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tonidavis (353 KP) rated Red Queen in Books

Jun 29, 2017  
Red Queen
Red Queen
Victoria Aveyard | 2015 | Young Adult (YA)
7
8.0 (64 Ratings)
Book Rating
Red Blood
Contains spoilers, click to show
The first time I read Red Queen I loved the book. However since the release of the next two in the series my love of the book has been seriously diminished. Where the original story of Mare Barrow finding out she has powers, in a world where silver bloods are supposed to be the only ones who have it, Mare suddenly finding herself into a world of cover ups and betrayals. I really enjoyed the twist and turns of the first book. Unfortunely the same cover ups and beytrals happen in the same way and get dragged out each book. So whilst I love the first one unfortunetly the later books destroy my love of the first.
  
This is a very simple yet effective book to read. I wouldn't say that it necessarily inspired me, but it made me more aware. Of myself and of others around me. I like that this book is not preachy and is not do what I and things will get better. It lays down Queen Latifah's life and what obstacles she came up against and how she made it over those hurdles. Everyone's experience isn't going to be like hers but we can all relate on some level. I would recommend this book to young girls and young women. It is a good book to make you feel good about being a woman and being yourself.
  
Queen of Tomorrow (Stolen Empire, #2)
Queen of Tomorrow (Stolen Empire, #2)
Sherry D. Ficklin | 2015 | History & Politics, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the second book in the series and picks up just after the last one finished.

By now Sophie has grown up and is becoming Catherine, you start to see more of the leader she could be as she goes about establishing herself within the court.

Sophie has a more clear idea of who she can trust, pretty much no one, and that she must go to extreme lengths if she is going succeed and one day be queen.

Unfortunately this book did not have the bonus content videos like the last one did. I found this a real shame as I really enjoyed the extra insight in he previous book. I did still enjoy the story though.
  
Queste (Septimus Heap #4)
Queste (Septimus Heap #4)
Angie Sage | 2008 | Children
8
6.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I really enjoyed this fourth book in the Septimus Heap series and can't wait for the fifth to come out next month. The plots keeping getting better and better as the series progresses. My only complaint is Jenna. She's getting to be very bossy and it's rather making me dislike her anymore. I understand Jenna's a princess and will be queen, but she was raised better than that and I wish she'd get a lesson in humility soon. Especially since she's basically the main secondary character. I really want to like her again. Overall, great story with great creativity, and I just love the 'epilogues' of various characters that is always included.
4.5 stars
  
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ALilLacey (2 KP) rated Princess Ben in Books

Mar 4, 2019  
PB
Princess Ben
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Princess Ben is not your average Princess. She isn't interested in learning how to behave like a queen and her less than skinny figure isn't putting her their either much to her Aunt's dismay. What do you do when your mother has been killed, your father is missing and you've become next in line for the throne. Misbehave of course. It's because of this attitude that she discovers a whole other side to the castle and to what she's capable of!
I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. This is actually the first princess book I've read. I only wish there had been more of the magical side of things in the story but I still loved it.
  
OU
Once Upon the End (Half Upon a Time, #3)
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The trilogy comes to an end as Jack completes his training for his new master and sets out on a mysterious quest of his own. Meanwhile, May is living with her wicked step-mother and Phillip is wishing for more adventures. Will these three reunite to overthrow the Evil Queen? If you've enjoyed the first two, you'll love how the series ends. There's more humor and more twists and suspense. I always had a hard time putting it down. And if you haven't read the series? Don't start here, but read all three of them.

My full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/05/book-review-once-upon-end-by-james.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
The Lottery and Other Stories
The Lottery and Other Stories
Shirley Jackson | 2009 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (10 Ratings)
Book Rating
Jackson is the queen of turning normal people's lives into a horror show. This short story is dark, disturbing and chilling.

Written and published just after WWII, this clearly sends out as message to all those involved in the Holocaust. Just because something is being done by the masses, and has become a sort of tradition, doesn't mean its moral and right. This message translates to today's times too. As another reviewer perfectly put it, "there is value in tradition but beware blind faith".

This in no way surprised me, it's not that I've seen spoilers for it, I just happened to get it very early on, but that doesn't take away the effect of the horrific ending.
  
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Ross (3284 KP) rated Arrow in TV

May 28, 2018  
Arrow
Arrow
2012 | Drama
This series is a decent attempt at chronicling the background, and current activities of one of the DC Universe's lesser known/adapted for the screen heroes - the Green Arrow. While it starts as quite a dark, Batman-esque vigilante, it soon develops into a more team-based, lighter-hearted series. I think part of this is to fit more naturally with the cheesy spandex of The Flash. Despite this, the character of Oliver Queen retains a dark streak and his actions are much more morally dubious, giving it an edge. The story flips between present day and the island Oliver was marooned on, where he learned the skills needed to become the Green Arrow.
  
Happily Ever After (The Selection, #0.4, 0.5, 2.5, 2.6)
Happily Ever After (The Selection, #0.4, 0.5, 2.5, 2.6)
Kiera Cass | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.7 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
I read all of the novellas for The Selection Series in this book. There are some excellent illustrations and extras in this book. If you are as obsessed as I am about this series, I recommend this edition.

I recommend reading The Queen and The Prince BEFORE The Selection. The Guard AFTER The Elite. And the rest AFTER The One. There is also an excellent map of Illéa

I feel like all of these extra stories added to the depth of the series. They give us a glimpse into the hearts and minds of the other characters. This helped me appreciate those characters more as I look back and think of the story as a whole.
  
I received a copy of The Evil Queen from Harlequin TEEN (US Canada) through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to like this one more than I actually did.

The righting is great and a lot of it is really evocative but the character of Every came off as about 12 or so. Her reactions didn't strike me as realistic for a high schooler at all.

The dialogue is a bit cheesy at points but I'm not gonna complain to much because what's a fairy tale without some cheese?

I did enjoy the story but the sensual parts did come off a bit awkward to me on account of the MC seeming so young.