Author: P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast Series: House of Night Other World #1 Reviewer: Marlou
Content warnings
Swearing
Summary
Itโs Zoeyโs eighteenth birthmas and the Nerd Herd has been scattered across the country busily adulting for almost a year when Stark calls them back to Tulsa to surprise Z. But all is not well in T-town. Strange, dark signs are appearingโcould it be possible Neferet is stirring? Not willing to chance disaster striking again, Zoey calls on her newly reunited friends to circle with her and add a layer of protection over Neferetโs grotto jail. Easy-peasy, right?
Wrong. Nothing at the House of Night is ever as it seems.
With rabid red vampyres closing in, Zoey and the Nerd Herd must come together again and battle evil. But a year is a long time. Have these old friends grown too far apart?
When the world fractures and allies become enemies, will darkness devour friendships or will light save those sheโs loved?
I wanted to love this book so badly, but I just can’t. House of Night was (with Twilight) the first fantasy series I’d ever read and these books got me into reading fantasy and I still (8 years later) barely read anything else. Loved was definitely nostalgic because of that, but it really wasn’t good. Cast tries too hard to make them sound like teenagers but it’s very obvious it’s written by an adult who views teenagers as little children that can’t form proper sentences, or something like that.
Yes, I do love the characters, I love the HoN world. BUT everything is so poorly written that I can’t stand it.
The storyline is interesting enough. There’s some kind of parallel world that comes into ours and shit goes wrong. And guess what, it takes half a book to get to the ‘and now shit goes wrong’ without building any tension. Then shit goes wrong and everyone freaks out. The goddess Nyx swoops in gives someone a new ability to save humanity and everything is resolved. At least the saved people have major PTSD, so not everything was solved so quickly.
Gosh, I’m so annoyed by this book. I won’t be reading the other books, that’s for sure… Loved gets a two star review from me and that’s already pretty damn high.
Author: Thea Stilton Series: Princesses of Fantasia #1 Reviewer: Marlou
Summary
There is an Empire …
… a cold, inhospitable area, where a young princess watches over a great secret. But there is someone who wants to revive the time of the old sorcery, and only Gunnar, the big white wolf, can defend the princess.
Thea Stilton is a childhood favorite author of mine and I had never read this series of hers. I saw the first five at the library and decided to take them with me, they’d be great summer reads.
Ice Princess was totally adorable and had a pretty decent plot line. Usually, I can guess what will happen with Middle Grade books, but this one was not as predictable as I thought it would be.
This cute Middle Grade book gets three stars from me and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to read a fun Middle Grade fantasy.
I’ve read this book in my native tongue (Dutch) which was a little weird at first, because I usually only read in English. Everything just sounds way better in English. I wasn’t as annoyed with the language as I expected to be and I’m quite relieved about that.
I’m most certainly going to finish at least these five, but maybe just the entire series. I’m pretty sure the library has all of them. They’re just so terribly cute and the story is interesting enough that it makes me want to keep reading, which is a very good sign. The second book was my sister’s favorite one so I’ll see if I like that one best too.
Author: VE Schwab Series: Shades of Magic #3 Reviewer: Marlou
Summary
Witness the fate of beloved heroes – and enemies.
THE BALANCE OF POWER HAS FINALLY TIPPED…
The precarious equilibrium among four Londons has reached its breaking point. Once brimming with the red vivacity of magic, darkness casts a shadow over the Maresh Empire, leaving a space for another London to rise.
WHO WILL CRUMBLE?
Kell – once assumed to be the last surviving Antari – begins to waver under the pressure of competing loyalties. And in the wake of tragedy, can Arnes survive?
WHO WILL RISE?
Lila Bard, once a commonplace – but never common – thief, has survived and flourished through a series of magical trials. But now she must learn to control the magic, before it bleeds her dry. Meanwhile, the disgraced Captain Alucard Emery of the Night Spire collects his crew, attempting a race against time to acquire the impossible.
WHO WILL TAKE CONTROL?
And an ancient enemy returns to claim a crown while a fallen hero tries to save a world in decay.
I liked this book the least even though I gave it the exact same rating as the rest. It started off extremely quickly and I was scared shitless because there were still hundreds of pages to go and things were going epically wrong already. Eventually it all slowed down and then I got bored. It picked up speed a little in the end. I disliked the pacing a lot as you can see. There was a lot of drama and way less banter and sass than in the other books and that’s a pity because that’s what I liked so much about the others. The characters were diverse and strong and well written but this is a more shaky and unstable 4 stars.
