Review - A Court of Wings and Ruin

A Court of Wings and Ruin

Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses (Goodreads)
Publisher: Bloomsbury 
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Author: Sarah J Maas
Age Group: YA
Source: Amazon (purchased)

Review

The end to a series is always bittersweet and A Court of Wings and Ruin is no exception. This was such a beautiful ending to a fantastic series. If you enjoy books with strong liberated and complex women than this is a series I would definitely recommend to you. It is also a great series if you value the importance of family and friendship too, exploring the highs, lows and complications of these very relationships. One of the main themes that runs through the series and is especially prominent in A Court of Wings and Ruin is that of acceptance of ones self and of others. This theme is especially linked to the characters that have faced traumas and are considered LGBTQ+. Though this series and this book in particular explore and discuss some difficult themes and issues there are still lots of fun and light-hearted moments too especially in relation to the friendships of the Inner Circle and the romantic relationships as well. Maas is an incredible writer not only because she creates strong and compelling characters and creates absorbing worlds but because she explores themes and issues of importance through the safety of a fantasy novel.

There will be some spoilers below!

Throughout the A court of Thorns and Roses series as well as in A Court of Wings and Ruin in particular there has always been the theme of trauma, living it and trying to overcome it. More importantly, it is not just woman that experience trauma but the men too which for me is so important to highlight because in real life no matter what your sex, gender, sexuality or race anyone could be a victim of a traumatic experience. Therefore, for Maas not to discriminate and say that it is only woman that experience and have to face traumas is a huge positive of this book and series overall. The protagonist Feyre is the most obvious character to undergo and face traumas as well as having to overcome them. However, I would like to mention the other characters Nesta and Lucian in particular who also live through painful traumas and how they have to process it afterwards. One of the main themes is sexual assault and lack of consent or forced consent and this relates in particular to Lucian. Lucian is pursued relentlessly by the priestess Ianthe who tries to force him into a non-consensual sexual relationship. Below is an extract of one of the scenes where Ianthe tries to sexually assault Lucian. I think it highlights that it is not just women who are sexually assaulted and are the only victims of this kind of assault but can actually be the perpetrators of assault and that men can actually also be the victims of sexual assault too. To say that it is only woman who are the victims of sexual assault is a dangerous way of thinking and that is why I believe Maas is an important author because she dispels this harmful ideology and actually highlights that men can be the victims of sexual assault and that women can be the ones to perform it too.

‘I heard Lucien first. “Back off.” A low female laugh. Everything in me went still and cold at that sound. […] “Do not touch me,” he growled. And then I was moving. I masked the sound of my footfalls, silent as a panther as I stalked to the little clearing where they stood. Where Lucien stood, back against a tree—twin bands of blue stone shackled around his wrists. I’d seen them before. On Rhys, to immobilize his power. Stone hewn from Hybern’s rotted land, capable of nullifying magic. And in this case … holding Lucien against that tree as Ianthe surveyed him like a snake before a meal. She slid a hand over the broad panes of his chest, his stomach. And Lucien’s eyes shot to me as I stepped between the trees, fear and humiliation reddening his golden skin.’

Although there are some challenging themes and issues this series and A Court of Wings and Ruin explore there are still tons of happy and uplifting moments and relationships too. For me the most powerful friendship and family relationships that bring enjoyment and happiness to this series and A Court of Wings and Ruin in particular is that of the Inner Circle. Feyre begins this book as a spy in another court and once she’s completed her task of undermining its High Lord and breaking their military defences she is able to return home to her own court. On trying to get home she and Lucian are attacked but are rescued by Azriel and Cassian. I love this moment when Feyre and Cassian are reunited after months of separation because it emphasises the strength and purity of their friendship:

‘I met those laughing, fierce hazel eyes. Cassian’s smile softened. “Hello, Feyre.” My throat tightened to the point of pain, and I threw my arms around his neck, embracing him tightly. “I missed you, too,” Cassian murmured, squeezing me.’

Feyre and Cassian’s friendship is only one example of those found amongst those in the Inner Circle and it is this groups pure love and devotion to each other that is the most beautiful and powerful part of A Court of Wings and Ruin and the series overall. In fact, it is the Inner Circle that is one of the most outstanding elements of this book and series and why I love this series as a whole. It is not only because they are devoted to each other and make me laugh at times between their interactions, but because they prove that there are always complications even when you love someone unconditionally, and it is these conflicts that can potentially strengthen a relationship and stresses the importance of accepting others for who they are, both the good and the bad.

Synopsis (From Goodreads)

Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's manoeuvrings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit – and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords – and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

Key Quotes

'He might have completed the Great Rite with Ianthe of his own free will, but he certainly hadn’t enjoyed it. Some line had been blurred—badly. And my heart shifted a bit in my chest […] The weight of that jeweled knife and belt seemed to grow. “I wish I had been there to stop it. I should have been there to stop it.” I meant every word. Lucien squeezed our linked arms as we rounded a hedge, the house rising up before us. “You are a better friend to me, Feyre,” he said quietly, “than I ever was to you.”

“I see you brought home a new pet,” she said, nose crinkling with distaste. Something like fear had entered Lucien’s eye, as if he, too, beheld the monster that lurked beneath that beautiful face. Indeed, it seemed he had heard of her already. Before I could introduce him, Lucien bowed at the waist. Deeply. Cassian let out an amused grunt, and I shot him a warning glare. Amren smiled slightly. “Already trained, I see.”

