Co-Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

After buddy reading many books, Christina of Booklover's Teaparty and I decided to do something different and do a co-review.

Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #3
Publication: May 2nd 2017 by Bloomsbury Childrens Books
Genre: Fantasy ~ New Adult
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Rating: 5/5

A nightmare, I’d told Tamlin. I was the nightmare.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit—and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well. As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords—and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

Was there anything that stood out with the storyline to you?

Stephanie:  I felt like it focused more on several characters than just Feyre (although Feyre is still the lead of the book.) Her sisters played a huge part the story. We also learned a lot more about some of the secondary characters.

Christina: A lot going on in this book. So much happened, which is no surprise compared to how big it is.  Felt as if we had more characters in the spotlight so to say, BUT something I am very happy with is that it still didn’t change the POV from Feyre. It was still Feyre’s POV and her seeing the other characters and being around them. An Feyre has definitely grown a lot since the first book.

What are your thoughts on Feyre and Rhys in the book?

Stephanie:  I can't say anything but LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM. They're a OTP of mine for a reason. Their bond and connection is really strong and continued to be so in the book. 

Christina: Loved them! I like how we don’t have to have the added romantic drama between them, if there’s problems they work on them and talk about. Really shows how deep their bond is. So yeah love them and root for them, always!

How would you describe the book in one or two words?

Stephanie:  I can't really think of one particular moment without spoiling the story but I thought that Nesta especially had a lot of amazing moments. I loved her. 

Christina: I feel like with these books, the title says a lot as well.. so other than those two words I guess revelations and love maybe.

What's your favorite quote of the book?

Stephanie: "Two Illyrian males making me sweat in one morning. What’s a female to do?"

Christina: “Remember that you are a wolf. And you cannot be caged.” 

How was this book compared to others in the series?

Stephanie: I definitely felt different from the others. But I also think that all books are pretty different from one another. ACOMAF is still my favorite if I have to choose between them but I did love this one as well. And it has my favorite cover. Felt like I should mention that. 

Christina: Like the others I loved this one. It really shows how far they have all come. Feyre has grown so much since the first book which was more obvious due to the strong presence of her sisters in this one. Huge huge book with so much happening.

What are your overall thoughts?

Stephanie:  Just like the first two books, I loved A Court of Wings and Ruin. I loved how detailed it was and how we found out more about several of the characters, not just Feyre and Rhysand. Although they're still my favorite characters. Especially Rhys! The story stopped my heart a few times (damn you SJM!) but I loved every single moment of it. It was perfect!

Christina: Overall I absolutely loved it! Also gave us a lot more to be revealed about other characters as well, which I am still wondering about and so eager to find out. I spent half the book wondering what was up with this and that character and how it would play out. And gotta mention those amazing moments with just Rhys and Feyre, I seriously loved those whenever they were there. 

Sarah J. Maas is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series and A Court of Thorns and Roses series, as well as a USA Today and international bestselling author. Sarah wrote the first incarnation of the Throne of Glass series when she was just sixteen, and it has now sold in thirty-five languages. A New York native, Sarah currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and dog. Empire of Storms, the fifth Throne of Glass novel,is available now.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hamilton College in 2008 with a degree in Creative Writing and a minor in Religious Studies.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

Co-Review: Caraval by Stephanie Garber

After buddy reading many books, Christina of Booklover's Teaparty and I decided to do something different and do a co-review.

Don't forget to check out Christina's blog post!

Title: Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Series: Caraval #1
Publication: January 31st 2017 by Hodder & Stoughton
Genre: Young Adult ~ Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo | Google Play
Rating: 4/5

Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world . . .

Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

Was there anything that stood out with the storyline to you?

Stephanie: Um everything? It was one of those stories that was just so unique and different from other YA fantasy books. The whole magical feel of it was superb so I would say that was the thing that stood out to me the most.

Christina: This was definitely a very unique book! You really did feel as if you were in a magical place when reading it, so yes a lot of things stood out. Storyline, scenario even the characters.

