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Passion Potion
Passion Potion
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Hmm… I enjoyed this story and the background information you receive as you read further into it. The relationships and interactions between the characters was rather entertaining and I really liked the whole “match” thing. If I’m being honest, I mean I like Caleb and Jet as a ”match” or maybe just the reaction they have when they meet their perfect “match”.

The world building was very fantasy-esque with portals in bowls and fairies, edible mushrooms and talking animals but I enjoyed it.

This is the first New Adult book I’ve read that was also of a different genre, in this’ case Paranormal/Fantasy. As a lover of both, I had to read this to see what it was like and I did enjoy it. Some of it seemed a little slow and other bits a little rushed but overall it was a good enjoyable read.
  
TC
The Call (The Call #1)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Be prepared for a dark ride that will hit you with every emotion. The book starts off a little slow as it lays the groundwork for a riveting and horrifying novel. Once you are introduced to the various characters and the world they find themselves in, the book becomes a really quick read. This book takes place in Ireland, but the island is separated from the rest of the world. Thousands of years ago, the Irish people banished the Sidhe (fairies) to another world and now they're back for their revenge. The people are trapped and their teens are being taken. The Call lasts for 3 minutes and 4 seconds in our world, but they have to survive a day in Sidhe. Most don't. Those that do usually aren't the same, either physically, mentally, or both. When they reappear after those 3 minutes, they're likely dead and quite horribly mutilated. The Sidhe enjoy twisting and bending their prey into new shapes as a form of amusement. Dark.

Sidhe is beautifully, yet horrifically depicted in the book as a place of nightmarish terrors, distorted humanity and deadly Sidhe (fairies). Humans are twisted and shaped into grotesque beings just as depraved as their creators. The landscape is no more forgiving with acid pits and razor folliage. While well represented, I wouldn't recommend this novel to younger teen readers because its pretty dark. Despite that, you're drawn into the book and just <i>need</i> to know what's going to happen.

One comment I have is that the main characters, Anto, Connor, Nessa, Megan, etc don't read like they're 14 years old and that's how old they're supposed to be. Perhaps it's living in this strange new word where you know you can be called at any moment and likely lose your life which might age you prematurely, but I kept being surprised when I was reminded of their ages. They definitely act older than they are, perhaps 16-18 years of age.

I really enjoyed this book because it wasn't like anything I've read before. Highly recommended for (older) young adult/teen readers who like fantasy, great world-building and don't expect everyone to have a happy ending.
  
A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Sarah J. Maas | 2015 | Young Adult (YA)
9
8.7 (108 Ratings)
Book Rating
Beautiful characters (1 more)
Interesting fantasy world
Second half is rather short, definitely could have been stretched futher (0 more)
Falling back in love with fairies.
When I first picked up this book, I was expecting it to be just another book about a teenage girl falling in love with some irresistible fairie. Although I didn't expect much as I haven't really enjoyed many YA novels about fairies in a few years, I fell in love myself with the protagonist, Feyre, and many of the other characters.

Feyre's character reminds me of Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games. She is strong and independent with clear motivations and her progression towards a softer, more gentle character throughout the book never takes away that strength. My favourite thing about her character is that she finds love but she never stops relying on herself.

Leading on from that, the main romance in this book is very believable and real, developing over time, with Maas presenting Feyre and Tamlin as equals, helping each other to grow. This is a refreshing change from many YA romances, where a man swoops in to save a damaged woman from all of her problems. Plus, there are many non-romantic relationships that really lighten up the novel. An example of this is Feyre's friendship with Lucien which, although purely platonic, is just as inspiring and lovely as any romance.

My only criticism of this novel is that it could have been longer. I really enjoyed the final part of the story, where Feyre goes through a lot for her relationship, because it really showcases her strength. However, it felt slightly rushed at some points, considering it is meant to take place over around 3 months. The final confrontation near then end seemed to be very quick and I can see how this makes sense with the story but I still would have liked to have a bit more to read.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes YA fantasy with romance, politics and magic. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!