“He wanted a—gift. In exchange. The Ouroboros.” The Suriel let out a sound that might have been a gasp—delight or horror, I did not know. “The Mirror of Beginnings and Endings.” “Yes—but … I cannot retrieve it.” “You are afraid to look. To see what is within.” “Will it drive me—mad? Break me?” It was an effort not to flinch at that monstrous face, at the milky eyes and lipless mouth. All focused upon me. “Only you can decide what breaks you, Cursebreaker. Only you.”

“… My gift is truth—and yet I have been living a lie my entire existence.” I squeezed her hand once more. “You’ll tell them when you’re ready. And I’ll stand by you no matter what. Until then … Your secret is safe. I won’t tell anyone—even Rhys.” “Thank you,” she breathed. I shook my head. “No—thank you for telling me…”

Similar Reads

The Cruel Prince, Serpent & Dove, Shadow and Bone, Six of Crows, From Blood and Ash, The Shadows Between Us, Shatter Me, Red Queen.

Afterthoughts

People that experience trauma do not always need to be strong afterwards, it will take time to process and come to terms with the traumatic experience. It will potentially be easier or more manageable with the right and supportive people surrounding you to help process the trauma.

When coming to terms with being LGBTQ+ it is on that persons terms that they must be comfortable and willing to talk to people. They should not be forced into sharing who they are until they have themselves accepted who they are and are comfortable that they will be accepted by those that matter to them most.

I really loved the developed relationships between Feyre and her sisters, Elain and Nesta. Also this book stresses that Rhys is more than just interested in sex with his partner but willing to sacrifice himself for his Court and people, with no exceptions!

Have you read the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, what did you think? 

If you've read A Court of Wings and Ruin I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Review - Nevernight

Nevernight

Title: Nevernight

Series: Nevernight Chronicle (Goodreads)
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Genre: Fantasy
Author: Jay Kristoff   
Age Group: Adult
Source: Received as a gift

Review 

This is my first time reading a Jay Kristoff book and for a while I put off reading it because I was unsure about other reviewers concerns for trigger issues and whether I would be comfortable reading Nevernight because of this. However, in the end I decided I would in fact read this book and was so glad I did because it was absolutely amazing. Yes, there are difficult themes and issues but I personally felt they were handled safely, respectfully, and considerately by the author. This is in no way a young adult book, though there are a number of mature young adults that have read it, but notably Nevernight is classed as an adult fantasy. If you are considering reading this book then do, you will not be disappointed, but you need to be aware that there are some themes and issues that might trigger some readers more than others. Key trigger warnings are the discussion of child slavery and rape. Other triggers to note are scenes involving sex, crude language and violence. As I already said this is an adult book but there are some young adults, such as 18 year olds, that may choose to read this and I think it only right that they are aware of some difficult issues that may arise without giving in-depth spoilers.

At first, reading Nevernight I was left feeling rather jarred by the way the narrator speaks and felt rather unsure of whether this books narration would work for me. But I did not let it stop me from reading and even though I was initially unsure I actually grew to enjoy the books form of narration. Mr Kristoff is a fantastic writer because even though readers might come into the book unsure of his chosen narrative tone they mostly leave having enjoyed the book and this is because of the strength of his character development and exciting world building. The opening chapter was so clever and in its own way beautiful because of Mr Kristoff’s chosen language and descriptions. Without giving too much away the opening chapter begins with us meeting Mia, the protagonist, as she takes part in two actions one involving sex and the other involving a murder. Though these actions do not take place at the same time they are introduced together because the language used to describe them is almost the same, because some phrases are used to describe both, and I actually really enjoyed how Kristoff cleverly brought these scenes together. Below is an extract from the simultaneous scenes which I believe encompass some of the cleverness and strength of Kristoff’s writing abilities (please be aware that the first is alluding to sexual scenes and the other to an assassins murder):

Was this the way it should feel? Was this the way it should be? [...] And she’d known the first was usually the worst. She’d thought herself ready; soft enough, wet enough, wanting enough. That everything the other street girls had said between the giggles and the knowing glances wouldn’t be true for her. 'Close your eyes,' they’d counselled. 'It’ll be over soon enough.'

Is this the way it should feel? Is this the way it should be? […] And she knew the first was usually the worst. She’d thought she wasn’t ready; not strong enough, not cold enough, that Old Mercurio’s reassurances wouldn’t be true for her. 'Remember to breathe,' he’d counselled. 'It’ll be over soon enough.'

I really loved Nevernight's protagonist Mia Corvere she is most definitely an anti-heroine but one who you cannot help but love and become heavily invested in her journey to seeking revenge for her wronged family. I always love a book that has a strong female protagonist and Mia certainly does not disappoint in this respect. Not only can she wield a blade and kill as assassin’s are known to do but she also wields a filthy mouth, and honestly some of her language will leave you open-mouthed in astonishment. Though most people don’t use such crude and violent language it is not inconceivable that women would be afraid to speak it either, in most cases used in emotional distress or anger, and for that reason I respect Mia because she is not a mollycoddled young lady but one who is openly expressive and unapologetic. Below is an extract of dialogue which I think exhibits some of Mia’s unapologetic speech and attitude (caution! there is some crude language): 

'You know, I’ve never understood that. How being named for a woman’s nethers is somehow more grievous than any other insult. Seems to me calling someone after a man’s privates is worse. I mean, what do you picture when you hear a fellow called a cock?' […] 'You imagine an oaf, don’t you?' […] An exhalation of clove-sweet grey into the air between them. 'Cock is just another word for "fool." But you call someone a c–t, well…' The girl smiled.