I loved the Shades of Magic books, I really liked the characters and the way it was written is amazing. So compliments to VE Schwab for writing so beautifully.
Author: VE Schwab Series: Shades of Magic #2 Reviewer: Marlou
Summary
It has been four months since a mysterious obsidian stone fell into Kell’s possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Prince Rhy was wounded, and since the nefarious Dane twins of White London fell, and four months since the stone was cast with Holland’s dying body through the rift–back into Black London.
Now, restless after having given up his smuggling habit, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks as she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games–an extravagant international competition of magic meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries–a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.
And while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night will reappear in the morning. But the balance of magic is ever perilous, and for one city to flourish, another London must fall.
Lila is once again being a freaking badass. *heart eyes* She has learned magic (!) and she can’t wait to show Kell what she’s capable of. She’s also afraid to see him again after months on the sea and well, angst ensues.
โShe bent most of the rules. She broke the rest.โ
Kell is not as grumpy as he was in the first book because he gets to let go a little in this book.
Prince Rhy is more involved in this book and that is lovely because Rhy is absolutely lovely. I love Rhy’s personality. He talks himself in and out of trouble countless times. Shows off whenever he can. And he’s bi. Yes people, in this book we find out that Rhy does not have any preference as long as he can sleep with them (I guess he prefers them to be pretty tho).
โThe prince shrugged. โWho needs magic when you look this good?โโ
Alucurd Emery makes an appearance in this book. Holy moly, what a great character. I don’t know whether to hate him or love him. I want to whack him over the head or have a drink with him. I love it when characters are like that.
Favorite quote from the book? Easy choice (for once)
โEveryone’s immortal until they’re not.โ
I liked this book a lot. It was so different from the first book that it did kinda give me whiplash. I didn’t like that Kell and Lila’s path crossed very late in the book. Still a solid 4 stars for this one, too.
Author: Sarah J. Maas Series: Throne of Glass #7 Reviewer: Marlou
Content Warnings
Violence, Torture, Depression, Death, War
Summary
Aelin has risked everything to save her peopleโbut at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. Aware that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, though her resolve begins to unravel with each passing dayโฆ
With Aelin captured, Aedion and Lysandra remain the last line of defense to protect Terrasen from utter destruction. Yet they soon realize that the many allies theyโve gathered to battle Erawanโs hordes might not be enough to save them. Scattered across the continent and racing against time, Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are forced to forge their own paths to meet their fates. Hanging in the balance is any hope of salvationโand a better world.
And across the sea, his companions unwavering beside him, Rowan hunts to find his captured wife and queenโbefore she is lost to him forever.
As the threads of fate weave together at last, all must fight, if they are to have a chance at a future. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever in the explosive final chapter of the Throne of Glass series.
This book tore my heart out, gave it back, shattered it, glued it back together, and then burned it to smithereens, never to be seen again.
I have never cried while reading a book. Thanks, Kingdom of Ash, for ruining my perfect record. And thanks, Sarah J Maas, for writing such an amazing book. SJM managed to make me cry, it can’t get much better than that.
“You do not yield.” Don’t mind me, I’m just bawling my eyes out. What a perfect line. It’s right along the lines of “I am Celeana Sardothien and I will not be afraid,” and yet so much more.
Yes, the book was lacking in several places. Unnecessary things were added and necessary things were deleted. It wasn’t a great serie finale but it was still an amazing book that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Let’s talk about the characters since this was the last book of the series and we’ve met a great deal of people:
Rowannnnnn: He shall always have a special place in my heart. *insert multitude of love eyed emojis* Dorian: I’ve loved you from those very first lines: โโItโs clear that you respect me, Duke Perrington, but itโs a bit unnecessary to put such effort into forcing Celaena Sardothien to have the same opinion. You and I know very well she has no love for my family. So perhaps your intent is to humiliate her.โ He paused, and she could have sworn his eyes fell on her face. โBut I think sheโs had enough of that.โ He stopped for another moment, then asked: โDonโt you have a meeting with Endovierโs treasurer? I wouldnโt want you to be late, especially when you came all this way to meet with him.