Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare (The Infernal Devices #3)

“The world is a wheel,” he said. “When we rise or fall, we do it together.”

Synopsis: (Goodreads synopsis)

A net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. Mortmain plans to use his Infernal Devices, an army of pitiless automatons, to destroy the Shadowhunters. He needs only one last item to complete his plan: he needs Tessa Gray.

Charlotte Branwell, head of the London Institute, is desperate to find Mortmain before he strikes. But when Mortmain abducts Tessa, the boys who lay equal claim to her heart, Jem and Will, will do anything to save her. For though Tessa and Jem are now engaged, Will is as much in love with her as ever.

As those who love Tessa rally to rescue her from Mortmain’s clutches, Tessa realizes that the only person who can save her is herself. But can a single girl, even one who can command the power of angels, face down an entire army?

Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment, and the tangled threads of love and loss intertwine as the Shadowhunters are pushed to the very brink of destruction in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy.

My thoughts…

Well this was an emotional rollercoaster.

There was so many moments that I loved, moments that I cried and moments were my stomach fell out of my arse. Some of my all time favourite characters (WILL AND JEM) have been in this series and to watch their stories come to an end was such a fulfilling yet saddening moment.

The bond between Will and Jem only got better in this book I ship them too more with each other than with Tessa. The interactions between them just before Jem died hit me right in the feelings. I’ve been so invested in these two characters, reading how they ended and all the events that happen to lead up to it was so heart wrenching.

Jessamine was a character that really took me on a journey. I wanted to like her from the start but then she revealed herself to be a right tit but I was still clinging on to a bit of hope. In this book I think she did redeem herself and I was sad to see her die. I think she was definitely insecure in herself and she was ultimately manipulated into her wrongdoings.

This was the book were SHIPS WERE DEVELOPED AND SAILED INTO THE BEAUTIFUL SUNSET. I cannot stress how much I loved all the couples Gideon and Sophie being one of my FAVES. They were all just amazing in so many ways.

I love Jem but my heart lay with Will and Tessa so I was beyond happy with the ending, there was sad, happy, steamy and everything in between with these two and I couldn’t get enough.

I couldn’t cope with the epilogue. I SOBBED. Clare is an absolute devil for doing that to me. I looked at the length and internally sighed because I didn’t think it was going to be that good. My God was I wrong. Half the time I couldn’t see the words I was too busy crying.

My Rating…

I mean could it be anything else? I have really fallen inlove with this series. I enjoyed it a lot more than The Mortal Instruments. I was so much more invested in these characters and the storyline. Ending this series was a very bittersweet feeling but I was left feeling very satisfied so I can’t complain.

This review has been quite brief and short and I put that down to a lack of motivation this past week hence why it is also coming later than usual. I have since kicked myself up the backside and am ready to get back on it.

Keep reading xoxo

Two Dark Reigns by Kendare Blake

The crown of Fennbirn cannot be stolen. It must be won.

Synopsis:

The battle has been fought, blood has been spilled, and a queen has been crowned, but not all are happy with outcome.

Katherine, the poisoner queen, has been crowned and is trying to ignore the whispers that call her illegitimate, undead, cursed.

Mirabella and Arsinoe, have escaped the island of Fennnbirn, but how long before the island calls them back?

Jules is returning to Fennbirn and has become the unlikely figurehead of a revolution threatening to topple Katherine’s already unsteady rule.

But what good is a revolution if something is wrong with the island itself?

My thoughts…

First of all, I am well aware this is the third book in the Three Dark Crowns series and I don’t have the previous book reviews on here. Quite a simple answer to that really. I read them both before I had Goodreads so I don’t even have one of those PERFECT reviews for you. My ratings for them are available on Goodreads though, I wish I could remember them now and maybe it would take two minutes to look but we will not comment on my lazy behaviour.

Anyway I digress, it’s been a while since I’ve read this series so jumping straight into book three I was slightly apprehensive as to whether I would actually remember the plot and so on. However, getting stuck into this it all (most) came back to me and wasn’t hard to follow at all (maybe a tad).

