The Fate of the Tearling by Erika Johansen (2016)

Title: The Fate of the Tearling

Author: Erika Johansen 
Series: The Queen of the Tearling #3

Pages: 478

Published: Nov 29th 2016

Publisher: Harper, Bantam Press


The finale to the Queen of the Tearling trilogy was truly interesting. I was listening to this while painting our gate at home and I can truly say that it made it far more enjoyable.

Many secrets where revealed and questions answered. Who knew about Kelsea's mum? Or her dad? The visions got more and more interesting. I did miss listening to Lily's story but I understand that her story was told and we had to learn Katie's story. Katie's story made me question my initial interpretation of the Tearling. In my review of The Queen of the Tearling I said that I had chosen to imagine the Tearling in a Victorian style world. But I know started to question this. Katie's world is after the crossing and as far as I understand (although their lack of technology) it is very similar to our world today. They wear our type of clothes, live in our style of houses etc. And there's only a matter of years between Katie's tearing and Kelsea's Tearling, where no incredible advances in technology has been made (as far as I understand), so why should it be any different. And (SPOILER ALLERT) at the end, when Kelsea has changed history, her world seems to be very similar to today's world, but happier. I need to reread these book with a new look at the world I built up for myself.

Although I was happy with the ending, and it was satisfying as the issue was resolved and the Tearling was saved. Kelsea saved it. I still feel like there is more to tell. What happens now? Sure, Kelsea is no queen anymore (which is heartbreaking because no one will know how she saved the Tearling) but she has a new life and I feel like there could be more. The last line broke me. It gives the idea that not all is lost (when she's lost everyone she knew and loved) and I need to know what was said after "where have you been?" Give me more!! I understand why the book ended where it did, and as a plot, this was satisfying, but as a story I CRAVE MORE!!

This trilogy was such a unique take on fantasy and one of the best audiobooks I've read, even though each book was narrated by a different lady. Strongly suggest this if you crave fantasy but need something beyond castle, knights and dragons.


Plot Summary:

In less than a year, Kelsea Glynn has grown from an awkward teenager into a powerful monarch and a visionary leader.
And as she has come into her own as the Queen of the Tearling, she has transformed her realm. But in her quest to end corruption and restore justice, she has made many enemies - chief among them the evil and feared Red Queen, who ordered the armies of Mortmesne to march against the Tear and crush them.
To protect her people from such a devastating invasion, Kelsea did the unthinkable - naming the Mace, the trusted head of her personal guards, Regent in her place, she surrendered herself and her magical sapphires to her enemy. But the Mace will not rest until he and his men rescue their sovereign from her prison in Mortmesne.
So, the endgame has begun and the fate of Queen Kelsea - and the Tearling itself - will be revealed...
- Goodreads

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in the Trilogy:

The Queen of the Tearling (Queen of the Tearling #1)

The Invasion of the Tearling (Queen of the Tearling #2)

The Fate of the Tearling (Queen of the Tearling #3)

The Boy (Queen of the Tearling novella)

The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen (2015)

Title: The Invasion of the Tearling

Author: Erika Johansen 
Series: The Queen of the Tearling #2

Pages: 515

Published: Jun 9th 2015

Publisher: Harper, Bantam Press


Having a certain love for the audiobook of Queen of the Tearling I was quite disappointed when I found out that it wasn't narrated by Katherine Kellgren. Instead it was performed by Davina Porter and I was pleasantly surprised that she was just as good. These audiobooks are truly amazing.

This sequel is taking The Queen of the Tearling Trilogy one step further. This series is different from the usual high fantasy with its references to 'The Crossing' and a Land referred to as New England, New London and Europe. As if though England as we know today once existed.

And it did. In this book we get to see more of Kelsea's visions, about a young woman called Lily who lived in the United States, pre-crossing. At first, I wasn't too keen on these sections of the book, but I quickly got hooked. The bigger picture started to make itself clear and I wanted to know more and more. This is such an interesting take on fantasy where a new dystopian sci-fi sub genre is introduced and one can almost relate to the world, because it is becoming more and more similar to our own.

