I always loved Tobias Eaton "Four" in the Divergent series and I always wanted his story. How did I not know this existed? I know, I'm really late to I always loved Tobias Eaton "Four" in the Divergent series and I always wanted his story. How did I not know this existed? I know, I'm really late to the party but I'm here now, that's what matters right? I really enjoyed reading this and I absolutely love having his POV it was great being inside his head.
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[0.1] The Transfer ★★★★ I have to get out.
“You’re the one who has to live with your choice. Everyone else will get over it, move on, no matter what you decide. But you never will.”
It was nice getting more back story on Tobias's relationship with his father Marcus too, who may I remind you is a complete POS!!! It was really kinda strange to see such a vulnerable side to him and to see the fear and the struggles he had. I liked seeing this thought process on the whole Choosing Ceremony and how he came to the decision to join Dauntless. Though I do think this was a lot like Tris's story once Tobias joined Dauntless. Wish it would have played out a bit different but nonetheless, it was still interesting. Most of all I loved the bit at the end, finding out how he got his nickname FOUR.❤ [image]
[0.2] The Initiate ★★★★ I am Dauntless
“While wounds heal, they don't disappear forever—I carry them everywhere, always, and that is the way of things, the way of scars.”
“Abnegation-born, Abnegation result, in a Dauntless haven”
OH, THIS WAS SOOO GOOD!!! It's even a bit longer than The Transfer which is always a good thing am I right? I can't get enough of Four's POV and I love all this back story. It shows a whole other side to him which makes me love him all the more. Like his initiation and how he trained hard every day and every night he'd go into the fear simulation. I loved glimpsing the struggles he had connecting with others and watching him learn how to interact. It's actually pretty heartbreaking to see. But when your only real interaction is with an abusive father...you have to adjust, and learn how to navigate in this new life (alcohol helps lol). I really love that we got some insight into some other characters that only make an appearance in the Divergent series such as Amar...more
“Your past is forever part of you, just as it is a part of me. And I loved that person, just as I love you.”
Nooooo, This can't j4 My Constant ★'s
“Your past is forever part of you, just as it is a part of me. And I loved that person, just as I love you.”
Nooooo, This can't just be 5 pages... Whyyy? I want more. No, I NEED more! Even though this was an extra short novella is was still amazingly sweet and wonderful. But really that's what you expect from a Marie Lu book no matter the pages! I am so happy I read this!! Day and June are everything and this was the closure I so desperately needed after Champion and Life After Legend. Recommended for all LOVERS of the Legend series!
I can't freakin wait to read Rebel (book #4) that comes out October 1st of this year. Which just so happens to be my 4-year anniversary that I quit smoking... What better way to celebrate than to read a much-awaited book in this beloved series? Ahhh, I'm just sooo excited. I MUST do a reread and soon... Very very soon!!
“I love you. That has always been my constant.”...more
“I loved you. I love you still. I want to be with you.”
I gotta admit, though I really did enjoy this novella I was pret4 Have we meet before? ★'s
“I loved you. I love you still. I want to be with you.”
I gotta admit, though I really did enjoy this novella I was pretty confused for most of it! Then I realized this is Day's perspective of the years after he lost his memory up until the day he meets June. Like I said in my previous review I really need to do a reread of this series, if I would have I wouldn't have been so lost. Even so, this was a very touching and heartfelt read this has made me miss Day and June so so much more!! I love them!! (...more
I usually don't enjoy novellas all that much. They usually bore me, still, I read them anyway because they are quick to read. I am so happy I read thiI usually don't enjoy novellas all that much. They usually bore me, still, I read them anyway because they are quick to read. I am so happy I read this.
Destroy Me (Shatter Me #1.5) Warner's POV ★★★★★
“Watching her talk to someone else made me crazy. I was jealous. Ridiculous. I wanted her to know me; I wanted her to talk to me. And I felt it then: this strange, inexplicable sense that she might be the only person in the world I could really care about.”
If I thought I was intrigued by Warner in Shatter Me, I have fallen so completely for him now. Just like I thought, there is just so much more to him then what meets the eye. He is not all malice and heartlessness, it's what he was taught and molded into. But if given the chance, people might just surprise you. I loved that we got a chance to be inside Warner's head. It's always refreshing when we get insight into another character's mind and a look into their soul. I love complex characters so much and I love Warner even MORE!!! :D
Warner... *sighhh [image]
“This girl is destroying me. A girl who has spent the last year in an insane asylum. A girl who would try to shoot me dead for kissing her. A girl who ran off with another man just to get away from me. Of course, this is the girl I would fall for. I close a hand over my mouth. I am losing my mind.”
