Book Journal April
This April has been a pretty good reading month. Last month I have read 14 books which is a lot more than the previous months. And before there were also novella's. This month not. These were all full books, and some quite big so I am quite pleased with myself, haha. Even The Complete Sherlock Holmes, which I had started last year, I still read 717 pages of in April.
Books Read in April
24. Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass 3) by Sarah J. Maas - 4,5 stars
25. Allegiant (Divergent 3) by Veronica Roth - 2,5 stars
26. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman - 5 stars
27. The Maze Runner (The Maze Runner 1) by James Dashner - 3 stars
28. Ptolemy's Gate (Bartimaeus 3) by Jonathan Stroud - 5 stars
29. The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling 1) by Erika Johansen - 2,5 stars
30. The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus 2) by Rick Riordan - 4 stars
31. The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus 3) by Rick Riordan - 4,5 stars
32. City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments 6) by Cassandra Clare - 3 stars
33. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter 1) by J.K. Rowling - reread
34. The Complete Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes 1-9) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - 4 stars
35. Indigo Springs (Astrid Lethewood 1) by A.M. Dellamonica - 4,5 stars - reread
36. Blue Magic (Astrid Lethewood 2) by A.M. Dellamonica - 3 stars
37. De Erfenis van Richard Grenville (De Verborgen Universiteit 1) by Natalie Koch - 4,5 stars
Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass 3) by Sarah J. Maas
Fantasy
Goodreads Link
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?
4,5 stars
After reading Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight I wondered how invested I would be in this series. The series was an okay read so far. But Heir of Fire changed that.
Heir of Fire is what I want in a high fantasy book. There is such an expansion on the world with the path Celaena takes and the addition of Manon. Wyverns, witches, fae, and dark creatures. Character development, but also action.
Compared to the first two book, the writing and the pacing improved significantly. There was no moment I felt it was off or where I felt we were hitting a dragging part of the book which I did have in the first two. And though I could have done without Chaol and Sorcha’s point of views, it was great that we met Manon and got her point of view. She became a great character to follow. I was also happy to read about Aedion.
Celaena grew on me more as this book went on. The events in Crown of Midnight clearly still affect her, and her sorrow and pain are felt throughout the book. Rowas was a great addition, though I can’t help but wonder how that will turn out when they meet-up with Chaol and Dorian. The minor characters at Mistward were nice additions. As said, Manon was a great character to follow. Especially when Abraxos came. I did not know a wyvern could have that much sass.
I’ll be honest though, the fact that this book has basically zero romance, helped a lot in me liking this book. I don’t support Celaena with any character at this point in the story unlike most.
Overall, it was a good, strong book that makes me look forward to the fourth book in excitement.
Allegiant (Divergent 3) by Veronica Roth
Dystopia
Goodreads Link
Their faction-based dystopian society is broken by violence and power struggles, scarred by loss and betrayal. Beyond the fence is even more alarming. Old discoveries are meaningless. Explosive new truths change those she loves. Again she faces impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.
2,5 stars
I don’t think I have ever hid that I disliked Insurgent or how I have little love for this series. However as I do own the last book I felt I should at least read it to get my money’s worth. It would be a shame not to.
In a way this book surprised me. I do like it better than Insurgent. I think this lays in the emotions that are in this book at the end, and sometimes throughout the middle. Tris with Caleb, Tris and Tobias, Christina. That was the strong point of this book. Another strong point were some of the minor characters like Christina, Matthias etc. They added something to this book up to the last page.
Other points however were not that strong. The change in point of view for instance. The first two books were in the first point of view of Tris. However this book she shared this with Tobias. There was not enough difference in their voices to distinguish them. Sometimes I would be halfway in a chapter, only to wonder who I was reading about again. A portion of Tobias’s chapters also weren’t completely needed, and part of me would have preferred to have kept the set-up of the earlier books.
As for the plot, it was predictable in places, especially near the end. Nor do I agree with how it was resolved. Memory should not be so easily tampered with as if that is a great way to resolve things. It isn’t.
The Maze Runner (The Maze Runner 1) by James Dashner
Dystopia
Goodreads Link
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers-boys whose memories are also gone.
Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.
Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out-and no one’s ever made it through alive.
Everything is going to change.
Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.
Remember. Survive. Run.
