Fantasy – Bibliophile Gathering

Kingdom of Flesh and Fire – Jennifer L. Armentrout

January 27, 2021

Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published September 1, 2020

A Betrayal…
Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her.

A Choice…
Casteel Da’Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he’s the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she’s ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she’s far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation.

A Secret…
But unrest has grown in Atlantia as they await the return of their Prince. Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. The King wants to use her to send a message. The Descenters want her dead. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. Dark secrets are at play, ones steeped in the blood-drenched sins of two kingdoms that would do anything to keep the truth hidden. But when the earth begins to shake, and the skies start to bleed, it may already be too late.

Ok so. Let’s see here. There’s a lot to unpack…

I’m not sure if rushed is the word I’d like to tag onto to this book, but I feel like it is. I feel like it was mostly just build build build build build and BAM. But the building of the story didn’t really go anywhere…if that makes sense. I felt like there wasn’t a lot of substance between where Poppy ended (location wise) in the first book, and then like a week long trek to Atlantia…SO MUCH could have happened yet nothing did, nothing that impacted the story at least. And then WHAM out of nowhere the last like 10 minutes of the book, this huge thing/reveal happens OUT OF NOWHERE. I’m trying to be really respectful of those who haven’t read this yet.

But man, I don’t feel satisfied with this book as much as I did with From Blood And Ash. First of all, I feel like Poppy ended up randomly overly violent out of the blue, there was no build up to it, why she decided she needed to resort to violence all of a sudden, I mean I know we see a glimpse of it in the first book but that’s for a legitimate reason. Then, I feel like there was so much depth and amazingness in the Wolven, like…why not spend time on them? I feel like there was so much that could’ve been replaced that was unnecessary that could’ve had some really cool Wolven stuff in it instead. AND THEN. My god, the end. WHY WHY WHY unleash an ending like that when there’s no precursor to any type of power/magic/being like that. We know Gods exist, magic exists, but like…how HOW does that reveal just happen out of the blue? I don’t understand it, unless I’m missing something completely I feel like Poppy went from 0 – 1000 really quickly.

There was a good amount I enjoyed about this book though. I have to give it to JLA, her writing is just overall great. I love it, I can’t ask for anything better really. It just flows and keeps you hooked. I’ll admit it, I usually read two books at a time, this book was my SOLE FOCUS when I was reading it because I literally couldn’t be bothered with anything else because to me it’d be considered sub-par. Her writing style is just something that HAS TO be mentioned, it can’t be overlooked. THE SMUT SCENES. DEAR LORD. – do I need to say any more? I literally was blushing by the end of some scenes, my goodness. And I love Casteel and Poppy, they’ve quickly become one of my favorite couples. They remind me a lot of Jude and Cardan from the Folk of the Air trilogy. Which I also loved.

I just think overall, yes it was entertaining but there was a lot that could be worked on. For a 600+ page book, I felt like there was a lot of dead air, in a sense. So hopefully the next book will be better, because I’m still excited to read it!

3.75/5 Stars

Outlander – Diana Gabaldon

September 10, 2019

Outlander (Outlander #1) by Diana Gabaldon
Published August 10th 1998

Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century, and a lover in another…In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon–when she innocently touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach–an “outlander”–in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of our Lord…1743. Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire’s destiny in soon inextricably intertwined with Clan MacKenzie and the forbidden Castle Leoch. She is catapulted without warning into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life …and shatter her heart. For here, James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a passion so fierce and a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire…and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

Almost 900 pages, and almost a month of reading/listening and I’ve finally completed this new favorite. This book GAVE ME LIFE. It completely tore me apart and then just picked up all the pieces and put me back together. I can’t believe I not only finished Outlander but that it took me this long to even dive in. I’m so proud of myself for getting through this monstrosity after a massive hiatus of reading.

