Search
Search results
Kristin (149 KP) rated 'Till the Last Petal Falls (Once Upon a Reality #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
"Never settle for a fairytale."
During my Psychology classes in college, we discussed how various characters have psychological issues: popular cartoon characters, the cast of "Winnie the Pooh," and the vast majority of the Disney Princesses. Belle is no exception, and this book explores that idea beautifully, no pun intended.
Jolee answers a Craigslist ad which sounds too good to be true, and she finds herself in the mountains of Aspen, tutoring a shut-in with some very serious issues of his own. As time goes by, she learns for and more about this man, and most of it is not good. However, she sticks by him, hoping to "fix" him with her love.
Sound like a recipe for disaster?
I used to teach a rehabilitation class for men convicted of domestic violence, and this book definitely delves into that dynamic head-first. It's a real eye-opener into the lives of those involved in those situations, from both sides of the coin as well as an outsider's perspective. Comparing it to the story of "Beauty and the Beast" really adds a whole new layer to it, as most of us either grew up with that story/movie or fell in love with it because of our kids/grandkids/etc. It's a crazy thought, but the more you think about it, the more you realize Belle suffered from Stockholm syndrome as well as battered-woman syndrome, and that HEA Disney ending is not the one generally associated with those situations.
Bravo to the author for writing this cross-examination of a beloved children's story and shedding some light on this serious issue while also maintaining a gripping novel.
5 stars
"Never settle for a fairytale."
During my Psychology classes in college, we discussed how various characters have psychological issues: popular cartoon characters, the cast of "Winnie the Pooh," and the vast majority of the Disney Princesses. Belle is no exception, and this book explores that idea beautifully, no pun intended.
Jolee answers a Craigslist ad which sounds too good to be true, and she finds herself in the mountains of Aspen, tutoring a shut-in with some very serious issues of his own. As time goes by, she learns for and more about this man, and most of it is not good. However, she sticks by him, hoping to "fix" him with her love.
Sound like a recipe for disaster?
I used to teach a rehabilitation class for men convicted of domestic violence, and this book definitely delves into that dynamic head-first. It's a real eye-opener into the lives of those involved in those situations, from both sides of the coin as well as an outsider's perspective. Comparing it to the story of "Beauty and the Beast" really adds a whole new layer to it, as most of us either grew up with that story/movie or fell in love with it because of our kids/grandkids/etc. It's a crazy thought, but the more you think about it, the more you realize Belle suffered from Stockholm syndrome as well as battered-woman syndrome, and that HEA Disney ending is not the one generally associated with those situations.
Bravo to the author for writing this cross-examination of a beloved children's story and shedding some light on this serious issue while also maintaining a gripping novel.
5 stars
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Dark Queen in Books
Jun 25, 2019
Brilliant trilogy
Contains spoilers, click to show
This book 3 on a trilogy.
This series was recommended to me by a friend as im doing an A to Z book challenge this year. The first book is called Z.
Quick run through.....
Z and her adoptive brother are on the run from the police wanted for murder, they are forced into the streets after their adoptive parents tragically die in a cat accident.
When cornered in a dark alley her brother is killed and she saved my a mysterious stranger claiming to be her real brother from another dimension. Oh and she's some long lost princess.
Over time she regains her memory and her family, all except dear old dad who happens to be called the dark king. While trying to find a rare ingredient for s potion to save her mother z or rather Nadya gets taken by her dad.
We pick up in book 3! Nadya had her memories manipulated by the general Allen who she thought was dead. When her friends come to save her she has different memories of them and tortures Her best friend for potion ingredients them send them all through a portal to earth. They find there way back in time to save her but lose a lot in the process!
I can honestly say I'm sad to see this end! I have enjoyed reading it and following Nadya and her friends. Victorias was so sad after all the plans she had made.
Loved seeing Nadya become the queen she was meant to be. I love Lizzy's contrast between our earth and theirs bringing some of a fairytale world into ours.