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Fracture Me (Shatter Me #2.5) Adam's POV ★★★
“All I can think is how horrible and beautiful it is, that our eyes blur the truth when we can't bear to see it.”
Ugh... I wonder how I ever like this guy? Seriously how?? Adam is so broody and is an annoyingly negative ass, who whines way to freaking much. He doesn't believe in anything, NOT in the people of Omega Point, NOT in their cause and he sure as HELL doesn't believe in Juliette! I can't stand how much he underestimates Juliette all the time, or the way he acts like she's a porcelain doll that can easily be broken, and the way he doubts the control of her powers and how deep down he's afraid of what her touch could do. I swear he acts as if he's better and could do a better job then everyone else and yet... he does nothing!! There are a few sad bits like the parts with Adam and his little brother James, and the loss of so many people and the loss of Omega Point. Things quickly go from bad to worse, and there were so much destruction and devastation in the wake of the battle against the Reestablishment. This really didn't do much for his character. My feelings for Adam aside, I am glad I read this because it was nice getting insight into what happened after Juliette was taken by Anderson's men but I wish it was in Kenji POV instead. I do NOT like him! Adam is all kinds of wrong for Juliette.
“Every day we feel further apart. And sometimes I think the harder I try to hold on, the more she tries to break away.” [image]...more
This was a letdown, I was seriously expecting so much more from this. Maybe that's 2 Happy Hunger Games! ★'s
“And may the odds be ever in your favor!”
This was a letdown, I was seriously expecting so much more from this. Maybe that's my fault...? I was hoping for a lot more insight on Panem, all the districts, the tributes, instead, I was left with nothing. There was NOTHING new or exciting, It added absolutely nothing to the story that I didn't already know. It mainly consists of pictures of the tributes and it says their name, age, district, etc. It doesn't have much of a purpose, really, in my opinion. I guess it'd be great for a “super fan” to have for collection purposes or a refresher for readers. But... this isn't something I'd ever recommend. I found it to be really really boring!!! [image]...more
“This is a girl who starts a revolution. This is a girl who changes the world!” ―Jennifer Lawrence
I absolutely lov3 A game of Life and Death ★'s
“This is a girl who starts a revolution. This is a girl who changes the world!” ―Jennifer Lawrence
I absolutely love The Hunger Games books and the movies were brilliantly done! Phenomenal!!! (Think I may have to do a reread soon). I have seen all 4 movies over a dozen times... seriously no joke. I really liked getting a "behind-the-scenes" look at The Hunger Games movie! I enjoyed all of the information, the pictures, the actors/actresses thoughts and the step by step of what all went into it. It had all the information I wanted to know about the director, what parts Suzanne Collins was involved in, the casting, etc... It was a quick easy read, all of the photos and illustrations were all so great. This would make a great addition for any Hunger Games fans collection.
“She was happy, yes, in her own way, as best as she knew. But the***I reviewed both books individually.***
Book One: Oueen Song - ★★★★★'s
Heart Breaking
“She was happy, yes, in her own way, as best as she knew. But there’s a difference between a single candle in darkness and a sunrise.”
Oh my goodness, this was so darn sad! From beginning to end I felt my heart getting heavier and heavier with heartache for Coriane. That poor girl, she was so sweet and had such a gentle soul. She didn't deserve all the shit she had to suffer through. Elara as we already knew was an evil corrupted bitch but this really shows just how black her heart and her soul really was, all to win a Crown!!! It was also nice getting to see that Prince Tibe chose Coriane because he truly unwaveringly loved her, Queenstrial be damned! It also gives us a better understanding as to why he favored Cal so much. Because Cal was all he had felt of the Women he loved. Coriane had so much love for baby Cal. Cal was her light on her darkest of days. Ugh just writing this is making me sad all over again 😭. I love the way this was written, it really drew me in and I couldn't read it fast enough. Hell, I wish it was a LOT longer. [image]
Book Two: Steel Scars - ★★'s
Red as the dawn
“Will you oath yourself to the Scarlet Guard?” “On one condition.” “The Guard does not bargain.” “This isn't a request to the Guard, but to you.” “And that is?” "What's your name?” “My name is Diana... Are you with us, Shade Barrow?" “I'm with you, Diana.” “Then we will rise.” “Red as the dawn.”
