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The Rebels of Ireland (The Dublin Saga, #2)
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The Princes of Ireland, the first volume of Edward Rutherfurd’s magisterial epic of Irish history,...
Wesley (The Son Series Book 1)
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~Wesley~ Yeah, I don’t trust them. Who are they? The family who takes me in after they catch...
romance contemporary African American African-American adult fiction
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Smith's Corner: Layla & Levi (The Heartwood Series #2) in Books
Aug 31, 2021
Layla's history is dark, and painful reading and I cried for Layla
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Heartwood Series. I would STRONGLY recommend you read book one, Delilah & Dallas, before this one. THAT book sets this one up nicely.
I also said in my review for that book, that I made put the clues together, and made a picture, but that I was fairly certain it was going to be worse than I thought.
And I wasn't wrong.
Layla has had to be strong, for Delilah and Cora but both girls are growing up now, and moving on with their lives. Levi is one of Dallas' older brother, and is quite literally, smitten with Layla. He knows she has secrets (Dallas knows some of them but wont tell Levi) but Levi also knows Layla is his, and he won't let her go.
I loved that Cora plays a bigger part here than Delilah, that Cora approves of Levi, and that Cora actively helps Levi win Layla over. And he does that beautifully!
When Layla eventually tells Levi all, he does exactly as Dallas does, all Alpha-Male-Protect-whats-Mine, but he tempers his reaction, he holds it all in til he is not in Layla's presence, and I loved him for that.
Layla's history is dark, and painful reading and I cried for Layla. Layla the child, but also Layla the adult. She has a huge support network now, but she didn't always, and she still struggles with letting people in. That Levi takes his time with Layla, getting to know her and letting her set the entire pace of their relationship was probably the only way he could have gotten in.
When Layla's past comes back to cause problems, I loved that ALL the brothers came to stand with her, beside her, to see that the past stays there. And that all solves itself so differently to what I was expecting!
And we are set up nicely for Ash and Alora, who are next. Ash has a tale to tell, and I can't wait to read it!
This book contains triggers: please be mindful of those reading this book.
Creeping up from 4 stars to 4.5 stars but rounded up for the blog.
same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Heartwood Series. I would STRONGLY recommend you read book one, Delilah & Dallas, before this one. THAT book sets this one up nicely.
I also said in my review for that book, that I made put the clues together, and made a picture, but that I was fairly certain it was going to be worse than I thought.
And I wasn't wrong.
Layla has had to be strong, for Delilah and Cora but both girls are growing up now, and moving on with their lives. Levi is one of Dallas' older brother, and is quite literally, smitten with Layla. He knows she has secrets (Dallas knows some of them but wont tell Levi) but Levi also knows Layla is his, and he won't let her go.
I loved that Cora plays a bigger part here than Delilah, that Cora approves of Levi, and that Cora actively helps Levi win Layla over. And he does that beautifully!
When Layla eventually tells Levi all, he does exactly as Dallas does, all Alpha-Male-Protect-whats-Mine, but he tempers his reaction, he holds it all in til he is not in Layla's presence, and I loved him for that.
Layla's history is dark, and painful reading and I cried for Layla. Layla the child, but also Layla the adult. She has a huge support network now, but she didn't always, and she still struggles with letting people in. That Levi takes his time with Layla, getting to know her and letting her set the entire pace of their relationship was probably the only way he could have gotten in.
When Layla's past comes back to cause problems, I loved that ALL the brothers came to stand with her, beside her, to see that the past stays there. And that all solves itself so differently to what I was expecting!
And we are set up nicely for Ash and Alora, who are next. Ash has a tale to tell, and I can't wait to read it!
This book contains triggers: please be mindful of those reading this book.
Creeping up from 4 stars to 4.5 stars but rounded up for the blog.
same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated A Spider in the Garden in Books
Feb 12, 2022
loved this, very different!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
It's quite hard, I think, to come up with new stuff these days but I'm so bloody glad there are writers who can! Cos I loved this book!
Aranha is a spider shifter, the last of her kind. Dag is a daywalker, a vampire who walks in the light, but also, his kind are dwindling. Neither should have crossed paths with each other, but they do, and there follows some interesting revelations about their history, and their future. And the battle to save a human girl from the vampire's clutches.
