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Merissa (13792 KP) rated Born of Fire (Myths and Whispers #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2022
BORN OF FIRE is the first book in the Myths and Whispers series, and we start way, waaay back, with the beginning of the Myths. Then we fast-forward to the current day and Jax, a twenty-year-old carpenter who lost his parents in a tragic accident. Or was it?
Being as this is the first book, be prepared for a lot of world-building and explanations. They are done in a way so you don't really notice them, which is excellent! Jax is completely unaware of who or what he is, so we learn as he does.
Told completely from his perspective, this story has some interesting aspects. I found the latter part of the book more interesting, but I realise that the first part is absolutely necessary.
The one question I had all the way through is what about Gertie? He played chess with her all those Saturdays but then she's never mentioned again. I wanted to know more!
A great start to a new series and definitely an author to keep a lookout for. 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!
Being as this is the first book, be prepared for a lot of world-building and explanations. They are done in a way so you don't really notice them, which is excellent! Jax is completely unaware of who or what he is, so we learn as he does.
Told completely from his perspective, this story has some interesting aspects. I found the latter part of the book more interesting, but I realise that the first part is absolutely necessary.
The one question I had all the way through is what about Gertie? He played chess with her all those Saturdays but then she's never mentioned again. I wanted to know more!
A great start to a new series and definitely an author to keep a lookout for. 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!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Cinderella and the Colonel ( Timeless Fairy Tales book 3) in Books
Nov 17, 2022
210 of 230
Kindle
Cinderella and the Colonel ( Timeless Fairy Tales book 3)
By K.M. Shea
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cinderella may be a duchess, but her life is in tatters.
Orphaned, destitute, and living in a country recovering from a hostile takeover, Cinderella is desperate to save her lands and servants. She is so determined that when terrible taxes are placed upon her, she dons servants' clothes and works like a commoner.
Unfortunately, her sacrifices aren't enough, and she is given one season to pay off her debt. All seems lost, until Cinderella is befriended by the debonair Colonel Friedrich - a member of the Erlauf military and a citizen of the oppressing country that rules her homeland.
Though Friedrich shamelessly flirts with her and pesters her at all hours all the day, Cinderella wonders if he is more than he appears to be... and if together they could unite their lands against the bitterness and resentment that threatens to destroy them.
This was my favourite retelling of Cinderella I have read also my Favourite so far in this series. I enjoyed the whole concept when it came to the stepmother and sisters too it was so nice to see a different version of them. I absolutely love this author her books always make me smile.
Kindle
Cinderella and the Colonel ( Timeless Fairy Tales book 3)
By K.M. Shea
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cinderella may be a duchess, but her life is in tatters.
Orphaned, destitute, and living in a country recovering from a hostile takeover, Cinderella is desperate to save her lands and servants. She is so determined that when terrible taxes are placed upon her, she dons servants' clothes and works like a commoner.
Unfortunately, her sacrifices aren't enough, and she is given one season to pay off her debt. All seems lost, until Cinderella is befriended by the debonair Colonel Friedrich - a member of the Erlauf military and a citizen of the oppressing country that rules her homeland.
Though Friedrich shamelessly flirts with her and pesters her at all hours all the day, Cinderella wonders if he is more than he appears to be... and if together they could unite their lands against the bitterness and resentment that threatens to destroy them.
This was my favourite retelling of Cinderella I have read also my Favourite so far in this series. I enjoyed the whole concept when it came to the stepmother and sisters too it was so nice to see a different version of them. I absolutely love this author her books always make me smile.
Merissa (13792 KP) rated In Due Time (Time #2) in Books
Jun 19, 2023
IN DUE TIME is the second book in the Times series and we continue with Tatum as she tries to sort out the world and its problems! You probably could read this as a standalone but I think it is definitely worth reading book one first as it will give you smaller details that help make this story so good.
This book helps to bring further elements of the paranormal world into the story, including human shapeshifters, vampires, and witches. Leo acts like a jerk but claims ignorance (pfft, I sort of get it, but still…) Oliver also finds his true mate (which I loved) and James and Nat have rocky times (because James lost his path.) As much as Tatum sorts something out, something else comes along to cause her worry and stress. We also find out more about Tatum and her past, and her connection with Oliver's true mate, which was great! Can I just add, I loved the bit with Lexly!