Novellas have never been my thing but I was really hoping this would be as good as Queen Song (o.1) but it wasn't. Anyways, that being said this is from Farleys POV. I was never truly invested in her character/story nor was she ever a favorite character of mine but... it was kinda cool being able to see some earlier operations that lead up to Red Queen. I loved getting to seeing how Farley and Shade met. I've always loved Shade and I wish Victoria Aveyard would have pushed that further. For the most part, I found it to be repetitive and boring. Wish this was Shades POV instead....more
“But I won't. I won't run when that means abandoning the people depending on me. I won't run when we've been told wha1 Behind them, Delos Fell ★'s
“But I won't. I won't run when that means abandoning the people depending on me. I won't run when we've been told what will happen to the people of Delos. I won't run, because who are they to tell me to run?” [image] Buddy read with Nancy :)
“You know how this ends. With me escaping and giving you what you deserve.”
Not only does Hero, Traitor, Daughter have one of the ugliest covers but holy hell this entire book was... Bloody horrific!!! I had to force myself to keep reading this garbage and about quit several times. This book irritated me so badly that I seriously got a headache and worse reading this made me wanna bash my head into a wall. This was the shortest book yet in the series and all 187 pages were one big boring EPIC BATTLE only there is NOTHING epic about it. Ooooh and don't even get me started on the same damn characters being captured/escaping once again. Seriously around and around and around these books go always winding up back at the beginning, never truly moving forward and always with the same people. At this point, I don't really even like ANY of the characters anymore. God's they are ALL idiots and shouldn't be alive. Soooo predictable and the absolute most unbelievable stuff happens.
Me during reading this. [image] [image] [image] And me by the end of this madness! [image] [image]
If you value your sanity at all I do NOT recommend this series to anyone! [image]...more
“Even the strongest must acknowledge the favor of the gods.” [image] Buddy read with Nancy :)
“Risking your1 There is always someone stronger ★'s
“Even the strongest must acknowledge the favor of the gods.” [image] Buddy read with Nancy :)
“Risking yourself is what you do for friends.”
I really don't care at this point! This series is entirely way to freaking drawn out and I wanna cry because there is still one book left. Someone, please kill me NOW! I just need this torture to be over!! With that being said I am NOT going to write a long or even a very good review! I mean holy crap I am to the point where I really just don't care anymore.
Once AGAIN... It's lacking any originality whatsoever. The storyline, the world-building, the characters everything is just so bland, boring, UNBELIEVABLE, PREDICTABLE and not entirely thought out, in my opinion. It's like each book gets worse and worse! Everything is just sped over and the details are always lacking when they need/should to count. Ruler, Rival, Exile really irritated me and some of the stuff that happens is just soooooo stupid and so far fetched! I have lost ANY connection to the characters because each book after the 1st one (Slave, Warrior, Queen) I realized none of them change and honestly, they are all such freaking idiots! Where is the development??? I don't even care about my ship anymore, how sad is that?
Hmm. Well, I think I said enough here. I just don't care anymore!!! Moving on to my next/LAST review for this series thank the gods!!! [image] [image]...more
“The living didn't matter except as far as they were useful to fulfill the wishes of the dead” [image] Buddy read with1 Fate shifts and changes ★'s
“The living didn't matter except as far as they were useful to fulfill the wishes of the dead” [image] Buddy read with Nancy :)
“I think it's only the beginning.”
OMFG!!! Is this series really OVER...? Na-uh, I don't believe it! It is seriously? Oh, thank the freaking gods!
This is the very first series I have read by Morgan Rice and I'm sorry to say this but it's also going to be my last! This was some of the worst kinds of torture. I had the hardest time getting through this book/series and if I'm honest I did a whole lot of page skimming on this last one because I just couldn't do it! Of Crowns and Glory is probably the most horrible series I have ever read!!! Like EVER!! I can't wrap my head around how anyone could have possible loved this series. The entire damn thing was just lacking anything worthwhile. Each and every book was pretty much a repeat of the last and the WHOLE thing was extremely predictable and unrealistic. I had to force myself to keep reading this garbage and I about quit several times. It was battle after battle... after battle, in every single book. How. How is anyone still alive after so much killing? I wanted to pull my hair out so many times while reading and I thought my eyes were gonna fall out from rolling them constantly! This series was a clusterfuck of tropes too. I thought the writing was strange, inconsistent and childlike at times. One more thing I also hated the ending so much! This series was just NOT for me!
*Also, It's a good thing I borrowed these books because I would never in a million years waste my money on this! Plus look at those covers they don't make any sense to me and really most of them are pretty ugly.*
Disappointing, disappointing, disappointing, disappointing, disappointing, disappointing, disappointing, disappointing! [image] Did this have any originality? Nope. Weak storyline? Yup. Weak World-building? Yup. Weak character development? Yup. Where all of the characters plain, boring and idiots? Yup! [image]
Dear friends, I do NOT recommend this series! [image]...more
“As brightest day does turn to night, so love to hate can spin.” [image] Buddy read with Nancy :)
Lord give me the strength to 2.5 Consequences ★'s
“As brightest day does turn to night, so love to hate can spin.” [image] Buddy read with Nancy :)
Lord give me the strength to go forth with this series, for I need all the help I can get.