Kelsea herself is growing as a character as well. Strong as a queen, brave and her visions make her more interesting. It is slowly changing her appearance, strangely, and I am not quite sure what it adds to her characters apart from the fact that it doesn't change people's initial opinions of her (no matter how beautiful she becomes). Apart from visions, the sapphires have also allowed her powers which she is now experiencing - pain. And it makes her scarier to read about as it is a part of her that I do not enjoy as much - the Queen of Spades. The enemy of the Red Queen. I will leave it at that as I do not wish to spoil anymore for you.

All in all, this series has truly developed and as more things are revealed of the Tearling the more I want to know. And also, who doesn't like Pen? I quite like their relationship as it adds a subtle romantic interest but Kelsea stays true to her throne rather than love.

Plot Summary:

Kelsea Glynn is the Queen of the Tearling. Despite her youth, she has quickly asserted herself as a fair, just and powerful ruler.
However, power is a double-edged sword, and small actions can have grave consequences. In trying to do what is right - stopping a vile trade in humankind - Kelsea has crossed the Red Queen, a ruthless monarch whose rule is bound with dark magic and the spilling of blood. The Red Queen's armies are poised to invade the Tearling, and it seems nothing can stop them.
Yet there was a time before the Crossing, and there Kelsea finds a strange and possibly dangerous ally, someone who might hold the key to the fate of the Tearling, and indeed to Kelsea's own soul. But time is running out...

- Goodreads

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in the Series:

The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1)
The Invasion of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #2)
The Fate of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #3)
The Boy (The Queen of the Tearling novella)

Buy This Book on:

Amazon
Waterstones
Book Depository

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard - video review

Title: Red Queen

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Series: Red Queen #1

Pages: 383

Published: Feb 10th 2015

Publisher: HarperTeen, Orion

Video review of Victoria Aveyard's Red Queen!

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Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard - video discussion

Title: Glass Sword

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Series: Red Queen #2

Pages: 444

Published: Feb 9th 2016

Publisher: HarperTeen, Orion

Video Discussion of Victoria Aveyard's book Glass Sword, the sequel to Red Queen.

Thanks for watching and don't forget to like and subscribe to my YouTube channel here.

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen (2014)

Title: The Queen of the Tearling

Author: Erika Johansen 
Series: The Queen of the Tearling #1

Pages: 448

Published: Jul 8th 2014

Publisher: Harper, Bantam Press

This book was recommended as an audiobook by Sasha Alsberg on her YouTube channel Bookutopia and having struggled to find a good audiobook I quickly downloaded this one.

At first I didn't truly get into it but after an hour or so of listening I quickly became dependant on it. I brought it with me everywhere. First of all, the narrator of the audiobook is so good. She reads with such a soothing voice and puts on voices for all the characters so its really played out for you. I would fall asleep to this, listen to it when I did computer sketching on my course. All the time!

Kelsea is a truly strong female protagonist. She lives in a world which dominated by men, and the women who have ruled have either been vain and stupid, or sorceresses. But Kelsea is a nineteen year old girl who has been brought up alone by two servants, with a love for books and strong opinions. She will have her way, and although she will take advice from her right hand man the Maze, she will listen to her own voice. She is a good ruler because she questions her ability to rule. She is unsure and has to make hard choices but she is just and fair and has a love for her people. She reminds one of a certain Elizabeth Tudor.

Fantasy, I feel, is often set in a world inspired by medieval times, with a lack of technology and a love for royalties, knights, religion and a lack of technology. However, with the constant reference to 'the crossing' this book took fantasy to a new level. There were references to printing presses, cigarettes, authors that we know of today. In my struggle to place this book in a historical culture or society I decided to go with Victorian. Mainly because Victorian culture allows for romanticism, dresses and a historic influence. But it is also new to technology - hence a bit of steampunk. The sequel and the final book questioned my interpretation even more (everything is not as it seems) and I suggest you go into it with an open mind.