My favourite character throughout this series has been Mirabella and to be honest I didn’t get enough of her in this book, there wasn’t very many chapters that were focused on her and the ones that were she wasn’t doing a great deal. The big reveal towards the end of the book however, was about Mirabella and I was not here for it. This is me just being bitter but WHY? Why does it have to be my favourite character that is destined to DIE like no thanks. Not only am I feeling bitter but I’m also confused. Hopefully this whole creating and destroying the mist will be explained more in the final book because I just don’t get it. Queen Illian died and it was created and Mirabella has to die for it to be destroyed? Like WHY? Is it something to do with the elementals, Daphne said they were both elementals but WHY. A tad confused, a tad frustrated but we will continue on anyway.

Katherine is such an interesting character. Safe to say she has changed the most. She has transformed from this timid, small, easy-manipulated girl to this slightly mental, strong individual. She definitely still shows traits of her previous self (am I phrasing that right? Probably not) though. She has been the most fascinating to read about and I can’t help but feel sorry for her. I don’t believe that she’s a bad person, I think she has been groomed for this role of queen and she’s trying to fill it but not doing a very good job. The whole dead queen business is really not helping either and the ending of this book was left quite ambiguous for her. I hope she’s not dead because I wouldn’t mind her changing side and seeing the three sisters united. Am I hoping for a fairy tale here? Maybe.

Two sisters down – one to go. Arisnoe, in my opinion is really likeable. She does what she wants, strays for the norm and looks after the people she cares about. All very likeable. However, it’s not that I was bored but between Mirabella, Katherine and Jules I really wasn’t too interested in Arsinoe. I hope that’s not the case for the next book and I don’t think it will be. I’m pretty sure in the concluding book everyone will have pretty major roles to play (I’m aware Arsinoe has a pretty big role in this book but in my opinion she was overshadowed). I also want to see more of her and Billy, more relationship development wouldn’t go amiss.

All bow down to the legion cursed queen? No thanks. I don’t dislike Jules but I don’t want her to be queen and since she’s gone bat-shit crazy that is looking more and more unlikely.

Still missing Joseph.

As far as the plot is going I’m still pretty engaged and excited but I’m hoping for a lot more action in the final book.

My rating…

Still a high rating because I’m invested in these characters and this story now and reading the ending is going to be a very bittersweet feeling. This book missed out on a star due to less Mirabella and the story was quite slow paced. My hopes for the next book are high, action, fighting, EXPLANATIONS oh and let’s pray Mirabella has not switched sides it may very well break me.

Keep reading xoxo

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

When people say impossible, they usually mean improbable.

Synopsis:

Alina Starkov’s power has grown, but not without a price. She is the Sun Summoner – hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she’s taken. But she and best friend Mal can’t outrun her enemies for long.

The Darkling is determined to claim Alina’s magic and use it to take the Ravkan throne. With nowhere else to turn, Alina enlists the help of an infamous privateer and sets out to lead the Grisha army.

But as the truth of Alina’s destiny unfolds, she slips deeper into the Darkling’s deadly game of forbidden magic. To save her country, Alina will have to choose between her power and the man she loves. No victory can come without sacrifice – and only she can face the oncoming storm.

My thoughts…

The sequel to Shadow and Bone certainly did not disappoint. I was a big fan of the first book, I recognised why some people would not enjoy it but ultimately I had a fantastic time. So, I was beyond excited to pick up Siege and Storm and continue with this series.

We are introduced to Prince Nikolai aka Stormhund the privateer, who rapidly became one of my favourite characters (besides the Darkling of course). For m, I love having this kind of character in a series especially series where its a lot about fighting, love and magic. Characters that brighten the mood up drastically and add humour just adds something extra to the books Nikolai filled this role not only being a witty, sarcastic and charming but he was an actual good guy as well. Comic relief moments are just as important as tension building. I loved everything about him from first meeting Stormhund to the big reveal he was exciting and entertaining.

