Review - From Blood and Ash

From Blood and Ash

Title: From Blood and Ash

Series: From Blood and Ash (Goodreads)
Publisher: Blue Box Press
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Age Group: New Adult
Source: Amazon (purchased)

Review

So this was one of the many books that I had seen hyped on Bookstagram and thought to give it a go after I caved to the excitement. This is also the first time I have read one of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s books. As a first time reader of Armentrout’s I was not hugely satisfied by her style of writing, don’t get me wrong I didn’t dislike the book, but for me the writing itself lacked a certain depth and focused more on explaining the action rather than actually delivering the story organically through the actions of the characters, which is my preferred way of reading a book.

I wasn’t sure at the beginning of the book whether I would actually continue to read it as I wasn’t keen on the main character Poppy. If you, like me, are drawn to strong independent characters than Poppy may not excite you either. Beginning this book I felt that Poppy lacked strength. Of course you cannot ignore that she has been raised in a social environment that restricts her independence, and I could understand why she didn’t act freely of  her own accord. However, she continually said that she was unhappy and tried to rebel, for me if she was truly defiant she would have found more permanent means of defying and freeing herself from the abuse and restrictions placed on her. That said by the end of From Blood and Ashes I began to develop a fondness for Poppy and could see her future potential for future books in this series. Without giving too much away by the end of the book Poppy can certainly hold her own in a fight and definitely begins to voice her desire for freedom and respect, so I am definitely excited to see how Poppy develops in the next books of this series.

‘I hadn’t been lying or trying to cover up a hidden agenda when I helped Agnes or exposed myself to Marlowe. I did that because I could—because it was my choice. I trained to use a sword and bow because it was my choice. But was there another motive behind sneaking off to watch fights or swimming naked? Visiting gambling dens or lurking in parts of the castle forbidden to me and listening in on conversations that I wasn’t supposed to hear?’

One of the elements I did enjoy about From Blood and Ash was the relationship between Poppy and Hawke. I can never truly resist a snarky overly perfect guy! No relationship is perfect and I am aware that some readers of the series were uncomfortable with Poppy and Hawke’s relationship which are completely valid and I respect. Personally for me though. I enjoyed them together. I would describe the beginnings of their relationship as playful, like a game of cat and mouse. If you enjoy smutty relationships, than you will not be disappointed! However, the most important element of their relationship that stood out for me was Hawke’s respect for Poppy’s need to fight for herself and claim her independence. He does not deny her from fighting and using her sword skills to protect herself and the few individuals that she cares for and for that reason I enjoyed their relationship, below is a quote that I think sums up their relationship nicely:

‘From the night on the Rise to the Blood Forest when he’d thrown me the sword, he didn’t only protect me. He believed in me and respected my need to defend myself.’

Synopsis (Goodreads)

A Maiden

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

Key Quotes

“Some truths do nothing but destroy and decay what they do not obliterate. Truths do not always set one free. Only a fool who has spent their entire life being fed lies believes that.”

“Princess, I’m confident that if you didn’t want me to do something, I’d be lying flat on my back with a dagger at my throat before I even took my next breath. Even if you can’t see an inch in front of you.”

“I’m not afraid to speak the truth. He may be powerful, but he’s just a weak man, who proves his strength by attempting to humiliate those more powerful than he is. Someone like you, with your strength? It makes him feel incompetent—which he is. And your scars? They are a testament to your fortitude. They are proof of what you survived. They are evidence of why you are here when so many twice your age wouldn’t be. They’re not ugly. Far from it. They’re beautiful, Poppy.”

Similar Reads

A ​Court of Silver Flames, The Shadows Between Us, House of Earth and Blood, Serpent & Dove

Afterthoughts

Have you read From Blood and Ash, did you enjoy it?

What other books would you recommend to those who enjoyed this book?

Share your thoughts below, I'd love to hear them!