Aranha has lived alone for 200 years, and suddenly she has to look after someone. I loved how she just took Jonah in, knowing what he is and how it will affect her. I'm not going into details, but they should NOT have been together!
I loved that Dag, when he meets Jonah, is taken aback by him being with Aranha, but knows they come together and so accepts too.
I LOVED the history behind the webmakers and the daywalkers and how that all came about and how it all went wrong so long ago! The animosity between the daywalkers and the vampires was unexpected, but explained away perfectly. Again, not spoiling it by explaining!
I loved how it all came together, all the history, all Aranha's heritage, and Dag's brothers.
It's got some violence, but vampires trying to take over the world ain't ever gonna be a picnic. It's smexy, in places, but not ever so explicit. It's all at a level fitting for this book.
It's wonderfully told from both Dag and Aranha point of view. I would have liked to hear from Jonah, and maybe Evelyn but that's just me being greedy!
The only thing, the thing that is bugging me the most?? I want more. I want more of this world, and these people in it. I want to hear from them 6 months, 6 years, hell 600 years down the line. I want to know, if what they decided to do here works. I want to know, if Dag and Aranha are truly happy. If Jonah and Evelyn make it work. Even if Aranha's father gets a happy ever after!
Given that this only the author's second book, I can't wait to read more.
A fabulous, different 5 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
It's quite hard, I think, to come up with new stuff these days but I'm so bloody glad there are writers who can! Cos I loved this book!
Aranha is a spider shifter, the last of her kind. Dag is a daywalker, a vampire who walks in the light, but also, his kind are dwindling. Neither should have crossed paths with each other, but they do, and there follows some interesting revelations about their history, and their future. And the battle to save a human girl from the vampire's clutches.
Aranha has lived alone for 200 years, and suddenly she has to look after someone. I loved how she just took Jonah in, knowing what he is and how it will affect her. I'm not going into details, but they should NOT have been together!
I loved that Dag, when he meets Jonah, is taken aback by him being with Aranha, but knows they come together and so accepts too.
I LOVED the history behind the webmakers and the daywalkers and how that all came about and how it all went wrong so long ago! The animosity between the daywalkers and the vampires was unexpected, but explained away perfectly. Again, not spoiling it by explaining!
I loved how it all came together, all the history, all Aranha's heritage, and Dag's brothers.
It's got some violence, but vampires trying to take over the world ain't ever gonna be a picnic. It's smexy, in places, but not ever so explicit. It's all at a level fitting for this book.
It's wonderfully told from both Dag and Aranha point of view. I would have liked to hear from Jonah, and maybe Evelyn but that's just me being greedy!
The only thing, the thing that is bugging me the most?? I want more. I want more of this world, and these people in it. I want to hear from them 6 months, 6 years, hell 600 years down the line. I want to know, if what they decided to do here works. I want to know, if Dag and Aranha are truly happy. If Jonah and Evelyn make it work. Even if Aranha's father gets a happy ever after!
Given that this only the author's second book, I can't wait to read more.
A fabulous, different 5 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Bad Rebound (Billionaire's Club: Bad Brothers #1) in Books
Sep 27, 2022
Who doesn't love a perfectly flawed hero?
BAD REBOUND is the first book in the Billionaire's Club: Bad Brothers series. We met Theresa in Bad Best Friend and it is now time for her own story. Rafe and Cora are on hand to help and to provide insight into how Theresa works. This is a good thing because Jeremy doesn't actually know her that well, even after all this time. He likes what he sees, but he doesn't see the whole picture; choosing to be blind to the things he doesn't want to acknowledge.
Jeremy is the perfect flawed hero. He will do anything for anyone and thinks 100% he is doing the right thing, showing them how much he cares. He is also human and makes mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes are smothering the person he is trying to care for. Luckily for him, he had Theresa, his mum, and Melody to set him straight and make him take a good long look at himself. What makes him even better is he acknowledges how he went wrong and tries to correct himself.
Theresa - now here's a heroine that is harder to like. I get her back story, I do, but I was so glad when her mum shot her down. She never asked if it was the life her mum wanted, she just assumed, and we all know how that works out. To me, she was so condescending about anyone's dreams if they differed from her own. Her behaviour, although explained, left a lot to be desired in places. I still liked her though. I just thought she needed knocking down a peg or two as she was so quick to point out Jeremy's faults without looking at her own.