I’ll just give a quick mention for my number one guy: the Darkling!! This book just reinforced my love to be honest. Whenever he pops up I just swoon I can’t even lie. Not only is he just googly-eyes worthy I find his character to be probably the most interesting. Probably the only thing that could have made the book better would be more Darkling.

A huge part of this story was Alina’s and Mal’s back and forth relationship, will they won’t they, are they going to make it through all this? Who cares? No I’m joking except not really it just got slightly frustrating like JUST BANG. You know what I mean? I kind of felt sorry for Mal at points because Alina just needed to COMMUNICATE but then when he put the moves on Zoya I was screaming internally. I’m not super invested in their love story but that may be down to the fact that the Darkling is life.

This book was pretty predictable except for one moment, which I didn’t mind because it was so enjoyable and kept me entertained. Right, now for the moment that had me GOBSMACKED. My stomach fell out of my ass. Genya being all messed up. When your not thinking about a character and they suddenly pop up completely fucked it really gets to a girl. In that moment for a second the Darkling could go fook himself (just for a second though), it actually made me so sad but at the same time it was so juicy to read.

We were also introduced to Tolya and Tamar, who were also AMAZING characters and the little twist at the end of them believing Alina is a saint and them leading the charge was one of my favourite scenes to read.

This book ended with Alina and Mal entering the underground Cathedral with the apparat, who in all honesty just comes across as a complete creep. Everyone is healing from the fight, Alina is half dead and her power is gone. VAMOOOSH. Setting up for the final book nicely I am sad, excited and apprehensive all at once to read the concluding book.

My Rating…

I am so invested in this series, way more than I ever thought I would be to be honest. It has been my slight obsession. Usually I’m not a fan of predictability but I don’t know I just enjoyed this so much. It was fast paced and kept me entertained the whole way through. I know five stars is high but this series brought me back to the emotional attachment I felt with Throne of Glass, which I haven’t felt to the extent I did ever since. I am beyond excited to read the final book and ever so slightly depressed that I will have to say goodbye to NEARLY all of these characters.

Keep Reading xoxo

To Best The Boys by Mary Weber

“Because you are the wild sea and unkempt storms and constellations in a world where I am the anchor for everyone I know.”

“And you remind me that I can do impossible things.”

Synopsis:

Every year for the past fifty-four years, the residents of Pinsbury Port have received a mysterious letter inviting all eligible-aged boys to compete for an esteemed scholarship to the all-male Stemwick University. The poorer residents look to see if their names are om the list. The wealthier look to see how likely their sons are to survive. And Rhen Tellur opens it to see if she can derive which substances the ink ad parchment are created from, using her father’s microscope.

In the province of Caldon, where women train in wifely duties and men pursue collegiate education, sixteen-year-old Rhen Tellur wants nothing more than to become a scientist. As the poor of her seaside town fall prey to a deadly disease, she and her father work desperately to find a cure. But when her mum succumbs to it as well? Rhen decides to take the future into her own hands – through the annual all-male scholarship competition.

With her cousin, Seleni, by her side, the girls don disguises and enter Mr. Holm’s Labyrinth, to best the boys and claim the scholarship prize. Except not everyone is ready for a girl who doesn’t know her place. And not everyone survives the deadly maze.

My thoughts…

Right, this book has conflicted me. I absolutely LOVED the idea of this book and aspects of it were really enjoyable but I did experience some issues which definitely limited my rating.

First of all, I usually have some kind of issue with most female protagonists but Rhen was one of the few who I loved throughout the whole of the story. She was strong-willed, spoke her mind, mostly independent, quite realistic and NOT FUCKING UNBELIEVABLY STUPID.

It would be pretty stupid to not mention the main theme, if you like, that ran through the whole of this book: Feminism. Was I fan? Yes, yes I was. I’m commending the way it was done, the fact the women were fighting for the choice to do what they want, not being pushed into breaking the mould just for the sake of it. Rhen actually wanting to be a scientist and pave the way for change and Seleni, who was completely happy with being a housewife. I feel it was a great reflection of both sides.