I'm looking forward to seeing what she does next!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended
This series was recommended to me by a friend as im doing an A to Z book challenge this year. The first book is called Z.
Quick run through.....
Z and her adoptive brother are on the run from the police wanted for murder, they are forced into the streets after their adoptive parents tragically die in a cat accident.
When cornered in a dark alley her brother is killed and she saved my a mysterious stranger claiming to be her real brother from another dimension. Oh and she's some long lost princess.
Over time she regains her memory and her family, all except dear old dad who happens to be called the dark king. While trying to find a rare ingredient for s potion to save her mother z or rather Nadya gets taken by her dad.
We pick up in book 3! Nadya had her memories manipulated by the general Allen who she thought was dead. When her friends come to save her she has different memories of them and tortures Her best friend for potion ingredients them send them all through a portal to earth. They find there way back in time to save her but lose a lot in the process!
I can honestly say I'm sad to see this end! I have enjoyed reading it and following Nadya and her friends. Victorias was so sad after all the plans she had made.
Loved seeing Nadya become the queen she was meant to be. I love Lizzy's contrast between our earth and theirs bringing some of a fairytale world into ours.
I'm looking forward to seeing what she does next!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Keeper - Single by Olivia Nelson in Music
Jun 25, 2019
Olivia Nelson is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter based in East London. Not too long ago, she released an honest R&B tune, entitled, “Keeper”, the third track from her upcoming EP.
“I hope he cracks your back and treats you better than he did to me. I hope he builds a bridge and gets over his insecurities. I’m so over the complications, over the not letting go. I’m ready to move on, ready to open the door. And she’s a keeper if she can deal with all your sh*t. No, I wasn’t the one, wasn’t no fun to play with.” – lyrics
‘Keeper’ tells a straightforward tale of a young woman who sends her ex-beau an evergreen message.
Apparently, not too long ago, the once budding couple called it quits. Their breakup occurred because she lived in a fairytale world while he simultaneously dated someone else.
Later, after healing from her heartache, she tells her ex to keep his new girl close because she’s the only one who will deal with his shenanigans.
‘Keeper’ contains a bittersweet storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and funky instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
“It’s a message to his new girlfriend. A warning of what’s potentially to come.” – Olivia Nelson
Olivia Nelson blossomed after releasing her collaborative debut, “Someone That You Love”, which has amassed over 15M streams; and her standalone single, “Smother Me”, has over 1M streams online.
She is labeled one of British R&B’s most exciting new talents and set to perform on the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading & Leeds Festival this year. Followed by her own headline show at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen in London on October 15, 2019.
“I hope he cracks your back and treats you better than he did to me. I hope he builds a bridge and gets over his insecurities. I’m so over the complications, over the not letting go. I’m ready to move on, ready to open the door. And she’s a keeper if she can deal with all your sh*t. No, I wasn’t the one, wasn’t no fun to play with.” – lyrics
‘Keeper’ tells a straightforward tale of a young woman who sends her ex-beau an evergreen message.
Apparently, not too long ago, the once budding couple called it quits. Their breakup occurred because she lived in a fairytale world while he simultaneously dated someone else.
Later, after healing from her heartache, she tells her ex to keep his new girl close because she’s the only one who will deal with his shenanigans.
‘Keeper’ contains a bittersweet storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and funky instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
“It’s a message to his new girlfriend. A warning of what’s potentially to come.” – Olivia Nelson
Olivia Nelson blossomed after releasing her collaborative debut, “Someone That You Love”, which has amassed over 15M streams; and her standalone single, “Smother Me”, has over 1M streams online.
She is labeled one of British R&B’s most exciting new talents and set to perform on the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading & Leeds Festival this year. Followed by her own headline show at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen in London on October 15, 2019.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Rotten Men (Rotten Love Duet #2) in Books
Aug 25, 2019
Sooo good
Contains spoilers, click to show
Envy.
Such an ugly sin.