The most endearing relationship for me was between Mia and Mr Kindly, if you are to learn one thing it’s that Kristoff loves some irony. Many of Mia and Mr Kindly’s interactions left me entertained most than some of the other characters interactions. What I loved most was their shared sarcasm and dry wit as well as their to-and-fro jibes at one another, that hinted at a subtle underlying love and respect for one another. Their relationship for me was definitely the strongest element of this book. Thus, I leave you with a short and sweet dialogue between Mia and Mr Kindly (though I have saved you the best for when you read the book):

'…bravo…' Mister Kindly had said. '…if only i had hands to applaud…' Mia smacked her backside. 'I’d settle for lips to kiss my sweet behind.' '…i would have to find it first…' 'Arses are like wine, Mister Kindly. Better too little than too much.' '…a beauty and a philosopher. be still, my beating heart…'

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Mia Corvere is only ten years old when she is given her first lesson in death.

Destined to destroy empires, the child raised in shadows made a promise on the day she lost everything: to avenge herself on those that shattered her world.

But the chance to strike against such powerful enemies will be fleeting, and Mia must become a weapon without equal. Before she seeks vengeance, she must seek training among the infamous assassins of the Red Church of Itreya.

Inside the Church's halls, Mia must prove herself against the deadliest of opponents and survive the tutelage of murderers, liars and daemons at the heart of a murder cult.

The Church is no ordinary school. But Mia is no ordinary student.

The Red Church is no ordinary school, but Mia is no ordinary student.

The shadows love her.

And they drink her fear.

Key Quotes

'Truth is, there’s no difference between your nethers and mine. Aside from the obvious, of course. But one doesn’t carry any more weight than the other. Why should what’s between my legs be considered any smarter or stupider, any worse or better? It’s all just meat, Don Tric. In the end, it’s all just food for worms...'

'Your mind will serve you better than any trinket under the suns,' she’d said. 'It is a weapon, Mia. And like any weapon, you need practice to be any good at wielding it.' 'But mother—' 'No, Mia Corvere. Beauty you’re born with, but brains you earn.'

'Why did you attack us?' 'If Naev had attacked her, the sands would be redder. Naev asked why they followed her. And now Naev knows. Naev wonders at the girl’s skill. And now Naev sees.' The veiled woman looked back and forth between them, made a slurping sound. 'Sees a pair of fools.' […] 'Who are you calling fool, shorty?' The woman glanced in his direction. 'The boy whose throat Naev could have cut.' 

“…Sometimes weakness is a weapon. If you’re smart enough to use it.” 

'I think it’s time to recruit the most dangerous man in these halls,' she said. Tric looked back up to the Hall of Songs, the Shahiid they’d just fled from. “I thought we just ran away from the most dangerous man in these halls.” Mia tried to smile. Settled for shaking her head. 'You’ve obviously not spent enough time with librarians, Don Tric.'

Similar reads

Game of Thrones, Throne of Glass, Six of Crows, Red Sister, The Shadowdance Trilogy, The Priory of the Orange Tree, Aurora Rising, Ninth House, Wicked Saints, Vicious.

Afterthoughts

I actually really enjoyed the additional footnotes and felt they helped with the world building for the book. It maybe didn't phase me as much as some readers because I am so used to reading footnotes for classical books I studied in school.

Mia is a very strong protagonist and very complex, for me books that contain complex characters are always more enjoyable because you have to work at understanding the protagonist and other characters.

Other characters that I enjoyed in this book were the supporting Naev and Chronicler Aelius.

Have you read this book, if so what did you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

If you haven't yet read this book or series do you think you will consider reading it? I hope I have potentially convinced a few of reading this series if they haven't already, and if you do I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Review - The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic

The Language of Thorns

Title: The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic

Series: Grishaverse (Goodreads)
Publisher: Orion 
Genre: Fantasy, Retelling's
Author: Leigh Bardugo   
Age Group: YA
Source: Amazon (purchased)

Review

If you are a fan of Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone trilogy as well as her Six of Crows duology then this collection of short stories is a must read. The Language of Thorns contains six short stories that characters in the Grishaverse themselves would have grown up with. These are dark and twisted tales that leave the reader wanting more. Though there are some happy endings, not a single one is a ‘happily ever after’. Bardugo leaves readers unnerved and satisfied equally, with her version of a twisted ‘happy’ ending. Each of the short stories is also influenced by other classic fairy tales and books, some more familiar than others. Though there are elements of retelling's of these classic fairy tales The Language of Thorns remains exciting and refreshing. You need not have read Bardugo’s other books set in the Grishaverse world as these short stories can be read as a standalone too. What really bring all these stories to life is the artwork included on each page which changes and grows at the same pace as the written stories. The artwork brings the stories to life and makes the collection immersive and beautiful, alongside the talented words of Leigh Bardugo.