The whole concept of the maze was a good and interesting idea but the execution was where an issue crept in for me. I wanted more. I wanted it to be more complex and have me guessing along with the characters but this just didn’t happen. The maze is on the cover and the main idea for the book and it was lacking. Sad.

Since we are talking issues lets move onto the next. This being a STRONG feminist book and the synopsis showing NO signs of love I wasn’t expecting the love element to be SO strong. It took away from the whole empowerment to be honest. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the couple (I actually loved Lute) it was just Lute, the love interest, was with her from the beginning through the whole maze until the end. I would have preferred her to at least gone through the maze with just Seleni.

The final issue, which is not a huge at all and it quickly became interesting more than anything. The world. It was set in the past with incredibly sophisticated technology and then a magical element as well. It probably could have used a bit more expansion and world building , I wasn’t opposed to it I was just confused for a good few chapters.

I’ll end my thoughts on a positive note: Seleni and Beryll. They warmed my heart, they were so so cute. Highlight of the book.

My Rating:

I know my rating might seem harsh but let me explain. I had previously heard about this book and then reading the synopsis I was HYPED for it. My expectations were extremely high, which is dangerous to have for a book. And now I know why.

However, overall it was an enjoyable book. I would recommend it for a fun read. It’s not incredibly fast-paced but it’s by no means boring. My hugh expectations did probably affect my rating and I can understand and appreciate why someone would rate it higher.

In one sentence? The Hunger Games meets The Maze Runner meets Mulan (with some notable changes).

Keep Reading xoxo

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Too much of anything could destroy you, Simon thought. Too much darkness could kill, but too much light could blind.

Goodreads Summary:

What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil.

The clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try and save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own.

The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

My thoughts…

So, picking up straight from where City of Fallen Angels ended, City of Lost Souls continues, the penultimate book in the series! Almost to the last one.

For me the first part of the book was slower than the second. It definitely picked up, thank God! I’m not going to lie I started to worry for the second having not enjoyed the first/second books as much as I hoped but as the book went on my fears were washed away.

Probably my favourite parts of this book were the chapters with Clary, Jace and Sebastian. All the travelling from different places I found interesting and enjoyable. Clary and Jace who wasn’t really Jace got a little steamier but Sebastian KNOWING and FEELING, I don’t think I’ve ever felt that uncomfortable. It was beyond satisfying when the-not-so-Jace become real-Jace.

Sebastian in general is a weird character for me. I started to fall for his whole “I’m a new person act” but I quickly reprimanded myself… HE’S THE BAD GUY.

I will forever be inlove with the links and references to the Infernal Devices, it makes me soooo happy. Brother Zachariah, in particular, I love him and ofcourse any reference to the Herondales.

Alec and Magnus BROKE my heart. Absolutely wrecked my feelings. I didn’t know what to do, they are-were-are my number one couple of the whole series. I may have shed one – a couple of tears. EMOTIONAL.

My Rating…

Not a full house but close. The reason why it wasn’t a five star read was probably the first chunk of the book being slow, at points I found that I was having to tell myself to keep going, it will get good. Yes, you can tell that I did think it got good but come on it’s the fifth book in the series, I should be invested not bored.

Clary still annoying but she has gradually became less irritating. I don’t think there will be a book where I will be able to say I enjoyed her throughout but unlike the first book she didn’t completely contribute to the four not five star rating in this one. All we have to find out now is how Clare is going to wrap up this series.

Keep reading xoxo

Fairyloot unboxing: April

Another weekend where time has really gotten away from me! It’s been a very busy couple of days for me, the most excited being I got to watch Endgame, it was absolutely unreal. Anyway, I’ve received my Fairyloot box and it was a gooden this month so here we go…

This months theme was dark magic and I am inlove with this spoiler card!

The first and probably my favourite item is the tote bag featuring art by @morgana0anagrom and lettering by @kdpletters, it is inspired by Leigh Bardugo’s Grisha Trilogy. How amazing is this please? This is exactly how I pictured The Darkling and I’m just swooning. I received the box a couple of days after I finished The Shadow and Bone Trilogy so this was honestly just the best item to receive and got me so hyped.