โโ Chaol: I didn’t like him, at all…That changed after reading Tower of Dawn. He’s still not one of my favorites or even close to second but he’s alright. Aedion: Wasn’t impressed at first, but he started growing on me. Eventually I started to really like him, but what I like most of all is his love for his kingdom. He’s as fierce as any lion (see what I did there). LYSANDRAAAAAA: As you can obviously see, I love this chick. Didn’t like her in Assassin’s Blade (but hey, who did?) but omg, Lysandra for the win! My favorite form of hers is her Ghost Leopard form. Manon: I didn’t like her chapters in Heir of Fire. I wanted to skip them. Glad I didn’t. Manon is for me the character with the most character development. Gosh, I love her. The Thirteen: a badass group of ladies that will always be friendship goals. Nesryn: EMPRESSSSSS BADAAAASSSSSSS Sartaq: Oh boy… what a darling… and such a flirt *waving hands frantically because ooh la la* Yrene: “For wherever you need to go – and then some. The world needs more healers.” YAAAAASSSS GIRL YOU MADE IT! Elide: DAYUMMMM you tell him darling, don’t take his BS, don’t be afraid of anyone. FENRYSSSSSS: oh my lovely boyo. I love him so much. He deserves the world. *insert squealing fangirl* Lorcan: You smol baby bean…You can go to Perranth with me. *winks with both eyes* Gavriel: You amazing dad. Aedion loves you, you know…almost as much as I do. *hugs him tightly* And last but definitely not the least: AELIN: fire-breathing-bitch-queen/ fireheart/ Elentiya/ Lillian/ Celeana โit doesn’t matter what name she goes by, she is amazing. Aelin will forever be my favorite character of the Throne of Glass series and one of my favorites from any other book. *applauds for the Heir of Brannon*
I have definitely not mentioned all the characters but my review was getting long enough. Kingdom of Ash was an amazing book and will have a special place in my heart. Thank you, Sarah J Maas, for such an inspiring and lovely series and such an amazing series finale. This book will stay with me for a while.
Author: Susan Dennard Series: The Witchlands #3 Reviewer: Community
Summary
High in a snowy mountain range, a monastery that holds more than just faith clings to the side of a cliff. Below, thwarted by a lake, a bloodthirsty horde of raiders await the coming of winter and the frozen path to destroy the sanctuary and its secrets.
The Bloodwitch Aeduan has teamed up with the Threadwitch Iseult and the magical girl Owl to stop the destruction. But to do so, he must confront his own father, and his past.
I donโt even know where to begin with this one. We travel to various places in the Witchlands, get confirmation on some questions raised by the earlier books, and leave with even more questions. I loved Safi and Iseult (again), but I canโt get over Viviaโs story. I admire her more every book. Aeduan is obviously amazing in this book, too, since it centers around his arc. He has some tough choices to make as he struggles against his beliefs and feelings.
Marlou
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Bloodwitch was grandmaโs apple pie, a new pair of shoes, breakfast for dinner, it was the small things in life that bring you joy.
Leslie
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I was already in love with Viviaโs character from Windwitch, but this book really pushed me off the deep end. She and Vaness, WOW is all I can say. Then, of course you pick up with Iseult and Aeduan (and feisty Owl), and it is everything an awkward thrown together, type of family can be in the best ways. Plus, every character is pushed to their limit, forced to find themselves, sometimes even without or in spite of the magic that has been in their veins since as long as they can remember. I love a little bit of character suffering (okay, maybe more than a little bit) in order to show growth, and this book captured that perfectly.
Inopnion
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
We as readers occasionally experience a giddiness of spirit, you know that feeling. When something tickles you so much you blabber to anyone that will listen, and they look at you like youโre a bit touched. You know that feeling. This book gave me this feeling over and over. Not only does the narrative follow the most mysterious and enigmatic would-be villain I have ever witnessed on a page, but it dares you not to love him. Aeduanโs level of self-loathing, his complete conviction in his own monstrousness is counteracted by vulnerable moments of pure kindness and sacrifice. Just like Merikโs journey in Windwitch made me ache and hope for him, this book revealed the complex depths of a deluded Hufflepuff. Not to mention, this book has even more action, chases, fights, etc. than any of the other books in the series. Itโs non-stop and always with a purpose.
Author: Susan Dennard Series: The Witchlands #2.5 Reviewer: Community
Summary
Before Safi and Iseult battled a Bloodwitch…
Before Merik returned from the deadโฆ
Ryber Fortiza was a Sightwitch Sister at a secluded convent, waiting to be called by her goddess into the depths of the mountain. There she would receive the gift of foretelling. But when that call never comes, Ryber finds herself the only Sister without the Sight.
Years pass and Ryberโs misfit pain becomes a dull ache, until one day, Sisters who already possess the Sight are summoned into the mountain, never to return. Soon enough, Ryber is the only Sister left. Now, it is up to her to save her Sisters, though she does not have the Sightโand though she does not know what might await her inside the mountain.