I absolutely have to give credit to the way Gabaldon writes. It’s so descriptive and entrancing, I felt like I was there with everyone as everything was happening. Which kept me going, and all honesty made it hard for me to put this book down so I could feed my son or pay attention to what my husband was saying. I don’t think I’ve had a book do that to me in quite some time. I do think I had an advantage to others though because I watched the show first. And so a lot of the Scottish words were familiar, and to be quite honest, the show follows the book so closely, I was very impressed. I remembered so much happening in the show, just as it did in the book which made me very happy.

There’s just so many layers to this book, from the slow burn romance that very much picks up to a steamy romance, the battles, horse rides, witches, fairies, political intrigue. It’s all there and it makes almost 900 pages seem to fly by. With so many characters you don’t get quite bored because although Jamie and Claire are most definitely the center of all of this, you do get invested into other characters (personally, I do enjoy Murtagh quite a bit). But I have to say, I am SO SO SO impressed with Gabaldon being able to bring such a filthy and awful villain to life in Randall. “Black Jack” Randall, is the most vile human being I’ve ever read about and literally turned my stomach every time I had to read about him. And that means she did such a great job writing him.

I just can’t stop thinking about how much I now love this book. Claire being such a great main character, and Jamie *swoon* (oh my dear Jamie) as well. I can’t believe that she wrote Outlander with the intention of it being a practice book for whatever book series she was actually planning on publishing. So, although I made Outlander my main mission in life to finish it and fall in love with it like I have, I don’t think I’ll be reading book two right away. I think I need to let Outlander just settle in my bones while I read other books and come back for Dragonfly In Amber.

5/5 Stars

Storm Front – Jim Butcher

January 16, 2019

Storm Front by Jim Butcher
Published April 2000

Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.

Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he’s the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things—and most don’t play well with humans. That’s where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a—well, whatever. There’s just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks.

So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry’s seeing dollar signs. But where there’s black magic, there’s a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry’s name. And that’s when things start to get interesting.

Magic – it can get a guy killed.

So this is the second time I’ve read this book. And this series actually has some great memories that comes with it. My husband (boyfriend at the time) suggested I read this book because he was OBSESSED with it and was the only series he’s actually gone all from start to finish with, and he couldn’t recommended it enough to me.

I decided to pick it up but I didn’t get through it all so one of the goals I decided for 2019 was to try and get through all the current Dresden Files books. In hopes that Peace Talks (book 16) comes out soon.

Reading Storm Front for the second time, I fell in love all over again. Harry is probably one of my absolute favorite book characters of all time. He’s snarky/witty which I LOVE , and just is a great wizard “detective”. I don’t get bored reading these books at all and I just keep churning through them non-stop and it’s so satisfying. There’s so many twists and turns. And now, like my husband, I now recommend this series to everyone who is remotely interested in mystery and fantasy.

All the other characters are just as great as Harry as well though which I think is something really special about this series. I’ve never read a series where I get so invested in ALL characters. Harry, Murphy, Toot Toot, Bob, even Johnny Marcone, YOU GET INVESTED PEOPLE, AND IT’S SO DAMN GOOD.

I know this isn’t the best of the best reviews but it’s seriously just something you can’t put down and just continuously desire more. PLEASE READ THIS SERIES.

One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake

October 5, 2017

One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake
Published : September 19, 2017

The battle for the Crown has begun, but which of the three sisters will prevail?

With the unforgettable events of the Quickening behind them and the Ascension Year underway, all bets are off. Katharine, once the weak and feeble sister, is stronger than ever before. Arsinoe, after discovering the truth about her powers, must figure out how to make her secret talent work in her favor without anyone finding out. And Mirabella, once thought to be the strongest sister of all and the certain Queen Crowned, faces attacks like never before—ones that put those around her in danger she can’t seem to prevent.

In this enthralling sequel to Kendare Blake’s New York Times bestselling Three Dark Crowns, Fennbirn’s deadliest queens must face the one thing standing in their way of the crown: each other.

