Mina as a flame, something fierce and fearless and regal” (US Hardcover, page 74). This perfectly describes Mina.

“Cold as snow, sharp as glass.” (US Hardcover, page 205)

four-half-stars

Review: Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco

Oct18

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri ManiscalcoHunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco
Series: Stalking Jack the Ripper #2
Published by Little Brown & Company on September 19, 2017
Pages: 434
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
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four-stars

In this New York Times bestselling sequel to Kerri Maniscalco's haunting #1 debut 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.

Stalking Jack the Ripper was one of my favorite books of 2016, so I was HIGHLY anticipating the sequel – and it definitely didn’t disappoint! The characters were epic, the writing was gorgeous, the plot was intriguing, and the twist ending was !!!!!!!!!!!!

Audrey Rose will forever be one of my favorite kick-butt heroines. She’s bold, fierce, and intent on living life her way. She was also a bit too stubborn for her own good at times, too determined to do things on her own when she should have gone for help. But she never backed down from a challenge, even when others were rooting for her to fail. I admired her courage and determination.

Thomas was so wicked, I loved it! He was cheeky and cocky and hilarious – a total charmer! He definitely had some moments where I wanted to smack him (i.e: the way he tried to make decisions for Audrey Rose, and didn’t listen to her when she asked him to stay out of certain things; also, when he spoke to the professors about Audrey Rose behind her back). But, overall, I think his character development was great, and he had a lot of growth in the end. Also, the revelations about him in this book were !!!!

I will forever ship Audrey Rose and Thomas. Their chemistry is electric, and the sexual tension between them is on fire. I REALLY hope there’s a third book because I CAN’T wait to see what happens next, now that they’re _________ (you know if you read it; I don’t want to spoil it!).

The secondary characters in this book were all on point, but I REALLY LOVED Daciana and Ileana!! I loved everything about them as individuals, as well as the relationship they had. And the revelations about both of them were !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really hope that, if there IS a third book, we get to see more of them!

I REALLY wanted to like and trust Anastasia. I was super intrigued by her, and I really wanted to know more about her right off the bat. I can’t discuss much else about her without spoilers, but she was another character where… the revelations about her were !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Prince Nicolae was… interesting. I never really knew how to feel about him and never fully trusted him. But he was an intriguing character to meet and learn about. I was very amused by Professor Radu. He reminded me of a weird cross between Lupin and Quirrell (from Harry Potter). And Headmaster Moldoveanu was just a complete and total jackass.

The ending was one huge WTF?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! moment. It was SUPER intense and there were a lot of *biting my nails* moments. It also had some heart-pounding/creepy thriller moments. The whole book felt like this slow burn that built up and up and up, until the ending crashed into you like a high-speed train – at which point, it didn’t let up until the very last page.

If you couldn’t tell from my review, I absolutely ADORED this book and I’m PRAYING there’s a third book! I can’t get enough of this world and these characters! I HIGHLY recommend this one!!!!

four-stars

Review: Haunting the Deep by Adriana Mather (Blog Tour)

Oct2

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Haunting the Deep by Adriana Mather (Blog Tour)Haunting the Deep by Adriana Mather
Series: How to Hang a Witch #2
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on October 3, 2017
Pages: 368
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
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five-stars

The Titanic meets the delicious horror of Ransom Riggs and the sass of Mean Girls in this follow-up to the #1 New York Times bestseller How to Hang a Witch, in which a contemporary teen finds herself a passenger on the famous “ship of dreams”—a story made all the more fascinating because the author’s own relatives survived the doomed voyage.

Samantha Mather knew her family’s connection to the infamous Salem Witch Trials might pose obstacles to an active social life. But having survived one curse, she never thought she’d find herself at the center of a new one.

This time, Sam is having recurring dreams about the Titanic . . . where she’s been walking the deck with first-class passengers, like her aunt and uncle. Meanwhile, in Sam’s waking life, strange missives from the Titanic have been finding their way to her, along with haunting visions of people who went down with the ship.

Ultimately, Sam and the Descendants, along with some help from heartthrob Elijah, must unravel who is behind the spell that is drawing her ever further into the dream ship . . . and closer to sharing the same grim fate as its ghostly passengers.

Hey everyone! I’m beyond excited to be on the blog tour for Haunting the Deep by Adriana Mather!! I absolutely LOVED both How To Hang a Witch (book one) and Haunting the Deep (book two)! I hope you enjoy my review!

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As much as I love the Salem Witch Trials, the plot in Haunting the Deep was even more epic than How To Hang a Witch. The writing improved a LOT – which is saying something, since there was nothing wrong with the writing in How To Hang a Witch. It just got even better in Haunting the Deep! And, most importantly (for me, since I’m such a character-driven reader), the characters felt more developed and epic.

I’ve loved getting to know Sam over the course of the last two books. She’s fierce and independent, almost to a point of being extremely stubborn. I get that she went through a lot (in book one), but as Alice pointed out, she wasn’t the only one who went through those things. Shutting everyone out – and pushing everyone away – wasn’t the answer. She needed, more than anyone, to have people she could trust and rely on. But she definitely grew and matured in Haunting the Deep.

Jaxon has frustrated me throughout both books. I felt like his interactions with Sam were awkward and forced in How To Hang a Witch. That improved in Haunting the Deep, but his attitude sucked. He went from being a charming ass in the first book to just an ass in the second. He was even more stubborn than Sam, super jealous, and completely close-minded. I know the things Sam went through were strange and crazy, but he could have supported her more. He did have his moments, though – I can’t deny that.

And that leads me to their relationship.. Sadly, I didn’t ship Sam and Jaxon. I really preferred them as friends. I didn’t feel a romantic vibe between them. At the same time, I DID like their banter and flirtations. I know that’s a huge contradiction but…. *shrugs.*

Elijah, on the other hand…. He was !!!!!!! I honestly don’t even know what else to say about him. He was just epic and swoon-worthy and I totally shipped him and Sam!

I loved the dynamic between Sam and The Descendants in this book. I especially loved Alice. She was bold and spoke her mind. Her dry, sarcastic humor was epic.

I also loved the banter between Charlie and Mrs. Meriwether. It was sweet seeing their friendship develop after they had been apart for so many years.

This book was such a fast, fun read. I read the first 170 pages in one sitting (5 hours) and didn’t want to put it down even when I was falling asleep in the middle of reading it! The ending was EPIC and INTENSE and full of !!!!! and “KNEW IT!!!” moments. It wrapped things up nicely, but still left me wanting a third book! Like, I REALLY REALLY hope there’s going to be a book three! I’m not ready to say goodbye to this world or these characters!

If you couldn’t tell from my review, I absolutely LOVED this book. If you love historical fiction – specifically books about the Titanic – this book is DEFINITELY for you!

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Favorite Quote:

“You’re not allowed to try to fix me. I’m not broken” – Page 234 in the US ARC

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About the Author:
 
Adriana Mather is the 12th generation of Mathers in America, and as such her family has their fingers in many of its historical pies – the Mayflower, the Salem Witch Trials, the Titanic, the Revolutionary War, and the wearing of curly white wigs. Also, Adriana co-owns a production company, Zombot Pictures, in LA that has made three feature films in three years. Her first acting scene in a film ever was with Danny Glover, and she was terrified she would mess it up. In addition, her favorite food is pizza and she has too many cats.

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five-stars