Next up is this cute little tea strainer by Fairyloot! It is inspired by Mister Kindly, a shadow companion from Nevernight by Jay Kristoff. I’m afraid to tell you I haven’t read this series but I’m definitely familiar with the series and I will hopefully read it at some point in the future.

This item is so cool! Who doesn’t want a Philosopher’s Stone Soap? Well, probably a lot of people but that’s beside the point. It’s pretty obvious what series this is inspired by but if you have been hiding under a rock for the whole of your life then you should know this bad boy has been inspired by Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.

I feel so behind having not read Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi but I’ve heard many good things about it so when I do get around my expectations will be high. Inspired by the book is this Notebook with designs by Stella Bookish Art. I would have appreciated it a little bigger because I don’t really use very small Notebooks but this is really pretty!

This came very close to being my favourite item! I LOVE the Trilogy A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab so when I saw this Book Sleeve I was over the fookin moon. I love it so much and it is really good quality, I am currently using it while I read Six of Crows! It was designed by @monolimeart.

Another box, another pin! This is an exclusive Emberfall Enamel Pin designed by Literary Emporium. It was inspired by Fairyloot’s February box, A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer. I loved that read and am so excited for the sequel, which I think is some point next year.

Ofcourse we have the next two Exclusive Collectable Tarot Cards, which are inspired by Leigh Bardugo’s duology. I am currently reading Six of Crows!! I am loving it so far and I’m enjoying finally being on the Grishaverse bandwagon. These two cards feature Nina and Matthias.

Finally, the featured book of the month is Nocturna by Maya Motayne, which is a Latinx fantasy novel. This edition has an exclusive cover, is signed by the author and has blue sprayed edges! The character art is by @niru.sky. I honestly want to read this just for the unreal cover, it’s so gorgeous! I’ve never previously heard anything but from the synopsis it sounds like an interesting and promising read.

Keep reading xoxo

    Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

    “And there’s nothing wrong with being a lizard either. Unless you were born to be a hawk.”


    As you may have noticed this post is later than usual. This is due to my very busy schedule because my life is beyond interesting. That last statement may not be strictly true but in all seriousness I actually was quite busy (for once). My time management skills are usually good so I’m slightly depressed they let me down. Anyway better late than never! I am going to attempt to get another post later this week, hopefully the April Fairyloot unboxing! Enjoy…

    Synopsis:

    These covers are sooo pretty. They definitely grew on me.

    Soldier. Summoner. Saint.

    Alina Starkov is a soldier. When her regiment is attacked whilst crossing the Shadow Fold – a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters – Alina unleashes dormant magic not even she knew she possessed.

    Now Alina will enter a lavish world of royalty and intrigue as she trains with the Grisha – her country’s magical military elite – and falls under the spell of their notorious leader, the Darkling. He believes Alina can summon a force capable of destroying the Shadow Fold and reuniting their war-ravaged country, but only if she can master her untamed gift.

    But as Alina unlocks the secrets of her past, she will make a dangerous discovery that could threaten all she loves and the very future of a nation.

    My thoughts…

    I’m definitely late to the party with this series but I don’t care. This. Was. Amazing. Or at least a promising start. YA trash at it’s absolute finest and I was soaking it all in.

    There is something or someone rather that is a big part of why I enjoyed this book so much: The Darkling. I don’t think I have ever loved a villain more but here we are. Probably a bad idea but I just can’t help myself. In my head he’s also slightly good, whether that is true or I’m spouting complete nonsense I do not mind. Let me have my fantasies.

    As far as our main heroine, Alina, she is the usual plain Jane with some extraordinary gift that is meant to save the world, obviously. Pretty much to be expected really. Mal, for me, was a weird one. Like he’s cute and all but only really noticed Alina when she was taken away from him. Hmmm I guess I wasn’t here for that. A character I really enjoyed had to be Baghra. Who doesn’t love a cranky old woman who doesn’t give a single fuck? I found her a breath of fresh air, very refreshing.

