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Morgan Sheppard (926 KP) created a post
Jun 27, 2022
B (62 KP) rated These Viscious Masks in Books
Sep 30, 2018
I received this book as an advanced copy.
I was initially intrigued because the description listed it as Jane Austen meets X-Men and I'd have to say that's pretty accurate. I randomly find myself thinking about it because I feel like I don't often read too many historical fantasy novels in the YA genre. Themes are similar to those found in many other YA texts but not in a tired, over done way. Looking forward to reading the next one.
I was initially intrigued because the description listed it as Jane Austen meets X-Men and I'd have to say that's pretty accurate. I randomly find myself thinking about it because I feel like I don't often read too many historical fantasy novels in the YA genre. Themes are similar to those found in many other YA texts but not in a tired, over done way. Looking forward to reading the next one.
lurkykitty (3 KP) rated The Queen's Assassin in Books
Mar 26, 2020
Fantasy/romance for the younger YA reader
The Queen's Assassin is a fantasy romance geared toward the younger YA reader. It is told from the first person perspective of Shadow, who has grown up with her aunts and wants to join the Guild, an association of assassins and spies, and the third person perspective of Cal, the Queen of Renovia's assassin, dangerous, feared and highly trained. When Shadow is told she has to serve as a lady of the court to fulfil her duty, she rebels, runs away and liberates Cal, who has been imprisoned. She tells him the Queen has ordered her to become his apprentice. Together they work undercover in a neighboring kingdom to identify a dangerous enemy of Renovia. The story and characters were enjoyable, but I wish there had been less emphasis on the romance and more on the magic system. It was good, but not great.
Cumberland (1142 KP) rated Amber & Dusk in Books
Jan 12, 2019
Good But Predictable
This book was a fun fantasy read, however it was often predictable. Many of the events were stereo typical things I have seen in a lot of other YA novels. It was a good book it just didn't have any qualities that really made it stand out. I would still suggest it to others, but hopefully when the second book comes out it brings more to the table.
Erika (17788 KP) rated The Ten Thousand Doors of January in Books
Jan 11, 2020
I have NO IDEA as to why I thought this YA book may be different from all of the other recent ones I've read, and subsequently sworn off.
There was way too much about race in this, it was so distracting. The main character, vanilla-boring January's physical appearance was mentioned at least every few pages. It's just bizarre to me, this book needed an edit.
The description promises a fantasy, well, there was a lot of fantasy that was talked about, but none that I saw. Show me, don't tell me.
Then, there was the introduction of a story within a story. I stopped reading, then thought to myself, wow, this is pretty crappy, but I'll keep on. After ten minutes, I officially returned the digital copy to the library.
This book was not magical, it was boring, and there was too much exposition. I am NEVER reading another YA book, unless it's a Star Wars one. I've learned my lesson, yet again.
There was way too much about race in this, it was so distracting. The main character, vanilla-boring January's physical appearance was mentioned at least every few pages. It's just bizarre to me, this book needed an edit.
The description promises a fantasy, well, there was a lot of fantasy that was talked about, but none that I saw. Show me, don't tell me.
Then, there was the introduction of a story within a story. I stopped reading, then thought to myself, wow, this is pretty crappy, but I'll keep on. After ten minutes, I officially returned the digital copy to the library.
This book was not magical, it was boring, and there was too much exposition. I am NEVER reading another YA book, unless it's a Star Wars one. I've learned my lesson, yet again.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Dividing Eden in Books
Apr 15, 2018
Dividing Eden is a little trite - it's the typical teens must compete for the throne kind of fantasy, but this time it's twins who are both guarding each other's terrible secrets. You don't LEARN their terrible secrets until almost 100 pages in, which was frustrating because they were alluded to multiple times before finally revealed to the reader. I almost stopped reading, I was so frustrated at the mention - AGAIN - of Andreus' DARK SECRET THAT NO ONE MUST EVER KNOW. Seriously. Don't do that to your readers.
The fact that they were protecting each other's secret while competing against each other for the throne was rather unique, and while I don't like Andreus much, I did enjoy Carys and her friends enough that I'll probably pick up the sequel when it comes out this June.
Everything happened very quickly, but that tends to be the case in YA. Adult fantasy seems to take its time and develop its characters more fully, which I enjoy.
The windmills and electricity was surprising, and I'd really like to know more about their religion of Virtues, and the Wind and Seeing Magic. I wish she had described her forest monsters a little earlier; they were only referred to by name for most of the book and I was left wondering if they were monsters or human raiders of some sort!
Verdict is - it's typical YA fantasy. If you're looking for a quick read, you might enjoy it.
The fact that they were protecting each other's secret while competing against each other for the throne was rather unique, and while I don't like Andreus much, I did enjoy Carys and her friends enough that I'll probably pick up the sequel when it comes out this June.
Everything happened very quickly, but that tends to be the case in YA. Adult fantasy seems to take its time and develop its characters more fully, which I enjoy.