Do you ever have a problem writing reviews for each book in a long series? I feel like I should just copy and paste the same review on each of these books instead of trying to spin the same words over and over again but into different sentences. Because really they are all about the same just slightly better or worse than the last. So here I am again... repeating myself.
Rebel, Pawn, King was pretty disappointing, to say the least! It was just more of the same. Throughout 4 books now if it's not Prince Thanos its Ceres and if it's not one of the two then it's Ceres brother Sartes being captured and escaping but truthfully it's usually all three! The best way to describe this series so far it's one big game of cat and mouse; captured, escape, captured, escape and on and on it goes. Plus its epic battle after epic battle after yet another epic battle. I'm having a hard time believing that ANYONE would still be alive. Seriously how is EVERYONE on both sides not dead? Also, after all the slaughtering and burning of villages that Prince Lucious has done I don't know how there are even peasants left for the Empire to lord over! Another thing that is a constant is the fact that EVERYONE is ALWAYS fighting to stay alive. It's like they're stuck on a loop and it's utterly irritating, unbelievable and it's getting tiring.
I can't believe I'm saying this but seeing as how I do have all of the books I might as well keep going plus it's not like any of these books are over 200 pages, therefore, they fly by so quickly. Moving right on to the next book Soldier, Brother, Sorcerer. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ [image]...more
“The dead matter, but the living matter more.” [image] Buddy read with Nancy :)
“If people are only free to do what you 2 The castle is ours! ★'s
“The dead matter, but the living matter more.” [image] Buddy read with Nancy :)
“If people are only free to do what you think they ought to, they are not really free.”
Is it just me or does each book keep getting shorter? As if they weren't already really thin, to begin with. It's a good thing I borrowed them because I would never in a million years waste my money on such things! I honestly can't believe I keep reading this series. I keep hoping things will change and get better over time but that's just NOT gonna happen... EVER! On the plus side, there are just 3 shitty short books left. Woot Woot!!
I can believe how poorly written these books are and frankly, it's just not up to par with anything else I have read. I hate how it goes from the third person to the first person to the narrator it's just ridiculously ridiculous! Each book is a repeat of the others, someone gets captured/escapes, another epic battle, a lot of people die, and on and on it goes. These books (ALL OF THEM) are the most unbelievable piece of crap I have read in my life and on top of that, it's incredibly predictable. Their needs be a warning on the covers saying; Warning may cause extreme eye rolling haha. No, really I'm not kidding! [image] Anyways I'm dreadfully moving onto Hero, Traitor, Daughter now. [image]...more
First she had been a slave. Then a warrior. And then, one day, somehow, queen. [image] Buddy read with Nancy :)
“The power within2 Slave to Warrior ★'s
First she had been a slave. Then a warrior. And then, one day, somehow, queen. [image] Buddy read with Nancy :)
“The power within you is a dangerous one,” he said. “It is a very old gift, and if you choose to accept it, it will grow within you. You will hurt or kill all those who attempt to harm you. Anyone who touches you with malice will turn to stone.”
Okay. I know this is fantasy but still shouldn't it at least be believable? Because let me tell you several things are pretty far fetched even for me. It was just sooo unbelievable. Everything was incredibly predictable as well. Like the revelations of things such as (view spoiler)[Ceres not being the biological daughter to her parents and Thanos being the king's firstborn son, which in turn makes him next in line for the crown (hide spoiler)] these twists weren't a surprise! Like I said PREDICTABLE!!! Rogue, Prisoner, Princess starts right were Slave, Warrior, Queen left off. This is much like the first book in a sense minus all of the cat and mouse crap. The storyline, world-building, and character development are to put it simply WEAK or NONEXISTENT. And still, everything felt rushed and so much detail was missing especially when it came to the battle scenes, describing new places and new people. So that was... disappointing 😐. The series is being written in such a way that doesn't allow for us to get to know who the characters really are and that's a problem because it doesn't let us connect to them fully. We are being given the absolute bare minimum of there character. So basically, we are just getting to know them through there actions and not by their feelings or their minds. There are a few characters I like which my ship is at the top (Ceres & Thanos) fingers crossed. Thanos POV's drove me crazy though because he was a horrible judge of character. Then there's the two I hate very very strongly (Prince Lucious & Marita, Ceres mother) and one I LOVE to HATE (Stephania). She's like the puppet master pulling everyone's strings and no one has a damn clue! Stephania is a master at manipulation.
