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Ashes and Blood (Book One of the Dayla Series)
Ashes and Blood (Book One of the Dayla Series)
Katie Zaber | 2020 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Ashes and Blood is the first book in the Dalya series and it starts off with a very weird tree! Even though this book is listed as New Adult I still, somehow, managed to convince myself it was Young Adult. So it was a bit of a shock when I read about them drinking and swearing. Still, it was my error and one I quickly got over as I immersed myself in their adventure.

The details in this story are simply amazing. The descriptions given help the reader to see every tree, person, and situation so clearly. The action is non-stop and with enough twists and turns to keep anyone happy. There is romance but not with the main character (or at least, not yet. I'm hopeful for the future!) which made a nice change.

And speaking of characters, the ones in here will jump out at you. They are so well described and three-dimensional, you will have no issue with remembering who is whom. I loved the girls' different attitudes and capabilities PLUS how Tristan was the one to watch, even though he came across as the most easy-going!

This was a fantastic start to the series and I really can't wait to read more and return to Dalya. Absolutely 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!
  
Show all 3 comments.
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Merissa (12066 KP) Jun 20, 2020

@BookishWoo I really enjoyed it once I got past thinking it was Young Adult LOL I really want to know when book 2 is going to be out!

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BookishWoo (317 KP) Jun 20, 2020

It does come across as a YA in the synopsis that’s for sure

The One and Only Ivan
The One and Only Ivan
Katherine Applegate | 2012 | Children
10
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Quick Read (1 more)
Good Lesson
My 3rd grader asked me to read this book after he read it. I loved it and couldn't put it down.

Ivan is a silverback gorilla that has been living and working in a show at the mall. The show owner brings in a new elephant named Ruby to bring in more visitors. Stella, the older injured elephant asks Ivan to help Ruby get a better life. Ivan's life begins to change as he tries to fulfill his promise to Stella. Ivan learns that while you may settle for what life hands you, there may always be something better for you.

This story is a great lesson for kids that you don't have to settle for what life hands you. It also serves as a good reminder for adults that we don't have to settle either, we can work towards new goals, and we can achieve them.

I would recommend this book for everyone, kids to adults. It would be great to read this as a kid, then again as a teen, and again as an adult. Rereading this on can help us remember to not settle for what life hands, but to make life ours.