3 stars
I had no intention last year of reading this series as I do not have a good track record with the more well known ya dystopia's. However I did find myself curious and decided to give it a go.
One of the first things that struck me about this book are the repeating thoughts, almost complete identical sentences in Thomas's thoughts when it comes to him wondering about why things feel so familiar. This did become less towards the ending (or maybe I stopped noticing). But it did make those parts feel forced. Also there is a bit of tell and not show going on when it comes to feelings. The speech they used kind of got on my nerves as well at the start. I got used to it, but it was still weird.
After two years the other guys had nothing uncovered. In comes Thomas and he figures everything out. Yet these guys are supposedly also smart. They were not written very smart at moments. The plot was set up in a way for Thomas to excel and become the leader in future books. Very obviously. Next to that I could have done with a bit more characterization of some of the side characters. They were a bit flat at moments.
Yet despite all that, I really did enjoy reading this book, hence the 3 star rating. I think for me a lot had to do with the idea. I do really like the idea of this book. There were a lot of questions that needed answers. And we still don't have a clear idea of what the world looks like now. It was also reasonably fast paced and not too long.
The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling 1) by Erika Johansen
Fantasy/Dystopia
Goodreads Link
It was on her nineteenth birthday that the soldiers came for Kelsea Glynn. They’d come to escort her back to the place of her birth - and to ensure she survives long enough to be able to take possession of what is rightfully hers.
But like many nineteen-year-olds, Kelsea is unruly, has high principles and believes she knows better than her elders. Unlike many nineteen-year-olds, she is about to inherit a kingdom that is on its knees - corrupt, debauched and dangerous.
Kelsea will either become the most fearsome ruler the kingdom has ever known . . . or be dead within the week.
2 stars
This book is a weird combination of dystopian elements and high fantasy. And it doesn’t work for me at all.
There is something that happened in their past that is called the Crossing, where they sailed from our modern times (I’m guessing) to these new lands to build an Utopia. But there remain so many questions about this. Why? Where is the Tear on our planet? We can fly, have advanced technology but there has been no contact, and this Utopia has fallen into some form of medieval world (yet they have some advanced things). It doesn’t stop at this. Because there is also magic. It is trying to combine a lot of things, but it is lacking a proper world building and as such it does not work.
The first halve of the book feels off in pacing, also partly by that frustratingly long first chapter. The conversations at the start felt unnatural. There is also a whole lot being kept from our main character. Things about her mother, who her father is, about things that are going on in the country that she is suppose to rule. I sort of understand why they would keep it from her as she was growing up. However, if they wanted her to be a good queen, why not properly prepare her for this a few years before she becomes of age, and figure out what she can do about the mistakes her mom made. Now they accused her of impulsiveness. Maybe if you had prepared her, this wouldn’t have happened. And even so, there has been little consequences to her impulsiveness so far.
In the end there are a few answers to the questions at the beginning, but it still feels to little.
I struggled with Kelsea’s character in the first part. She felt unnatural to me. She senses things about people even though she barely knows them and has lived in isolation for most of her life. I sure can’t tell from someone’s smile they are a murderer. She improves as a character to follow after she is crowned. There is something commanding about her then. She really does take on the role of queen and strives to better the world her people live in. She’s a bit naïve in times with it I think. I do struggle with her visions on beauty. She does not see herself as a beauty, and as I gather is considered somewhat overweight. In any case she does not fit the beauty standards of her world. And that is great of a main character to have for a change. There are just lines that bother me. For example saying that worse than being ugly is being ugly and thinking you are beautiful.
Another thing that bothers me a little is the religion in this. Now I am an atheist. Kelsea is too, but she is also suspicious of religion. She can’t seem to separate the evil manipulations of men from the actual religion. Also, apparently in the Crossing, religion was not to be allowed in this new Utopia. What? I won’t get into that rant. However I am pleased that the priest got some moments from his point of view. It does need that, but I don’t think it evens out enough.
Despite this book picking up after her crowing, about midway point, the story overall could not move me. The ending wasn’t highly spectacular. The few glimpses we got of the Red Queen weren’t very impressive. Overall it remained bland. Nothing really stood out. I don’t think I will continue on with this series.
The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus 2) by Rick Riordan
Fantasy/Mythology
Goodreads Link
Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven.
4 stars
What is there to say about this book? It is yet again another solid, entertaining book.