I am tempted to relisten to the book as it was so gripping and enjoyable. I also, of course, crave physical copies of the book, but this is truly an experience to listen to. Highly recommend. You will find that although this book is categorised as a YA book by many, it is actually in the Fantasy section on Waterstones and it is not for younger readers. It's quite graphic and blunt at places and covers some gruesome topics.

Plot Summary:

An untested young princess must claim her throne, learn to become a queen, and combat a malevolent sorceress in an epic battle between light and darkness in this spectacular debut - the first novel in a trilogy.

Young Kelsea Raleigh was raised in hiding after the death of her mother, Queen Elyssa, far from the intrigues of the royal Keep and in care of two devoted servants who pledged their lives to protect her. Growing up in a cottage deep in the woods, Kelsea knows little of her kingdoms haunted past... or that its fate will soon rest in her hands.

Kelsea's quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun. Riddled with mysteries, betrayals and treacherous battles, Kelsea's journey is a trial by fire that will either forge a legend... or destroy her.

- Goodreads

My Rating:

9/10

Other Books in the Series:

The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1)
The Invasion of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #2)
The Fate of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #3)
The Boy (The Queen of the Tearling novella)

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory (2005)

Title: The Constant Princess

Author: Philippa Gregory

Series: The Tudor Court Novels, The Plantagenet and the Tudor Novels

Pages: 501

Published: 2005

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

This book is about Henry VIII's first wife Katherine of Aragon. I usually saw Katherine of Aragon as the boring older wife who he divorced, because Anne Boleyn came along, and the mother of Mary Tudor (not a big fan of Bloody Mary). This book, however, looked at Katherine of Aragon in a completely different light. She was an ill treated princess for a lot of her teen age years and overlooked by the court.

Katherine of Aragon married Henry VIII's older brother Arthur first, but he died before he could become king. It is said that she married Henry because he insisted and she claimed that her marriage with Arthur was not consummated. That is what history has believed however, Philippa Gregory, as a historian has her own theory; that the marriage was consummated but that Katherine lied in order to marry Henry and become Queen, as she believed she was destined to be.

Kathrine's relationship with Arthur in this book is fictional; it is romantic and sweet and everything you could ever dream of. This novel was not about the old, boring queen that got divorced for a more exciting young queen. This novel is about a young princess from Spain, fighting for her place in court, falling in love, loosing her love and falling in love again. This queen rules and she is loved by her people.

If you have a love for historical fiction I highly recommend this book, or any of Gregory's books. It's based on historical characters and events but mixed with a perfect amount of fiction to spice things up a bit.

Plot Summary:

Katherine of Aragon is betrothed at the age of three to Prince Arthur, son and heir of Henry VII of England. She is raised to be Princess of Wales, and knows it is her destiny to rule that far-off, wet, cold land.

Her faith is tested when her prospective father-in-law greets her arrival with a great insult; Arthur seems little better than a boy; the food is strange and the customs coarse. Slowly she adapts to the first Tudor court, and life as Arthur's wife grows ever more bearable. Unexpectedly in this arranged marriage, a tender and passionate love develops.
But when the studious young man dies, she is left to make her own future: how can she now be queen, and found a dynasty?

My Rating:

8/10

Favourite Quote:

"This bride would give her a grandson, a Spanish-Tudor king for England, and a son after him, and after him: and so lay down a dynasty of Tudors that would be never-ending." - Margaret Beaufort

This couldn't be further from the truth.

Other Books in the Series:

The Constant Princess
The Other Boleyn Girl
The Boleyn Inheritance
The Other Queen
The Queen's Fool
The Virgin's Lover

These books are technically stand alone books as they have nothing in common except the historic era and the Tudor court. However, if you are unfamiliar with the history behind them you may wish to read them in the order they take place historically to get a greater picture but it is certainly not necessary.