Review - House of Earth and Blood

House of Earth and Blood (Crescent city)

Title: House of Earth and Blood

Series: Crescent City (Goodreads)
Publisher: Bloomsbury 
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Author: Sarah J Maas
Age Group: Adult
Source: Waterstones (purchased)

Review

So I can officially declare that I am a Maas convert!🤣I will admit however that when House of Earth and Blood was first announced I wasn’t so sure I would read it. I also had the fortune to read a NetGalley exclusive before publication and can honestly admit that the few chapters I did read I didn’t enjoy. However, looking back now I think that my lack of enjoyment was more about the fact that I don’t like reading on devices and much prefer reading in paper format. Once I finally got my hands on the hardback of House of Earth and Blood I was so glad that I didn’t turn away from this book and thankfully enjoyed every moment of reading this book.

One of the elements that I loved about House of Earth and Blood was the dual narration. We get to hear from both Hunt and Bryce’s perspectives and watch how over the course of the book they learn to overcome their initial judgements and prejudices for one another as well as the society they live in. The books blurb already states that Bryce lost her friends and remained wounded afterwards and this was one of the premeditated judgements that Hunt held about her, that she would quickly remove her scar to maintain her beautiful figure:

‘How anyone could breathe in a dress that tight was also a mystery. It was long enough that it covered the area on her thigh where the scar from that night two years ago would be—that is, if she hadn’t paid some medwitch to erase it. For someone who clearly took pains to dress nicely, he had little doubt she’d gotten it removed immediately. Party girls didn’t like scars messing with how they looked in a swimsuit.’

Yet as I’m sure your aware if you’ve read the book this judgement slowly changes. I won’t give away any spoilers but I will say this; Maas always deals with trauma in her books and Bryce is no exception to that. We are given a young beautiful women who supposedly cares more about her looks and lacks personality and depth, considering Hunt’s initial judgements, but if you read till the end you will learn that the scar Hunt alludes to holds more significance; that Bryce is in fact more than just the party girl with a need to look good, she is a young woman who has yet to overcome her trauma, loss, and guilt.

A different relationship I enjoyed was between Bryce and Ruhn. I loved watching them begin to heal their relationship after distancing themselves from one another for so long. As someone who has siblings I know that those relationships can be rocky and tricky but at the end of all the difficulties you still love your siblings. So, watching Bryce and Ruhn begin to heal their sibling rift was rather uplifting in a book that deals with some rather challenging traumas. Below is an extract where Ruhn proves once again that he is not willing to give up on his sister no matter how many times she tries to push him away. All I can say is that I’m excited to see how much further their relationship can improve in the sequel as well as getting to see more depth from Ruhn himself because I believe his character has huge potential.

‘She scanned his face, weighing the offer there. The hand extended. “Why?” she asked quietly. “Why keep bothering?” “Why keep pushing me away, Bryce?” His voice strained. “It wasn’t just about that fight.” She swallowed, her throat thick. “You were my best friend,” she said. “Before Danika, you were my best friend. And I … It doesn’t matter now.” She’d realized back then that the truth didn’t matter—she wouldn’t let it matter. She shrugged, as if it’d help lighten the crushing weight in her chest. “Maybe we could start over. On a trial basis only.” Ruhn started to smile. “So you’ll come watch the game?” “Juniper was supposed to come over that day, but I’ll see if she’s up for it.” Ruhn’s blue eyes twinkled like stars, but Bryce cut in, “No promises, though.” He was still grinning when she rose from her barstool.’

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Half-Fae, half-human Bryce Quinlan loves her life. By day, she works for an antiquities dealer, selling barely legal magical artifacts, and by night, she parties with her friends, savouring every pleasure Lunathion—otherwise known as Crescent City— has to offer. But it all comes crumbling down when a ruthless murder shakes the very foundations of the city—and Bryce’s world.

Two years later, her job has become a dead end, and she now seeks only blissful oblivion in the city’s most notorious nightclubs. But when the murderer attacks again, Bryce finds herself dragged into the investigation and paired with an infamous Fallen angel whose own brutal past haunts his every step.