The basic set-up of this book is similar to the first book with the group of three (two boys, one girl), camp and a quest with time constraint. But there are enough little twists and changes layered throughout so it is not a copy of the first book.
Again, I don’t mind that we have different (new and old) characters at the focus of this, different from the first book or the Olympians series. It is odd to follow Percy along on this journey, knowing so much more about him and what has been going on. Especially at the start. The inclusion of Nico was also interesting. He has a lot of explaining to do, haha.
I’ve always been back and forth on my like of Percy. But here he is clearly older. The shifting between the three characters probably also helps in me liking him a bit more than in the Olympians series. He isn’t as impulsive and he isn’t the one doing all the heroics. I do like Hazel and Frank, and the dynamics of the three worked. But a tad bland in personality at moments despite their history and gifts. Characters with special gifts are dangerous for overpowerment and such. But all seven will be special little snowflakes so it evens out.
The Mark Athena (Heroes of Olympus 3) by Rick Riordan
Fantasy/Mythology
Goodreads Link
Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare....
4,5 stars
The book was cleverly set-up. Despite following four of the seven characters, it did not get confusing who you were following. You would follow one character for around 50 pages. I also liked that Riordan didn’t do a lot of back tracking, with the exception of the ending. Sometimes they would split up. And we would follow one of the groups. When he switched point of view to another character, he wouldn’t go back in time to show their adventure that happened at the same time as the other group. It would be summarized in their thoughts. I liked that, otherwise I think the middle would have dragged.
With that ending though, I have a lot of thoughts about possible ways some of this could go, and I don’t foresee a complete happy ending for some of them. I’ll keep my specific negative thoughts to myself though.
I think what I like most about this book, and why I prefer it over the first two, is that we do get more deepening of characters. I love that now we are getting a glimpse in Annabeth’s thoughts. Before we would only see her through Percy’s eyes, and at the start of this series through the eyes of the other characters. I liked getting to know her better, and have embraced her as a possible favorite character.
One thing I didn’t know I was missing when reading the second book, was Coach Hedge and Leo. Both are great for the comedic notes, but I am also awfully fond of them for more than that. Especially Leo.
I am looking forward to seeing some of these relationships further deepened out.
City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments 6) by Cassandra Clare
Fantasy
Goodreads link
Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.
The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?
When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned..
3 stars
Part of me was surprised by this book. It has a lot of action, flows well, and does it best to give attention to all characters with the added bonus of a few new ones. Certainly a lot better than the previous two. However I did find it predictable in most places, and around the 200 page mark I realized I have absolutely no interest in these characters any more. The only thing that really interested me was Emma's small story line and the links to The Infernal Devices which was too little for me. It is the reason I rated this 3 stars, and why I have little desire to write a bigger review.
Indigo Springs (Astrid Lethewood 1) by A.M. Dellamonica
Fantasy
Goodreads Link
Indigo Springs is a sleepy town where things seem pretty normal . . . until Astrid's father dies and she moves into his house. She discovers that for many years her father had been accessing the magic that flowed, literally, in a blue stream beneath the earth, leaking into his house. When she starts to use the liquid "vitagua" to enchant everyday items, the results seem innocent enough: a "'chanted" watch becomes a charm that means you're always in the right place at the right time; a "'chanted" pendant enables the wearer to convince anyone of anything . . .
But as events in Indigo Springs unfold and the true potential of vitagua is revealed, Astrid and her friends unwittingly embark on a journey fraught with power, change, and a future too devastating to contemplate. Friends become enemies and enemies become friends as Astrid discovers secrets from her shrouded childhood that will lead her to a destiny stranger than she could have imagined . . .
4,5 stars
I never wrote a proper review for this book the first time I read it, so after rereading this book I thought I would share my thoughts.
One of the things that caught me by surprise, because of the back cover, was the way this story was told. This story is told from an I POV from a character (Will) not mentioned in the synopsis. Through him interviewing Astrid (by use of flashbacks) we got to know what had happened. Now this threw me a bit the first time I read it for the first few chapters, but it also drew me in. There were a lot of questions that needed answering, and slowly we got all these answers.
I really liked the magic system in this. Liquid magic. How cool is that.