Sara Kipin, illustrations

Ayama and the thorn wood

I really enjoyed the first book in this collection. Part of the fun for this story, as well as for all the others too, was figuring out which classic fairy tales and books had influenced each retelling. I wont share all of the influences but the most obvious one was Beauty and the Beast. In Ayama and the thorn wood a young wolfish prince is born and as he grows older is hidden away only to escape and terrorise the kingdom. But a young courageous yet physically unattractive young woman is sent to negotiate with the beast. Will she be devoured or free the kingdom?

‘Coyotes surrounded the palace, howling and clawing at the walls, and tore the insides from a guard who had been sent to chase them away. Their frenzied baying hid the screams of the queen as she looked upon the creature that had slipped squalling from her womb. This little prince was shaped a bit like a boy but more like a wolf, his body covered in slick black fur from crown to clawed foot. His eyes were red as blood, and the nubs of two budding horns protruded from his head.’

There is one character other than Ayama that stood out for me in this story and that was the underestimated grandmother Ma Zil. I love this quote that at first might seem harsh and uncaring actually becomes the wisest and important by the end of the story:

‘Ayama’s brows still creased with worry, so her grandmother said, “Come now, Ayama. You know how the stories go. Interesting things only happen to pretty girls; you will be home by sunset.”

Do only interesting things happen to the prettiest girls, or the ones who get their feet a little muddy?

The too-clever fox

I also enjoyed this story too but did find the ending rather predictable. The obvious influence for this story was Little Red Riding Hood, the animals in The too-clever fox are hunted down and begin to disappear mysteriously one at a time. As with many of the stories in this collection do not underestimate a single woman! The too-clever fox in this story is named Koja and even though he is wily and cunning this is what leads to his downfall.

‘A lesser creature might have let his grief get the better of him. He might have taken to the hills and high places, thinking it wise to outrun death rather than try to outsmart it.’

Does being clever mean outsmarting a hunter, or falling prey to their smarter charms?

The witch of Duva

‘There was a time when the woods near Duva ate girls.’

I neither liked nor disliked this story in the collection but for me it just didn’t stand out from some of the stronger ones. The witch of Duva is influenced by Hansel and Gretel and unlike some of the others sticks quite closely to the fairy tale of which it is influenced by. However, don’t be deceived just as all the stories in this collection the character and endings are never what they seem.

‘She lifted her spoon, but still she hesitated. She knew from stories that you must not eat at a witch’s table. But in the end, she could not resist.’

Who can resist the call of sugar in the deep dark woods?

Little Knife

This was one of the weaker stories in the collection for me, it wasn’t terrible, it just didn’t give me the same enjoyment as some of the others did. It was also the trickiest one to figure out the retelling influence for and had me confused for quite some time. I eventually had to look it up on the Grishaverse website because I could not figure it out with a little help.

Like many stories in this collection there is a beautiful girl and in Little Knife there are hundreds of desperate suitors to win her hand in marriage. There are three tasks given to all of the suitors when the girls father deems one man unsuitable for her daughters hand in marriage but who keeps passing the tests.

‘…remember that to use a thing is not to own it. And should you ever take a bride, listen closely to her questions.’

Would you rather a prince or a pauper, or the freedom from any man?

The soldier prince

I wasn’t too sure what to make of this story, I can’t say that I really enjoyed it but I certainly didn’t dislike it. I was definitely conflicted about my feelings after reading this short story. The soldier prince is most obviously influenced by The Nutcracker with the main character of this short story being the actual nutcracker himself. There is plenty of magic in this story and I certainly enjoyed reading from the perspective of the nutcracker and as a standalone short story I think I would have enjoyed it more. However, as a story in this twisted collection it just didn’t stand out and was one of the weaker ones for me.

“...Wanting is why people get up in the morning. It gives them something to dream of at night. The more I wanted, the more I became like them, the more real I became.” “I am perfectly real,” protested the nutcracker. The Rat King looked at him sadly.’

Do you show kindness to your toys by the magical chance they just might be watching and waiting to whisk you away? 

When water sang fire

This is by far the longest story in the whole collection and the one that hides an incredible easter egg for the readers of Shadow and Bone. This story is influenced by The Little Mermaid and for me the most connected to the Grishaverse world. I enjoyed this story and the friendship between Ulla and Signy showing that with the power they possessed they became their own individual and joint threat. The youngest prince of the sildroher, the term used instead of mermaid, thinks to use the power of the girls for his own selfish gain, which leads to the beginning of a dangerous and alluring visit to the human world.

Would the power to sing free you or curse you?

‘In those days, the sildroher did not cower beneath the waves, afraid of sailors who might spy their smooth limbs and silver tails. […] Now their laws are different. They know the land is a place of danger. Yet they still long for the taste of mortal life. That is the problem with making a thing forbidden. It does nothing but build an ache in the heart.’

Sara Kipin, illustrations

Synopsis (From Goodreads)

Love speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns.

Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price.

Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.

Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.

This collection of six stories includes three brand-new tales, all of them lavishly illustrated with art that changes with each turn of the page, culminating in six stunning full-spread illustrations as rich in detail as the stories themselves.

Key Quotes

‘…she came to the banks of a stream, its surface so bright with starlight it was as if someone had peeled the rind from the moon like a piece of fruit and laid it in a gleaming ribbon upon the forest floor.’

‘Ayama did not want to take the knife, but she did. It was light as a dry seedpod. It seemed wrong that death should feel like nothing in her hands.’

“I can bear ugliness…I find the one thing I cannot live with is death.”

“…The trap is loneliness, and none of us escapes it. Not even me.”