Hunt Athalar, personal assassin for the Archangels, wants nothing to do with Bryce Quinlan, despite being ordered to protect her. She stands for everything he once rebelled against and seems more interested in partying than solving the murder, no matter how close to home it might hit. But Hunt soon realizes there’s far more to Bryce than meets the eye—and that he’s going to have to find a way to work with her if they want to solve this case.

As Bryce and Hunt race to untangle the mystery, they have no way of knowing the threads they tug ripple through the underbelly of the city, across warring continents, and down to the darkest levels of Hel, where things that have been sleeping for millennia are beginning to stir...

Key Quotes

Warning! Some swearing below

‘But it was Danika’s added “Love you” as Bryce slipped out into the grimy hallway that made her hesitate with her hand on the knob. It’d taken Danika a few years to say those words, and she still used them sparingly. Danika had initially hated it when Bryce said them to her—even when Bryce explained that she’d spent most of her life saying it, just in case it was the last time. In case she wouldn’t get to say goodbye to the people who mattered most.’

‘Tonight it had been simple enough—no guns. Hunt understood the unwritten words: make them suffer. So he had.’

“This is already a nightmare.” Isaiah coughed. “You watched Quinlan for one night.” “Ten hours, to be exact. Right until her pet chimera just appeared next to me at dawn, bit me in the ass for looking like I was dozing off, and then vanished again—right back into the apartment. Just as Quinlan came out of her bedroom and opened the curtains to see me grabbing my own ass like a fucking idiot. Do you know how sharp a chimera’s teeth are?” “No.” Hunt could have sworn he heard a smile in Isaiah’s voice. “When I flew over to explain, she blasted her music and ignored me like a fucking brat.”

‘She’d refused to go to therapy. […] But Bryce hadn’t shown up—not because she didn’t believe it would work. No, she knew it would work, and help, and probably make her feel better. Or at least give her the tools to try to do so. That was precisely why she hadn’t gone. From the way Hunt was staring at her, she wondered if he knew it—realized why she blew out a long breath.’

Similar Reads

From Blood and Ash, Serpent & Dove

Afterthoughts

Have you read House of Earth and Blood what did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

House of Earth and Blood is about more than just fantasy and enjoyment it deals with challenging traumas, overcoming grief and loss. The Characters are multidimensional and sassy AF!

Blog Tour - What Beauty There Is

Title: What Beauty There Is (Goodreads)

Publisher: Penguin

Genre: Mystery, Coming of age, Contemporary  

Author: Cory Anderson

Age Group: YA

Source: Paperback ARC & Netgalley

I would truly like to thank TheWriteReads for asking me to be a part of this book tour. I am also very grateful to Penguin for providing me with an ARC and Netgalley link to this book. Lastly and most importantly the biggest thank you goes to Cory Anderson for writing such an incredible book!

‘People will tell you the devil's a liar. They say he was from the start. The father of lies and all that stuff. But I don’t believe it. No. He tells the truth. You wouldn’t think you would be fooled with the truth. But you can.

Living with the devil.

It is not an easy thing to do.’

Review

This book kept me gripped from beginning till end. I could not put it down and consumed the pages within days of starting to read What Beauty There Is. Cory Anderson is not afraid to delve into the darker side of life and though there are tough themes and issues it is without a doubt important that they exist in books as they do in real life.

One of the main themes that stood out for me was the importance of family and in particular the power of a siblings love and protection. Jack Dahl will do anything to keep him and his brother together, he will not allow anyone to separate them and take his little brother into social care. The lengths that loved ones will go to stay together and protect one another is such a strong survival instinct in Jack that I and hopefully no one else could resist or fault him for going to the lengths that he does for his little brother Matty.

There is a pervading darkness to What Beauty There Is but shot through with moments of love and of course beauty, of hope! Some lives are full of real struggles and it seems those that live with very little happiness or hope but I think what Jack and Ava show us is that there are rare moments that shine through and you have to grab onto them with both hands and live for those small and transient moments to get through the pain and struggles.