The differences there were between the Astrid Will saw and the Astrid we got to know through the flashbacks were clearly there, but nearing the ending this Astrid also started showing through in the flashbacks. I like Astrid. She is loyal to a fault. Sahara was written to be disliked and the switch in her at the end was a tad bit too drastic. It could have been better shown I think, to also make her better approachable as a character for the reader. I enjoyed Jacks as a character and I wish we could have had more of him. Patience was also a great character. I loved trying to figure out who she was throughout the book and drawing a blank. Will was a solid character throughout this book.
Astrid is attracted to men and women. However throughout most of the books she is called lesbian or straight (sort of) by other characters. At the ending though she luckily speaks up and says she is bisexual. I was waiting on that throughout the book to be honest.
Blue Magic (Astrid Lethewood 2) by A.M. Dellamonica
Fantasy
Goodreads Link
This powerful sequel to the A.M. Dellamonica's Sunburst Award-winning contemporary fantasy Indigo Springs starts in the small town in Oregon where Astrid Lethewood discovered an underground river of blue liquid-Vitagua-that is pure magic. Everything it touches is changed. The secret is out-and the world will never be the same. Astrid’s best friend, Sahara, has been corrupted by the blue magic, and now leads a cult that seeks to rule the world. Astrid, on the other hand, tries to heal the world.
Conflicting ambitions, star-crossed lovers, and those who fear and hate magic combine in a terrible conflagration, pitting friend against friend, magic against magic, and the power of nations against a small band of zealots, with the fate of the world at stake.
3 stars
I’m sad to say that the sequel to Indigo Springs, and the second book in the Astrid Lethewood duology, was a bit of a disappointment to me. I was looking forward to immerging myself back into this world and to see how Astrid’s story would unfold. But the spark that was in the first book, was completely lost to me.
The book felt incredibly messy. I’m not sure what my expectations was about Astrid reshaping the world, but this certainly wasn’t it. The operation she had, carried so many characters it was confusing to follow. I could not keep track of all those minor characters, and they did not stand out all that much in personalities.
I still like the magic system in this series. However this book showed one negative to me. It is almost as if everything can be done with it. I don’t think there are enough limitations for Astrid. I was looking forward to getting to know more about the witch hunters, but I was a bit let down in that regard. Honestly, I could have done with one of the point of views being from a witch hunter. There was also apparently a prophecy that was thrown in halfway through, but it got such little attention that I wondered what the point of adding it really was.
One of the things that was different from Indigo Springs was the point of view. Now after finishing the first book I knew they couldn’t tell the second book the same way. So instead of the Will I pov interview setting with Astrid’s flashbacks, we got four points of view. Will, Astrid, Ev and a new character Juanita. I enjoyed getting Ev’s point of view. I wasn’t expecting it, but I think it was a nice addition. Was it completely necessary for the plot? Probably not, but it brought other things to the story. One of these things was transgender. This part of Ev was already present in the first book, but never mentioned as such. I don’t think I’m the right person to judge if it was done well, but I was glad to see it in here.
Getting Astrid this way was different from the first book and I had a hard time connecting with her in this book. Will remained a solid character throughout. He had his highs and lows. Juanita was not a character I was very drawn to however. I wasn’t sure about what her role was to be until they mentioned one thing from a prophecy and I knew that she was going to be it.
The romance! The romance sucked! I will not hide that I am an avid Astrid x Jacks supporter. But no, Jacks is pretty much nonexistent in this book. Instead Astrid gets glimpses of the future where she was involved with Will. And so now she goes for Will based on that. Excuse me? This felt so incredibly forced I could not be on board with it for even a moment. Will had the right response initially to that, but then went on board with it rather quickly. I didn’t feel enough of a connection between the two in this book for that. If the author had continued to weave from the basis that was present at Indigo Spring, this might have worked, but not this way
Some books are hard to write reviews for though, like The Graveyard Book and Ptolemy's Gate so I haven't really. I loved them both. And please, please, please go read the Bartimaeus sequence by Jonathan Stroud. I love that series so much and it deserves so much more attention. I love these characters with a passion. I did write a review for De Erfenis van Richard Grenville on Goodreads. But this is by a Dutch author and it is not translated. I can say that I really enjoyed it though and that I do recommend it to all Dutch fantasy readers.