Yet, here I am guilty of it.
See, I envy you.
You who wake up in the morning not knowing what your future will entail. A blessed uncertainty filled with hope and mystery, with the potential to make it whatever you aspire it to be.
Must be nice — to open your eyes and dream of such a promising existence.
I have no such hopeful misguided notions.
My fate has been written down on crumpled paper, made smooth and immaculate by bloody tainted hands for the outside world to behold, since the day I was conceived.
There is no happily ever after for me but I’ve come to terms with my gilded golden cage long ago.
It’s their destiny that keeps me up at night — the pieces of my soul.
They are the ones who I would defy the devil himself for and stare true evil in the eye, taunting it to do its worst.
There is nothing I wouldn’t do for them, yet I know the wheel of fortune is not in our favor.
So, yes — I envy you.
While you dream of your colorful tomorrow, I dread its grayish arrival.
You see, we were all born rotten.
And rotten girls and boys don’t deserve a fairytale ending.
Rotten Girl is the first book in the duet -A Rotten Love
<strong>Sssoooo good</strong>
I loved this duet. Felt so good to finally see Selene home with her men! There is something to love in each of her men. I think I internally cheered when butcher was taken out,I'm also glad it was by her hand with both him an Ciro . Ivy Fox has a really good writing style that keeps you gripped from start to finish.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Such an ugly sin.
Yet, here I am guilty of it.
See, I envy you.
You who wake up in the morning not knowing what your future will entail. A blessed uncertainty filled with hope and mystery, with the potential to make it whatever you aspire it to be.
Must be nice — to open your eyes and dream of such a promising existence.
I have no such hopeful misguided notions.
My fate has been written down on crumpled paper, made smooth and immaculate by bloody tainted hands for the outside world to behold, since the day I was conceived.
There is no happily ever after for me but I’ve come to terms with my gilded golden cage long ago.
It’s their destiny that keeps me up at night — the pieces of my soul.
They are the ones who I would defy the devil himself for and stare true evil in the eye, taunting it to do its worst.
There is nothing I wouldn’t do for them, yet I know the wheel of fortune is not in our favor.
So, yes — I envy you.
While you dream of your colorful tomorrow, I dread its grayish arrival.
You see, we were all born rotten.
And rotten girls and boys don’t deserve a fairytale ending.
Rotten Girl is the first book in the duet -A Rotten Love
<strong>Sssoooo good</strong>
I loved this duet. Felt so good to finally see Selene home with her men! There is something to love in each of her men. I think I internally cheered when butcher was taken out,I'm also glad it was by her hand with both him an Ciro . Ivy Fox has a really good writing style that keeps you gripped from start to finish.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated The Odd Sisters: A Villains Novel (Villains #6) in Books
Jan 13, 2022
I love the Villains series and I think they just get better the more you read. And this was no exception.
Although it’s been a while since I read Mother Knows Best, the story is so easy to follow that it really didn’t matter and it all came flooding back to me as I read on.
We follow Circe and Snow White as they try to understand the Odd Sisters before they find a way to get themselves out of the dreamscape to continue wreaking havoc on the world. Whilst trying to understand them, Snow White falls upon a story related to Gothel’s mother and grandmother but the last pages have been torn out of the book, Snow White knows that she must find those pages in order to understand the story fully and for her suspicions around Gothel and the Odd Sisters to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, in Fairyland, the fairies have heard that the Odd Sisters are trying to resurrect Maleficent in an attempt to use her to destroy Fairyland on their behalf. Will the Odd Sisters succeed? Or will Circe manage to stop her Mothers in time?
I love this series and love the imagination that goes in to the back story for each villain. But the theme of the Odd Sisters throughout each of the books is a very interesting one, and I find it interesting that there is a way to weave them into the chaos of each fairytale somehow. This book made me understand the sisters more, whilst finding out more about their background.
I’m very interested to see what happens in the next 2 books, which I’m sure I won’t be able to put down like I haven’t been able to put this one down!