On her journey underground, she encounters a young captain named Kullen Ikray, who has no memory of who he is or how he got there. Together, the two journey ever deeper in search of answers, their road filled with horrors, and what they find at the end of that road will alter the fate of the Witchlands forever.
Set a year before Truthwitch, Sightwitch is a companion novella that also serves as a set up to Bloodwitch, as well as an expansion of the Witchlands world.
This book is structured differently than the others. Itโs more of a journal but itโs fun to read, especially with the visuals that accompany the text. I loved learning more about Ryber and how the Sightwitches fit into the larger picture of the Witchlands series. Iโm also very rule-oriented like Ryber so I felt her struggles. We also learn a lot about Kullen and get a glimpse into the past. All of this helps set up events for future books while also confirming some questions from the earlier books.
Marlou
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Sightwitch was a starry night sky, a surprise dinner with a loved one, a destination you always wanted to go, it proved the extraordinary was possible.
Leslie
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
OMG! I love epistolary novels and this one was a winner. Being given scraps of books, handwritten notes, sketches, and more, I couldnโt stop turning the pages. This book builds the background for things in the series as a whole, takes us into one of the charactersโ POVs even deeper, and manages to continue deepening our understanding of where the series is going.
Fox
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
It broke my heart to lower the rating for this book, because it is so, so close to 5 stars, but I found some parts a tad bit confusing because of the switching POVs. I loved the historical aspects, but it took me too long to start to care for that plotline, as I was more interested in its connection to the present timeline of Witchlands. The book has terrific illustrations and sketches, which add a lot to the story. It would have been an amazing graphic novel or even a full novel, for example, but as a novella, it was just too short for me to get fully immersed in.
Some moments in Sightwitch are really intense and dark, which once again proves how good of a storyteller Susan is. Her writing style just gets better with each Witchlands book, and I donโt want the series to ever end. Ever!
Sightwitch is incredibly important for the series as it explains certain things that happen in Windwitch, and it just blew my mind when I got to that part! I couldnโt get over it once I finished the book and my urge was to immediately pick up Truthwitch and start my re-read with a different perspective.
In spite of its timeline preceding Truthwitch, Sightwitch is not a prequel and should be read after Windwitch and before Bloodwitch – and not in any other order.
Inopinion
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If I could give this a six, I would. This book, though it be short, and though it be mis-labelled as a novella and a โcompanionโ is in itself a remarkable piece of storytelling and an integral part of the series. It cannot be stated enough times how important it is to read this book before Bloodwitch!
Ryber seems such a minor character after Windwitch – the heart-thread of Kullen and member of the crew. And then Susan flips your assumptions on your head and reveals the Sightwitch Sisters and their cloistered community, Ryber, and her thread-sister, Tanzi.
This book includes one of the most epic chases in fiction or video games with all the imagery required to feel like youโre there every step of the way. Filled with riddles, game play, rules to follow, itโs like entering a bonus round only to exit understanding it was the key to completing the entire challenge. The more I linger on this book, the more it places itself in my top five of all time.
Author: Susan Dennard Series: The Witchlands #2 Reviewer: Community
Summary
Sometimes our enemies are also our only alliesโฆ
After an explosion destroys his ship, the world believes Prince Merik, Windwitch, is dead. Scarred yet alive, Merik is determined to prove his sisterโs treachery. Upon reaching the royal capital, crowded with refugees, he haunts the streets, fighting for the weakโwhich leads to whispers of a disfigured demigod, the Fury, who brings justice to the oppressed.
When the Bloodwitch Aeduan discovers a bounty on Iseult, he makes sure to be the first to find herโyet in a surprise twist, Iseult offers him a deal. She will return money stolen from him, if he locates Safi. Now they must work together to cross the Witchlands, while constantly wondering, who will betray whom first?
After a surprise attack and shipwreck, Safi and the Empress of Marstok barely escape with their lives. Alone in a land of pirates, every moment balances on a knifeโs edgeโespecially when the piratesโ next move could unleash war upon the Witchlands.
Things start off quickly in this one! We follow Merik more than the other characters, and Iโll be honest, I really needed resolution after reading Truthwitch the first time so I rushed Windwitch. I enjoyed this book more the second time since I took my time and picked up on some larger clues I missed before. We also see Viviaโs perspective (sheโs Merikโs sister and definitely one of my favorite characters in the series). Merik isnโt one of my favorite characters, but he definitely has an interesting arc.
Marlou
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Windwitch was rain pouring harshly on the roof, butterflies in my stomach, seeing your friend after a while apart, it was coming home home to a loving family.