The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi (2016)

Title: The Star-Touched Queen

Author: Roshani Chokshi

Series: The Star Touched Queen #1

Pages: 342

Published: Apr 26th 2016

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

This book is so beautiful in every way thinkable. When I first sat down to read it I somehow didn't get further than one page. There was too much going on in my life. Then I brought it to a skiing holiday in the Alps and I feel like I may have favoured reading over skiing.

If you are looking for magic this book is the book for you. The more I read the more fascinated I got with how this story didn't run out of magic. It's endless. I do recommend you pay attention to the book, especially towards the end. The end is a little complicated in its own ways and I'm not sure there's a direct answer to how everything happened (because, magic) and I often reread a page looking for what I missed out, a little confused, but realised that I just had to accept, keep reading and it all makes sense later. Magic is complicated guys.

The Star-Touched Queen is based on rich Indian mythology and the Indian culture is so beautifully described it's impossible not to fall in love with it. I cannot recall reading a book based on Indian culture and so this was new and exciting for me. I'd like to find more books within this sub genre of fantasy because one truly goes in with an open mind, yet keeps getting exciting surprises.

If you like Caraval by Stephanie Garber you should definitely pick this one up as its endless use of magic is to the same standard.

Also it beautifully written and full of amazing quotes.

Plot Summary:

Fate and fortune. Power and passion. What does it take to be the queen of a kingdom when you're only seventeen?
Maya is cursed. With a horoscope that promises a marriage of death and destruction, she has earned only the scorn and fear of her father's kingdom. Content to follow more scholarly pursuits, her whole world is torn apart when her father, the Raja, arranges a wedding of political convenience to quell outside rebellions. Soon Maya becomes the queen of Akaran and wife of Amar. Neither roles are what she expected; as Akaran's queen, she finds her voice and power. As Amar's wife she finds something else entirely: Compassion, protection, desire...
But Akaran has its own secret - thousands of locked doors, gardens of glass, and a tree that bears memories instead of fruit. Soon, Maya suspects her life is in danger. Yet who, besides her husband, can she trust? With the fate of the human and Otherworldly realms hanging in the balance, Maya must unravel an ancient mystery that spans reincarnated lives to save those she loves the most... including herself.
-Goodreads

Favourite Quote:

No matter where we are, we'll always share the same sky. We can always find each other in the same constellation.

My Rating:

10/10

Other Books in the Series:

The Star-Touched Queen (The Star-Touched Queen #1)
A Crown of Wishes (The Star-Touched Queen #2)
Death and Night (The Star-Touched Queen novella)

Estrid by Johanne Hildebrandt (2016)

Title: Estrid

Author: Johanne Hildebrandt

Series: Sagan om Valhalla

Pages: 524

Published: Oct 21st 2015

Publisher: Forum
Language: Swedish


After having nicked the prequel to this book from my grandma's bookshelf she brought this new sequel with her on her visit to England. I read is straight after Sigrid. This book takes place 15 years later and although still following the love story between Sigrid and Svend, now includes the story of her daughter Estrid. Estrid is said to have been chosen by the dark Norse God Hel and hallucinates and coughs badly along with her sickness. She has only one friend, and guardian, Katla. Katla, one of my favourite characters, has an unknown nature however and while her ending in this book made me happy it also very much upset me. Estrid goes through an internal battle between Christianity and the Norse beliefs in the Gods of Asgård. Sigrid, however, still remains faithful to the Norse Gods and is convinced that she is chosen by Freya to do her bidding on earth.