    The Grisha in general excite me, I think their hierarchy and abilities are so intriguing and I’m highly anticipating how their powers will come to play in further books. The Grisha are soldiers of the second army and they call themselves masters of the small science. At the top of their little hierarchy is the Corporalki (the order of the living and the dead) and within this you have Heartrenders and Healers. Next, there is the Etherealki (the order of Summoners) which consist of Squallers (wind), Inferni (fire) and Tidemakers (water). Lastly, is the Materialki (the order of Fabrikators) which has the Durasts and the Alkemi. Basically, a lot of words that I don’t know how to say but still, very interesting.

    I didn’t find this book to have a lot of twists and turns but to be fair I wasn’t expecting them due to it being the first book. The uncover of The Darkling being the bad guy was definitely predictable (the name kind of gives it away) but it still hurt my feelings.

    The book was mainly about establishing the world, introducing the Grisha and getting stuck in to life at the palace. It is by no means a master piece but I found it a very enjoyable first book to an exciting trilogy.

    My Rating…

    My rating is pretty high because I just got sucked into this world from the very beginning! I’m loving it. I’ve heard mixed reviews, mainly that how Six of Crows is miles above this series so if I’m loving this hopefully I will be blown away by the duology. High hopes indeed! A promising start, it gives me the same feelings I got when I first picked up Throne of Glass. Nothing will ever top that series but it’s great having something new to obsess over.

    Keep reading xoxo



    Fairyloot Unboxing: March

    Sorry for the late Fairyloot unboxing, uploading pictures was just being very awkward but better late than never. I was incredibly excited for this box! This months theme was: Favourites to celebrate the anniversary of Fairyloot. To the right you can see the box, which is purple (obviously makes the box 10x more exciting). Without further discussion let’s get into the actual box!

    First, we have some bookish socks, inspired by Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. These were designed by the Fairyloot team. I have worn them and washed them so I can vouch that they are good quality. They are so adorable!

    Next is this colourful scarf, which is a tribute to some of Fairyloot’s (and my own) favourite YA books. This was designed by Cara Kozik and is amazing. I’m proud to say I’ve read a lot of these and it’s soooo cute. My photography skills are not the best when it comes to this one but try to appreciate my effort. I also apologise for how long the picture is clearly I am experiencing some difficulties.

    I felt too much joy seeing these page tabs, I am in constant need for more, excuse me while I go into nerd mode and get giddy about the colours and categories. These were also designed by Fairyloot. They seem to be designing a lot more of their items, which is exciting! Again this picture is looking slightly long but don’t kill a girl for trying.

    I was so confused about this item at first, I had no clue what it was. I then found out that it was a metal bookmark inspired by Laini Taylor’s Strange the Dreamer. I haven’t read it yet. I know. Where have I been? God knows to be honest. Hopefully I will get around to it and love it along with everyone else. The bookmark is embossed with art from KDP letters and is so stunning!

    The next item is the collectable Fairyloot Anniversary Enamel Pin. Pretty obvious who designed this.

    I ALWAYS love the art prints that come in the Fairyloot boxes so I was beyond happy to get THREE stunning art prints this month. They were designed by @morgana0anagrom. The art is inspired by Warcross by Marie Lu, The Cruel Prince by Holly Black and An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. The sad truth is I haven’t read any of these books but I am desperate to get my hands on the Cruel Prince in particular.

    Also included was this little promotion item for a new book called Sherwood. Basically feminism meets Robin Hood, I am super excited for it! It includes the prologue and a mini poster.

    The tarot cards have changed from ACOTAR to Six of Crows and the design is so pretty! Have I read Six of Crows? NOT YET. I am midway through Siege and Storm so I am well into the Grishaverse and very excited!