‘She knew the idea of fire. She’d been taught about it, sung the word. But seeing it – so close and so alive… It was like having a little sun to keep all for herself.’

Similar reads

Serpent & Dove, A Court of Thorns and Roses, To Kill a Kingdom

Afterthoughts

What was your favourite story in this collection?

What other books would you recommend that are influenced by retelling's?

What do you value most in other people? In this collection the idea of beauty is challenged constantly and asks us as readers to question whether we value this more highly than anything else. More importantly, it suggests that beauty if abused can lead to corruption and the oppression of women.

If you've read the others books in the Grishaverse world, did you enjoy this collection, experiencing the stories that the characters themselves would have grown up with?

Review - Crooked Kingdom

Crooked Kingdom

Title: Crooked Kingdom

Series: Grishaverse (Goodreads)

Publisher: Orion

Genre: Fantasy 

Author: Leigh Bardugo   

Age Group: YA

Source: Amazon (purchased)

Review

I instantly grabbed Crooked Kingdom off my bookshelf straight after I finished Six of Crows because I had to desperately know what would happen to the characters in this incredible series. I was hooked and invested already by the first book in this duology and was left wanting even more by the end of it too! I have already said in my Six of Crows review that Bardugo has become a much stronger author but I honestly cannot overstate how much I mean this, and if you read Crooked Kingdom you will hopefully feel the same as me. Crooked kingdom begins straight away from the cliff-hanger of the previous book and it is definitely one that leaves you needing to know the answer to. A great cliff-hanger always ensures that a reader will return and showcases an authors ability to leave their readers devastated but enthralled (which reader doesn’t want to be left reeling and desperate for more?). If you’ve read both the original trilogy and Six of Crows then you might agree with me when I say that this duology gives us much stronger and complex friendships and relationships then seen in the trilogy and for me that made the duology more exciting and intense.

I still very much love Kaz and Nina but in Crooked Kingdom there were some different stand out individuals and relationships for me. All the relationships, friendships and individuals are given continued equal development but some themes and issues stood out more for others than in Six of Crows. The stand out individuals that had the most recognisable developments in Crooked Kingdom for me were Jesper, Matthias and Wylan. Matthias in particular faced the difficulties of challenging and untangling his prejudices as a druskelle, a group of people who fear and hunt down Grisha, which is a process that began in the previous book when he met and developed a relationship with Nina (a Grisha he’d previously helped capture). Do all romances begin with a Kidnapping and potential threat of trial and succeed? Well, this is certainly the case for Nina and Matthias who both equally challenge and hold each other to account for their individual prejudices. In Matthias’ case the druskelle has taught him to fear a group of people who possess a power they cannot understand (importantly the druskelle are not the only groups of people who fear Grisha, other cultures in Crooked Kingdom also express fear and prejudices too). However, in the previous book and continued in Crooked Kingdom is Matthias’ struggle to challenge internalised prejudices, this is never an easy task and does not happen overnight, in fact for many people, just as it is for Matthias, it can be a lifelong struggle. As a druskelle Matthias had lived with a purpose and had security in his life but is now willing to see and challenge the negative aspects of his past, with the right people to help, and Nina is the most vocal in this task but also the most loving in allowing Matthias the time he needs without expecting an overnight change. This is one of the few interactions between Matthias and Nina which I think showcases their joint journey to challenging their individual, as well as cultural prejudices, giving hope that change can happen. But both are aware that this cannot happen if someone is forcibly pressured into changing instead accepting that there are difficulties to overcome from both individuals prejudices and it is not a one sided struggle:

“Do you remember what you said to me, Nina? You wished King Nikolai would march north and raze everything in his path.” “I was angry—” “You had a right to your anger. We all do. That’s the problem. Brum won’t stop. The drüskelle won’t stop. They consider it their holy mission to destroy your kind.” It had been his mission too, and he could still feel the distrust, the pull toward hatred. He cursed himself for it. “Then we’ll find a way to change their minds. All of them.”

I couldn’t stop reading this book and I honestly found myself reduced to fits of laughter at some points along the way and couldn’t contain my excitement at some of the romantic relationships that evolved throughout. If you are looking for a new book or series with positive LGBTQ+ representation than this duology and Crooked Kingdom in particular is perfect for that very reason. During a scene Wylan is having his features adjusted by a Grisha, I wont say who but readers of Shadow and Bone will be thrilled! During this scene Jesper comments on and makes suggestions to help the Grisha restore Wylan’s features, which is one of the cute and beautiful moments between Jesper and Wylan:

“His brow should be narrower,” Jesper said, peering over [...] “Just a little bit. And his lashes were longer.” “I didn’t know you were paying attention,” murmured Wylan. Jesper grinned. “I was paying attention.”

I think this is one of the magical abilities of fantasy, especially ya fantasy, which is the genres ability to help and safely explore the themes and issues of acceptance. I have already indicated those of challenging prejudices and sexualities but there is also the exploration of learning difficulties, in particular dyslexia, and the struggles and difficulties faced by those individuals too and finding a path towards support and acceptance too. So for me Crooked Kingdom is not only fantastic because it’s a fantasy and develops Bardugo’s Grishaverse world but because she engages with and explores important themes and issues relevant to real life.

“It’s easier when you’re younger, but so is everything. Children learn languages more easily. They learn mathematics more easily.” “And they’re unafraid,” said Wylan quietly. “It’s other people who teach them their limits.”