A thoroughly enjoyable addition to the series and I look forward to reading Adina's story.
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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 19, 2023
This book helps to bring further elements of the paranormal world into the story, including human shapeshifters, vampires, and witches. Leo acts like a jerk but claims ignorance (pfft, I sort of get it, but still…) Oliver also finds his true mate (which I loved) and James and Nat have rocky times (because James lost his path.) As much as Tatum sorts something out, something else comes along to cause her worry and stress. We also find out more about Tatum and her past, and her connection with Oliver's true mate, which was great! Can I just add, I loved the bit with Lexly!
A thoroughly enjoyable addition to the series and I look forward to reading Adina's story.
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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 19, 2023
The Road to Hancock County
Book
Meet the man who had it all, lost his all, but found true all. If you are ready for a wild,...
true crime memoir
Rumble of the Crumble (The Rhubarb Effect #7)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Two alphas. That couldn’t work, could it? If it could, would Leonidis be able to open up his...
MM Paranormal Romance Shifters Weird & Wacky series
Kyera (8 KP) rated Heir of Fire in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Heir of Fire is the third book in the Throne of Glass series, that being said you will be spoiled if you haven't read the first two books. I feel like there is a marked improvement in the author's writing quality in this book and it will continue to grow as she gets more experience writing.
In this book, Celaena must finally face the truth of her past and the memories that she has tried to forget for the last decade. We see her as less of the snarky assassin and more of the stubborn, determined true Queen in this book. She must fight to prove herself and earn the answers from the Fae Queen Maeve about the Wyrdkeys. The development that we see over the course of this novel is brilliant. I loved seeing Celaena shed some of her old self and embrace the person she was meant to be. The Queen, Aelin Fireheart has officially made her debut in this novel.
Through events in this novel and flashbacks, we get a glimpse into Aelin's young life which was the perfect way to add to her character's development. It also introduced us to Aedion, her cousin, and fiercest ally, even though they haven't seen one another in a decade. It was so heartwarming to see his dedication, even after all that time to the family he loved so dearly.
Dorian doesn't have a major role or experience significant growth in this book, but he is better able to control his powers. With so many storylines and main characters, I feel like its understandable that he didn't get as much time but he still feels lost in the shuffle. He's especially lost because Celaena is sent away on a mission by the King and Chaol has essentially abandoned him, so he is on his own. The honourable Chaol struggles immensely in this book because he's so used to his worldview and is have trouble coming to grips with the changes that have rocked the foundation of everything he believes in.
My favourite addition to this book in terms of characters was Rowan Whitethorn. He was the first true Fae that we spent time with and got to watch evolve, even though he was centuries old and should have been set in his ways. He pushed Aelin and was exactly what she needed to rebuild herself after the events of Crown of Midnight. The two also had this back and forth that was entertaining to read.
The biggest change in perspective was the introduction of the Ironteeth witches and Manon's viewpoint. She is a tough, vicious, ruthless Blackbeak witch. At first, you might not like the switch and just be waiting for it to go back to the familiar characters we've grown to love but after a while, I think you'll be invested. The Wyvern, Abraxos, was by far my favourite non-human (and probably my favourite character, period) in this series. I'm a sucker for animals and he reminds me of Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon. He is tough, protective, loving and stubborn, despite his not so rosy life.
This book continues the world development and brings us out of Adarlan. Although we switch perspectives and see the goings-on in the castle - the focus is on Aelin and her journey. We get to see a demi-Fae settlement on the border of Doranelle and are introduced to more characters who worm their way into your heart.
There's not much else I can say without spoilers, but I definitely enjoyed this read immensely and cannot wait to continue my re-read.
In this book, Celaena must finally face the truth of her past and the memories that she has tried to forget for the last decade. We see her as less of the snarky assassin and more of the stubborn, determined true Queen in this book. She must fight to prove herself and earn the answers from the Fae Queen Maeve about the Wyrdkeys. The development that we see over the course of this novel is brilliant. I loved seeing Celaena shed some of her old self and embrace the person she was meant to be. The Queen, Aelin Fireheart has officially made her debut in this novel.