Like the previous book, Sigrid, this book is based on true characters of the Viking Age and cleverly interweaves Norse mythology and a sense of magic. It is a perfect book if you are interested in Vikings, Scandinavian history, fantasy and mythology. Even if you would just like to try something new. It is gripping and includes several perspectives of the wars going on in Scandinavia. Would strongly recommend this book if you are a fan of the TV series Vikings. It is mostly classified as a book aimed at women, and I believe that my grandma found it more enjoyable than my grandpa. Great historical fantasy.

Plot Summary:

In Estrid, the latest instalment in loved Saga about Valhalla, the love story between the Viking Age's most legendary queen and king: Sigrid Storråda and Svend Tveskeägg, continues. Follow us to the Viking Age of the 900's when Scandinavia was born from legendary kings' battles, and Valhalla's gods still stand strong against the Christians. Two children can save the world from falling into war and chaos but the battle for their lives and souls are hard, and only with the forces' help can they survive.
- translated from Goodreads

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in this Series:

Freja (Sagan om Valhalla #1)
Idun (Sagan om Valhalla #2)
Saga från Valhalla (Sagan om Valhalla #3)
Sigrid (Sagan om Valhalla #4)
Estrid (Sagan om Valhalla #5)

Book 1 to 3 work as a trilogy on their own and book 4-5 is there own series. However, it is referred to as a trilogy and I suspect there will be a 6th book.

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (2016)

Title: Glass Sword

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Series: Red Queen #2

Pages: 444

Published: Feb 9th 2016

Publisher: HarperTeen, Orion


This is one of the best sequels I have ever read. I'm sometimes critical towards sequels because there can be such a big change in the plot and narrative between the first and second book, naturally. Sometimes I prefer how a series started out than how it ended up and the first book is usually my favourite. Glass Sword however, does not disappoint in the slightest. It is easily one of the best sequels I have ever read and only adds to the story of the first book.

So many new characters were introduced and I think all of them contributed to the direction this story was taking. I took immense interest in all of them. As for Mare, her character started to scare me towards the end. I didn't truly recognise her and I almost built up a dislike for her behaviour, similar to Cal. Although I am a massive Cal and Mare fan I almost took his side at moments. Not that I didn't understand Mare, and there were good reasons for her behaviour, but naturally I almost stood back in disgust - even though I didn't want too. This is however a positive point. Not all protagonists should be liked, it would be incredibly unrealistic.

The plot has taken an incredibly interesting turn of events and this has truly turned into an action filled adventurous sic-fi. I loved how organised they were in finding new bloods and how they spent time housing them and training them. There were clearly mistakes made on the way and dangers but you'd be surprised how extremely well it was handled by such young people. Praise!

As mentioned above I am the most pleased with the fact that this is such a successful sequel. Red Queen was also extremely good but I'm just very pleasantly surprised by this satisfying sequel.

And on a side note: I totally ship Farley and Shade. No matter the ending.

Plot Summary:

I was born to kill a king, to end a reign of terror before it can truly begin.
Mare Barrow's blood is red, the colour of common folk, but her Silver ability - the power to control lightning - has turned her into a weapon that the Silver court will do anything to destroy.
With no one left to trust, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join the uprising. But Mare is treading a deadly path. Will she shatter under the weight of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?
-back of Book

Favourtie Quote:

"We seem weak because we want to" - Shade from Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

My Rating:

10/10

Other Books by Victoria Aveyard:

Red Queen (Red Queen #1)
Glass Sword (Red Queen #2)
King's Cage (Red Queen #3)
Queen Song (Red Queen novella)
Steel Scars (Red Queen novella)

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (2015)

Title: Red Queen

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Series: Red Queen #1

Pages: 383

Published: Feb 10th 2015

Publisher: HarperTeen, Orion


Bought this book along with the sequel back in 2016 and didn't find time to get into it until. Recently however, I felt this incredible urge to get into it so here I am mind blown and scarred for life. I had expectations of this books or rather I thought I knew what kind of book it was but I was wrong. I was expecting high fantasy, magic and stuff. A little along the lines with Throne of Glass or Queen of the Tearling. I was wrong. This is more along the lines of The Jewel. It is more sic-fi than fantasy and there is plenty technology. I was prepared for technology but it plays a huge part of the plot. Although the cover is not misleading in any way, but rather discrete I was convinced that it was a high fantasy book (I hand't even read the back).