What are your thoughts on Scarlett, the main character?

Stephanie: I won't say she's my favorite MC of all time but I did like her and her determination to protect her sister Tella and to find her in the game. I also thought her character went through some growth throughout the story. She definitely wasn't the same person at the start of the book compared to the end, which is always great. I also liked how Julian called her "Crimson." Sorry, I just HAD to mention that! 

Christina: We all know we don’t want a whiny heroine, despite Scarlett not being on board at first and basically not really wanting an “adventure” I didn’t think she was whiny, nor annoying, but she wasn’t one where you think wow this girl kicks ass. However she was very realistic and thought she did a lot of growing throughout the book. And from what she’s been through, she’s strong that never changed. And in her own way, she did kick ass, she go through a lot to find her sister Tella and never gives up.

How did you feel about Julian, did you trust him? 

Stephanie: I really liked him but did I trust him? And I don't want to say if he is trustworthy or not in case there are people who haven't read the book yet but... there's a lot of mystery surrounding him so I wouldn't say I trusted him all the time, no. It was a fun games of figuring out who he was and when it was revealed I was a bit shocked so there. That's all I'll say. ;) 

 Christina: At first I didn’t really think he would be part of the story, thought he was just there really quick and would disappear, but as we went further and he was still there I started to like him more and more. Especially his nickname to Scarlett, Crimson. I will say though, I had a lot of theories about who he was through the book and trusting him? Never really know if I did, kind of went back and forth.  

How would you describe the book in one or two words?

Stephanie: Magical mindfuckery 😂

Christina: Magical and mysterious.

What's your favorite quote of the book?

Stephanie: “Hope is a powerful thing. Some say it’s a different breed of magic altogether. Elusive, difficult to hold on to. But not much is needed.” 

Christina: Okay so I was trying to pick just one and I couldn’t… woops.

 “Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything.” 

“Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or performance. It's the closest you'll ever find yourself magic in this world.”

What are your overall thoughts?

Stephanie: Caraval was magical, very mysterious and had the right amount of swoon, in my opinion. It was also a fairly quick read because I basically only wanted to read on and find out what would happen next. Every chapter ended in a way that made me thing damn, I just want to read the next chapter. It was like that with every chapter, basically. It had also quite a lot of action, which I loved. I really liked some of the secondary characters, too. cough-Julian-cough. And of course there's that ending that simply killed me. Beware of the cliffhanger! I need the next book NOW!

Christina: LOVED IT! It was magical, you felt as if you yourself couldn’t even trust what was going on. You barely knew what was real and what wasn’t, just like Scarlett. And it was amazing! I just love the whole concept of Caraval pretty much, opening at night, mysterious location and characters. Every chapter made you want to read more and more, because you just had to know what would happen next and then end just makes you want the next book immediately. 

~~

Stephanie Garber grew up in northern California, where she was often compared to Anne Shirley, Jo March, and other fictional characters with wild imaginations and stubborn streaks. When she’s not writing, Stephanie teaches creative writing, and dreams of her next adventure.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Co-Review: It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

After buddy reading many books, Christina of Booklover's Teaparty and I decided to do something different and do a co-review.

Title: It Ends With Us
Author: Colleen Hoover
Publication: August 2nd 2016 by Atria Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Play | Kobo
Rating: 5/5

 

SOMETIMES THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU IS THE ONE WHO HURTS YOU THE MOST

Lily hasn't always had it easy, but that's never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She's come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up - she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily's life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, and maybe even a little arrogant. He's also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily, but Ryle's complete aversion to relationships is disturbing.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan - her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

With this bold and deeply personal novel, Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. It Ends With Us is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.

This book contains graphic scenes and very sensitive subject matter.

Was there anything that stood out with the storyline to you?

Stephanie: It was unique compared to other books in general because there are letters that Lily wrote to Ellen DeGeneres  when she was younger. This was super interesting because 1. I love Ellen and 2. this way we could find out what happened all those years between Lily and Atlas. 