This second installment was NOT as good as the first book. I have to agree with so many others when I say Morgan Rice really isn't that good of a writer. With that being said, If it weren't for me wanting to see if anything comes of my ship I probably wouldn't be continuing on with this series but I think I'll stick it out at least for a little while longer. Therefore moving onto Knight, Heir, Prince. Wish me luck!
“Slowly, Ceres felt the power welling up inside her. It came with a warmth, like the first embers of a brush fire. It sat in the pit of her belly, waiting for her.”
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She was going to discover who she really was. She was going to meet her mother....more
“I fought in the Shade. I was cast out by the Empire. I survived the prison ships. And yes, I killed that many men, but3 Down with the Empire! ★'s
“I fought in the Shade. I was cast out by the Empire. I survived the prison ships. And yes, I killed that many men, but only because I will not let the Empire control my life any longer.” [image] Buddy read with Nancy :)
*Some spoilers may insue.*
As far as I can tell most readers thought Knight, Heir, Prince was not as good as the first two installments in this series. I would disagree, although I did find it enjoyable it was only slightly better. Because truthfully it's still riddled with ALL. THE. SAME PROBLEMS. Such as the storyline, the world-building, and again... the characters all basically, say the same. Where is the development??? Every time I think the plot is moving forward, in the end, it always takes three steps back and the characters haven't grown in 3 books. I think its time I face the facts that this is the best it's ever gonna get so that way I'm not disappointed after each one I read. Anyways Morgan Rice doesn't even take her time with any aspect of this story. Everything. I mean everything is so fast-paced that many details are just overlooked and the timing just doesn't add up. The fact that the heroine masters the fighting ways of the forest folk in just a few days or how she learns to control her power within a days time... It's just soooo unbelievable and it's really frustrating. Another thing that bothers me is when Ceres finally meets her biological mother and it's over just as quickly as it started :/ Seriously this should have had a much bigger impact or at least an emotion one yet nothing gets acknowledged!! I was really expecting more with this part. The ending though expected was one of my favorite parts. Just seeing Stephania lose everything so dear to her for once made my night ;) She deserves so much worse for all of the terrible things she does.
Again... even with all of its problems I still enjoyed it just enough that it has me curious as to what's gonna happen next and after that ending, I have a new found hope for my ship! So I guess its time to check out Rebel, Pawn, King book #4. [image] “It's about more than the sword. It's about the hand that wields it. Any army is like a blade. You can make it as big as you want, but without a core of good steel, it will break the first time you test it.”...more
“You are no stranger to the sword,” she said. You are no stranger to the throne. Your destiny is very great, indeed. Mighty wi3 Vein of the Stars ★'s
“You are no stranger to the sword,” she said. You are no stranger to the throne. Your destiny is very great, indeed. Mighty will the change be.” [image] Buddy read with Nancy
“The war will not be won today, Not tomorrow, even. But eventually, we will win. A people who demands freedom will, in the end, claim it.”
Damn, this review is not gonna be an easy one for me to write so I'm gonna keep it short, honest and to the point. Slave, Warrior, Queen was NOT by any means what I'd call a great book. It was lacking any originality. The storyline, the world-building, the characters it all felt a bit rushed and not entirely thought out. It was trope after trope just piled upon one another. Seriously though think of a trope any trope from YA and I bet it's probably in there lol. And really it didn't have anything I haven't read a billion times in every other book I've read and the story moves along too quickly. This is my very first Morgan Rice book and I hated the way she put a lot of details into some things while when it came to things that actually mattered like the fights she put very little. Plus her writing just isn't at the level I'm used to reading. It was strange, inconsistent and childlike at times.
Here is the gist of the story: Poor girl, horrible abusive mother, doting father and two brothers, two possible lovers- a childhood friend and member of the resistance the other a prince who is nothing like his royal family, new magical ability, prophecy, father leaves for better work, sold into slavery, escape, weapons keeper, captured, escape, weapons keeper, does something stupid, death row, recused, captured, despicable king, and queen, forced betrothal, mean jealous princess, escape, captured, almost rape, escape, betrayal, captured...again, so on and so on then finally warrior. Mind you this all transpires within like a weeks time.
When heart and sword meet, there shall be the victory.
I can't believe I'm going to say this but... In spite of everything, I surprisingly still enjoyed the read for what it was. I read this in one sitting because it was relatively short. It also had some very heartfelt and touching moments that made me FEEL things so that's gotta count for something right? Sure it would have benefited with a lot more depth and thought process on certain scenes and the Characters themselves were lacking substance and yet I still managed to connect with them on some level.
FYI, Slave, Warrior, Queen ends on a cliffhanger!