Crooked Kingdom 

Synopsis (From Goodreads) 

Welcome to the world of the Grisha.

Kaz Brekker and his crew of deadly outcasts have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives.

Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties.

A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets - a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.

Key Quotes

'Kuwei cleared his throat. “I would prefer to go to Ravka.” “I’d prefer a pair of sable-lined swimming trunks,” said Jesper. “But we can’t always get what we want.” […] “I would prefer to go to Ravka,” he repeated more firmly. Kaz’s flat black gaze fastened on Kuwei and held. Kuwei squirmed nervously. “Why is he looking at me this way?” “Kaz is wondering if he should keep you alive,” said Jesper. “Terrible for the nerves. I recommend deep breathing. Maybe a tonic.” “Jesper, stop,” said Wylan. “Both of you need to relax.” Jesper patted Kuwei’s hand. “We’re not going to let him put you in the ground.” Kaz raised a brow. “Let’s not make any promises just yet.” 

'I may not have Kaz’s devious mind, but I am a dangerous girl.’ - Inej Ghafa

“All Saints,” he shouted as pain tore through his shoulder. He really hated being shot. […] Just a scratch, but it hurt like hell, and he was bleeding all over his new tweed jacket. “This is why it doesn’t pay to try to look respectable,” he muttered.'

“Young man—” Jesper pointed his gun at the scholar’s chest. “Move.” “Jesper!” his father said. “Don’t worry, Da. People point guns at each other all the time in Ketterdam. It’s basically a handshake.” “Is that true?” his father asked as the scholar grudgingly moved aside…’

“A lock is like a woman,” he’d said blearily. “You have to seduce it into giving up its secrets.” [...] Sure, a lock was like a woman. It was also like a man and anyone or anything else—if you wanted to understand it, you had to take it apart and see how it worked. If you wanted to master it, you had to learn it so well you could put it back together.’ 

“Matthias—” “I don’t have it.” She yanked herself free, shame crawling over her skin like fire over a forest floor. “Then who does?” she hissed. “Kaz.” She stilled. “Are you going to creep into his bed?” Nina released a huff of disbelief. “He’d slit my throat.” She wanted to scream her helplessness. There would be no bargaining with Kaz.’

Similar reads

Shadow and Bone, The Raven Boys,  A Darker Shade of Magic

Afterthoughts

Are you excited for the tv show?

Have you read Crooked Kingdom? Let me know your thoughts!

How do you try to challenge some of your own prejudices? We all have them, it's what we do with them that matters.

Leigh Bardugo has said that she might write a third book in the very distant future for what is currently a duology, would you be interested in reading it (if it happens, of course)?

Review - Six of Crows

Six of Crows

Title: Six of Crows

Series: Grishaverse (Goodreads)
Publisher: Orion
Genre: Fantasy 
Author: Leigh Bardugo   
Age Group: YA
Source: Amazon (purchased)

Review 

If you have read Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone trilogy first than the Six of Crows duology is fantastic and a must read for those fans because it delves even further into the Grishaverse world. We get to meet some exciting new characters who allow Bardugo to cleverly develop the world further. The first book or series is always the hardest to write for an author and even though I loved the Shadow and Bone trilogy I definitely think that Six of Crows is a much stronger book and showcases how Bardugo has become a stronger writer. For me, Six of Crows is Bardugo’s strongest work so far because the characters as individuals are for more complex and complicated as well as their relationships too. Even though I personally read this book after the original trilogy readers can still read the Six of Crows duology without having read it. This is because the world of Grishaverse is still explained and explored in depth to those new readers too. However, I personally found reading Six of Crows a richer experience because although the characters are new the themes and issues surrounding the Grisha themselves is developed further for those that are already familiar with the issues from the previous trilogy. Also, I loved seeing how Bardugo as an author has developed, which for me was only possible through reading her work in the order of when the books were written and published.

Six of Crows is much darker in terms of its violence and in some cases its themes too. In particular there is a scene of torture that for some readers could be quite explicit and uncomfortable. But importantly in the context of the book it makes sense why it is included and necessary to the development of the individuals involved and the relationships it impacts. This is a book written between six different perspectives and each chapter dedicated to one of these characters is spectacularly incredible because each one maintains their own individual voice and personality, not once do you feel like you are reading from the same continual voice throughout. To be able to create and maintain six individual voices is an incredibly difficult task for any author but Bardugo does this splendidly and for that reason allows readers to learn and interact with each individual without the fear that all the voices will jumble into one.

Although each individual in Six of Crows is complex and faces their own individual struggles for me the stand out character had to be Kaz Brekker. His background is no more torturous than some of the other characters but his personality is what drew me to him more than some of the others. If you love a deflective sarcastic young man then look no further than Kaz. As already mentioned there is a particular scene involving a rather detailed description of torture and Kaz is that very torturer (but don’t feel too sorry for the victim because he is no better and some readers may argue he had his punishment coming). Kaz is a young seventeen year old thief and crook and the fact that he can go from being capable of violent torture to nonchalant disinterest in a heartbeat is terrifying for one so young but also so compelling for the readers. After the torture I love this little scene between Kaz, Jesper and Wylan because it shows just how easily Kaz is capable of switching between one seeking vengeance to having a slightly sarcastic and light interaction with a couple of friends:

‘Kaz turned to Jesper. “Fit Helvar with some shackles to keep him honest,” he said as he headed below. “And get me clean clothes and fresh water.” “Since when am I your valet?” “Man with a knife, remember?” he said over his shoulder. “Man with a gun!” Jesper called after him.’