Christina: The fact that it basically involved two love stories one in the past and one in the present made it different. The past love story were journal entries or letters that Lily wrote to Ellen DeGeneres about her life and a boy, Atlas she befriends. Lily in the present reads these in between her present life so we experience both stories.

What are your thoughts on Lily and Ryle and also Lily and Atlas in the book?

Stephanie: Lily & Ryle: It's hard to say because I don't want to reveal any spoilers for future readers but my heart hurt so much for them with everything that went on between them and all the things Ryle did. I do believe he was story but that obviously didn't make up for it all. 
Lily & Atlas: I can't deny it, my heart hurt for them too. We got to know Atlas through the letters Lily wrote to Ellen and I loved him right away so I was always hoping he'd show up. I won't say if he does or not, though. ;)

Christina: It is really a rollercoaster on your emotions with Lily and Ryle. You love them, but then...(must not reveal) and yet you love them  Then as you get to know Atlas you love him, too and just wonder how can all this even end well. It is just really hard to say much since saying too much would reveal the big dark secret and the twist. I hurt for both Lily and Ryle and Lily and Atlas.

Favorite secondary character?

Stephanie: There weren't that many secondary characters but I was really fond of Allysa and Marshall because even though this book was a little tough to read sometimes, they provided a comic relief that was definitely needed.

Christina: Since there weren’t many secondary characters or ones that had much time in the book it’s kind of hard. I did like Alyssa, she seemed like a good friend to Lily and added some fun to the book. Her and her husband were adorable actually.

What's your favorite quote of the book?

Stephanie: “All humans make mistakes. What determines a person's character aren't the mistakes we make. It's how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses.” 

Christina:

“All humans make mistakes. What determines a person's character aren't the mistakes we make. It's how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses.” 

And sorry also gotta add this short one,  “I hope you defy the odds of most dreams and actually accomplish yours.” 

Did it turn out how you expected?

Stephanie: In a way it did, and in a way it didn't. I expected that this book would've made me cry and it did like the amazing writer that Colleen Hoover is. And it was unexpected because I didn't expect how hard this book was at times and the relationship it was about concerning Lily and Ryle.

Christina: Actually no. But then again as I was getting into the book I couldn’t really tell how it end to be honest. You start and think, oh it’s gonna end this way and such, but that just kept changing for me and in the end I just really didn’t know what to think. I was happy with the end though, even though it made me cry.

What are your overall thoughts about the book?

Stephanie: I knew right from the start that It Ends With Us was a bit different from this author's usual work. I don't want to reveal too much but I gotta say that some things that happened between Lily and Ryle were a bit hard to read. And yet, on the other hand the way Colleen Hoover wrote it made it a pretty incredible read even it was tough and sad at times.

Christina: Overall I think it was an amazing book. Had some things that were hard to read at times, heartbreaking even, but at the same time it’s a book that really makes you think and has an important message. Beautiful, beautiful book that really plays with all your emotions. 

Co-Review: The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury

After buddy reading many books, Christina of Booklover's Teaparty and I decided to do something different and do a co-review. 

Title: The Forbidden Wish
Author: Jessica Khoury
Publication: February 23rd 2016 by Razorbill
Genre: Young Adult ~ Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Rating: 4/5

 

She is the most powerful Jinni of all. He is a boy from the streets. Their love will shake the world...

When Aladdin discovers Zahra's jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn't seen in hundreds of years—a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra's very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes.

But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity—only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. When saving herself means betraying him, Zahra must decide once and for all: is winning her freedom worth losing her heart?

As time unravels and her enemies close in, Zahra finds herself suspended between danger and desire in this dazzling retelling of Aladdin from acclaimed author Jessica Khoury.

Was there anything that stood out with the storyline to you? 