I loved this book and can't wait for the series to continue. I need Melody and Asher's story!!! I know it's going to tear me apart before it gets to the HEA and that's absolutely fine by me! A great start to a new series and definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jeremy is the perfect flawed hero. He will do anything for anyone and thinks 100% he is doing the right thing, showing them how much he cares. He is also human and makes mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes are smothering the person he is trying to care for. Luckily for him, he had Theresa, his mum, and Melody to set him straight and make him take a good long look at himself. What makes him even better is he acknowledges how he went wrong and tries to correct himself.
Theresa - now here's a heroine that is harder to like. I get her back story, I do, but I was so glad when her mum shot her down. She never asked if it was the life her mum wanted, she just assumed, and we all know how that works out. To me, she was so condescending about anyone's dreams if they differed from her own. Her behaviour, although explained, left a lot to be desired in places. I still liked her though. I just thought she needed knocking down a peg or two as she was so quick to point out Jeremy's faults without looking at her own.
I loved this book and can't wait for the series to continue. I need Melody and Asher's story!!! I know it's going to tear me apart before it gets to the HEA and that's absolutely fine by me! A great start to a new series and definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Teenage mutant ninja turtles mutant mayhem (2023) in Movies
Aug 2, 2023
The popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Franchise has taken a break from the recent live-action updates and has returned to animation to reboot and modernize the franchise.
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” is a loving and updated look at the story as Seth Rogen and his creative team have shaken up the franchise but remained true to the core characters and universe.
The film follows the four Turtles Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Raphael (Brady Noon), Donatello (Micah Abbey), and Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.), who are looking to find acceptance in the world despite their father Splinter (Jackie Chan), warning them not to trust humans and that they will never be accepted.
As typical teens do, the boys frequently rebel to sneak out and use their Ninja skills to travel New York to do tasks ranging from shopping to watching outdoor movies which only fuels their desires to be accepted and
have normal experiences such as High School.
At the same time as a crimewave is happening attributed to a menace known as Superfly (Ice Cube), who is gathering all kinds of high-end gear for his nefarious scheme.
When the brothers become aware of this while helping a human named April (Ago Edebiri), they become obsessed with her and desire to help her get to the bottom of the thefts and hope to win her approval as well as human acceptance in the process.
What follows is a madcap adventure with plenty of action and humor and
several celebrity voices which adds a new level of fun to the expanded
cast of supporting characters.
The animation style is at times a bit rough to watch over an extended
period but as the film progressed I became used to it and it did much like the two recent Spider-man animated films grow on me even if it can be distracting at times.
The cast is solid and the film seemed to play well to viewers of all ages
as there were jokes and references for all ages and the storyline was engaging even if it did at times seem to drag in places.
In the end the film is a loving and solid entry into the franchise and one that I am sure we will be seeing more animated entries from in the near future and is a must watch for fans of all ages.
4 stars out of 5
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” is a loving and updated look at the story as Seth Rogen and his creative team have shaken up the franchise but remained true to the core characters and universe.
The film follows the four Turtles Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Raphael (Brady Noon), Donatello (Micah Abbey), and Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.), who are looking to find acceptance in the world despite their father Splinter (Jackie Chan), warning them not to trust humans and that they will never be accepted.
As typical teens do, the boys frequently rebel to sneak out and use their Ninja skills to travel New York to do tasks ranging from shopping to watching outdoor movies which only fuels their desires to be accepted and
have normal experiences such as High School.
At the same time as a crimewave is happening attributed to a menace known as Superfly (Ice Cube), who is gathering all kinds of high-end gear for his nefarious scheme.
When the brothers become aware of this while helping a human named April (Ago Edebiri), they become obsessed with her and desire to help her get to the bottom of the thefts and hope to win her approval as well as human acceptance in the process.
What follows is a madcap adventure with plenty of action and humor and
several celebrity voices which adds a new level of fun to the expanded
cast of supporting characters.
The animation style is at times a bit rough to watch over an extended
period but as the film progressed I became used to it and it did much like the two recent Spider-man animated films grow on me even if it can be distracting at times.
The cast is solid and the film seemed to play well to viewers of all ages
as there were jokes and references for all ages and the storyline was engaging even if it did at times seem to drag in places.
In the end the film is a loving and solid entry into the franchise and one that I am sure we will be seeing more animated entries from in the near future and is a must watch for fans of all ages.