Did I love it? Not even close! Did I hate it? No, not really. Will I continue on with this series? Yes, I'll give Rogue, Prisoner, Princess a shot. [image]...more
“For the first time maybe ever, it didn't matter if I looked beautiful or not. I felt it.”
Scenes from Celeste are just t4 I didn't need a Man ★'s
“For the first time maybe ever, it didn't matter if I looked beautiful or not. I felt it.”
Scenes from Celeste are just that. Three different short scenes from Celestes Perspective. Which includes The Arrival (meeting America, Marlee and Ashley), The Kiss (Celeste tryng to seduce Maxon) and The Departure (leaving the selection).
Oh boy, I really despised Celeste throughout The Selection series but she won me over in The One. Celeste was the main villain in The Selection series and I gotta admit I loved hating her... but I loved getting to love her even more. I just wish she would have realized all her errors much sooner than she did because I would have loved to have so much more from her. In The Selection we meet this mean, manipulative, vindictive, bitter girl who was there for all the WRONG reasons. But once she realizes all her stupid petting mistakes we get to see a whole other side to her. We get to see her vulnerability and kindness and her chance at redemption. She turns out to be such a wonderfully sweet person and an even better friend to America. I love getting to see Celeste grow out of it and the ending to The One seriously Broke. My. Heart!
Anyways, Scenes from Celeste gives us a better understanding of her actions and I really loved being inside of her head even though they were extremely too damn short! I would have loved having so so much more. I recommend this to all The Selection fans out there :)
Illustration of Celeste & How I picture she'd look. [image]
Merged review:
5 Here and Now ★'s
“It hurt to think of his lips on mine, of all the possibilities he's whispered to me in darkened rooms. He felt so real, so possible.”
The Maid is in Lucy's POV (America's maid) and it takes place during The One when they are all on the plane heading back to the palace after visiting with America's family and Maxon calls them all back two days early because he's finally ready to end The selection and pick his Princess :)
This was a very short story. Only 11 pages... and in just that amount of time, I had fallen in love with it! I can't believe it actually brought tears to my eyes...more
Oh, WOW! The Queen and The Favorite were insanely good! I love each one of these stories so much but The Favorite is defentily my favorite!! I recommeOh, WOW! The Queen and The Favorite were insanely good! I love each one of these stories so much but The Favorite is defentily my favorite!! I recommend them to EVERYONE who loves The Selection series as much as I do :) [image] The Queen: ★★★★✰
“You will be the only thing in this world that is truly mine. And I will put you on a pedestal so high, it will be impossible for anyone not to adore you.”
This was surprisingly a very delightful read. I have never liked Clarkson because he was always shown as a mean hurtful tyrant and although I still don't exactly like him I got to see him through different eyes. Amberly's eyes. She is such a sweet and caring person though if you've read all the other books then you already know this about her. I didn't love the fact that she was so damn submissive, whatever he told her to do she would jump. But whatever if it worked for them then so be it! Amberly got what shes always wanted- Clarkson and a whole new life. And Clarkson got a little peace.
“You’ve kept my secrets, and I assure you, if you marry me, there will be scores more to keep. You don’t judge me or seem startled by much. You’re soothing.” His gaze traveled up to my eyes. “I’m desperate for peace. I think you might be the only chance I have at that.” I smiled. “The center of your storm?” He exhaled, looking relieved. “Yes.”
I really do believe their love for one another was genuine at least :) Overall this was really charming and such a cute short story. I loved getting a chance to see how Maxon's parents met, I just wish I knew how Clarkson went from this kind-ish boy to be such a cruel and hateful man. Everyone who loves The Selection should really take the time to read this.
Illustration of Queen Amberly & What I picture she'd look like. [image] Illustration of King Clarkson & What I picture he'd look like. [image]
“It’s a strange thing to discover how much you matter to people you didn’t really know you mattered too.” [image] “This was joy. This was love. So many words you hear about or read about and now...now I knew them.” [image] The Favorite:
“I’d rather have my last memory be of his death than suffer knowing that his last memory was of mine.”
Wow! This was a really fantastic and I must say this one is my favorite! It was such a wonderful and refreshing read, it made me smile :) This is in Marlee's POV and we get a look into Marlee and Carter's relationship, how they first met, how they fell in love and what happened to them after the caning. I love all the extra juicy details into there relationship and I really enjoyed seeing a few scenes that happened throughout The Selection series but through Marlee's eyes. I have been dying to see what exactly led up to that intense and heartbreaking moment that tore at my heartstrings in The Elite and it did not disappoint whatsoever!