    This box got even more exciting because it has not one but TWO books. Let’s not all lose our shit, here is the first. Viper by Hex Hogan is the first book in the Isles of Storm and Sorrow series and will not be available until 18th April, which is now not that long away! This is a new fantasy trilogy with a heroine and a fat dilemma all on the high seas. Sounds pretty great.

    Last but definitely not least is this months featured book of the month, which is To Best The Boys by Mary Weber. I’ve been seeing this book around a lot so I was so happy with this months pick! It has grey sprayed edges and is actually signed. It also came with art inspired by the book and the author letter. From a quick glance it looks like feminism meets the Maze Runner and I cannot wait to get around to it. The cover is really gorgeous aswell, which is always a bonus.

    Keep reading xoxo

    The Priory Of The Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

    She was lost and found and wandering, all at once. At the cusp of dreaming, yet somehow never more awake.


    Synopsis:

    Published February 26th 2019 by Bloomsbury Publishing. Hardcover, 827 pages. I am obsessed with this cover.

    The house of Berethnet has ruled Inys for a thousand years. Still unwed, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction – but assassins are creeping closer to her door.

    Ead Duryan is an outsider at court. Though she has ridden to the position of lady-in-waiting, she is loyal to a hidden society of mages. Ead keeps a watchful eye on Sabran, secretly protecting her with forbidden magic.

    Across the dark sea, Tané has trained to be a dragonrider since she was a child, but is forced to make a choice that could see her life unravel

    Meanwhile, the divided East and West refuse to parlay, and forces of chaos are rising from their sleep.

    My thoughts…

    Spoilers Ahead!

    One word to describe this book: Overwhelming. It was so much to take in and get stuck into, in the best way possible. This book took me a while to finish (three weeks!!) but every time I picked it up I was instantly immersed in the world Shannon has created. Definitely took me a quick minute to get to grips with who everyone was and what roles they play but ultimately this stand alone fantasy was. Epic.

    It took a chunk of the book to warm up to characters, probably because at times they felt really unrelatable (obviously dragon slaying mages and dragon riding fighters should be completely relatable), like Sabran was really cold at times and she just felt incredibly distant. However, fast forward a number of pages and I’m invested! My favourite characters were Tané, do I even need a reason for this pick? She was such a bad ass and evidently progressed as a better person by the end of the book. And Margaret. She wasn’t a main character but we do see a lot of her. She was lovely and kind but refused to be pushed around and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her. A character that had me guessing all the way through was Niclays. I was unsure for a whie where his character was going to go whether he was going to stay miserable or actually do some good for himself and I have to say his arc brought a tear to my eye. When he found out about Truyde my heart may have cracked a little. I LOVED the relationship that Sabran and Ead developed. I didn’t see it coming but I was here for it. Steamy to say the least.

    As far as plot-twists and OMG moments there wasn’t a great deal that had me really shocked. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing and doesn’t mean it wasn’t a page turner because it definitely was. The relationship had me shocked, Aubrecht’s death hit me and Tané having the fucking jewel sewn inside her threw me but other than that I caught on to what was happening and where it was all going. I enjoyed near enough every minute.

    Emotional moment? Surprisingly yes. I wont say them all but the number one thing that I was actually devastated about was Lintley’s death. I had read over that a good few times before it actually sank in. I didn’t believe it, it annoyed me so much like why? So so so close, the big battle was over and your just going to go and kill him off? He was going to get married! One word: Fuck.

    Quick mention for Tané and her relationship with her dragon, Nayimathun, they were just amazing! I loved their bond and they never gave up on each other, showing all you really need in life is a big friendly dragon. Not much at all.

    The only really problem I actually, which to be fair is very minor was that we got to the big battle with The Nameless One and it all seemed well… short. I felt like the main characters got off very easily. I felt their should have been a death of one of the main characters. Weird thing to wish for but it’s much more realistic to me . I know it’s fantasy but still if this shit were to happen in no way shape or form we are making it out without the need of some body bags. Other than that it was a brilliant read.

    My Rating…

    I couldn’t not give this a five stars. It was an epic fantasy series that yes, you need to pay attention and take a lot in but is beyond worth it. Progressing through you get sucked in and are constantly wondering where the storylines of these characters are going to lead.