Although it’s been a while since I read Mother Knows Best, the story is so easy to follow that it really didn’t matter and it all came flooding back to me as I read on.
We follow Circe and Snow White as they try to understand the Odd Sisters before they find a way to get themselves out of the dreamscape to continue wreaking havoc on the world. Whilst trying to understand them, Snow White falls upon a story related to Gothel’s mother and grandmother but the last pages have been torn out of the book, Snow White knows that she must find those pages in order to understand the story fully and for her suspicions around Gothel and the Odd Sisters to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, in Fairyland, the fairies have heard that the Odd Sisters are trying to resurrect Maleficent in an attempt to use her to destroy Fairyland on their behalf. Will the Odd Sisters succeed? Or will Circe manage to stop her Mothers in time?
I love this series and love the imagination that goes in to the back story for each villain. But the theme of the Odd Sisters throughout each of the books is a very interesting one, and I find it interesting that there is a way to weave them into the chaos of each fairytale somehow. This book made me understand the sisters more, whilst finding out more about their background.
I’m very interested to see what happens in the next 2 books, which I’m sure I won’t be able to put down like I haven’t been able to put this one down!
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgertons, #4) in Books
Jan 6, 2022
I think that this has by far been my favourite of the Bridgerton series that I have read so far! After not enjoying An Offer From A Gentleman quite as much as the first three, I’m glad to see that Julia Quinn seemed to have gone back to her original style rather than retelling a fairytale.
We follow Penelope Featherington as she resigns herself to a life as a spinster after no proposals in all of the time that she has been out in society. I felt for Penelope that she’d not even interested one man. Despite being intelligent and witty, Penelope never was noticed at the balls and was a wallflower who only had eyes for one man, Colin Bridgerton.
I spent so much of the book wishing for Colin to notice Penelope and notice how talented she was, rather than be like the rest of the ton men. And once he finally did, it was amazing to read on as his feelings grew. Although I wasn’t too keen when he lost his temper with Penelope multiple times, but I understood the reasoning behind him doing so but just wished that he would listen to Penelope’s side a bit more.
I also love the fact that we found out the identity of Lady Whistledown in this book, but will however miss her summary of the parties and her comments about the goings on around town. I think Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers were such a fun addition to the stories and the mystery behind who she was was a puzzle that occupied me throughout the first four books of the series.
I’m hoping the next book is just as good as this one, and I am enjoying this series immensely.
We follow Penelope Featherington as she resigns herself to a life as a spinster after no proposals in all of the time that she has been out in society. I felt for Penelope that she’d not even interested one man. Despite being intelligent and witty, Penelope never was noticed at the balls and was a wallflower who only had eyes for one man, Colin Bridgerton.
I spent so much of the book wishing for Colin to notice Penelope and notice how talented she was, rather than be like the rest of the ton men. And once he finally did, it was amazing to read on as his feelings grew. Although I wasn’t too keen when he lost his temper with Penelope multiple times, but I understood the reasoning behind him doing so but just wished that he would listen to Penelope’s side a bit more.
I also love the fact that we found out the identity of Lady Whistledown in this book, but will however miss her summary of the parties and her comments about the goings on around town. I think Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers were such a fun addition to the stories and the mystery behind who she was was a puzzle that occupied me throughout the first four books of the series.
I’m hoping the next book is just as good as this one, and I am enjoying this series immensely.
Update: Winter is the final book in the Lunar Chronicles series (although the story does continue in graphic novel form.) It is definitely one of my favourite conclusions, as the story wraps up well and is satisfying. The reader is not left with myriad plot holes and questions. As this is the fourth book in the series, you need to read the first three before delving into this one otherwise you will be confused and majorly spoiled.