Ugh I loved this. More than I thought I would. I literally just flipped through this like there was no tomorrow. It literally took me two days to read this. I LOVE Blake’s writing and the characters in this book. Except for Katharine but I think that was obviously purposeful.

If you haven’t picked this up yet, please do. The writing is great. The flow is absolutely wonderful, there’s no gap or awkward portions of these two books. And the characters all work so well together, the relationships are great and I found myself wanting more and more as I kept going.

I think this is becoming one of my “go to” for recommendations and re-reads

Review : Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

January 9, 2017

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
First Published : 1865

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (commonly shortened to Alice in Wonderland) is an 1865 novel written by English mathematician Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. It tells of a girl named Alice falling through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world populated by peculiar, anthropomorphic creatures. The tale plays with logic, giving the story lasting popularity with adults as well as with children. It is considered to be one of the best examples of the literary nonsense genre. Its narrative course and structure, characters and imagery have been enormously influential in both popular culture and literature, especially in the fantasy genre.

Oh dear god this book. And I’m not saying it in a good way. I’m not one for classics but I do enjoy whimsy every now and again but this was just too much. I also disliked all the characters. I hated Alice and how childish she was any maybe that was just because I read this book for the first time being 25. I know Alice was supposed to be young and naive.

My biggest problem was I couldn’t keep up with it all. There was so many things all happening at once and I couldn’t handle it all. Especially the ending with the court. I was so close to DNFing this book. But I knew pushing through it was just going to give me the satisfaction of getting through one of the most dizzying and confusing books I’ve ever read. And I was sadly disappointed with it all in all.

I don’t think there’s really much else I can say about it. Sorry Lewis Carroll…it just didn’t do anything for me. I tip my hat at your whimsy and imagination.

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Coffee Book Tag!

December 1, 2016

Hello everyone! I’m going to be doing the Coffee Book Tag! I’m sitting down this morning and looking for some posts to do (other than my extremely long list of reviews) while drinking my very yummy coffee, so I figured…why not do the Coffee Book Tag that I found all over the place in booktube. I found the original tag here on youtube, and I love all the questions!

1. Black: Name a series that’s tough to get into but has hardcore fans.

10964 Okay, don’t kill me you diehard Outlander fans, and what not. But, I’ve tried a couple times to get into Outlander and it’s SUPER HARD! But I know there’s SO MANY of you who absolutely adore this series. But don’t you worry, I’m not giving up on you!

2. Peppermint mocha: Name a book that gets more popular during the winter or a festive time of year.

I feel like I’m not the only one who re-reads Harry Potter during the cold months of the year. And I’m pretty sure there’s a Harry Potter Read-A-Thon around winter time as well. And honestly, there’s something cozy about reading Harry Potter snuggled up in blankets while it snows outside.

3. Hot chocolate: What is your favorite children’s book?

The Chronicles of Narnia was a book I picked up for summer reading and it all snowballed from there. I love love LOVE the Narnia series and I actually started re-reading it recently. And I have to say, Narnia is such a magical place, and I absolutely love that this was one of my favorite series as a kid.

4. Double shot of espresso: Name a book that kept you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

I mean…COME ON THIS IS SUCH A GREAT BOOK. I literally could not stop reading and it was written so well and in a way where you think you know what’s going on but then everything gets turned on it’s head. I really REALLY great book.

5. Starbucks: Name a book you see everywhere.
The Diabolic is something I’ve been seeing everywhere lately and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!

6. That hipster coffee shop: Give a book by an indie author a shoutout.

I want to give a shout out to Tia Giacalone. She sent us a copy of her book Hey Sunshine when we were still a bit shakey on our feet as a blog. She sent us Hey Sunshine and Taylor and I both loved it! Hey Sunshine has a sequel as well as a third book on the way! Please check out Tia and her books they’re well worth the read!

7. Oops! I accidentally got decaf: Name a book you were expecting more from.
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I was expecting SO MUCH MORE from Passenger by Alexandra Bracken. I thought pirates and time travel would be so much cooler but…it kind of fell flat for me.