4 stars out of 5
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Blossom and the Beast (The Alder Tales #1) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
Okay, so this book is a Fairy Tale Retelling of Beauty and the Beast. With that in mind, I thought I had a fairly good idea of what to expect. Boy, was I wrong!
In Blossom and the Beast, Blossom is the youngest daughter of a clan chief. Her father has a fox for a totem animal, her three brothers are bears(!), and it is suspected that Blossom will be the same. She has a very inquisitive mind and struggles against the rules and traditions that bind her under the canopy. On a trip out of camp (when she shouldn't have been) she is spotted by Kaide. He immediately wants her in his life and does whatever it takes to ensure it. He is determined to win her over though, so he treats her with every respect.
With political manoeuvrings galore, plus a sweet and sensual romance, this book is more than just a Fairy Tale Retelling! This is an amazing book in its own right, and should definitely be recognised as such. Amazing story, with well-rounded and believable characters, this story will entice and enthral.
I will say one thing about the ending without giving out any spoilers - BE CAREFUL!!! When I finished the ending, my Kindle nearly went for a burton! It was so close to hitting the wall as I stomped around my home in disbelief. Without giving too many details, I sort of knew how it was going to end, without knowing the specific details. When those details came to life, I screeched as I couldn't believe it. It was a train wreck that I could see happening, without any means of stopping it! I was actually complaining to Blossom (my Kindle) about her actions and what she should have done instead - much to the amusement of my husband may I just add!
With no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this story certainly deserves its 5-star rating. Absolutely fantastic and I really, REALLY, can't wait for the second book to see where it will go.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 31, 2016
In Blossom and the Beast, Blossom is the youngest daughter of a clan chief. Her father has a fox for a totem animal, her three brothers are bears(!), and it is suspected that Blossom will be the same. She has a very inquisitive mind and struggles against the rules and traditions that bind her under the canopy. On a trip out of camp (when she shouldn't have been) she is spotted by Kaide. He immediately wants her in his life and does whatever it takes to ensure it. He is determined to win her over though, so he treats her with every respect.
With political manoeuvrings galore, plus a sweet and sensual romance, this book is more than just a Fairy Tale Retelling! This is an amazing book in its own right, and should definitely be recognised as such. Amazing story, with well-rounded and believable characters, this story will entice and enthral.
I will say one thing about the ending without giving out any spoilers - BE CAREFUL!!! When I finished the ending, my Kindle nearly went for a burton! It was so close to hitting the wall as I stomped around my home in disbelief. Without giving too many details, I sort of knew how it was going to end, without knowing the specific details. When those details came to life, I screeched as I couldn't believe it. It was a train wreck that I could see happening, without any means of stopping it! I was actually complaining to Blossom (my Kindle) about her actions and what she should have done instead - much to the amusement of my husband may I just add!
With no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this story certainly deserves its 5-star rating. Absolutely fantastic and I really, REALLY, can't wait for the second book to see where it will go.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 31, 2016
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Joint Penetration (Hot Under the Collar #3) in Books
Jun 13, 2024
so freaking good!
I was gifted my copy straight for the author.
Jumping straight in, again!
What this book is, book 3 in the series, is an abso-freaking-lutely brilliantly written, brilliantly told story, of realising what has been in front of you for 15 years, and not questioning, not once, what you really feel for your best friend.
Liam has been in love with Ollie since he was 14. His best friend, his straight MARRIED best friend. He knows he can never have him, but he cannot let go. Ollie announces hi is getting a divorce, and promptly turns to Liam for his shoulder. Not to cry on, though, Ollie just needs Liam close, as always. Making a discovery about Liam that Ollie did not know, sets off a chain reaction, and Ollie sees, really SEES Liam for the first time.
I cannot, and never will be able to, express how much I loved this book of 2 friends falling in love. Of two friends finally seeing what everyone else sees: that they are perfect for each other. I mean, this is another , ANOTHER book that I need to add to myMasterpieces shelf of McIntyre's and she keeps delivering them! I really gotta change my rules for that shelf!
It's steamy, yes, but I loved that Ollie jumped straight in, once he was aware of his feelings and, more importantly, of LIAM'S feelings about them sleeping together. I loved that Ollie didn't really question what he was feeling: he knew, KNEW that Liam was his, and now he would be in all ways, but Ollie questioned WHAT he was feeling when he touched Liam. He never felt anything like this when he touched his ex-wife, so what he was feeling for Liam had to be monumental.