The world building continued even in this book and most importantly we were shown Luna. Before that, they story took place predominantly on Earth in either the European Union, the African Republic or the Eastern Commonwealth. Once transported to Luna, readers were better able to get a sense of the disparity between the Lunar Aristocracy and the rest of Luna's citizens. The palace and surrounding area of Artemisia are ornately decorated whereas the outer sectors live in squalor. The stunning contrast is reminiscent of our own world and gives us a glimpse into the change that needs to happen.
Although this story was supposed to delve deeper into Winter and Jacin's relationship (which it did) I felt that it was overshadowed by the overarching plot. It was really nice to see the two interact and Jacin's character be developed more. He can seem cold and removed most of the time, but his demeanor completely changes when he is around Winter. He cares about her so much and will do anything to ensure her well-being. My one criticism about the book is that these two didn't receive the same relationship development and story time as the other three pairings.
You fall in love with these characters and follow them on their journey from mechanic to revolutionary, criminal to captain, or even unsure to (mildly) confident. They feel real and make their way into your heart. Iko was her usual precious self and I was so happy to see her woven more into the story. You don't want to see their stories end and thankfully they don't because the author is continuing the series in graphic novel form.
I would highly recommend this series to young adult/teen readers even if science fiction or fairytale retellings aren't usually your thing. They're so fantastically written that I think they appeal to broad range of readers and genres.
Original Review: I read the entire series over the course of four days, novellas included. That is how wonderful it is. As a fan of fairytale retellings, like Beastly by Alex Flinn, I had high hopes for this series and it did not disappoint. It gave the reader wonderful little homages to the classic fairytales while weaving the story through a world and characters all its own.
The world building in this novel was wonderfully done. As a reader, I could imagine the Lunar Palace as a place of opulence while those in the lower districts lived in poverty. There were a number of important characters and none of them were overlooked. You were able to learn about their personalities, histories, or relationships in a way that gave each depth. Each character had a unique personality and strength in the group. from fiery Scarlet to shy Cress and from flirty Thorn to tortured Wolf.
Sometimes conclusions to series just don't stand up to their legacy, but this was not one of those books. The author gave the reader everything they desired, climactic action scenes, wrapping up story threads while opening the door to future adventures, and leaving the reader satisfied. There's nothing worse than reading an amazing series that you become wholly invested in and then being utterly disappointed by the conclusion.
Recommended for anyone who liked YA, romance, fairytales, sci-fi, or really good books/series that you won't regret reading.
The world building continued even in this book and most importantly we were shown Luna. Before that, they story took place predominantly on Earth in either the European Union, the African Republic or the Eastern Commonwealth. Once transported to Luna, readers were better able to get a sense of the disparity between the Lunar Aristocracy and the rest of Luna's citizens. The palace and surrounding area of Artemisia are ornately decorated whereas the outer sectors live in squalor. The stunning contrast is reminiscent of our own world and gives us a glimpse into the change that needs to happen.
Although this story was supposed to delve deeper into Winter and Jacin's relationship (which it did) I felt that it was overshadowed by the overarching plot. It was really nice to see the two interact and Jacin's character be developed more. He can seem cold and removed most of the time, but his demeanor completely changes when he is around Winter. He cares about her so much and will do anything to ensure her well-being. My one criticism about the book is that these two didn't receive the same relationship development and story time as the other three pairings.
You fall in love with these characters and follow them on their journey from mechanic to revolutionary, criminal to captain, or even unsure to (mildly) confident. They feel real and make their way into your heart. Iko was her usual precious self and I was so happy to see her woven more into the story. You don't want to see their stories end and thankfully they don't because the author is continuing the series in graphic novel form.
I would highly recommend this series to young adult/teen readers even if science fiction or fairytale retellings aren't usually your thing. They're so fantastically written that I think they appeal to broad range of readers and genres.
Original Review: I read the entire series over the course of four days, novellas included. That is how wonderful it is. As a fan of fairytale retellings, like Beastly by Alex Flinn, I had high hopes for this series and it did not disappoint. It gave the reader wonderful little homages to the classic fairytales while weaving the story through a world and characters all its own.