Furthermore, and if you haven't read the book I suggest you skip this paragraph of the review. People were talking all over BookTube about this mind-blowing plot twist in Red Queen. So of course, I'm prepared for this plot twist and I keep it in mind the whole time while I'm reading. And as much as I'd like to ignore the fact that someone is going to betray Mare I start speculating and I wasn't as surprised as I would've been. Lesson for the future: stay away from BookTube. We all know that's not going to happen. I'm just saying, be careful with reading/watching reviews and discussion before you've read the book. You may enjoy it more after you've read it and can truly understand and join in. It's also made me realise that I should probably be careful to not spoil too much for you guys.

This book was a kind of mix of Divergent, Hunger Games, and The Jewel. Except it was better than hunger games and divergent put together. It was so gripping, not a single calm moment but action filled from the first to last page. Read it in two days from literal obsession.

I felt like the characters truly came alive. They were deep and had layers and layers to be explored. No one character could be truly stereotyped and it was refreshing to have such a diverse set of characters. It played with the idea that people are not simply evil or good and that people think approach issues differently.

Absolutely brilliant book. The new great YA sic-fi. I would love to see this on the big screen.

Plot Summary:

This is a world divided by blood. 
The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possessions of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow - a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.
But Mare possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.
Fearful of her potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess. Knowing that one false move will mean her death, Mare must use her new position to bring down the regime - from the inside.
Now Mare has created a game of betrayal and lies.
This is Red against Silver, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart...
- Back of Book

Favourite Quote:

'Anyone can betray anyone'

More Books in the Series:

Red Queen (Red Queen #1)
Glass Sword (Red Queen #2)
King's Cage (Red Queen #3)
Queen Song (Red Queen novella)
Steel Scars (Red Queen novella)

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.

The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco (2017)

Title: The Bone Witch

Author: Rin Chupeco

Series: The Bone Witch #1

Pages: 411

Published: Mar 7th 2017

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire


This eGalley was given to me for free in exchange for an honest review by Sourcebooks Fire via NetGalley.

I was completely captured by the cover for this book and it did not disappoint. This book is a fantasy following the journey of young Tea who is training to become an asha (who in description really reminded me of geishas) , a bone witch who guards the population from daevas, dragon like creatures.

The book is slow, but in a good way. It is very descriptive and everything is clearly beautiful in this world. It is not slowly as to make you bored, but rather there is a lot of world building and Chupeco truly takes her time in describing and revealing details of that world for the reader. There were a lot of different new words (I believe there is a glossary in the printed version, which would've been very helpful). It is a cozy, beautiful read, rather than an action filled fantasy. While there is no definite information about sequels or how long this potential series could be this first book felt like it was setting up the situation and world for the following books (if there are any). The Bone Witch did not end completely in a cliff hanger but prepares us for more and I'll be truly disappointed if I don't get to know what happens after.

The Bone Witch was written from two perspectives. The first (and major) was of the young Tea while she is training to become a Bone Witch. It is first person and told more in past tense as if though Tea is looking back at this. The second is more abstract. It is from the point of view of a story teller who is visiting a girl (supposedly Tea, although this is not clarified). This is at the end of each chapter, and much shorter. It seems to be told in present time. I got the feeling that the journey of Tea is leading up to this storyline of the girl. I realise, when I'm trying to explain this, that it may sound complicated, but it truly isn't. It's rather clever and I liked the interlocking narratives.

I would definitely recommend this as a different, more low key fantasy. I see it more as a magical book than a high fantasy. And although there are dragons it is not very action filled. As a first book of a series this looks very promising and I would highly recommend it because I truly enjoyed this.