If there is one book that you read this year I urge you to make it What Beauty There Is because for wherever there is pain and struggle there is also someone who possesses a fierce amount of love and protection that saves you from drowning. Someone who makes life worth living and choses to overcome the struggles for the people that matter the most, for the relationships that truly matter and gives you a reason to keep living.

“All things you choose to hold in your heart,” he says, “ have the capacity for pain.” He looks at her, looks hard. “Be careful what you choose.”

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Winter. The sky is dark. It is cold enough to crack bones.

Jack Morton has nothing left. Except his younger brother, Matty, who he'd do anything for. Even die for. Now with their mother gone, and their funds quickly dwindling, Jack needs to make a choice: lose his brother to foster care, or find the drug money that sent his father to prison. He chooses the money.

Ava Bardem lives in isolation, a life of silence. For seventeen years her father has controlled her fate. He has taught her to love no one. Trust no one. Now Victor Bardem is stalking the same money as Jack. When he picks up Jack's trail, Ava must make her own wrenching choice: remain silent or help the brothers survive.

Choices. They come at a price.

Key Quotes

"Look at me. We aren’t going to die if I give you two dollars." Matty looked at him. Those eyes gripped him. "Okay." "Do you believe me?" "Yes" "We're alright." Matty looked at Jack's hands and looked away. There is no description of stupid,  Jack thought, that you don’t fit. He said again, "We're alright." "Okay"

He whispered, “You don’t trust anyone. Do you? I don’t either. You see people. They’re smiling. Going to classes or to the movies. Doing homework at the library or out at the store with friends.” He tried to gather the right words. “You think, maybe you can be like that. One day. Maybe it can be like that.” 

Similar Reads

Shuggie Bain

Review - A Court of Frost and Starlight

A Court of Thorns and Roses series with Faecrate print

Title: A Court of Frost and Starlight 

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

Review

This is an absolutely fantastic little novella if you are a fan of ACOTAR. It truly resolves Feyre and Rhysand’s story that was brought to us in the worlds opening trilogy. However, what excited me most was that this novella begins to set up the future books and what we might expect for the other members of the Inner Circle and Archeron Sisters. After all we have seen Feyre begin her healing process but have yet to see Elain and Nesta face their traumas. But A Court of Frost and Starlight definitely establishes this for the future books (notably, A Court of Silver Flames is Nesta’s individual book). ACOTAR may have begun as Feyre and Rhys’s love story but this world is about truly more than that!

Even though the ACOTAR trilogy was mainly Feyre and Rhys’s story it was always about more than just them. It brought into focus some very important issues such as family conflicts, various traumas and healing from those difficult traumas. In particular sexual harassment was a key trauma suffered by both women and men, as well as the issue of family abuse. All of these issues was what made readers value the trilogy and Maas’ frankness to raise such issues in books targeted towards young adult readers. That’s why the following quote for me sums up one of the key themes raised throughout the trilogy, the power of family offering support and healing through facing and coming to terms with trauma. If you have read the series than you will be aware of the details of Cassian’s particular past, if not, then without giving away spoilers the key thing to know is that Cassian and his mother suffered abuse from their families village. Part of the healing process for Cassian was meeting Rhys and finding not only a friendship but choosing to claim each other as family, as brothers.

‘My mother always had gifts for Azriel and Cassian. For the latter, the initial Solstice we’d shared here had been the first time he’d received any sort of gift, Solstice or not. I could still see the tears Cassian had tried to hide as he’d opened his presents, and the tears in my mother’s eyes as she watched him.’

Now, even though there are difficult issues and themes there are still many positive and happy moments found throughout the ACOTAR trilogy and A Court of Frost and Starlight. At many times through reading this series overall I have found myself smiling and laughing time and again throughout reading about the love and friendship found between the many characters. Moments between The Inner Circle when things are peaceful and happy have always been my most favourite and ACOFAS did not disappoint as there were many of these happy occasions. The overarching story is the winter Solstice celebration, a time similar to our own Christmas, when families come together and enjoy the festivities and remind themselves of those that matter most to them (and of course who can forget the presents! cheeky Emoji). One scene that especially had me laughing and smiling is when Feyre and Cassian get drunk together and attempt to decorate the house for solstice. Of course getting drunk doesn’t lead to very good decorating and Azriel tries to fix it and whilst doing so is coaxed into joining Cass and Feyre for a drink:

“Poor Az,” I said, pouring myself another glass. “Wine will make you feel better.” He glared at me, then the bottle, then Cassian … and finally stormed across the room, took the bottle from my hand, and chugged the rest. Cassian grinned with delight. Mostly because Rhys drawled from the doorway, “Well, at least now I know who’s drinking all my good wine. Want another one, Az?” Azriel nearly spewed the wine into the fire, but made himself swallow and turn, red-faced, to Rhys. “I would like to explain—” Rhys laughed, the rich sound bouncing off the carved oak moldings of the room. “Five centuries, and you think I don’t know that if my wine’s gone, Cassian’s usually behind it?” Cassian raised his glass in a salute.’

Synopsis (Goodreads)

ON THE DARKEST NIGHT, THE STARS STILL SHINE. 

Feyre's first Winter Solstice as High Lady is drawing near. With it will come a hard-earned rest from the work she, Rhys and their friends have done to rebuild the Night Court and the vastly changed the world beyond. Yet the festive atmosphere can't keep shadows from looming. Even as her own heart heals, she finds that those dearest to her have wounds that go deeper than she knew. 

AND THE SCARS OF THE PAST WILL TOUCH HER COURT IN TIMES TO COME.

Key Quotes

‘Elain met me halfway to the kitchen, bearing a tray of jam tarts toward the table in the dining room. Where an assortment of baked goods had already begun to take form, tiered cakes and iced cookies. Sugar-frosted buns and caramel-drizzled fruit pies. “Those look pretty,” I told her by way of greeting, nodding toward the heart-shaped cookies on her tray.’

“Hot cocoa or wine?” Cassian curved a wing around me, turning us toward the cellar door. “How many good bottles does little Rhysie have left?”

‘I cupped Rhys’s cheek, and he leaned into the touch as I quietly asked, “Do you think it’s stupid to wonder if painting might help others, too? Not my painting, I mean. But teaching others to paint. Letting them paint. People who might struggle the same way I do.” His eyes softened. “I don’t think that’s stupid at all.” I traced my thumb over his cheekbone, savoring every inch of contact. “It makes me feel better—perhaps it would do the same for others.”

“The females bring their jewelry. I bring my weapons.” “I know a few females in this house who might take offense to that.” Cassian offered me a wicked grin in response.’

Similar Reads

Throne of Glass, From Blood and Ash, The Cruel Prince, Serpent & Dove, Kingdom of the Wicked

Afterthoughts

Sometimes it's the family we choose, our friends, that help us the most and we should cherish the family we go to choose.

Healing from trauma takes time and it isn't a quick process but a lifetimes worth of healing.

Have you read A Court of Frost and Starlight, what did you think?

What books would you recommend for readers that love Fae inspired stories?

Review - Blood & Honey

Blood & Honey with Coco print

Title: Blood & Honey
Series: Serpent & Dove (Goodreads)
Publisher: HarperTeen 
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Author: Shelby Mahurin
Age Group: YA
Source: Waterstones (purchased)

Review

I absolutely love reading trilogies and series but I hate the wait of a long awaited sequel. Thankfully, I managed to wait long enough for Blood & Honey without too much torture because I just adore this motley crew and antagonistic romance! Shelby Mahurin did not disappoint with the sequel to Serpent & Dove which unfortunately can occur to any great writer. Instead Mahurin pushed the boundaries and gave us even more darkness and romance but of course all comes at a price when you love a witch.

I could talk for hours about how much I love the relationship between Lou and Reid but instead what stood out as a strength for me in this book was the development of the secondary characters. This was a concern that I had after I finished Serpent & Dove because it was heavily focused on Lou and Reid with very little balance for developing Coco, Beau, Ansel and even Madame Labelle. Thank goodness I was not disappointed when I read Blood & Honey as my hopes to see these supporting characters developed was given to me and many readers.