Currently Reading
A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire 5) by George R.R. Martin
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The Emergence (Missing Era 1) by A.O. Khalil (I got an early ebook of this book from the author for review. It comes out May 19th)
Book Shelves If you hadn't seen them already, haha
Book Haul
Books Read in April
24. Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass 3) by Sarah J. Maas - 4,5 stars
25. Allegiant (Divergent 3) by Veronica Roth - 2,5 stars
26. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman - 5 stars
27. The Maze Runner (The Maze Runner 1) by James Dashner - 3 stars
28. Ptolemy's Gate (Bartimaeus 3) by Jonathan Stroud - 5 stars
29. The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling 1) by Erika Johansen - 2,5 stars
30. The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus 2) by Rick Riordan - 4 stars
31. The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus 3) by Rick Riordan - 4,5 stars
32. City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments 6) by Cassandra Clare - 3 stars
33. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter 1) by J.K. Rowling - reread
34. The Complete Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes 1-9) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - 4 stars
35. Indigo Springs (Astrid Lethewood 1) by A.M. Dellamonica - 4,5 stars - reread
36. Blue Magic (Astrid Lethewood 2) by A.M. Dellamonica - 3 stars
37. De Erfenis van Richard Grenville (De Verborgen Universiteit 1) by Natalie Koch - 4,5 stars
Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass 3) by Sarah J. Maas
Fantasy
Goodreads Link
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?
4,5 stars
After reading Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight I wondered how invested I would be in this series. The series was an okay read so far. But Heir of Fire changed that.
Heir of Fire is what I want in a high fantasy book. There is such an expansion on the world with the path Celaena takes and the addition of Manon. Wyverns, witches, fae, and dark creatures. Character development, but also action.
Compared to the first two book, the writing and the pacing improved significantly. There was no moment I felt it was off or where I felt we were hitting a dragging part of the book which I did have in the first two. And though I could have done without Chaol and Sorcha’s point of views, it was great that we met Manon and got her point of view. She became a great character to follow. I was also happy to read about Aedion.
Celaena grew on me more as this book went on. The events in Crown of Midnight clearly still affect her, and her sorrow and pain are felt throughout the book. Rowas was a great addition, though I can’t help but wonder how that will turn out when they meet-up with Chaol and Dorian. The minor characters at Mistward were nice additions. As said, Manon was a great character to follow. Especially when Abraxos came. I did not know a wyvern could have that much sass.
I’ll be honest though, the fact that this book has basically zero romance, helped a lot in me liking this book. I don’t support Celaena with any character at this point in the story unlike most.
Overall, it was a good, strong book that makes me look forward to the fourth book in excitement.
Allegiant (Divergent 3) by Veronica Roth
Dystopia
Goodreads Link
Their faction-based dystopian society is broken by violence and power struggles, scarred by loss and betrayal. Beyond the fence is even more alarming. Old discoveries are meaningless. Explosive new truths change those she loves. Again she faces impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.
2,5 stars
I don’t think I have ever hid that I disliked Insurgent or how I have little love for this series. However as I do own the last book I felt I should at least read it to get my money’s worth. It would be a shame not to.
In a way this book surprised me. I do like it better than Insurgent. I think this lays in the emotions that are in this book at the end, and sometimes throughout the middle. Tris with Caleb, Tris and Tobias, Christina. That was the strong point of this book. Another strong point were some of the minor characters like Christina, Matthias etc. They added something to this book up to the last page.
Other points however were not that strong. The change in point of view for instance. The first two books were in the first point of view of Tris. However this book she shared this with Tobias. There was not enough difference in their voices to distinguish them. Sometimes I would be halfway in a chapter, only to wonder who I was reading about again. A portion of Tobias’s chapters also weren’t completely needed, and part of me would have preferred to have kept the set-up of the earlier books.
As for the plot, it was predictable in places, especially near the end. Nor do I agree with how it was resolved. Memory should not be so easily tampered with as if that is a great way to resolve things. It isn’t.
The Maze Runner (The Maze Runner 1) by James Dashner
Dystopia
Goodreads Link
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers-boys whose memories are also gone.
Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.
Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out-and no one’s ever made it through alive.
Everything is going to change.
Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.
Remember. Survive. Run.
3 stars
I had no intention last year of reading this series as I do not have a good track record with the more well known ya dystopia's. However I did find myself curious and decided to give it a go.