Plot Summary:

The beast raged; it punctured the air with its spine. But the girl was fiercer. 
Tea is different from the other witches in her family. Her gift for necromancy makes her a bone witch, who is feared and ostracized in the kingdom. For theirs is a powerful, elemental magic that can reach beyond the boundaries of the living - and of the human.
- Goodreads

Favourite Quote:

"Return to me once you have entered a mind from where three heads sprout" - The Oracle from The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books by this Rin Chupeco:

The Girl from the Well
The Suffering

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.

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)

A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 4) by George R. R. Martin

Title: A Feast for Crown
Author: George R.R. Martin
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire #4
Pages: 1061
Published: Oct 17th 2005
Publisher: Bantam Books


This book is thick. But good. It focuses only on the characters that are Kings Landing which I think was good and bad. It made one understand what was going on in one place and things made sense. But I missed Deanarys and John Snow and the rest of the characters in this colossal story. At least Tyrion was present throughout and his story was the most thrilling.

The ending was absolutely thrilling. I really started to like Oberyn Martell and I really miss his cocky attitude now. It added some spark to King's Landind I thought. Tyrion's ending is incredibly exciting to read and I can't wait till his next book.

I find it quite hard to write about these books because so much happens in them and I don't know where to starts without spoiling things. Because that would be a shame I think and then you wouldn't want to read them, which I understand.

Plot Summary:

The Lannisters are in power on the Iron Throne.

The war in the Seven Kingdom has burned itself out, but in its bitter aftermath new conflicts spark to life. The Martells of Dorne and the Starks of Winterfell seek revenge for the dead. Euron Crow's Eye, as black a pirate as ever raised a sail, returns from the smoking ruins of Valyria to claim the Iron Isles.

From the icy north, where Others threaten the Wall, apprentice Maester Samwell Tarly brings a mysterious babe in arms to the Citadel. As plots, intrigue and battle threaten to engulf Westeros, victory will go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel and the coldest hearts.

My Rating:

9/10

It's terribly long and I missed some of my favorite characters, but the ending was wicked!

Other books in this series:

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 1)

A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 2)

A Storm of Swords 1: Steel and Snow (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 3 Part 1)

A Storm of Swords 2: Blood and Gold (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 3 Part 2)

A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 4)

A Dance with Dragons 1: Dreams and Dust (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 5 Part 1)

A Dance with Dragons 2: After the Feast (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 5 Part 2)

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 1) by George R. R. Martin

Title: A Game of Thrones

Author: George R.R. Martin

Series: A Song of Ice and Fire

Pages: 835

Published: Aug 6th 1996

Publisher: Bantam

I must say that I love these series. And there is only going to be minor criticism.

I heard about the TV series when they first came out in 2011, the posters were everywhere. Not having Sky however, I had a major problem and couldn't watch it (but believe me, I was dying for it). It had everything I could ask for: fantasy, history, dragons, magic, costumes, castles, royalties. I love that kind of stuff. Guilty.

So I bought the book. I got it at WHSmith for half price for buying The Fault in our Stars as well. This was back in 2012 and my mum had forbidden me to buy a new book unless I finished five because I had a ridiculous amount of unread books at home (I love buying books, don't have as much time to read them all). I bought them anyways and hid them. True story.

Anyways, onto the book. I love it. Not having watched the TV series I built my own interpretations of the characters and it was wonderful. The Stark children are younger which I appreciate because being 14 at the time, they were still older and I could really connect with them. They were still older than me. It took me a few chapters to understand which bastard was which, but we got there in the end.

The chapters I enjoyed the most were John Snow's, Daenarys and Arya's. I can't remember if I loved or hated Tyrions chapters. I love them nowadays and have loved them for a good while because he's so much like me in the way he behaves and his attitude. Please don't judge now.