At the moment there is a real focus on the writing and portrayal of black and ethnic minority characters. For many years, these individuals and communities have gone underrepresented in literature, they have existed to be sure, but they were not the protagonist nor were they developed beyond a one dimensional representation. Now, even though Coco is not the protagonist and remains a supporting character there is still a need to create a two dimensional individual and not a flat character. Mahurin succeeds exceptionally with Coco’s personal development in Blood & Honey! Other readers of the trilogy and this sequel may not agree that this is the case and I respect that feeling, though for me personally, I felt that Coco became more of an individual with her own struggles and personality rather than just a supporting side character to help be Lou’s friend and conscious moral guide. For this reason I leave you with this extract that occurs between Coco, Ansel, and Lou, which personally to me exhibits the individual strength and development of Coco as a person in her own right in Blood & Honey, than just as a secondary character who exists to move the action onwards for the main protagonists Lou and Reid.

“Coco, no. None of this is your fault. Your people—they would never blame you for what happened here.” “That’s exactly the point, isn’t it?” She wiped her eyes furiously. “They should. I abandoned them. Twice. They’re freezing and starving and so afraid, yet their own princesse couldn’t be bothered to care. I should’ve been here, Lou. I should’ve—I don’t know—” “Controlled the weather?” My hands joined hers, wiping at her tears. Though they burned my skin, I didn’t pull away, blinking rapidly against the moisture in my own eyes. […] She wrenched the crown from her head, glaring at the glittering rubies. “How can I lead them? How can I even look at them? I knew their suffering, and I fled anyway, while their conditions only worsened.” She tossed the crown into the snow. “I am no princesse.” To my surprise—perhaps because I’d forgotten he still stood with us—Ansel bent to retrieve it. With impossibly gentle hands, he placed it back on her head. “You’re here now. That’s what matters.”

Synopsis (Goodreads)

After narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Dames Blanches, Lou, Reid, Coco, and Ansel are on the run from coven, kingdom, and church—fugitives with nowhere to hide.

To elude the scores of witches and throngs of chasseurs at their heels, Lou and Reid need allies. Strong ones. But protection comes at a price, and the group is forced to embark on separate quests to build their forces. As Lou and Reid try to close the widening rift between them, the dastardly Morgane baits them in a lethal game of cat and mouse that threatens to destroy something worth more than any coven.

Key Quotes 

‘Her voice was small, however, as she continued. “I am sorry, Reid. You’ve led a tumultuous life, and the blame in part is mine. I know this. I understand my role in your suffering.” Catching my hand, she rose to her feet. I told myself to pull away. I didn’t. “Now you must understand that, if given the choice, I never would’ve left you. I would’ve forsaken everything—my home, my sisters, my life—to keep you, but I cannot change the past. I cannot protect you from its pain. I can protect you here and now, however, if you let me.” If you let me. The words were living things in my ears. Though I tried to bury them, they took root, suffocating my anger.'

‘Perhaps it’d be peaceful, to drown. I’d never given it thought. When I’d imagined my own death, it’d been at the end of a sword. Perhaps twisted and broken by a witch’s hand. Violent, painful endings. Drowning would be better. Easier.’

‘Beau paused in rummaging through Coco’s rucksack. “Side effects?” “Death, mostly. Nothing to fret about.” Madame Labelle shrugged, unamused, and sarcasm dripped from her words.’

‘I wiped a tear from my eye before it could fall, before he could see. Never once in my eighteen years had I allowed myself to feel small, to feel ashamed, and I refused to start now.'

Similar Reads

From Blood and Ash, Kingdom of the Wicked, The Shadows Between Us, A ​Court of Silver Flames

Afterthoughts 

There were so many moments when I found myself hysterically laughing at the antics of so many of the characters, these characters just have so much life to them and these moments of joy helped balance against the darker themes.

Have you read Blood & Honey, what did you think? Would you recommend this trilogy to others?

How far would you go if you had magic to protect the ones you love?