One of the first things that struck me about this book are the repeating thoughts, almost complete identical sentences in Thomas's thoughts when it comes to him wondering about why things feel so familiar. This did become less towards the ending (or maybe I stopped noticing). But it did make those parts feel forced. Also there is a bit of tell and not show going on when it comes to feelings. The speech they used kind of got on my nerves as well at the start. I got used to it, but it was still weird.
After two years the other guys had nothing uncovered. In comes Thomas and he figures everything out. Yet these guys are supposedly also smart. They were not written very smart at moments. The plot was set up in a way for Thomas to excel and become the leader in future books. Very obviously. Next to that I could have done with a bit more characterization of some of the side characters. They were a bit flat at moments.
Yet despite all that, I really did enjoy reading this book, hence the 3 star rating. I think for me a lot had to do with the idea. I do really like the idea of this book. There were a lot of questions that needed answers. And we still don't have a clear idea of what the world looks like now. It was also reasonably fast paced and not too long.
The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling 1) by Erika Johansen
Fantasy/Dystopia
Goodreads Link
It was on her nineteenth birthday that the soldiers came for Kelsea Glynn. They’d come to escort her back to the place of her birth - and to ensure she survives long enough to be able to take possession of what is rightfully hers.
But like many nineteen-year-olds, Kelsea is unruly, has high principles and believes she knows better than her elders. Unlike many nineteen-year-olds, she is about to inherit a kingdom that is on its knees - corrupt, debauched and dangerous.
Kelsea will either become the most fearsome ruler the kingdom has ever known . . . or be dead within the week.
2 stars
This book is a weird combination of dystopian elements and high fantasy. And it doesn’t work for me at all.
There is something that happened in their past that is called the Crossing, where they sailed from our modern times (I’m guessing) to these new lands to build an Utopia. But there remain so many questions about this. Why? Where is the Tear on our planet? We can fly, have advanced technology but there has been no contact, and this Utopia has fallen into some form of medieval world (yet they have some advanced things). It doesn’t stop at this. Because there is also magic. It is trying to combine a lot of things, but it is lacking a proper world building and as such it does not work.
The first halve of the book feels off in pacing, also partly by that frustratingly long first chapter. The conversations at the start felt unnatural. There is also a whole lot being kept from our main character. Things about her mother, who her father is, about things that are going on in the country that she is suppose to rule. I sort of understand why they would keep it from her as she was growing up. However, if they wanted her to be a good queen, why not properly prepare her for this a few years before she becomes of age, and figure out what she can do about the mistakes her mom made. Now they accused her of impulsiveness. Maybe if you had prepared her, this wouldn’t have happened. And even so, there has been little consequences to her impulsiveness so far.
In the end there are a few answers to the questions at the beginning, but it still feels to little.
I struggled with Kelsea’s character in the first part. She felt unnatural to me. She senses things about people even though she barely knows them and has lived in isolation for most of her life. I sure can’t tell from someone’s smile they are a murderer. She improves as a character to follow after she is crowned. There is something commanding about her then. She really does take on the role of queen and strives to better the world her people live in. She’s a bit naïve in times with it I think. I do struggle with her visions on beauty. She does not see herself as a beauty, and as I gather is considered somewhat overweight. In any case she does not fit the beauty standards of her world. And that is great of a main character to have for a change. There are just lines that bother me. For example saying that worse than being ugly is being ugly and thinking you are beautiful.
Another thing that bothers me a little is the religion in this. Now I am an atheist. Kelsea is too, but she is also suspicious of religion. She can’t seem to separate the evil manipulations of men from the actual religion. Also, apparently in the Crossing, religion was not to be allowed in this new Utopia. What? I won’t get into that rant. However I am pleased that the priest got some moments from his point of view. It does need that, but I don’t think it evens out enough.
Despite this book picking up after her crowing, about midway point, the story overall could not move me. The ending wasn’t highly spectacular. The few glimpses we got of the Red Queen weren’t very impressive. Overall it remained bland. Nothing really stood out. I don’t think I will continue on with this series.
The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus 2) by Rick Riordan
Fantasy/Mythology
Goodreads Link
Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven.
4 stars
What is there to say about this book? It is yet again another solid, entertaining book.
The basic set-up of this book is similar to the first book with the group of three (two boys, one girl), camp and a quest with time constraint. But there are enough little twists and changes layered throughout so it is not a copy of the first book.