The world building in this novel was wonderfully done. As a reader, I could imagine the Lunar Palace as a place of opulence while those in the lower districts lived in poverty. There were a number of important characters and none of them were overlooked. You were able to learn about their personalities, histories, or relationships in a way that gave each depth. Each character had a unique personality and strength in the group. from fiery Scarlet to shy Cress and from flirty Thorn to tortured Wolf.
Sometimes conclusions to series just don't stand up to their legacy, but this was not one of those books. The author gave the reader everything they desired, climactic action scenes, wrapping up story threads while opening the door to future adventures, and leaving the reader satisfied. There's nothing worse than reading an amazing series that you become wholly invested in and then being utterly disappointed by the conclusion.
Recommended for anyone who liked YA, romance, fairytales, sci-fi, or really good books/series that you won't regret reading.
Lottie disney bookworm (1056 KP) rated Six Crimson Cranes in Books
Jun 17, 2021
Wow!
Where do I start?
Wow!
In a kingdom which has banned magic and banished all demons to the Holy Mountains, Princess Shiori must hide her magical blood from those around her, in particular her six brothers, her mysterious stepmother and her father, the Emperor.
However, when a combination of magic and stubbornness derails Shiori’s betrothal ceremony the princess discovers that she is not the only family member hiding their gift. After spying on her stepmother, Shiori is convinced that her father’s wife is a demon and turns to her brothers…with disastrous consequences.
With her six brothers transformed into cranes, Shiori is alone, cast far away from the palace and forced to remain mute: for every word she utters, one brother will die! She is also unrecognisable, her magic is locked and she cannot reveal her past to anyone. Powerless, abandoned and mute- can Shiori save her six older brothers and return home to defeat her stepmother?
Shiori herself is an amazing protagonist. She is young, impulsive, stubborn but also has the biggest heart. Her love for her brothers (and food) is integral to her personality and the comfort she takes in the memories of her mother is beautiful.
Initially, Shiori’s life may appear to be a fairytale with extravagant robes and magnificent palaces. Maybe that is why Lim creates a fairytale-worthy curse? With a lost voice, a lost pink slipper and a city put to sleep, Elizabeth Lim certainly showcases some of the magic we saw in her Disney Twisted Tale novels.
Shiori’s journey to save her brothers is one of tremendous bravery and courage and it is along this path that the princess truly discovers her inner strength. She also matures immensely (it’s probably inevitable when your stepmother curses you) but Shiori experiences the hardships of the world around her, learns who to trust and realises that sometimes poison (or a curse) can be a “medicine in disguise”.
The supporting cast within Six Crimson Cranes are also incredible. Seryu the dragon prince with his ruby eyes and green hair clearly cares for Shiori. Will he try to sway her affections in book two? He will have to compete with Takkan, the loyal, picture-perfect prince who protected Shiori when no-one else did, long before he knew her true identity.
Shiori’s stepmother, Raikama, was possibly the most complex character. Despite only being present at the beginning and end of the novel, she spends 90% of the book as a villain – and the reader is fully on board with this! However, Lim’s ingenious use of Shiori’s faint memories help her piece together an unfathomable puzzle: why would Raikama curse the siblings instead of killing them? Is this linked to her stepmother’s magic and her mysterious past?
The world building in Six Crimson Cranes is magical. Without breaking the flow of the novel Lim perfectly creates the kingdom of Kiata in our minds, from the manicured grounds of the palace during the Summer Festival, with kites bobbing against azure skies, to the bleak but beautiful Iro, overlooked by Rabbit mountain, glittering in the light of the silver moon. Elizabeth Lim truly transports her readers to these beautiful but dangerous landscapes.
Six Crimson Cranes is a book which surpassed all my expectations. The world building is as magical as its fairy-tale undertones and the characters already feel like old friends. I don’t think I can wait another year for the sequel!
Thank you so so much to Netgalley for providing this amazing opportunity! I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review…and now I’m off to pre-order the real thing!
Where do I start?