The windmills and electricity was surprising, and I'd really like to know more about their religion of Virtues, and the Wind and Seeing Magic. I wish she had described her forest monsters a little earlier; they were only referred to by name for most of the book and I was left wondering if they were monsters or human raiders of some sort!
Verdict is - it's typical YA fantasy. If you're looking for a quick read, you might enjoy it.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated If I Speak True (Flora, #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
This was a good YA fantasy, especially for younger teens. There's no bad language or sex, and the teens acted very much like teens. A sweet love story, a bit of mystery, and another world all combine to make this a fun listen!
Angel Clark did a great job with the female teens voices, inflections and all.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the audio edition from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Angel Clark did a great job with the female teens voices, inflections and all.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the audio edition from the author in exchange for my honest review.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Fawkes in Books
Jan 2, 2019
A stunning masterpiece. Melding history and fantasy into an unforgettable story.
I can not get over just how much I have come to love this story! There is so much history in this story that I was shocked by how well the author was able to mingle such a rich fantasy aspect to the story as well.
This story has so much to captivate the imagination, magic, romance, battles, plots, alliances, and true history! Brandes has created such a world of Colors that makes me believe color speak is possible. I am so impressed I am in a sort of color-daze.
The bottom line, if you enjoy YA Fantasy you will fall in LOVE with this story. If you enjoy historical books but haven't been brave enough to give the fantasy genre a try yet...I have a feeling you will enjoy this one. So be brave, give it a try...You may just fall in love with a new author!
I received a complimentary copy of Fawkes from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I can not get over just how much I have come to love this story! There is so much history in this story that I was shocked by how well the author was able to mingle such a rich fantasy aspect to the story as well.
This story has so much to captivate the imagination, magic, romance, battles, plots, alliances, and true history! Brandes has created such a world of Colors that makes me believe color speak is possible. I am so impressed I am in a sort of color-daze.
The bottom line, if you enjoy YA Fantasy you will fall in LOVE with this story. If you enjoy historical books but haven't been brave enough to give the fantasy genre a try yet...I have a feeling you will enjoy this one. So be brave, give it a try...You may just fall in love with a new author!
I received a complimentary copy of Fawkes from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Karin Furnell (1 KP) rated A Court of Thorns and Roses in Books
Jan 7, 2018 (Updated Jan 7, 2018)
The Story is Compelling (2 more)
Well Written Novel
Strong Female Main Character
Start of an amazing series
This book is a little Beauty and the Beast-esque, which makes me love it all the more.
Especially as Belle is my favourite Disney Princess!
The main character is a strong female who overcomes many challenges, she certainly can't be seen as weak or a damsel in distress.
Highly recommend this YA series to anyone that enjoys fantasy, it is possibly a bit graphic for younger readers though.
Especially as Belle is my favourite Disney Princess!
The main character is a strong female who overcomes many challenges, she certainly can't be seen as weak or a damsel in distress.
Highly recommend this YA series to anyone that enjoys fantasy, it is possibly a bit graphic for younger readers though.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Lost and Found in Books
Jan 27, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card is one of my favorite books. Being offered the opportunity to read his latest, Lost and Found, is an honor and privilege. I know I am supposed to be unbiased when doing reviews but it was difficult in this case.
Lost and Found is not long, less than 300 pages, and flows wells so it is a quick read. In it, we are introduced to Ezekiel Blast who has a gift for finding lost items. He feels compelled to return his finds. Instead of being thanked, people accuse him of taking the items in the first place. He is friendless and an outcast until a girl walks up to him and asks "Are you really a thief?
This story is charming and engaging. The well-developed characters are endearing. It is being marketed as SciFi and Fantasy as well as Teen and Young Adult. I agree it is a Teen/YA book but, if anything, it is light SciFi and Fantasy. People who do not usually read SciFi and Fantasy will enjoy this story.
I believe I gave an unbiased opinion on this story especially since it is not a typical SciFi and Fantasy book.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/27/20.
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card is one of my favorite books. Being offered the opportunity to read his latest, Lost and Found, is an honor and privilege. I know I am supposed to be unbiased when doing reviews but it was difficult in this case.
Lost and Found is not long, less than 300 pages, and flows wells so it is a quick read. In it, we are introduced to Ezekiel Blast who has a gift for finding lost items. He feels compelled to return his finds. Instead of being thanked, people accuse him of taking the items in the first place. He is friendless and an outcast until a girl walks up to him and asks "Are you really a thief?
This story is charming and engaging. The well-developed characters are endearing. It is being marketed as SciFi and Fantasy as well as Teen and Young Adult. I agree it is a Teen/YA book but, if anything, it is light SciFi and Fantasy. People who do not usually read SciFi and Fantasy will enjoy this story.
I believe I gave an unbiased opinion on this story especially since it is not a typical SciFi and Fantasy book.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/27/20.