Another character that stood out was Nina Zenik. This is because she is a young woman confident in her own body and enjoyment of food. In literature, including ya, I find that readers very rarely read about characters, especially female ones, that openly enjoy eating and share that enjoyment without guilt as well as being shame free for being a bigger woman. Early on Nina is described as ‘tall and built like the figurehead of a ship carved by a generous hand’, she is certainly not a stick thin or averagely built woman and she is much stronger and likeable because of this. There is nothing wrong with someone being thin or average but rather the problem is that most commonly these are the only kinds of female characters found in books. Although Nina is a refreshing character because of her ‘tall [and] generous’ body shape she remains a minority of the realistic women depicted in literature. Nina is a young woman who indulges on sweet treats unashamedly and I love her for that very reason. I can only think of one other character who equally indulges in food and remains unashamed and that is Celaena Sardothien in Throne of Glass. I leave you with the following quote and scene where Nina offers Matthais a toffee and he shares his admiration for her love of food:

“You don’t smell like roses anymore,” he said, then wanted to kick himself. He shouldn’t be noticing her scent. […] No, she smelled sweet, perfect like … “Toffee?” Her eyes slid away guiltily. “Kaz said to pack what we needed for the journey. A girl has to eat.” She reached into her pocket and drew out a bag of toffees. “Want one?” Yes. “No.” She shrugged and popped one in her mouth. Her eyes rolled back, and she sighed happily. “So good.” It was a humiliating epiphany, but he knew he could have watched her eat all day. This was one of the things he’d liked best about Nina—she savoured everything, whether it was a toffee or cold water from a stream or dried reindeer meat.’

Six of Crows

Synopsis (From Goodreads) 

This is a collector's edition with an exclusive letter from the author and six stunning full-colour character portraits.

Criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker is offered a chance at a deadly heist: break into the Ice Court - a military stronghold that has never been breached - and retrieve a hostage whose knowledge could change Grisha magic forever. To succeed would mean rich beyond his wildest dreams - but he can't pull it off alone . . .

A convict with a thirst for revenge.

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.

A runaway with a privileged past.

A spy known as the Wraith.

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Together they might just be unstoppable - if they don't kill each other first.

Key Quotes

“I trade in information, Geels, the things men do when they think no one is looking. Shame holds more value than coin ever can.”

‘Kaz was dizzy, and his limbs felt creaky from being trapped in the chair, but everything seemed sunnier with a weapon in his hand.’

“Really, Jesper?” she’d said, pulling up her hood. “If I want to watch men dig holes to fall into, I’ll find myself a cemetery.”

“A man doesn’t need a bed to get ideas, Nina.” Nina fluttered her lashes. “What would you know about it, Kaz? Take those gloves off, and we’ll see what ideas come to mind.”

“What’s the easiest way to steal a man’s wallet?” “Knife to the throat?” asked Inej. “Gun to the back?” said Jesper. “Poison in his cup?” suggested Nina. “You’re all horrible,” said Matthias. Kaz rolled his eyes.'

“Do you never doubt yourself?” “All the time,” she’d said as she slid into sleep. “I just don’t show it.”

Similar reads

Court of Miracles, The Raven Boys, Throne of Glass.

Afterthoughts

Although I enjoyed the heist plot what really kept me intrigued and compelled to read the book was the characters because of their complexities, struggles, relationships and interactions with each other.

Nina is also very comfortable with her sexuality as well as her enjoyment of food and self acceptance of her body, she's a fantastic role model.

Bardugo captures six individual protagonists that are all equally complex and developed, not a single individual is one-dimensional. 

The issues faced by the Grisha is explored and developed in further detail. Also if you've read the original trilogy there are some fantastic easter eggs hidden in Six of Crows.

Have you read Six of Crows, what did you think? What books would you recommend to readers that loved this book?

Review - The Wickerlight

The Wickerlight

Title: The Wickerlight

Series: The Wren Hunt (Goodreads)

Publisher: Bloomsbury 

Genre: Fantasy, Mythology/Folklore, Crime fiction, Romance

Author: Mary Watson   

Age Group: YA

Source: Amazon (purchased)

Review 

‘Wickerlight is when time cracks, when magic gets in. It’s a rare star alignment, or maybe a blue or blood moon [...] Sometimes, for a few intense seconds, you know time feels different. Like you’ve stepped into pure magic.

The Wickerlight by Mary Watson is a fantastic book and one that can either be read as a standalone or as a sequel to the first book The Wren Hunt. I personally read it as the sequel having read the first book a few years back and was super excited to return to the world and characters that Watson had created. In The Wickerlight we learn more about David, who in the first book was the major antagonist, but in this sequel he has become the joint narrator and protagonist alongside a new character, Zara. I absolutely loved Watson’s development both of David, from the previous book, and the world’s mythology too. Without giving too much away there are two magical communities, known as the Augurs and Judges, who are equally connected to nature but clash on how it should be treated and used for their magic. Alongside the mythology of the two magic bearing communities is a murder mystery involving the new joint narrator Zara, who’s sister has recently died of unknown causes, and it is for this reason that The Wickerlight could be read as a standalone. Because even though we are given a development of David we are not given a development of the previous protagonist from the first book The Wren Hunt. 

