KEEP CALM AND LOVE BOOKS: monarchy

Pages: 420 pages

Publication Date: November 19th 2013 (first published January 1st 2013)

Publisher: Penguin Group

ISBN: 1595143203 (ISBN13: 9781595143204)

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the wolds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her...

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure — and re-education — looms larger than ever.

Now, What I Thought:

This was different from all of the other books! We have 2 P.O.V's in this, which was cool because we finally get to read about Adrian's thought process. So, Zoe is annoying. Simple as that, and this is me being nice. I really hate her, I can't put it straight enough! She bugged me so much, she always seemed to be on her sister's side yet at the first chance, she rats her out to her father and guess what? Sydney is in trouble now and all I want to do is slice Zoe's throat.

I feel like Sydney and Adrian were a little dull in this book, meaning that they just weren't themselves. They were careless and got too comfortable. Sydney wasn't smart enough to realize when something was wrong and we didn't see the normal, very analytic thinking person I really liked from the first book and Vampire Academy.

Adrian was almost exactly like that. It felt like he, too, wasn't himself because he was way too overly in love with Sydney and his mistakes, along with hers, threaten now all of their lives and not to mention the only reason they're there, Jill. It was just so frustrating how stupid they could be and just not think with their heads in this book! I felt like screaming at them a lot of the times just to talk some sense into their brains and shout out the obvious.

I really liked how we got to go to the Royal Court, and we see everyone! That was probably my favourite scene in the whole book. There was so much drama that happened it was just so juicy! We get so many fights and a huge battle which was total Vampire Academy like. I loved it! It was so cute to see how Sydney and Adrian were trying to hide their relationship from their friends because we all saw how that worked out for Rose and Dimitri.

I really did like this book, but it was not my favourite. I didn't like the ending, something bad happens and I totally know I'm going to get so frustrated in next book. So, all in all, it was a good instalment in the series and while I am frustrated and mad how the series turned, I am excited to see how Adrian and the gang can save Sydney from this drama.

alchemists - 3:02:00 PM

The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines #4) by Richelle Mead | Review

Pages: 420 pages Publication Date: November 19th 2013 (first published January 1st 2013) Publisher: Penguin Group ISBN: 159514...

Pages: 342 pages

Publication Date: May 5th 2015 by HarperTeen

ISBN: 0062349856 (ISBN13: 9780062349859)

Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. Eadlyn doesn’t expect her Selection to be anything like her parents’ fairy-tale love story. But as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn’t as impossible as she always thought.

Now, What I Thought:

Wow, 20 years in the future and now we have America and Maxon's daughter, Eadlyn. Clearly the name choices haven't gotten better, I mean you have Eadlyn, Henri, Ean, Kile, Ahren, Aspen and plenty more weirdly spelled names haha. As much as the concept of this novel is pretty dumb and over-exhausted, Keira Cass just has such an addictive way of writing that you can't put the book down! I loved the Selection series, where we were reading through America's P.O.V., but to add on her daughter's experience with this stupid competition.. I don't know, I really didn't think it was going to work. But like I said before, it was super addictive and I actually read it in one sitting. I think just the idea of a bunch of guys fighting for this one girl's attention was so juicy that we had to read and actually like it. If I hadn't said before I'll say it now, I really did like this book, and I'm super excited for the next in Eadlyn's P.O.V.

Eadlyn, to say the least, was and still is a brat. She's a bratty little snob and know-it-all. Sorry but it's true and many would agree. I did however like the storyline, surprisingly. Again, something about all these men fighting for her hand in marriage is so juicy and I think we all just covet her secretly. It also doesn't help that these guys are supposedly attractive, smart, foreign, and you name it. I'm pretty sure by the end of the book I knew who she would ultimately end up with because it's pretty obvious. As for America..... she definitely changed I found, maybe because of the crown or power but she was just not the same. Maxon however, really impressed me when he was in 'daddy mode.' I liked how he took charge of things and actually listened to his daughter and spoke to her to make sure she was alright with his, being as he had to go through it once before.

Anyways, I'm really excited for the next book to come out and I'll be counting down the days to read it! It was an interesting enough story and really addictive. Hope the next one is even better!!!

dystopia - 12:26:00 AM

The Heir (The Selection #4) by Kiera Cass | Review

Pages: 342 pages Publication Date: May 5th 2015 by HarperTeen ISBN: 0062349856 (ISBN13: 9780062349859) Twenty years ago, Ameri...

Pages: 416 pages

Publication Date: May 5th 2015 by Bloomsbury Children's

ISBN: 1619634449 (ISBN13: 9781619634442)

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it... or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Now, What I Thought:

This was a mix between Throne of Glass and Game of Thrones. This book was a huge hit! I couldn't not read it, it was a really cool concept on this whole fae fantasy genre. So in this world, the humans and fae share the land, but there's a magical wall dividing them. The humans are aware of the existence of the faeries, but they're dangerous and murderous if given the chance. It was said that a long time ago, they would take humans as slaves but now there are laws against that, except for those few fae that go through the wall for any reason. Well, Feyre was out hunting, pretty close to the wall and did end up killing a fae, which is illegal and punishable by death.