I have always adored Marlee from day one when America met her on the plane on there way to the palace in The Selection. In which they became fast friends. Marlee is such an amazing character and I absolutely love her!! So to have this book and in her POV I was beyond thrilled. I love Marlee and America's friendship and her relationship with Carter melted my heart. Marlee and Carter's relationship was so beautiful and touching and the love they have for one another was so inspiring. I love that even with EVERYTHING... all that they suffered and endured they still managed to persevere. And that ending was everything I had hoped it would be and it was so so sweet :)
Illustration of Marlee & What I picture she'd look like. [image] Illustration of Carter & What I picture he'd look like. [image] [image] “I had found my soul mate. I knew it. And there was too much love in my heart to leave room for regret.” [image] “I wasn’t alone. We had each other. The pain would last temporarily, but on the other side of it, I had Carter forever. My love, forever.”...more
Both of these novellas were fast passed and really easy to read. They were not the best but still, I'm very happy I took the time to read them. I recoBoth of these novellas were fast passed and really easy to read. They were not the best but still, I'm very happy I took the time to read them. I recommend reading this especially fans of The Selection series because it does give some good insights :) [image] The Prince: ★★★✰✰
“There was something about her.. Even the way she didn't like me drew me in, and I couldn't help but smile.”
This one was just alright. I didn't love it but I can't say I hated it either. It's written in Prince Maxon's POV which was initially what drew me to want to read it in the first place. It takes place a couple of weeks before The Selection which just so happens to be on his 19th birthday. I really enjoyed the first few chapters. The ones that took place before. It was nice seeing all the work that went into the preparations for the 'lottery' that really wasn't a lottery at all! And seeing it all through Maxson's eyes. It was wonderful to be inside his head, to see his fears and doubts throughout the whole prosses and what his expectations were going into it and whether or not if he'd find love in the end. I have loved Maxon from day one and this just helped solidify it even more. He's charming, sweet, passionate, a bit sheltered and he generally cares about The Selection and each one of the girls. I also enjoyed having his thoughts on the girls as well. Especially the one he has about America :) Maxon is so damn easy to love! The last couple of chapters were retellings of Maxon and America's first couple encounters in The Selection just through Maxon instead. And they were pretty boring because of it.
Illustration of Maxon & What I picture he'd look like. [image] “If she were (looking into my eyes), she’d have seen how absolutely floored I was the first time I finally, truly saw her. The clouds moved at just the right moment, fully lighting her face by the moon. She was dazzlingly beautiful. Underneath thick lashes were eyes blue as ice, something cool to balance out the flames in her hair. I felt a strange flutter in my chest, like the glow of a fireplace or the warmth of the afternoon. It stayed there for a moment, playing with my pulse.” [image] The Guard: ★★★✰✰
“Accepting help is its own kind of strength”
The Guard was... Well, it was just an okay read I guess. I get a bit bored when there are repeat scenes from previous books. And if I'm being honest Aspen's POV really didn't add that much to the story which is sad because I was looking most forward to his. I guess I was looking for something more and sadly this just didn't deliver. And even though I distaste repeated scenes (scenes from The Elite) it was still nice getting a look into his thoughts and feelings and his desires. Aspens POV gives us insight into King Clarkson's nature, motivations, manipulative ways, and his cruelty. It was also nice getting to see the relationship's form between him and America's maids Anne, Marry and Lucy and the respect they have for him and the love they have for America. It was nice seeing Aspen's camaraderie with the other guards, especially with Avery and Tanner. Also, I enjoyed the couple scenes between Aspen and the old man who works in the stables. The old man gives some pretty good advice too :) My rating for this book has nothing to do with my liking or not liking Aspen. It's solely based on the content and the entertainment factor which was very low in my opinion. And... For the record, I have always loved Aspen ever since the first book! Not necessarily with America but because his dedication to America remains steadfast throughout EVERYTHING and he's caring, sweet and all around a wonderful person.
Illustration of Aspen & What I picture he'd look like. [image] “I pushed my lips to hers, locking her to me with a hand knotted into her hair. Stupid. So, so stupid. But right in a thousand ways. It felt like an eternity had passed since we'd kissed this deeply, but we fell into it so easily.” [image] “You’re the only thing I’ve ever wanted to fight for.”...more
“Long may she reign.” “Hail, Aelin! Queen of Terrasen!”
“Once upon a time, in a land long since burned to5 A new world. A better world. STAR'S
“Long may she reign.” “Hail, Aelin! Queen of Terrasen!”