Leslie
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
While this one wasnโt my favorite of the series, it definitely begins to show the repercussions from Truthwitch and the implications that those events will have on the rest of the series. It was also wonderful to get more POV chapters here and I am totally already in love with Merikโs sister, Vivia. In Truthwitch, we are presented with certain pieces of information, but with Windwitch, it becomes clear that maybe what we thought was an absolute, really isnโt and we need to shift our understanding. Again, this is some deep stuff for a YA series to tackle, and it is done beautifully well.
Fox
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Windwitch is my most favourite book in the series. Perhaps, because when I am writing this, I am yet to read Bloodwitch, but even then I canโt ever imagine anything make my heart squeeze so much.
The second book in the series is expanding the world once again and giving us more POVs. I did not expect to change my opinions on some of the characters, but I did as we were giving other sides of the story (e.g., Vivia and Merik relationship). I loved this book, even though it ripped my heart apart and I just kept screaming internally till I got to the last page. And then I had to scream some more because the wait for the following installment in the series seemed endless.
Let me add that the cover is stunning and I canโt decide if I like US or UK version better. It has my most favourite season as the backdrop for Merik, and I always feel happy when I look at it.
Author: Susan Dennard Series: The Witchlands #1 Reviewer: Community
Summary
In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands.
Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.
Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she’s a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden – lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult’s true powers are hidden even from herself.
In a chance encounter at Court, Safi meets Prince Merik and makes him a reluctant ally. However, his help may not slow down the Bloodwitch now hot on the girls’ heels. All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom, but danger lies ahead. With war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.
I discovered Truthwitch when I was just venturing into YA because I need more diversity than adult fantasy was providing. Truthwitch did not disappoint and I ended up ordering the sequel, Windwitch, before even finishing the first five chapters. I fell in love with the characters and world. Safi and Iseult were the characters I needed. There is action, great dialog, and lots of worldbuilding. The ending hurt, but luckily Windwitch was already out so I could dive right in.
Marlou
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Truthwitch was the light at the end of the tunnel, the breeze on a hot summer day, a warm jacket on a chilling winter night, it was everything I never knew I needed and more.
Leslie
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
This was the first time I read a YA book and was truly blown away by the depth and world building that was done. You can definitely tell that Susan Dennard had put so much thought and time into creating this epic series that each page left you with either an awesome, action-packed scene, a detail that builds the world, or a great character building scene. Many of the scenes and chapters accomplished all three of those! While some YA readers may not be interested in building a world this rich and deep in their minds, for those of us that are, this is the book (and series) that you have been waiting for.
Inopinion
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Probably an unpopular rating among a group of Dennard-loving Witchlanders, but I was not as blown away by Truthwitch as I was the other books. What I loved the most about this book and the way this series started was the connection with Iz and Safi – itโs instantaneously apparent that not only are they great friends but they strengthen each other in unique ways. Safi is impulsive, Iseult balances her with her careful planning and caution. Iseult wants to slip by unnoticed and could get stuck in one place doing one thing and never truly live, but not with a best friend swindling people at cards! They are magnetic.
And the world is so HUGE. Itโs bigger than big. It goes to the edge of the book and beyond always leaving more to uncover. I really appreciate the vastness of the history, the politics, the landscapes, the cultures, but itโs also what made the first book difficult and confusing. On a re-read, I had no problem seeing all the pieces click into place, but on the first go-through, I recall an inner dialog that basically said, โForgive the unknowns, these girls are great.โ So I mention this personal hiccup to ready the uninitiated, the world is there and itโs big and confusing and cluttered with variations but thatโs also what makes it feel authentic and magical. Itโs definitely something that I appreciated more with each new book, but it was overwhelming in the first.
Fox
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
I fell in love with this world from the very first page. Having grown up reading big adult fantasy books, I was thrilled to find a Young Adult novel with such a vast world and complex politics (some of which did go over my head during the first reading, I must admit). My note on GoodReads for Page 46 says “I’m squeaking! Because I like everything so far!”.
That was back in early 2016 when I was still very new to YA books and Susanโs writing in particular. Unlike some readers, I didnโt have issues with the world complexity, but I struggled to connect with either Safi or Iseult. I loved them both together, but separately they were just not working for me. Hence, the 4.5 star rating. (There were also some repetitive sentence structure that was rubbing me off wrong at times, but I later came to appreciate it.) Once I read Windwitch, my opinion on several characters has changed dramatically, so I am not going to hold it against Truthwitch. It is a fantastic book one in the series. I just sometimes wish it was longer and more adult.
P.S. Chapter 38 still makes me cry. I was devastated after reading the ending. And it still has the same effect on me, even though I have read other books in the series.