Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer (2017)

Title: Letters to the Lost

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Pages: 393

Published: Apr 4th 2013

Publisher: Bloomsbury

I got this book from WHSmith as it was buy one get one free with the Zoella Book Club. I didn't get the whole Book Club set but got this one together with 'After the Fire' by Will Hill. I couldn't help myself, they looked like such good summer reads.

I was in the middle of reading the Percy Jackson books and although I truly wanted to finish the series I couldn't stop thinking about how much I wanted to read Letters to the Lost so I simply took a break and how long did it take me to read this book? One day. ONE DAY. I was hooked.

The idea behind this book itself is so original and clever. Who thinks of something like this. Naturally I was sat there the whole book knowing more than the characters (dramatic irony!!) because it was written from both Juliet and Declan's point of view. I loved this layout and it kept my interest going the whole way through. The letters and the two different perspectives allows to the reader to know more about the characters. I know Juliet through herself, through Declan's point of view and through the letters she writes. I don't think I've ever connected so much with characters and they are so deep, so three diminutional - so real.

Although I cannot say that I have gone through any of what Juliet or Declan has gone through (I have not lost a family member) I can say that I truly value the opportunity to write to someone I trust. It may be over text and it may not be anonymous, but Cemetery Girl's and The Dark's openness with each other reminded me of a friend I know I can talk to and that hit deep. 

But the book wasn't just deep and understanding, it was funny and it made me laugh. And it's a happy ending. In a way it's a happy story with just so many memories of pain. But it's their journey to getting better.

Minor Spoiler! This book has one kiss. One kiss and it's at the very end. There are no hot scenes or declarations of love, yet it's one of the truest love stories I have ever read. And I was so nervous through it all, so excited, but my head didn't scream "KISS HER!" This love was deeper than that and evolved from something more personal than just boy needs girl. Is this a fluffy romance? Yes, to an extent. But you won't get the romantic first date. You'll get something much more exciting.

Plot Summary:

Juliet Young has always written letters to her mother. Even after her mother's death, she leaves letters at her grave. It's the only thing that helps Juliet cope.

Declan Murphy is the kind of tough guy you wouldn't want to cross. But while on community service doing landscaping at the local cemetery, he is haunted by ghosts of his own past.

When Declan finds a letter left beside a grave, he can't resist writing back. Soon he is sharing his pain with a perfect stranger... Except they're not strangers, and when real life inter fears with their secret life of letters, Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart.

Favourite Quote:

"I didn't know you could feed a baby Thai food" - Declan

My Rating:

10/10

Other Books by Brigid Kemmerer:

Storm (Elemental #1)

Spark (Elemental #2)

Spirit (Elemental #3)

Secret (Elemental #4)

Sacrifice (Elemental #5)

Elemental (Elemental novella)

Breathless (Elemental novella)

Fearless (Elemental novella)

Strife

More Than We Can Tell

A Curse so Dark and Lonely

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas - video review

Title: Throne of Glass

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass #1

Pages: 404

Published: Aug 2nd 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Amazing first book of the series Throne of Glass.

This video is also available on my YouTube channel WickedIdeas here.

Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige (2016)

Title: Stealing Snow
Author: Danielle Paige
Series: Stealing Snow #1
Pages: 375
Published: Sep 30th 2016
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens


This e-book was given to me for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My opinion about this book is mixed and there were moments when I really enjoyed it and then moments when I just wanted it to be over.

This book is based on the fairytale of the The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson and I was dumb enough to assume it was based on Snow White. Paige did trick the reader slightly to believe this and it was clever enough for me to laugh at myself for being in the wrong.

I found the plot a bit confusing. First she was in the mental hospital Whittaker and as she entered Algid she was taken care of by the River Witch and her apprentice Gerda along with her friend Kai. I liked this bit of the story and found the characters gripping. I wanted more.

But as soon as it had started Snow then moved on to the Claret, the head quarters of the Robber Girls where the plot seemed to change. I did not enjoy this part of the book as much and it felt like it was just dragging along. There were too many strange magical things that I just didn't enjoy reading about. I'm just simply not a fan of purple pasta that tastes like chocolate. The Robber faces creeped me out and reminded me out the house of Black and White in 'The Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R.R. Martin.

The ending had a plot twist which I couldn't decide whether I liked or not. It changed the plot, but I'm not sure if I was in favour of it or not. I wasn't left longing for more and I doubt that I will read the following books in the series unfortunately.