It's super low angst, and it's too freaking cute, and so warm and fuzzies, its off the scale!
I loved that we got to catch up with Liam's group of friends, and the guys from books one and two. We are also introduced to Ollie's brothers, and THEY are the subject of a new series that will feature drop ins from these guys.
I might go on all day, but I'll cut myself short.
READ THE FREAKING BOOK, GUYS! Better yet, read the whole SERIES cos they are all. . .
5 full and shiny stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Jumping straight in, again!
What this book is, book 3 in the series, is an abso-freaking-lutely brilliantly written, brilliantly told story, of realising what has been in front of you for 15 years, and not questioning, not once, what you really feel for your best friend.
Liam has been in love with Ollie since he was 14. His best friend, his straight MARRIED best friend. He knows he can never have him, but he cannot let go. Ollie announces hi is getting a divorce, and promptly turns to Liam for his shoulder. Not to cry on, though, Ollie just needs Liam close, as always. Making a discovery about Liam that Ollie did not know, sets off a chain reaction, and Ollie sees, really SEES Liam for the first time.
I cannot, and never will be able to, express how much I loved this book of 2 friends falling in love. Of two friends finally seeing what everyone else sees: that they are perfect for each other. I mean, this is another , ANOTHER book that I need to add to myMasterpieces shelf of McIntyre's and she keeps delivering them! I really gotta change my rules for that shelf!
It's steamy, yes, but I loved that Ollie jumped straight in, once he was aware of his feelings and, more importantly, of LIAM'S feelings about them sleeping together. I loved that Ollie didn't really question what he was feeling: he knew, KNEW that Liam was his, and now he would be in all ways, but Ollie questioned WHAT he was feeling when he touched Liam. He never felt anything like this when he touched his ex-wife, so what he was feeling for Liam had to be monumental.
It's super low angst, and it's too freaking cute, and so warm and fuzzies, its off the scale!
I loved that we got to catch up with Liam's group of friends, and the guys from books one and two. We are also introduced to Ollie's brothers, and THEY are the subject of a new series that will feature drop ins from these guys.
I might go on all day, but I'll cut myself short.
READ THE FREAKING BOOK, GUYS! Better yet, read the whole SERIES cos they are all. . .
5 full and shiny stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Water for Elephants in Books
Feb 11, 2019
This is one of those books that I read because I loved the movie first. So, I was quite surprised when I read how the book begins - with the murder of one of the main characters. When I further realized that August does not own the Benzini Brothers, I began to see the movie as its own story separate from the book.
Jacob is by far the most interesting character of the book, especially since he tells the story as an old man in a nursing home - and has the wisdom and experience to go with his age. His emotions are infectious and I longed to sit down with him and listen to all of his stories in person way before I finished the book.
August is the kind of villain that is confusing in his evil deeds - he has schizophrenia - which makes it somewhat unfair to dislike him so much. His irrational behavior has been exploited for the almighty dollar by Uncle Al - but the real villain tends to fade into the background.
Marlena is beautiful to the point of angelic, very little of what she does can be considered wrong in any way, as she is a victim struggling for freedom for most of the book. She approaches August's mood swings with the same caution due a wild animal, and remains faithful to him despite her personal feelings, and does not leave until he first betrays her. Considering how women today will leave their husbands for any reason, I admire her strong morals.
The background is set during the Great Depression, which made for many intense situations as the circus struggled to profit, as well as the survival of the cast of characters. Though I studied this period in American history, the direct experience gave me a clearer idea of the desperation of people alive during this time - how easily morals could be put on hold for the sake of another mouthful of food or another coin in the pocket. So many men of the circus would work without pay for the promise of another meal and unending hope that life could still improve.
Rosie, the elephant, is also one of the most fascinating characters in the book. She proved to be only one example of how animals were exploited to the point of cruelty for profit. I could not help wondering where the animal activists were.
Needless to say, this book sparked many conversations and inspired many moments of personal contemplation for me. I loved this book, and I highly recommend it.
Jacob is by far the most interesting character of the book, especially since he tells the story as an old man in a nursing home - and has the wisdom and experience to go with his age. His emotions are infectious and I longed to sit down with him and listen to all of his stories in person way before I finished the book.