Through events in this novel and flashbacks, we get a glimpse into Aelin's young life which was the perfect way to add to her character's development. It also introduced us to Aedion, her cousin, and fiercest ally, even though they haven't seen one another in a decade. It was so heartwarming to see his dedication, even after all that time to the family he loved so dearly.
Dorian doesn't have a major role or experience significant growth in this book, but he is better able to control his powers. With so many storylines and main characters, I feel like its understandable that he didn't get as much time but he still feels lost in the shuffle. He's especially lost because Celaena is sent away on a mission by the King and Chaol has essentially abandoned him, so he is on his own. The honourable Chaol struggles immensely in this book because he's so used to his worldview and is have trouble coming to grips with the changes that have rocked the foundation of everything he believes in.
My favourite addition to this book in terms of characters was Rowan Whitethorn. He was the first true Fae that we spent time with and got to watch evolve, even though he was centuries old and should have been set in his ways. He pushed Aelin and was exactly what she needed to rebuild herself after the events of Crown of Midnight. The two also had this back and forth that was entertaining to read.
The biggest change in perspective was the introduction of the Ironteeth witches and Manon's viewpoint. She is a tough, vicious, ruthless Blackbeak witch. At first, you might not like the switch and just be waiting for it to go back to the familiar characters we've grown to love but after a while, I think you'll be invested. The Wyvern, Abraxos, was by far my favourite non-human (and probably my favourite character, period) in this series. I'm a sucker for animals and he reminds me of Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon. He is tough, protective, loving and stubborn, despite his not so rosy life.
This book continues the world development and brings us out of Adarlan. Although we switch perspectives and see the goings-on in the castle - the focus is on Aelin and her journey. We get to see a demi-Fae settlement on the border of Doranelle and are introduced to more characters who worm their way into your heart.
There's not much else I can say without spoilers, but I definitely enjoyed this read immensely and cannot wait to continue my re-read.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated How to Make a Wish in Books
Apr 8, 2019
Sweet, funny, and heartbreaking at times
Grace has had to grow up too quickly, thanks to her unpredictable mom, Maggie. So when Grace returns from piano camp and realizes that the flighty, alcoholic Maggie has forced her to move in with yet another of her boyfriends, it feels like the last straw. Even worse, his son happens to be Grace's ex--the same ex who posted their sexts all over Tumblr after their breakup--and Maggie has no clue. It feels like the last straw. But then Grace meets Eva, who has moved in with Grace's best friend's family after her own tragedy. Eva and Grace form a fast friendship, and Grace feels her world shift slightly when Eva reveals to her that she's a lesbian. But there's still Maggie to deal with, and her erratic behavior. Grace feels tied to her mother above all, but those ties are preventing her from happiness. Can Grace find the strength to choose herself for once?
Ashley Herring Blake's HOW TO MAKE A WISH was one of the best books I read in 2018. It was gorgeous and heartbreaking and amazing. This book certainly had some echoes of that one; Blake is a wonderful writer, and I will be continuing my quest to track down all of her books.
So Grace is a tough character. I felt for her immensely: she's living the life of adult, basically, trying to care for and worry about her mother, who is a real piece of work. By doing so, she's essentially paralyzed and unable to live her own life. Grace is a talented pianist who dreams of moving to New York to study at a conservatory there, but she lives in fear of living her mom behind. Her mom manipulates this fear, leaning on her daughter at every turn. (She was really a terrible woman; I couldn't make myself feel sorry for her, even though she'd lost her husband when Grace was small.) Still, there were times when I wanted to shake Grace: you have a group of people who do love you and care about you! Go to them, use their support, stop defending your mom, you're not a child anymore! I took this as a sign of Blake's excellent writing abilities, as I was totally immersed in the book to the point that I was frustrated with and in love with her characters.
"I can't leave her. She's my mom; I'm her kid. We belong together."