This book is suitable for the YA fantasy, fairytale retelling genre but I felt that it was too much for me. It all seemed a bit like a bucket of glitter had been thrown over this magical land and it all went a bit mental. I do enjoy magical lands, but this went to the extent that it wasn't believable and I simply couldn't immerse with the world. There is no lack of Paige's creative mind and imagination but I found that it went over board and I was overwhelmed with some things that I found bizarre. Unfortunately I found that this was the case with 'Dorothy Must Die', which I didn't finish for the same reasons.

Plot Summary:

First kisses sometimes wake slumbering princesses, undo spells and spark happily ever afters. 

Mine broke Bale.

Seventeen-year-old Snow has spent her life locked in Whittaker Psychiatric - but she isn't crazy. And that's not the worst of it. Her very first kiss proves anything but innocent...when Bale, her only love, turns violent.

Despite Snow knowing that Bale would never truly hurt her, he is taken away - dashing her last hope for any sort of future in the mental ward she calls home. With nowhere else to turn, Snow finds herself drawn to a strange new orderly who whispers secrets in the night about a mysterious past and a kingdom that's hers for the taking - if only she can find her way past the iron gates to the Tree that has been haunting her dreams.

Beyond the Tree lies Algid, a land far away from the real world, frozen by a ruthless king. And there too await the River Witch, a village boy named Kai, the charming theif Jagger, and a prophesy that Snow will save them all.

Favourite Quote:

"I took a bite of purple pasta. It melted in my mouth with  a delicate, sweet, almost chocolaty taste."

My Rating:

6/10

I took too many breaks while reading this book.

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas (2014)

Title: Heir of Fire

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #3
Pages: 565
Published: Sep 2nd 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children


In the third instalment of the 'Throne of Glass' series, 'Heir of Fire', Sarah J. Maas has brought this young adult high fantasy series to a new level. We have moved away from the King's court and actions have a larger, more political meaning. Our assassin is no longer just Celeana Sardothian, Arobynn Hamel's heir. No, she is Aelin Galathynius, heir to Terrasen and fae.

This book had me hooked from the first page, it was so intriguing. This book is at a completely different place than where we started off in 'Throne of Glass'. Things are getting serious and we're starting to see the bigger picture. The book is significantly longer and more complicated, but stays true to the young adult high fantasy genre. Definitely one of the best high fantasy series out there, especially for young adults who don't want to be overwhelmed by 900 pages long books full of complicated politics and names. 'Heir of Fire' is easy to follow, yet constantly intriguing and has you captured by its plot and characters.

As plots unfold and questions are answered, new characters are introduced. Heir of Fire is an incredible example of strong and fascinated characters. I sometimes find myself nervous with new characters, being afraid that they may take up to much space in the novel or ruin exciting relationships or influence the plot in a negative way. This was not the case. Our new character Rowan was an absolutely positive character that improved not just the plot, but Celeana as a character. He brought out things of her personality that made me laugh and cry at random places and I appreciated that their relationship was at a friendly basis rather than leading into romance. Personally I still have faith in Celeana and Chaol, despite what happened in the second book, and I hope, for both of their sakes that they solve their feud.

Aedion was an interesting character that I at first found myself hard to get my head around, not unlike Chaol. He appeared like the dominant self centred male character until later on in the book where his emotions shine through. Sarah J. Maas has managed to created a series with constantly new characters, that all have such depth. Having said that, I did struggle to connect with Manon several times. Manon had some really interesting chapters that added to the plot, but I found myself wanting to rather read about the other characters that I already knew or truly felt for. It's clear, however, that Manon's chapters have meaning and are important for the further books and I believe I'll enjoy her story more later.

Plot Summary:

"Consumed by guilt and rage Celaena can't bring herself to spill blood for the King of Adarlan. She must fight back...

The Immortal Queen will help her destroy the king - for a price. But as Celaena battles with her darkest memories and her heart breaks for a love that could never last, can she fulfil the bargain and head the almighty court of Terrasen? And who will stand with her?"

- back of book

Favourite Quote:

'What are you doing?'

'What?'

Emrys didn't raise his voice as he said, 'To that girl. What are you doing that makes her come in here with such emptiness in her eyes?'

'That's none of your concern.'

Emrys pressed his lips into a tight line. 'What do you see when you look at her, Prince?'

He didn't know. These days, he didn't know a damn thing. 'That's none of your concern either.'

Emrys ran a hand over his weathered face. 'I see her slipping away, bit by bit, because you shove her down when she so desperately needs someone to help her back up.