Wow!
In a kingdom which has banned magic and banished all demons to the Holy Mountains, Princess Shiori must hide her magical blood from those around her, in particular her six brothers, her mysterious stepmother and her father, the Emperor.
However, when a combination of magic and stubbornness derails Shiori’s betrothal ceremony the princess discovers that she is not the only family member hiding their gift. After spying on her stepmother, Shiori is convinced that her father’s wife is a demon and turns to her brothers…with disastrous consequences.
With her six brothers transformed into cranes, Shiori is alone, cast far away from the palace and forced to remain mute: for every word she utters, one brother will die! She is also unrecognisable, her magic is locked and she cannot reveal her past to anyone. Powerless, abandoned and mute- can Shiori save her six older brothers and return home to defeat her stepmother?
Shiori herself is an amazing protagonist. She is young, impulsive, stubborn but also has the biggest heart. Her love for her brothers (and food) is integral to her personality and the comfort she takes in the memories of her mother is beautiful.
Initially, Shiori’s life may appear to be a fairytale with extravagant robes and magnificent palaces. Maybe that is why Lim creates a fairytale-worthy curse? With a lost voice, a lost pink slipper and a city put to sleep, Elizabeth Lim certainly showcases some of the magic we saw in her Disney Twisted Tale novels.
Shiori’s journey to save her brothers is one of tremendous bravery and courage and it is along this path that the princess truly discovers her inner strength. She also matures immensely (it’s probably inevitable when your stepmother curses you) but Shiori experiences the hardships of the world around her, learns who to trust and realises that sometimes poison (or a curse) can be a “medicine in disguise”.
The supporting cast within Six Crimson Cranes are also incredible. Seryu the dragon prince with his ruby eyes and green hair clearly cares for Shiori. Will he try to sway her affections in book two? He will have to compete with Takkan, the loyal, picture-perfect prince who protected Shiori when no-one else did, long before he knew her true identity.
Shiori’s stepmother, Raikama, was possibly the most complex character. Despite only being present at the beginning and end of the novel, she spends 90% of the book as a villain – and the reader is fully on board with this! However, Lim’s ingenious use of Shiori’s faint memories help her piece together an unfathomable puzzle: why would Raikama curse the siblings instead of killing them? Is this linked to her stepmother’s magic and her mysterious past?
The world building in Six Crimson Cranes is magical. Without breaking the flow of the novel Lim perfectly creates the kingdom of Kiata in our minds, from the manicured grounds of the palace during the Summer Festival, with kites bobbing against azure skies, to the bleak but beautiful Iro, overlooked by Rabbit mountain, glittering in the light of the silver moon. Elizabeth Lim truly transports her readers to these beautiful but dangerous landscapes.
Six Crimson Cranes is a book which surpassed all my expectations. The world building is as magical as its fairy-tale undertones and the characters already feel like old friends. I don’t think I can wait another year for the sequel!
Thank you so so much to Netgalley for providing this amazing opportunity! I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review…and now I’m off to pre-order the real thing!
Merissa (11794 KP) rated Hale and Gemini (The Alder Tales #3) in Books
Jul 18, 2017
Hale and Gemini (The Alder Tales #3) by R.S. McCoy
Hale and Gemini is the fairytale retelling of Hansel and Gretel, written in R.S. McCoy's inimitable style. It is the third book in The Alder Tales series, and although I would say you don't 'have' to have read those to understand the story, you will benefit immensely from reading books one and two, plus you get the added bonus of reading fantastic stories.
What to say about this one? My first thought was "poor Hale". He got put through the wringer in the previous book, and you can't even be annoyed with Raene for doing so. He makes the decision to leave Clan land and travel to Pyrona, in the hope of reuniting with his sister, Blossom, not realising that her story has moved her on from there. Gemini follows him for her own reasons, and through arguments and disagreements, these two become friends with the possibility of more.
