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Rachel King (13 KP) rated Shadow Kiss in Books

Feb 11, 2019  
Shadow Kiss
Shadow Kiss
Richelle Mead | 2008 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.9 (31 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book took a much more central focus of the relationship between Rose and Dimitri, as well as Rose's own unique abilities, thanks to her bond with Lissa. This book delved more into what harnessing the elements could do in practical terms, which I have been very curious about. In some ways, I feel like Mead is holding back in terms of telling the reader all the ways that Spirit can be used, but that is writer's privilege. My favorite part of the books is always Rose's relationship with Dimitri, so much so that I feel everything that she feels, laugh when she laughs, etc. Without spoiling the ending, I can definitely say I felt just as much as she did at the end.
It is interesting to see the effect that Rose and Lissa are collectively having on the political and social structures of this world that Mead has constructed. Unwritten rules that previously were unquestioned are now being broken repeatedly - and not just by Rose. Other Moroi are trying to wield compulsion, male Dhampirs are refusing to become guardians, Moroi are learning to wield their abilities offensively and train under guardians, and so on. Lissa falls under many exceptions, being the only Dragomir, which ironically puts Rose even more in the spotlight of society and allows her to be a catalyst for change.
  
The Loneliest Girl in the Universe
The Loneliest Girl in the Universe
Lauren James | 2018 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book is not AT ALL what I expected. As others pointed out, the summary sounds like a Sci-fi romance. This is totally not what the book is.

But I loved it.

When her parents died, 11 year old Romy became the commander of The Infinity, a space shift with the mission to create a community of humans on Earth II. Flash forward 6 years, and she struggles to keep the ship afloat as the ONLY person on her ship. So when NASA says they're launching a new ship to catch up with her and keep her company. she's eager to meet its crew. Then she begins receiving emails from J, the lone crew member out of stasis on the other ship, The Eternity.

But something doesn't feel right and eventually, all sorts of crazzzzyyyy stuff happens that makes he wonder about J, Earth, and her future.....which seems further away than the planet she's never lived on.

There's so much that went on in this book, that I may have to read it again, but I liked how unique Romy is and how she handled the situations thrown at her. Breadcrumbs of the past are peppered throughout the story, making me unable to put it down until I knew what was going to happen.

Like Romy, I was on edge and waiting for the world to shatter.
And I didn't see the end coming.

I WOULD 100% RECOMMEND.
  
Siren Song (The Chameleon Effect #3)
Siren Song (The Chameleon Effect #3)
Alex Hayes | 2019 | Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
7.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Siren Song is the third book in The Chameleon Effect series, and although we still have Idris and Cadi, Rowan and Connell take the front. They were a matched pair but were separated, neither of them old enough to properly remember the other. When Cadi and Rowan end up going to LA to meet up with Idris, Rowan feels the pull of her crystal and searches for her other half. Unfortunately, due to circumstances in book two, Rowan suffers from PTSD which does have consequences for her.

This is the third book in the series, and definitely needs to be read as such. Trust me, it won't make much sense if you just start with this one. However, if you do read the first two, you will re-enter a world of Livrans, and lost children, soul mates and crystals.

It is perfectly paced, with plenty of build up and action. You stay with Idris and Cadi as their relationship progresses, and yet there is plenty of time for Rowan and Connell. An excellent story with a cast of characters that you will both like and loathe.

A brilliant addition to the series and definitely recommended by me.

* 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!
  
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This book is a genteel 'Regency' style book with a dash of magic - imagine Pride & Prejudice with glamour. Imagine a world where as well as improving her sewing, painting and pianoforte, a young lady had to opportunity to decorate and embellish, with the help of glamours. Unfortunately, due to the times, this is only allowed in home (where it is encouraged) but never, for a lady, can it become anything else.

This is a world where ladies are still set to 'marry well', come out in Society and become spinsters if they are not married within a seemly time. Jane is roughly the age where she can be a chaperone, rather than being chaperoned, and she is quite content with this although she does have her eye set on someone. Unfortunately he seems rather more attracted to her sister, the beautiful Melody. However, as we all know, although the surface may be calm in these books, the passion runs deep. Before she knows it, Jane is at the heart of secrets and trying to do her best by everyone.

I thought this book was very well written, which characters that you can associate with. You are left guessing right until the end as to how this will work out for everyone. Mary Robinette Kowal has done a wonderful job of keeping the story moving along but still giving you time to adjust to the period in which it is set. A lovely light read perfect for any historical fiction fans out there.
  
TP
The Phantom Forest
Liz Kerin | 2019
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
<b><i>The author/publisher provided a free copy of the book for review purposes - thank you! Receiving a review copy does not guarantee a positive review and therefore do not affect the opinion or content of the review.</i></b>

So when I sat down to write my review for <em>The Phantom Forest</em>, all I wanted to write is this:
<ul>
  <li>Protect this character</li>
  <li>Seriously, protect this character</li>
  <li>Take them away from Liz Kerin; it's the only way to protect them</li>
</ul>
But uh, that doesn't work as a review (maybe one day). Anyways.

<em style="background-color: initial; font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: 1px;"><strong>The Phantom</strong></em><strong style="background-color: initial; font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: 1px;"><em> Forest</em> is haunting.</strong>
Kerin's debut is <em>creepy</em>, everyone. The world here is atmospheric and brings a chill or two, even when the story isn't in the Underworld. In a world ruled by the Coalition where one practicing their belief in gods or superstition results in death, General Simeon overlooks a village with tight control. He keeps the people under his authority by taking a religious ritual where only criminals are sacrifices to one where anyone can be chosen.

I wanted General Simeon to choke on sharp pineapples while reading.

Since her father died, Seycia lives in hiding with her younger brother Miko in the village. It's not long before General Simeon makes her a target and she becomes the next village sacrifice, sending her to the Underworld where she joins forces with Haben.

<h2><strong>Interesting Characters Arcs</strong></h2>
I find myself most invested in Haben's story and wanted to keep reading to find out what happens to Seycia and him as they journey across the Underworld. While <em>The Phantom Forest</em> has a multitude of POVs, most are from Seycia, Haben and Miko.

The story seems to focus on one character with the others sitting in the backseat, undergoing the most development. However, I do feel this is only the beginning, and there is more to come for both Seycia and Miko. Their story seems to stand in the back of the room, but they'll likely develop in future books. I want to see what Kerin has in store even if I only want to protect Haben.

<h2><strong>There are slow moments in <em>The Phantom Forest</em></strong></h2>
Kerin builds a world and plot that captures my attention from early in the novel. However, there are moments where I felt the scenes were maybe irrelevant and unnecessary. While it was a rough patch to go through, it was well worth it. I wanted to see to the end of the story, and I had a lot of questions that won my curiosity. By the end of <em>The Phantom Forest</em>, I still have plenty of questions, but I'm sure there will be answers eventually.

<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/the-phantom-forest-by-liz-kerin/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>