- Emrys and Rowan from 'Heir of Fire ' by Sarah J. Maas

My Rating:

9/10

Only brought it down one because I'm still getting to know Manon and adapting to a storyline where Chaol and Celaena are not together.

Other Books in These Series:

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel)

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)

Emperor of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)

This review is also available on YouTube on Wicked Ideas.

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas (2012)

Title: The Assassin's Blade
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass (Prequel)
Pages: 430
Published: Mar 4th 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens


This book has been in my brother's book shelf for almost two years. I even helped my mum pick it out for him. I didn't realise it was the prequel to the Throne of Glass series until after I had started reading it and I thought I recognised the cover on the inside of the book. So I asked to borrow it (it has a home on my bookshelf though) and brought this with me to Antigua on holiday together with the second book 'Crown of Midnight' as I didn't own the third book. I am very happy that I read it then and not until after the series.

I highly recommend you read this book before the fourth book 'Queen of Shadows'!!!

These short stories stretch of a period of time a year before Celeana gets sent to the salt mines in Endovier when she still lives Arobynn Hamel's heir and assassin in the Assassin's Guild in Rifthold. It is a series of five short stories written in the order they take place in Celeana's life. Technically they are all part of one complete book, but are written so that one can read them separately (they were originally published as separate e-books). However, I recommend you read the book front to back as it will make more sense. The short stories are all written in chapter form so it feels almost as reading a normal novel rather than novellas. The stories tell Celeana's missions and tasks set by Arobynn and her relationship with Sam (who is mentioned in the Throne of Glass novels as a former lover).

When reading this I gained a deeper understanding for Celeana and understood her better in the following books in the series. I understood the references and her reasoning. It was very helpful to have read this before 'Queen of Shadows' as people will reoccur and it will make Celeana's relationship with Arobynn much more understandable. I felt like I truly connected with Celeana her and understood her deeper feelings and got a true insight to her background.

While reading 'Throne of Glass' I almost thought that Celeana's references to Sam was a obstacle in the way of Celeanas potential relationship with Chaol (or Dorian for that matter) but reading this book I truly fell in love with Sam and when I realised what had to happen in the end it killed me. The worst is knowing what is going to happen and you can't do anything to stop it and the future you start building up for the two is not a possibility at all. It leaves you in a form of dramatic irony where you know Celeana's future and she has a completely different view on it. It is completely heartbreaking and agonisingly hard to come to terms with. I recommend reading this as a complementary book to the 'Throne of Glass' novels as it will give you more insight and understanding for Celeana and her life.

Plot Summary:

The twist of a knife, 

the birth of a legend...

Celeana Sardothien owes her reputation to Arobynn Hamel. He gave her a home in the Assassin's Guild and taught her the skills she needed to survive.

Arobynn's enemies stretch far and wide - from Adarlan's rooftops and its filthy dens, to remote islands and hostile desert. Celeana is duty-bound to hunt them down. But behind her assignments lies a dark truth that will seal her fate - and cut her heart in two forever...

The prequels to the international bestseller Throne of Glass.

- as off the back of the book

Favourite Quote:

'"When we die," she said, "I don't think the gods will even know what to do with us." '- Celeana in 'The Assassin's Blade' by Sarah J. Maas

My Ranking:

9/10

Of course it is harder to settle with a book when the all the characters you've come to love is not included. Nevertheless, for being a prequel this book was fantastic and Sarah J. Maas does not disappoint!

Other Books in this Series:

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel)

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)

Other Books by Sarah J. Maas:

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas (2013)

Title: Crown of Midnight
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #2
Pages: 418
Published: Aug 27th 2013
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens


I brought this book with me on Holiday to Antigua when I went with my friends this summer and I was reading an unhealthy amount for a week with your friends. I finished this book when we were on the balcony and I just threw the book really hard on the floor when my theory was confirmed (and trust me, and I was insanely nervous that my theory wouldn't be correct because I desperately wanted it to be). This may or may not have startled my friends you know.

I swear from the moment Celeana first mentioned Aelin's name I had a feeling she was or had a very deep connection to her. What I didn't know from the beginning was that she may be fae. Yes, we knew that she had a connection to them in the first book where she defended the fae and found flowers by her tent the next day in the way to the King for the competition. So I had my theory as Chaol did the research in the end and was terrified that he wouldn't get it or that my theory was wrong and my joy when he found out!! I felt superior for once when reading a book and no dramatic irony was used.