August is the kind of villain that is confusing in his evil deeds - he has schizophrenia - which makes it somewhat unfair to dislike him so much. His irrational behavior has been exploited for the almighty dollar by Uncle Al - but the real villain tends to fade into the background.
Marlena is beautiful to the point of angelic, very little of what she does can be considered wrong in any way, as she is a victim struggling for freedom for most of the book. She approaches August's mood swings with the same caution due a wild animal, and remains faithful to him despite her personal feelings, and does not leave until he first betrays her. Considering how women today will leave their husbands for any reason, I admire her strong morals.
The background is set during the Great Depression, which made for many intense situations as the circus struggled to profit, as well as the survival of the cast of characters. Though I studied this period in American history, the direct experience gave me a clearer idea of the desperation of people alive during this time - how easily morals could be put on hold for the sake of another mouthful of food or another coin in the pocket. So many men of the circus would work without pay for the promise of another meal and unending hope that life could still improve.
Rosie, the elephant, is also one of the most fascinating characters in the book. She proved to be only one example of how animals were exploited to the point of cruelty for profit. I could not help wondering where the animal activists were.
Needless to say, this book sparked many conversations and inspired many moments of personal contemplation for me. I loved this book, and I highly recommend it.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Last Sacrifice in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I waited a long time to read this book, but it was still well worth the wait. In typical Rose fashion, she disregards the practical advice of her friends and family to try and help those she cares about most. Embarking on a road trip around the eastern United States, she searches for the clues to the missing Dragomir heir, all the while growing closer to the newly-Moroi Demitri. All the while, Lissa navigates the intricacies of the Royal Court and deals with being thrust into the running for the new Queen.
All the recognizable faces from throughout the series make an appearance in the final book, as any good series finale would do. All but one of the loose ends were resolved decently, such as dealing with the problem of the Dashkov brothers.
The trials that Lissa goes through to be declared a valid candidate for Queen were interesting in that they forced her to rely on only herself and tested her inner strength and resolve. They showed a maturity in her that goes far beyond her young 18 years.
Of course, the biggest anticipation for me was the final outcome of who would end up with Rose - Dimitri or Adrian. While at first I disliked Adrian, he seemed to prove his worthiness to me throughout the series. The road trip, though, forces Dimitri to heal from his memories as Strigoi and face some things about himself. Without giving away Rose's choice, I am happy with it, though I feel sorry for the man that got left behind. The promise of the spin-off series, Bloodlines, centered around the Alchemist Sydney, gives me hope that he will find someone who matches him better than Rose did.
The ending answers my own question of what the title was referring to, though it was a bit predictable. I am thrilled about the outcome of the Queen's replacement, and I really hope that the spin-off series will also show some of the new Queen's life. What was not predictable for me was the revelation of who murdered the previous queen - I made the same assumption early on as most of Rose's allies did, and I was just as surprised as they were over who really did it - and I'm still kind of disappointed, since I liked the character responsible and I feel as betrayed as many of the others did by the news. When the characters can feel that real, I know it's good writing.
All the recognizable faces from throughout the series make an appearance in the final book, as any good series finale would do. All but one of the loose ends were resolved decently, such as dealing with the problem of the Dashkov brothers.
The trials that Lissa goes through to be declared a valid candidate for Queen were interesting in that they forced her to rely on only herself and tested her inner strength and resolve. They showed a maturity in her that goes far beyond her young 18 years.
Of course, the biggest anticipation for me was the final outcome of who would end up with Rose - Dimitri or Adrian. While at first I disliked Adrian, he seemed to prove his worthiness to me throughout the series. The road trip, though, forces Dimitri to heal from his memories as Strigoi and face some things about himself. Without giving away Rose's choice, I am happy with it, though I feel sorry for the man that got left behind. The promise of the spin-off series, Bloodlines, centered around the Alchemist Sydney, gives me hope that he will find someone who matches him better than Rose did.
The ending answers my own question of what the title was referring to, though it was a bit predictable. I am thrilled about the outcome of the Queen's replacement, and I really hope that the spin-off series will also show some of the new Queen's life. What was not predictable for me was the revelation of who murdered the previous queen - I made the same assumption early on as most of Rose's allies did, and I was just as surprised as they were over who really did it - and I'm still kind of disappointed, since I liked the character responsible and I feel as betrayed as many of the others did by the news. When the characters can feel that real, I know it's good writing.