Christina: I thought it was very a original storyline! It's an Aladdin re-telling, but the jinni is female and well the princess doesn't have a tiger so there were differences, which I liked because I felt the spirit of Aladdin an his personality was still there.  

Stephanie: First thing that stood out to me was how it's a Aladdin retelling but with a female jinni. That alone I thought was pretty original.  

What are your thoughts on Aladdin and Zahra in the book?  

Christina: Oh how I love them! And I love how Aladdin calls her Smoky, it's adorable. Another thing is while the romance between these two are important and has a strong presence there's so much more going on than just that so while I love their romance to little bits and pieces, it's just the right amount we experience without taking too much from the story.  

Stephanie: I. Loved. Them. Both were great characters, especially Zahra. I loved how Aladdin called her 'Smokey' sometimes. The romance was also great and more than that I loved their dynamic together. 

Favorite secondary characters and why?

Christina: They probably don't count as one, but I loved the Watchmaidens and the Princess Caspida as well for that matter. They were pretty badass all of them. It’s one unit and they go together so gotta count.  

Stephanie: Hard to say! I really liked Princess Caspida and her Watchmaidens. So really, I can't really pick one favorite character. Mostly because they all could kick some serious ass and were great to read about. 

How would you describe The Forbidden Wish in one or two words? 

Christina: Magic & Captivating 

Stephanie: Vivid & Magical 

What did you think of the writing in the book? 

Christina: Simply gorgeous. When I started it I just kept thinking ‘My god this is beautiful’. What really stood out to me about that is the fact that it’s Zahra’s perspective, but she’s also telling it as if she’s telling the story to Habiba (her former master) and I just found that extremely beautiful both for the story and for the writing style. Her magic and what she could do also made it possible to see things in a different way sometimes which was just really well done whether it was a cat or fly.  

Stephanie: It was soooo gorgeous! Seriously, the writing was beautiful so of course I adored it. And the way the characters were written in a strong way so that was amazing as well. Loved it! 

Favorite quote.  

Christina:  "We are adrift on a sea of moonlight sand, the silence as infinite as the space between the stars." 

Okay woops another short one: “Even a thief may have honor, and even a jinni may have a heart.” 

Stephanie: I decided to go with a somewhat funnier quote. 

"You’re a—you’re a—" 

Say it, boy. Demon of fire. Monster of smoke. Devil of sand and ash. Servant of Nardukha, Daughter of Ambadya, the Nameless, the Faceless, the Limitless. Slave of the Lamp. Jinni.  

". . . a girl!" he finishes. 

How was it different from the Aladdin we know? 

Christina: As mentioned a bit before there’s definitely changes from the Aladdin story we know with the female Jinni and all, but yeah still think Aladdin’s personality remained. The boy from the streets was still there. Wouldn’t have minded Abu was there though.  

Stephanie: Like I said before it different because the jinni is female and there's so much we find out about her, the names are different except for Aladdin's of course. So it's definitely not a retelling pulled straight from the movie. 

What are your overall thoughts? 

Christina: Overall I loved it. It was filled with magic, love and plenty of action so you weren’t bored for a second. Jessica Khoury writes beautifully and creates amazing characters. It was magnificent and I almost wish I could forget it and read it again (those 3 jinni wishes would be gone quick wouldn’t they.. spending them on forgetting books to experience them for the first time.. anyways), definitely not a book that disappoints.  

Stephanie: Overall, The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury was a magical, romantic and action-packed race against time with beautiful writing. It's a page-turner that won't let you down. At least it didn't let me down — I loved the story!

       About the Author:

       Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Jessica Khoury wrote her first book at age 4, a fan fic sequel to Syd Hoff's Danny and the Dinosaur, which she scribbled on notebook paper, stapled together, and placed on the bookshelf of her preschool classroom. Since that day, she's dreamed of being an author.

When not writing, Jess enjoys spending time with family, playing video games, and traveling the world in search of stories and inspiration.

Jess currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina. She is the author of Origin, Vitro, Kalahari, and The Forbidden Wish.