However, the chapters I could not stand were Caitlyn's. I didn't like her as a character. I understood her, but I didn't like her. I didn't like Bran's too much either. Mainly because there were so many of them and I felt like we weren't getting anywhere. Now, I don't like politics, mainly because I don't understand a thing about it and can't be bother (I know, it's bad) and Ned's chapters were full of politics. I learnt to like it though because A Game of Thrones wouldn't get anywhere without politics. A fight between seven kingdoms. WITHOUT POLITICS?! Not possible. Sorry mate. I don't think I realized how much I appreciated Ned's character until the very end when I knew that I would read no more chapter of him. I wondered how the series could possibly go on without him. He died after the first book and it pretty much centred around him. I was wrong.

I love the world. Just like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings it was been so well thought through. Not a plot hole. The fact that it's based on pieces of history that I enjoy a lot, like the War of the Roses, makes me understand it better. It was probably the first proper fantasy book I pick now I've opened up to that genre completely. When I go into bookstores I go straight to that shelf. I always loved fantasy films but never really read anything until I picked this book up so thank you very much!

Plot Summary:

Summer span decades. Winter can last a lifetime. And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun.

As Warden of the north, Lord Eddard Stark counts  it a curse when King Robert bestows on him the office of the Hand. his honour weighs him down at court wher a true man does what he will, not what he must... and a dead enemy is a thing of beauty.

The old gods have no power in the south, Stark's family is split and there is treachery at court. Worse, the vengeance-mad heir of the Dragon King has grown to maturity in exile in the free Cities. He claims the Iron Throne.

-as by the book cover

My Rating:

10/10

Other books in this Series:

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 1)
A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 2)
A Storm of Swords 1: Steel and Snow (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 3 Part 1)
A Storm of Swords 2: Blood and Gold (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 3 Part 2)
A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 4)
A Dance with Dragons 1: After the Feast (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 5 Part 1)
A Dance with Dragons 2: Dreams and Dust (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 5 Part 2)

Available on:

Amazon
Book Depository
Waterstone

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory (2003)

Title: The Other Boleyn Girl 

Author: Philippa Gregory

Series: The Tudor Court Novels, The Plantagenet and the Tudor Novels

Pages: 661

Published: May 21st 2003

Publisher: Scribner

This book is one of my favourites. It is told in first person narrative from Mary Boleyn's point of view and is set during the Renaissance over a number of years. It has not chapters but rather sections of the year and season. I originally read this book in Swedish because my grandma had all the books in the series and. She doesn't really read in English so I took all the books and started with this one because I'd seen the film a while ago.

The book is more about Mary than Anne which I think is good because you get the view of someone who stood Anne close. Now this book is classified as historical fiction rather than non-fiction because it's based on historical events and facts, but Gregory has made up the plot based on what she knows. I think it's done very effectively because you learn from it, but you don't read a history book; hence the genre historical fiction.

I highly recommend this book for any history/royalty lovers. Historical fiction at it's best! Philippa is one of my favourite authors. She writes in such a capturing way you absolutely fall in love with it!

Plot Summary:

When Mary Boleyn comes to court as an innocent girl of fourteen, the catches the eye of Henry VIII. Dazzled, Mary falls both in love with her golden prince and her growing role as unofficial queen. However, she soon realises just how much she is a pawn in her family's ambitious plots and the king's  interest begins to wane and she is forced to step aside for her best friend and rival: her sister, Anne. Then, Mary knows that she must defy her family and her king and take fate in her own hands. 
- Goodreads

My Rating:

10/10
Favourite historical novel of all time.

Other Books in the Series:

The Constant Princess
The Other Boleyn Girl
The Boleyn Inheritance
The Other Queen
The Queen's Fool
The Virgin's Lover

These books are technically stand alone books as they have nothing in common except the historic era and the Tudor court. However, if you are unfamiliar with the history behind them you may wish to read them in the order they take place historically to get a greater picture but it is certainly not necessary.

Available on:

Amazon
Book Depository
Waterstones