I really, really loved the Grace/Eva relationship in this book. I mean, what is there not to love? For one thing, Eva is a biracial lesbian. Can we say hurray representation?! I adored this sweet, fragile, yet incredibly tough girl. She was so funny and real to me. And then we have Grace, who was such a realistic bisexual. It's just so heartening to see well-done bisexual relationships portrayed in YA books. Oh my goodness, I wish I had this to read when I was struggling with my bisexuality as a teen. And it makes me so happy to think about teens today reading this and seeing this representation as completely normal.
"But... well, I like who I like. I like the person."
This book definitely sucks you into the characters' lives. It's quite well-written, and I really liked the supporting characters, especially Grace's best friend, Luca and his mom. He's a good friend. These poor kids are dealing with a lot, and your heart goes out to them, watching them struggle. At the same time, Grace and Eva's relationship is so lovely.
"I know a lot of people on this godforsaken waste of space and a lot of people know me. But no one really knows me... I've had a handful of friends here and there, but with the ebb and flow of my existence, it was easier to keep my world as small as possible. Less explaining. Less lying to cover up why I'd moved again. Less worrying about what totally messed-up situation I'd encounter when I brought a friend home."
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It features intricate characters and a great relationship in Eva and Grace. It's sweet, funny, and heartbreaking at times.
Ashley Herring Blake's HOW TO MAKE A WISH was one of the best books I read in 2018. It was gorgeous and heartbreaking and amazing. This book certainly had some echoes of that one; Blake is a wonderful writer, and I will be continuing my quest to track down all of her books.
So Grace is a tough character. I felt for her immensely: she's living the life of adult, basically, trying to care for and worry about her mother, who is a real piece of work. By doing so, she's essentially paralyzed and unable to live her own life. Grace is a talented pianist who dreams of moving to New York to study at a conservatory there, but she lives in fear of living her mom behind. Her mom manipulates this fear, leaning on her daughter at every turn. (She was really a terrible woman; I couldn't make myself feel sorry for her, even though she'd lost her husband when Grace was small.) Still, there were times when I wanted to shake Grace: you have a group of people who do love you and care about you! Go to them, use their support, stop defending your mom, you're not a child anymore! I took this as a sign of Blake's excellent writing abilities, as I was totally immersed in the book to the point that I was frustrated with and in love with her characters.
"I can't leave her. She's my mom; I'm her kid. We belong together."
I really, really loved the Grace/Eva relationship in this book. I mean, what is there not to love? For one thing, Eva is a biracial lesbian. Can we say hurray representation?! I adored this sweet, fragile, yet incredibly tough girl. She was so funny and real to me. And then we have Grace, who was such a realistic bisexual. It's just so heartening to see well-done bisexual relationships portrayed in YA books. Oh my goodness, I wish I had this to read when I was struggling with my bisexuality as a teen. And it makes me so happy to think about teens today reading this and seeing this representation as completely normal.
"But... well, I like who I like. I like the person."
This book definitely sucks you into the characters' lives. It's quite well-written, and I really liked the supporting characters, especially Grace's best friend, Luca and his mom. He's a good friend. These poor kids are dealing with a lot, and your heart goes out to them, watching them struggle. At the same time, Grace and Eva's relationship is so lovely.
"I know a lot of people on this godforsaken waste of space and a lot of people know me. But no one really knows me... I've had a handful of friends here and there, but with the ebb and flow of my existence, it was easier to keep my world as small as possible. Less explaining. Less lying to cover up why I'd moved again. Less worrying about what totally messed-up situation I'd encounter when I brought a friend home."
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It features intricate characters and a great relationship in Eva and Grace. It's sweet, funny, and heartbreaking at times.
Lost Files: The Hidden Enemy
Book
I Am Number Four: The Lost Files: Hidden Enemy is a collection of three action-packed novellas by...
What Lies Beyond the Stars: A Novel
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'Something in me knows of a life I was meant to live, but for whatever reason, I have not...' Words...
Dooku: Jedi Lost (Star Wars)
7.7
Rate It
Book
Delve into the history of the sinister Count Dooku in the original script to the thrilling Star Wars...