Again, I don’t mind that we have different (new and old) characters at the focus of this, different from the first book or the Olympians series. It is odd to follow Percy along on this journey, knowing so much more about him and what has been going on. Especially at the start. The inclusion of Nico was also interesting. He has a lot of explaining to do, haha.
I’ve always been back and forth on my like of Percy. But here he is clearly older. The shifting between the three characters probably also helps in me liking him a bit more than in the Olympians series. He isn’t as impulsive and he isn’t the one doing all the heroics. I do like Hazel and Frank, and the dynamics of the three worked. But a tad bland in personality at moments despite their history and gifts. Characters with special gifts are dangerous for overpowerment and such. But all seven will be special little snowflakes so it evens out.
The Mark Athena (Heroes of Olympus 3) by Rick Riordan
Fantasy/Mythology
Goodreads Link
Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare....
4,5 stars
The book was cleverly set-up. Despite following four of the seven characters, it did not get confusing who you were following. You would follow one character for around 50 pages. I also liked that Riordan didn’t do a lot of back tracking, with the exception of the ending. Sometimes they would split up. And we would follow one of the groups. When he switched point of view to another character, he wouldn’t go back in time to show their adventure that happened at the same time as the other group. It would be summarized in their thoughts. I liked that, otherwise I think the middle would have dragged.
With that ending though, I have a lot of thoughts about possible ways some of this could go, and I don’t foresee a complete happy ending for some of them. I’ll keep my specific negative thoughts to myself though.
I think what I like most about this book, and why I prefer it over the first two, is that we do get more deepening of characters. I love that now we are getting a glimpse in Annabeth’s thoughts. Before we would only see her through Percy’s eyes, and at the start of this series through the eyes of the other characters. I liked getting to know her better, and have embraced her as a possible favorite character.
One thing I didn’t know I was missing when reading the second book, was Coach Hedge and Leo. Both are great for the comedic notes, but I am also awfully fond of them for more than that. Especially Leo.
I am looking forward to seeing some of these relationships further deepened out.
City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments 6) by Cassandra Clare
Fantasy
Goodreads link
Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.
The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?
When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned..
3 stars
Part of me was surprised by this book. It has a lot of action, flows well, and does it best to give attention to all characters with the added bonus of a few new ones. Certainly a lot better than the previous two. However I did find it predictable in most places, and around the 200 page mark I realized I have absolutely no interest in these characters any more. The only thing that really interested me was Emma's small story line and the links to The Infernal Devices which was too little for me. It is the reason I rated this 3 stars, and why I have little desire to write a bigger review.
Indigo Springs (Astrid Lethewood 1) by A.M. Dellamonica
Fantasy
Goodreads Link
Indigo Springs is a sleepy town where things seem pretty normal . . . until Astrid's father dies and she moves into his house. She discovers that for many years her father had been accessing the magic that flowed, literally, in a blue stream beneath the earth, leaking into his house. When she starts to use the liquid "vitagua" to enchant everyday items, the results seem innocent enough: a "'chanted" watch becomes a charm that means you're always in the right place at the right time; a "'chanted" pendant enables the wearer to convince anyone of anything . . .
But as events in Indigo Springs unfold and the true potential of vitagua is revealed, Astrid and her friends unwittingly embark on a journey fraught with power, change, and a future too devastating to contemplate. Friends become enemies and enemies become friends as Astrid discovers secrets from her shrouded childhood that will lead her to a destiny stranger than she could have imagined . . .
4,5 stars
I never wrote a proper review for this book the first time I read it, so after rereading this book I thought I would share my thoughts.
One of the things that caught me by surprise, because of the back cover, was the way this story was told. This story is told from an I POV from a character (Will) not mentioned in the synopsis. Through him interviewing Astrid (by use of flashbacks) we got to know what had happened. Now this threw me a bit the first time I read it for the first few chapters, but it also drew me in. There were a lot of questions that needed answering, and slowly we got all these answers.
I really liked the magic system in this. Liquid magic. How cool is that.