It's crazy to think of the dynamic in Feyre's home life. Feyre is the youngest sister out of 2, and they live with their crippled father. The 2 sisters were ridiculous! They were the eldest yet it was Feyre that had to do all the hunting, find the food or else they'd all starve. Also, not to mention that the dad just sits around and does nothing about the unnecessary responsibility put on Feyre. And they even have the balls to complain to Feyre about food, and living conditions... excuse me? Im going to kill these girls. So, Feyre being pretty freaked out about killing a fae, brings it home and as they're eating, which everyone isn't even that grateful for that Feyre busted her ass for it, a very angry, and seemingly powerful fae barges in. This doesn't happen. Fae do and can go outside the walls but are never seen in public. Immediately Feyre knew he was looking for her. SO... what do the sisters and father do? GIVE UP FEYRE TO SAVE THEIR OWN ASSES. Oh my god, I can not tell you guys how much hatred and anger I felt towards that whole family.

SO finally, Tamlin, the big fae, takes Feyre away from her family, thank the Lord. Anything is better than that family. This is when Beauty and the Beast comes into play. The beast takes the beauty away to live with him and in his world. Exactly said, that is what happens. Feyre now has to adjust to court in fae land, while being the only human. Not very safe for poor, yet strong Feyre. Now, there is the romance part of the novel. Tamlin and Feyre have a pretty good relationship considering she killed one of his trusted followers. Tamlin then, as expected, starts to court her pretty formally. Excepppptt for the fact that Feyre keeps shutting him down. LOL that is where the humour comes in, she was not having any of it, she had more important things on her mind, like her safety and family. Now, onto the the other 'ship', Rhysand. There is a lot of controversy about Rhysand and Feyre. He does save Feyre and he's pretty charming but that changes quickly considering he is a fae true to the heart and he does remind me a little of Rumplestilskin. He does do nice things and he does take care of her while she's in court buuut there are circumstances that makes him nor good nor evil. I don't know who I ship Feyre more with because if she can change Rhysand's ways then that'd be a great arc for that character, yet Tamlin is just strong and dreamy and the original 'beast'. Who knows...

This was an interesting read and I can't wait for the next book to see where Maas goes with this storyline!!

beauty and the beast - 3:36:00 PM

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1) by Sarah J. Maas | Review

Pages: 416 pages Publication Date: May 5th 2015 by Bloomsbury Children's ISBN: 1619634449 (ISBN13: 9781619634442 ) When ...

dystopia - 3:12:00 AM

The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass | Review

Pages: 323 pages Publication Date: May 6th 2014 by HarperTeen ISBN: 0062059998 (ISBN13: 9780062059994 ) The time has come fo...

Pages: 336 pages

Publication Date: April 24th 2012 by HarperTeen

ISBN: 0062059939 (ISBN13: 9780062059932)

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Now, What I Thought:

I was a bit confused before reading this book. I mean, on Goodreads the review rating was 4.16/5, which is really good! Yet in the comments and written review portion, most of them were ranging between 1-2 stars. You could see my dilemma, whether to read the book or not? Boy was I glad I did. Guys. I can't stress enough about how if you want to read the book, like the concept of the book and even love the cover of the book, don't listen to the reviews that'll put you off. You can never know how you'll like a book by just reading reviews, you have to actually read it yourself. And that's exactly what I did.

This was The Bachelor meets The Hunger Games. Yes, the names were ridiculous but besides that, I actually liked America's journey to find herself and to find true love that might not be Aspen. The Caste System was pretty interesting to me, how the amount of money you had would class your family by a number. So America was a 6, therefore her and her families last name was Cohen. Now, her family moved up to a 5, in which her last name has now changed to Singer. SO WEIRD, cool but weird. The fact your last name changes with your class. It was pretty cool to see how controversial the caste system was/is. It actually plays a huge role in the later books as America and plenty of other defiant citizens wish it gone, once and for all. Of course the king isn't too happy about that and it causes America some trouble.

Prince Maxon was everything you can expect from a prince who played in riches. Nice enough, handsome, ignorant towards the poor, oh yeah and sorting through 35 girls like a game to find his wife. Guys, I KNOW it sounds so foolish and dumb but once you get into the book, it's pretty hard to put down. Cass just sucks you in with all of this detailed information about the world and the history of how it's come to this way of monarchy. Among all of the hate and dislike toward this series, there are people, like me, who actually enjoyed this book and the others to come. Read it if YOU want to read it and judge it by your own personal experience, not by others.

FYI, can I just say how funny and incredibly lucky we are to dodge the bullet of the leaked script for the adaptation tv show of this series. HOLY CRAP, it was so bad, and so different. I'll definitely link it below because EVERYONE needs to read this crap. Btw, they made Maxon into some sex-addicted teen boy lololololol.
The Selection 2.0 Script