I LOVE THIS SERIES! Every story is different, and yes it's a retelling, but no it's not 'usual'. This world is unique (as far as I am aware), with characters that are simply amazing. Each section has people that you will loathe and love, sometimes both! The world-building is second to none, and the political scheming constantly has me amazed.
It was with a smile on my face that I read about Kaide and Blossom! Seriously, I NEED these two to be happy! Parson and Raene continue to delight, and then we have Hale and Gemini.
Fair Warning - this book ends on one helluva cliffhanger. It should be against the law! ;) A fantastic read that updates you on past pairings, gives full attention to the new story, whilst leaving you wanting more. I definitely can't wait for book 4! Highly 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!
What to say about this one? My first thought was "poor Hale". He got put through the wringer in the previous book, and you can't even be annoyed with Raene for doing so. He makes the decision to leave Clan land and travel to Pyrona, in the hope of reuniting with his sister, Blossom, not realising that her story has moved her on from there. Gemini follows him for her own reasons, and through arguments and disagreements, these two become friends with the possibility of more.
I LOVE THIS SERIES! Every story is different, and yes it's a retelling, but no it's not 'usual'. This world is unique (as far as I am aware), with characters that are simply amazing. Each section has people that you will loathe and love, sometimes both! The world-building is second to none, and the political scheming constantly has me amazed.
It was with a smile on my face that I read about Kaide and Blossom! Seriously, I NEED these two to be happy! Parson and Raene continue to delight, and then we have Hale and Gemini.
Fair Warning - this book ends on one helluva cliffhanger. It should be against the law! ;) A fantastic read that updates you on past pairings, gives full attention to the new story, whilst leaving you wanting more. I definitely can't wait for book 4! Highly 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!
Because I had always loved the film, I knew that the book would definitely be for me – and I wasn’t disappointed. With Matilda, I had always loved that there was a bookish character. And while I was reading this, I realised that there aren’t nearly enough bookish characters in books. Books should be full of book-loving characters as they are instantly relatable to anyone reading the books. This is why I have always related to Matilda as a character.
Matilda never tries to hide her intelligence, and I love that. It’s something that a lot of adults can’t do. I was even saying to one of my friends at work that I act more ditsy than I actually am when I’m there. I’ve always hidden parts of myself because I want to fit in. Matilda doesn’t even try to fit in with everyone else, even though she excels everyone around her. I think everyone could learn a lesson about personalities from Matilda.
I love that she goes against the crowd. When everyone around her is trying to tell her that she can’t possibly be as smart as she is and that she is worthless, she defies them every time. She doesn’t dumb herself down and try to become like everyone else just to avoid people making fun of her.
The best thing about Matilda is that the book stays funny and entertaining all the way through. Even at the worse parts it never drops it’s humour, which makes it perfect for kids.
The happy ending is like the icing on the cake for me. I’m a sucker for happy endings, but I feel like this one was perfect. It felt like a fairytale.
If you enjoyed the film, you need to buy the book. It’s ten times better than the film and has so many important messages to both adults and children.
Matilda never tries to hide her intelligence, and I love that. It’s something that a lot of adults can’t do. I was even saying to one of my friends at work that I act more ditsy than I actually am when I’m there. I’ve always hidden parts of myself because I want to fit in. Matilda doesn’t even try to fit in with everyone else, even though she excels everyone around her. I think everyone could learn a lesson about personalities from Matilda.
I love that she goes against the crowd. When everyone around her is trying to tell her that she can’t possibly be as smart as she is and that she is worthless, she defies them every time. She doesn’t dumb herself down and try to become like everyone else just to avoid people making fun of her.
The best thing about Matilda is that the book stays funny and entertaining all the way through. Even at the worse parts it never drops it’s humour, which makes it perfect for kids.
The happy ending is like the icing on the cake for me. I’m a sucker for happy endings, but I feel like this one was perfect. It felt like a fairytale.
If you enjoyed the film, you need to buy the book. It’s ten times better than the film and has so many important messages to both adults and children.