8. The perfect blend: Name a book or series that was both bitter and sweet but ultimately satisfying.
Oh my goodness, this series has absolutely everything. All the highs and all the lows. This book has it all! I absolutely love Throne of Glass and it’s a GREAT series. Action, Romance, Wit, Mystery. It’s great.

And there you have it! The Coffee Book Tag!
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Review: Summer Knight by Jim Butcher

October 10, 2016

Summer Knight by Jim Butcher
Published : September 3rd 2002

HARRY DRESDEN — WIZARD

Lost items found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates.
No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment

Ever since his girlfriend left town to deal with her newly acquired taste for blood, Harry Dresden has been down and out in Chicago. He can’t pay his rent. He’s alienating his friends. He can’t even recall the last time he took a shower.

The only professional wizard in the phone book has become a desperate man.

And just when it seems things can’t get any worse, in saunters the Winter Queen of Faerie. She has an offer Harry can’t refuse if he wants to free himself of the supernatural hold his faerie godmother has over him–and hopefully end his run of bad luck. All he has to do is find out who murdered the Summer Queen’s right-hand man, the Summer Knight, and clear the Winter Queen’s name.

It seems simple enough, but Harry knows better than to get caught in the middle of faerie politics. Until he finds out that the fate of the entire world rests on his solving this case. No pressure or anything…

I’ve been trying to get my way through The Dresden Files and it’s proven itself to be an enjoyable experience so far! Harry is very much a character in which at times makes me literally laugh out loud and not many books can achieve that with me.

There was a lot more complexity than expected with this book. I love how well developed it was. Especially with getting Dresden’s godmother to sell his contract to Mab, it was a great way to start the story line of this book.

I adored the way each moving piece of this book worked with the overall plot. The characters are never lacking and neither is the story and action in the book. I had a bit of trouble starting up this book but then as the story line developed I got way more invested. Especially seeing toot toot again! He’s probably my favorite character in this book.

The faerie fight is completely epic and I love the way it was all written out and described. I could read it over and over again without wearing down the epicness of it.

I’m extremely excited to keep continuing with this series.

Review: Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

September 1, 2016

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Published: May 13, 2014

Following on the heels of Sanderson’s successful launch into the YA market with the New York Times bestselling Rithmatist comes Mistborn, now repackaged for the teen audience

Once, a hero rose to save the world. He failed.

For a thousand years since, the world has been a wasteland of ash and mist ruled by the immortal emperor known as the Lord Ruler. Every revolt has failed miserably.

Yet somehow, hope survives. Hope that dares to dream of ending the empire and defeating the Lord Ruler. A new kind of uprising is being planned—one that depends on the cunning of a brilliant criminal mastermind and the determination of an unlikely heroine: a teenage street urchin named Vin.

Once, a hero rose to save the world and failed. This time, can a young heroine succeed?

I had trouble picking up this book because of the heft of the entire series. It’s a daunting 3 books to look at and knowing that it’s much more complex than YA Fantasy is also a bit jarring. But oh my goodness. The amazingness of this book…I suggest it to ANYONE who is interested or likes fantasy. This story is about a girl named Vin who doesn’t know she’s a Mistborn until she runs into Kel and their paths intertwine in trying to take down the Lord Ruler and the final empire.

This book has it all. A great magic system, wonderful characters, and a great overall plot that keeps you guessing and is constantly changing. The world and absolutely everything is just perfection. I’ve never read such a compelling fantasy story with so many amazing characters that I connected to each and every one.

The twists and turns that happen in this book are all above and beyond. I cannot even begin to explain how many times I thought that I knew what was going on and I was completely lied to (in the best way). I absolutely adore this book and this series is going to be absolutely a life ruiner (again, in the best way) and I know it. Most definitely going to try and finish this series within the next few months.