I am so grateful that Celeana finally admitted that Chaol is the one. Every scene with them was heaven. The waltzing scene and the birthday scene etc. I was hooked. But then Nehemia got herself killed (literally) and it ruined Chaol and Celeana's relationship! I think Celeana was too harsh at judging Chaol, but Chaol also made a stupid mistake. I understand how upset Celeana was, who wouldn't be?, but she was unreasonably angry at Chaol and blaming him for everything.

Let's just talk about the ending for a second. That kick ass climax! It was gorgeous. Different worlds. Dorian having powers. Celeana being fae!!! This is heading into such a good direction. The plot is starting to develop an we start seeing where this is going and it's affecting not just the court or Adarland now, but the whole kingdom which is always a plus in fantasy. 

And before I forget, praise for Chaol running after fleet foot. 

Plot Summary:

Crowned by Evil.
Bound by Duty.
Divided by Love.

Celaena Sardothien, royal assassin, is the King of Adarlan's deadliest weapons. She must win her freedom through his enemies' blood - but she cannot bear to kill for the crown. And every death Celeana fakes, every lie she tells, puts those she loves at risk.

Torn between her two protectors - a captain and a prince - and battling a dark force far greater than the king, Celaena must decide what she will fight for: her liberty, her heart or the fate of a kingdom...

Favourtie Quote:

'Dance with me, Celaena.' - Chaol from 'Crown of Midnight' by Sarah J. Maas
'In that moment, after ten long years, Celaena looked at Chaol and realised she was home.' - Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

My Rating:

10/10
Chaolaena all the way!!! Finally!

Other Books in this Series:

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel)

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)

Other Books by Sarah J. Maas:

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (2012)

Title: Throne of Glass
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #1
Pages: 404
Published: Aug 2nd 2012
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens


It's taken me so long to get to read these books. And is been all over booktube and bookstagram. When I finally got to it though I read half of it in a day (I know, not in one sitting) but I was crazy obsessed.

I absolutely loved the genre!! For those of you who have read high fantasy such as A Song of Ice And Fire series by George R.R. Martin (aka Game of Thrones) there's always loads of politics, dual narratives and characters. But this book managed without crazy complications. There we're enough characters and narratives to keep track of. Nothing got confusing but not once did I get bored because it wasn't enough.

The characters were really strong. I liked that Celeana wasn't just a badass assassin without emotion or girly aspects. She may have had boyish aspects but she loved her dresses and shoes and she liked reading!! Her sass was amazing. This is probably why I like Tyrion so much in A Song of Ice and Fire. All the witty remarks!!! I haven't read much about the love aspect of Throne of Glass online because I didn't want my views of he characters to be affected by other people's opinions but personally I am more of a Chaol person. Why was she attracted to Dorian so much? I love his kindness and the fact that he has a library etc but Chaol is the one! I can't express how much I love his character. The only thing that bothers me is his incredible loyalty to the King, but his loyalty still makes him a good and loyal person. I can't find anything bad except for the fact that he can't admit that he has feelings for Celeana and it's crystal clear that he has. I just think Celeana should be with Chaol an I don't understand why she chooses Dorian. Nehemia's character was another good addition for Celeana's girlier side. She was clearly involved in the greater plot and I thought just like Celeana for a moment that she might be responsible for the murders.

I thought Throne of Glass was almost like a mix between The Hungergames, Divergent and A Song of Ice and Fire. The Hungergames because there was a competition where there could only be one winner and she had to train for it. Also, archery. Divergent because people was eliminated, but not necessarily killed and similarly trains for it. If Celeana had fallen for Chaol it would have been incredibly similar. And of course A Song of Ice and Fire because of the fantasy and magic and similarity in setting.

As most of you will know Throne of Glass is inspired by Cinderella, as implied by the title. She also dresses up for a masquerade even though she's not allowed to go and dances with the prince.

The magic is very cleverly interwoven with the narrative and the involvement of several other characters. The link to the past Queen is also a great satisfaction as it creates two challenges for Celeana that she has to solve or achieve.

Plot Summary:

Meet Celeana Sardothien.
Beautiful. Deadly.
Destined for Greatness.

In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake. She got fought.

Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celeana must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament - fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celeana will be free. Win or loose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin's heart be melted?

- as on the back of the book

Favourite Quote:

"I can survive well enough on my own - if given the proper reading materials." - Celeana from 'Throne of Glass' by Sarah J. Maas

My Rating:

10/10
Completely hooked!

Other Books in this Series:

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel)
Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)
Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)
Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)
Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)

Other Books by this Sarah J. Maas:

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)