“Once upon a time, in a land long since burned to ash, there lived a young princess who loved her kingdom …” [image] [image] ✦Possibility of Spoilers✦
*"Sweet Baby Jesus!" This. Was. Epic! Absofreankinlutely PHENOMENAL!!!*
I cried. I laughed. I cried some more. Kingdom of Ash was insanely good, it was also really funny and oh so heartbreakingly sad! I got hit with feels one after another and had a few strokes along the way. It gave me a maelstrom of emotions that I still feel days after finishing it. Which is why it's taken me so long to write this review. I had to take a step back to get my thoughts organized. Throne of Glass series was one hell of a rollercoaster ride, one I never wanted to get off. Sarah J. Maas is one talentedly brilliant women! I can't fathom how anyone could possibly hate this set of books, each book surpasses the last. The ONLY word to describe this series as a whole is E.P.I.C.!! Kingdom of Ash is action-packed, tons of adventures, full of twists and turns, fast pasted and it's very intense! I was at the edge of my seat throughout most of it. I seriously love this book/series. The world is very expansive and it just kept expanding with each passing book. The characters are outstanding every last one of them even the ones I despise *cough cough* Erawan, Maeve and most of all Cairn. Gods, he's such a bastard! All the shit he and the bitch Maeve put Aelin through for the first 30% of the book or so broke my heart and I really felt bad for her. Each character's growth is done extremely well and I love the dynamics of each relationship. I truly love Aelin and Rowan. Rowan has been my favorite since Heir of Fire. They bring out the best in one another as well as accept the darkest parts too. All the main characters are broken up into 5 different groups •Aelin, Fenrys, Maeve, and Cairn. •Aedion, Lysandra, and the army. •Rowan, Gavriel, Lorcan, and Elide. •Chaol, Yrene, Nesryn, and Sartaq. •Dorian, Manon, and the Thirteen. They all merge back together towards the end and fight the good fight in the final battle against Erawan, Maeve and the hoard of Morath. Though I must admit there was ONE thing I was really unhappy about and that was (view spoiler)[Gavriel getting reunited back with his son Aedion just to die a couple of pages later, oh that made me so mad and I thought it was such a senseless death. (hide spoiler)] Still, I was really impressed with how it all came together in the end conclusion. Nothing could deter me from giving it the full 5 ★'s. They are well deserved. The end to this very long and amazing series is a bittersweet one and I already miss these characters dearly ...more
“I’m a big, raw, bleeding heart, and I spend my days pretending not to notice that I want more. That I need more.”
My5 HINDING IN PLAIN SIGHT. ★'s
“I’m a big, raw, bleeding heart, and I spend my days pretending not to notice that I want more. That I need more.”
My Kenji & Nazeera❤ [image] [image] This was me like a 100% when finding out there was gonna be a Kenji novella!! [image]
I love Kenji! I love Kenji! I love Kenji! I love Kenji!
Kenji being a fan favorite is a bit of an understatement in my opinion! Kenji is the rock of the Shatter Me series. He's the best friend/lover everyone should want and also inspire to be. He's true to his word, loyal, brutally honest, and his sense of humor is fantastic. Kenji just has the most amazing personality. I don't know how anyone in their right mind could ever not LOVE him! His character is everything, one of my absolute favorite characters of all-time. Kenji deserves all the happiness and love in the world! I love that we got an inside look at the development of his relationship with Nazeera. I really enjoyed her character in Restore Me and this just solidified it even more. Kenji was hilarious as usual and the scenes between him and Warner was just the cherry on top. Every scene that involves those two together is always golden. And the ones with Juliette and Kenji always warms my heart.
I was beyond excited to have Kinji's POV, it's been a long time coming. I’m normally not the biggest fan of novellas, they are never quite long enough to satisfy me but Shadow Me was wonderful. This was a perfect look inside the thoughts of Kenji (everyone's favorite) and seeing the events of Restore Me unfold through his eyes. This novella just about killed me. My gosh, it was heartbreaking at times that I actually shed a few tears. It gave me a rollercoaster of emotions. Overall, this was really a great read. Though I will admit I was hoping for more back story on his life. But still, I wasn't disappointed. Mafi is an amazing writer and an absolute genius. I truly hope we get more of Kenji's POV in Defy Me.
THAT ENDING THOUGH, OMG I NEEDDefy MeLIKE RIGHT FREAKING NOW!!!!
*Btw, This cover is sooo gorgeous, love the colors!! They are always perfect to me.* [image] Here are a couple quotes I really like:
“Maybe it sounds weird to say, but I know I could love the shit out of someone. I feel it, in my heart. This capacity to love. To be romantic and passionate. Like it’s a superpower I have. A gift, even. And I’ve got no one to share it with.”
“I’m lonely but I’m not alone. My body works, my brain works, I’m alive. It’s a good life. I have to make a conscious effort to remember that. To choose to be happy every day. If I didn’t, I think my own pain would’ve killed me a long time ago.”...more
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Books:
dystopia-and-utopian
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