Review: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

August 27, 2016

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Published: August 1970

The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, completed in the winter of 1949 & published in 1950, tells the story of four ordinary children: Peter, Susan, Edmund & Lucy Pevensie. They discover a wardrobe in Prof. Digory Kirke’s house that leads to the magical land of Narnia, which is currently under the spell of a witch. The four children fulfill an ancient, mysterious prophecy while in Narnia. The Pevensie children help Aslan (the Turkish word for lion) & his army save Narnia from the evil White Witch, who’s reigned over the Narnia in winter for 100 years.

This edition follows the original numbering scheme. Recent publishers have renumbered the volumes so they are ordered chronologically. This was reportedly the author’s preference. Other editions number this book as 2.

I loved the experience of re-reading this book. I haven’t touched this book since I was in late elementary/early middle school. It was a weird experience reading this as an adult. And actually knowing about the author.

There was most definitely a feel where you could tell C.S. Lewis was pulling from his christian roots, and not that it bothered me, but it was odd just seeing it there since I don’t really read any books that have religious undertones. But I still loved the story very much. Maybe even more so because I love just the story of Narnia and how absolutely magical of a place it is.

Granted the characters aren’t much yet, and I know the books get better towards the end of the series, but at the same time, Edmund…what a fruit loop dingus! But in all honesty, the writing was great, the thought process was wonderful. All the content was there for a purpose and you can’t really ask more from a book

Review: Firefight by Brandon Sanderson

March 7, 2016

Firefight by Brandon Sanderson
Published: January 6, 2015

They told David it was impossible—that even the Reckoners had never killed a High Epic. Yet, Steelheart—invincible, immortal, unconquerable—is dead. And he died by David’s hand.

Eliminating Steelheart was supposed to make life more simple. Instead, it only made David realize he has questions. Big ones. And there’s no one in Newcago who can give him the answers he needs.

Babylon Restored, the old borough of Manhattan, has possibilities, though. Ruled by the mysterious High Epic, Regalia, David is sure Babylon Restored will lead him to what he needs to find. And while entering another city oppressed by a High Epic despot is a gamble, David’s willing to risk it. Because killing Steelheart left a hole in David’s heart. A hole where his thirst for vengeance once lived. Somehow, he filled that hole with another Epic—Firefight. And he’s willing to go on a quest darker, and more dangerous even, than the fight against Steelheart to find her, and to get his answers.

Okay, so. I’ve come to the conclusion that The Reckoners series is probably one of my favorite trilogies of all time. I’m having a really hard time putting these books down and an even tougher time not speaking about these books. Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not! This series is absolutely amazeballs, and I think everyone should read these books if you haven’t.

After slaying Steelheart, David and the reckoners end up in Babylon Restored, which was previously Long Island. And then action happens, just all action, on every page, with every words. ACTION WAS EVERYWHERE! I’m scared if I go too into the plot then I’ll spoil and that’s the last thing I want to do.

The team in this book is amazing, for some reason Cody and Abraham end up staying in Newcago. So we get a few new reckoners. Mizzy, Val and Exel to team up with Prof, Tia and David. Mizzy being my all time favorite, I think she’s pretty damn awesome and I loved her, the way she works, the way she kind of has to remind David that he can be a normal person (when they go to that party) and not everything has to be reckoning 1000% of the time.

I thought Regalia was a cool epic and especially the end of the book when David finally finds her, I think it’s absolutely nuts. The ending was phenomenal and I completely absorbed this whole book as much as I could and I’m still not over it! I enjoy David more and more with each book as he grows, and I found Meghan to be a bit less…annoying. And dear god Prof….I.Cannot.Even.

I cannot even begin on the magical writing style of Brandon Sanderson. I cannot explain how ingenious each word was and how I couldn’t miss a single letting because each one felt all too important to even consider either skimming or just quickly passing over. I had to give each and every single word the attention it deserved.

The ending to this book I felt was very well thought out,action packed, and just about perfect. Although, I can’t quite understand where the last book will go. It’s called Calamity so I’m assuming it’s figuring out how Calamity “happened” and such.

I have to give 5 stars to my Fantasy King.

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