The differences there were between the Astrid Will saw and the Astrid we got to know through the flashbacks were clearly there, but nearing the ending this Astrid also started showing through in the flashbacks. I like Astrid. She is loyal to a fault. Sahara was written to be disliked and the switch in her at the end was a tad bit too drastic. It could have been better shown I think, to also make her better approachable as a character for the reader. I enjoyed Jacks as a character and I wish we could have had more of him. Patience was also a great character. I loved trying to figure out who she was throughout the book and drawing a blank. Will was a solid character throughout this book.
Astrid is attracted to men and women. However throughout most of the books she is called lesbian or straight (sort of) by other characters. At the ending though she luckily speaks up and says she is bisexual. I was waiting on that throughout the book to be honest.
Blue Magic (Astrid Lethewood 2) by A.M. Dellamonica
Fantasy
Goodreads Link
This powerful sequel to the A.M. Dellamonica's Sunburst Award-winning contemporary fantasy Indigo Springs starts in the small town in Oregon where Astrid Lethewood discovered an underground river of blue liquid-Vitagua-that is pure magic. Everything it touches is changed. The secret is out-and the world will never be the same. Astrid’s best friend, Sahara, has been corrupted by the blue magic, and now leads a cult that seeks to rule the world. Astrid, on the other hand, tries to heal the world.
Conflicting ambitions, star-crossed lovers, and those who fear and hate magic combine in a terrible conflagration, pitting friend against friend, magic against magic, and the power of nations against a small band of zealots, with the fate of the world at stake.
3 stars
I’m sad to say that the sequel to Indigo Springs, and the second book in the Astrid Lethewood duology, was a bit of a disappointment to me. I was looking forward to immerging myself back into this world and to see how Astrid’s story would unfold. But the spark that was in the first book, was completely lost to me.
The book felt incredibly messy. I’m not sure what my expectations was about Astrid reshaping the world, but this certainly wasn’t it. The operation she had, carried so many characters it was confusing to follow. I could not keep track of all those minor characters, and they did not stand out all that much in personalities.
I still like the magic system in this series. However this book showed one negative to me. It is almost as if everything can be done with it. I don’t think there are enough limitations for Astrid. I was looking forward to getting to know more about the witch hunters, but I was a bit let down in that regard. Honestly, I could have done with one of the point of views being from a witch hunter. There was also apparently a prophecy that was thrown in halfway through, but it got such little attention that I wondered what the point of adding it really was.
One of the things that was different from Indigo Springs was the point of view. Now after finishing the first book I knew they couldn’t tell the second book the same way. So instead of the Will I pov interview setting with Astrid’s flashbacks, we got four points of view. Will, Astrid, Ev and a new character Juanita. I enjoyed getting Ev’s point of view. I wasn’t expecting it, but I think it was a nice addition. Was it completely necessary for the plot? Probably not, but it brought other things to the story. One of these things was transgender. This part of Ev was already present in the first book, but never mentioned as such. I don’t think I’m the right person to judge if it was done well, but I was glad to see it in here.
Getting Astrid this way was different from the first book and I had a hard time connecting with her in this book. Will remained a solid character throughout. He had his highs and lows. Juanita was not a character I was very drawn to however. I wasn’t sure about what her role was to be until they mentioned one thing from a prophecy and I knew that she was going to be it.
The romance! The romance sucked! I will not hide that I am an avid Astrid x Jacks supporter. But no, Jacks is pretty much nonexistent in this book. Instead Astrid gets glimpses of the future where she was involved with Will. And so now she goes for Will based on that. Excuse me? This felt so incredibly forced I could not be on board with it for even a moment. Will had the right response initially to that, but then went on board with it rather quickly. I didn’t feel enough of a connection between the two in this book for that. If the author had continued to weave from the basis that was present at Indigo Spring, this might have worked, but not this way
Some books are hard to write reviews for though, like The Graveyard Book and Ptolemy's Gate so I haven't really. I loved them both. And please, please, please go read the Bartimaeus sequence by Jonathan Stroud. I love that series so much and it deserves so much more attention. I love these characters with a passion. I did write a review for De Erfenis van Richard Grenville on Goodreads. But this is by a Dutch author and it is not translated. I can say that I really enjoyed it though and that I do recommend it to all Dutch fantasy readers.
Currently Reading
A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire 5) by George R.R. Martin
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The Emergence (Missing Era 1) by A.O. Khalil (I got an early ebook of this book from the author for review. It comes out May 19th)
Book Shelves If you hadn't seen them already, haha
Book Haul