    I have never read any of Shannon’s other books but after this colossal monster I think I may have to pick some up. Phenomenal. Laura Eve, author of The Graces called it a feminist successor to The Lord of the Rings and I couldn’t agree more.

    Keep reading xoxo



    Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

    This post was meant to be my Fairyloot March unboxing. As you can see it isn’t. I am more annoyed than you. When I was uploading the pictures it wasn’t allowing me to make them smaller for some reason. It usually gives me the % I want to make it smaller by and it just wasn’t having any of it so hopefully that will right itself and I will get that out as soon as possible but for now enjoy the Red Queen.

    The truth is what I make it. I could set the world on fire and call it rain.

    Synopsis:

    This is a world divided by blood – Red or Silver.

    The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to seventeen-year-old Mare, a Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilits, it seems like nothing will ever change.

    But Mare possesses a deadly talent of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.

    Fearful of her potential, the Silvers hide Mare in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess. Knowing that one false move will mean her death, Mare must use her new position to bring down the regime – from the inside.

    Now Mare has entered a game of betrayal and lies.

    This is Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart…

    My thoughts…

    YA trash at it’s finest and not going to lie I was completely here for it. There was huge hype surrounding this book, mainly because the covers were gorgeous but then the bad reviews came creeping. This book definitely has some love but I have seen a whole lot of hate and while I can completely understand it I have to say, I really fuckin enjoyed it.

    Before you rip me to shreds this book was mostly enjoyable because I was in the mood for it like I so wanted some crappy YA fantasy with love and drama and all that business. And I got it with Red Queen. Mare as a character was a bit bland like she is the same lead female character we see everywhere but I knew this when getting into the book because this was what I needed at the time. Don’t. Judge. Me.

    You know what did piss me off though that I have to get out: the writing. I didn’t like it. I found there was unnecessary comments or declaratives that did not need to be there. It made me laugh but at the same time shut up. Mare shut up. JUST SHUT UP.

    Everything was predictable. I’m not exaggerating. It was funny because I knew what I was getting myself into and while I got myself invested, I knew exactly what was going to come next. From the marriage to the betrayal to the “dead” brother not actually being dead. I knew it. All while I knew it, I was lapping this shit up. I don’t know what was wrong with me, looking back now I can see the issues, trust me I can, I get these bad reviews but at the time? Nope. Didn’t care. I was gulping down Mare, Cal and Maven like they were vodka shots and I was a raging alcoholic.

    Cal. He is the only thing that I’m still gulping down and I’m not even sorry. I know what your thinking. Slut. And I don’t even care. He was like a cheap version of Dorian from Throne of Glass and I LOVE ME SOME DORIAN.

    I’m not really going to delve into the plot too much because it is pretty much like every other story. Saddens me to say but there is a clear lack of originality. To be honest I feel bad because the whole reason I picked it up because I was in the mood for a shitty YA with characters that I knew were going to be copies of other characters and a storyline that wouldn’t take time getting to grips with. If this is a reason someone picks up your book. Yikes.

    Does it make things better that despite all the crap I really enjoyed it AT THE TIME? Or maybe it’s the fact that it included ALL the crappy stuff that I did enjoy it. Either way I suppose not something someone usually wants to hear about their book. Oh well.

    My Rating…

    AGAIN. GIVE ME A CHANCE TO EXPLAIN. In reality this book is more like a two stars. Trust me I know. However, at the time I was like FUCK YES. Red Queen is what I wanted and while I recognise the bad I also appreciate that the bad is what I wanted. Like drugs. There we have it Red Queen is like heroin. Let a girl live. This book is very much like a watered down hunger games, a cheap divergent and a crappy EVERY OTHER YA book. Will I be continuing this series? Honestly, I don’t know. If I’m in the mood for heroin I guess this is a safer option. Seriously though I probably will revisit the series, I do love a shitty YA book and I know this won’t disappoint.

    Keep reading xoxo