What I loved majorly about this book was the further development of David. It’s been a while since I read The Wren Hunt but from what I remember David was not a very nice guy and the reasons for this were never that clearly stated. However, The Wickerlight certainly develops and explains why David is the young man that he is and gives a satisfying resolution to the readers of both books. Like many protagonists in YA fiction David has not had an easy start to life he has been raised with family pressures and expectations that have lead to becoming a rather cruel and unkind young man, ‘...it’s been drilled in me from birth that strength and ambition are more important than kindness. That feelings are something to be overcome.’ David has been raised as a Judge and the very world itself is unkind and unforgiving. The tone and themes of The Wickerlight are much darker than the first book. There are some short scenes involving torture and although for some these may not be too explicit for others it might well be too much (I would advise some caution for all readers). Though I will not give anything away about the ending we see David begin to question and doubt the ways in which he has been raised and challenges the worlds ideologies that he has been taught are absolute. And by the end I was hugely satisfied with David’s development and in finally being given an insight into understanding this young man, who for me I felt was actually a rather sad and lonely as well as misunderstood young person.

‘Dad’s always been a weird mirror of the future for me. In him, I see the man I’m meant to become. I’ve been taught to idolise his strength, his way with weapons. To be gruff, blunt, abrupt. Relentless. Without mercy or remorse.’

If you enjoy a bit of romance and murder mystery then The Wickerlight certainly provides both of these. Unlike The Wren Hunt the main propelling story arc is the new girl's attempts to solve the mystery of her sisters death. And in trying to solve this mystery she is of course drawn into the world of the Augurs and Judges and finds herself falling in love too. Zara herself undergoes her own personal development as the joint protagonist, but unlike David, her development is linked to the processing of her grief and loss of a dead sister. Grief is expressed in many different ways by all sorts of people and Zara is no different. However, Zara is not only grieving she is infuriated by the lack of knowing what really happened and therefore she expresses her grief through frustration during the earlier part of the book. For example, during a scene between herself and her mum she accuses her of abandoning herself and her remaining brother whilst their mum struggles through her own grief saying cruel and unkind words that leave Zara feeling guilty and frustrated, ‘I stand in the drive, filled with this hollow, guilty pain. I am an empty girl, with gaping cavities inside.’ As the book progresses and Zara begins to process and find resolution her grief turns away from frustration towards acceptance and understanding. Importantly, though her grief never disappears it does evolve through stages. In some ways death and grief determine the person that Zara becomes and the actions that she takes. In some ways its unavoidable because what happens to a person will always determine who they will become and what actions they will take in response. Although, grief and trying to resolve her sisters murder is a huge driving force of her part in the story but alongside this is also a developing romance. For me, I did enjoy the romance and especially the way that it allowed the characters to develop as individuals in relation to their own struggles, I could very easily have read this book without the romance in it too though. Where in other way  YA books the intrigue comes from the romance, for me, it came from the murder mystery in The Wickerlight.      

“I’ll be here, among the ghosts of the living, with the dust of the dead.”

Synopsis (From Goodreads) 

It's been two months since Laila was found lifeless on Kilshamble village green, not a mark on her. Rumour says she died of an overdose. Or maybe it was suicide? The autopsy found nothing, but somebody must know what happened.

Now Laila's sister Zara is ready to pick up the trail. But retracing her sister's footsteps takes her to David, a Judge at the dangerous heart of an ancient magical feud. All too unwittingly, she begins to tread the same path that led her sister to the village green .

Mary Watson's sequel to The Wren Hunt is an eerie, magical thriller about a dead girl, her sister and the boy who can unlock the truth of what happened the night she died.

Key Quotes 

‘There are monsters in these woods. Dangerous creatures wait and watch. The villagers warn of fearsome tree people, with bark-covered skin and thick roping muscle. Beautiful and deadly, they lure boys and girls into the deepest parts of the forest. The victims fall in love with these exquisite monsters, and this is what destroys them. Every kiss is a feed, every touch a drain, until they are nothing more than shells. Or dead [...] Here’s the thing about the monsters in my world: they’re normal people living at a knife’s edge, poised between decent and depraved.’

'I’ve spent my whole life wanting nothing more than to be the Shackle. I am a therapist's dream.’

'But words are power, and any judge's worth is determined by how many words they’ve turned to law.’

‘The Badb Catha is a harbinger of death. She is a battle goddess, who would mess with the minds of the enemy on the battlefield, sending awful visions to distract and destroy. So, I’m guessing she’s most pleased by death and destruction.’

'Mom wants to fix things. It’s why she’s a doctor. And she can’t fix this. Worse, she doesn’t even know how it all broke.'

‘I trust charming boys least of all.’

Similar reads

Havenfall, Perfectly Preventable Deaths

Afterthoughts

If you were raised believing that pain and torture were the only way of life and the expression of power than could you be expected to be anything other than unfeeling and uncaring, to be anything other than a horrible immoral person?

How far would you go to find out the answers to a mystery surrounding the death of a loved one?

Grief can have different effects on everyone, and it does not always make people very nice to those still surrounding them. 

Family struggles and expectations, we all have them. Some are more manageable than others, but there are those burdens that are inescapable and destructive.

Have you read The Wickerlight or The Wren Hunt, what did you think? If not will you give it a try?