Blog Tour - The Unadjusteds

The Unadjusteds book tour

Title: The Unadjusteds (Goodreads)

Publisher: Write Plan

Genre: Sci-fi, Dystopia, Fantasy 

Author: Marisa Noelle

Age Group: YA

Source: Pdf provided by TheWriteReads

I would like to say a big thank you to Dave from TheWriteReads for providing me with the Pdf from the publishers. This was one of my favourite reads so far of the year! I hope you enjoy my review and give this book a read.

‘It would be so much easier to just not care. Take a pill. Be like everyone else. But I can’t do that. I promised Diana.’

Review

I was instantly consumed by the action of this book. From the first few opening pages I already loved the strength of Silver, the main character, and was intrigued by the mutations brought to us in the book and quickly wanted to read on to find out how they came into existence. The author, Marisa Noelle, has such a strong and exciting way of writing. She manages to find that perfect balance between action and character narration which allows the story’s premise and world building to evolve naturally.

I haven’t yet managed to finish this book but I know that I will because I’m deeply obsessed  and intrigued by what will happen to Silver, her friends and family as well as how the adjusteds came into existence. So far, what already stands out to me in The Unadjusteds is the elements of sci-fi, dystopia and fantasy which all blend really nicely to create an exciting story and great characters. There is at the moment very little active romance in this book, but I really don’t mind that. There is a potential romance present between Silver and one of her long-term friends, one not too subtly hinted at, but I’m not concerned either way. I personally just hope that it doesn’t take away from the sci-fi intrigue and independence of Silver. I actually prefer less romance in heavily focused sci-fi books as I think that for me is more exciting!

I am personally a reader that struggles with reading eBooks and so I was very surprised and impressed that this book managed to keep me reading. The fact that I couldn’t put this book down even though it wasn’t given to me in my preferred format speaks volumes of success for the book itself. I know straight away once I start reading a book that I cannot put down that I have found one that meets my personal expectations and The Unadjusteds certainly does that. So, like me if you love strong female characters, sci-fi focused action and strong family values than this is a must read for you! Also, if you loved The Hunger Games then this book possesses similar vibes. Another personal similar read I felt it met the strengths of was This Mortal Coil by Emily Suvada and would totally recommend you check out if you give The Unadjusteds a read.

‘I refuse to live in a world where genetically enhanced abilities are valued more than kindness and compassion. I’m determined to find a place away from it all. If I can figure out how to take the damn ankle collar off.’

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Sixteen-year-old Silver Melody lives in a world where 80% of the population has modified their DNA. Known as the altereds, those people now possess enhancements like wings, tails, and increased strength or intelligence. Although Silver’s parents created the nanite pill used to deliver these genetic modifications, Silver is proud of her unadjusted state.

However, when the president declares all unadjusteds must take a nanite, Silver has no choice but to flee the city with her father and some friends to prevent the extinction of the unadjusteds.

With Silver’s mother in prison for treason, Silver’s father is the unadjusteds’ only hope at finding a cure. But time is running out as Silver’s father is captured by the president’s almost immortal army. Vicious hellhounds are on Silver’s trail, and her only chance to recover her father involves teaming up with a new group of unlikely friends before all humanity is lost.

Key Quotes

'Gripping his shoulders, I force him to look at me. “You’re not alone,” I say, placing my hands either side of his face. “Please fight. Try. Hold on. The ambulance is coming.” Don’t be another Diana. I shudder against the memories. The foam and the bulging veins. It’s happening all over again. Blood trickles from the boy’s nose, dripping onto his fresh, white Tshirt. He drops sideways, falling from my grip. His head smacks against the cement.'

'So many things in this forest can kill me. A hellhound could end me in a few bloody seconds. Gritting my teeth, I clamp down on the building fear. I can’t let it win. “Let’s move.”

'Joe stands alone in a circle of dead wolves, blood glistening on his arms and face.'

Similar Reads

Slated, This Mortal Coil, The Hunger Games

Review - The Shadows Between Us

The Shadows Between Us

Title: The Shadows Between Us (Goodreads)
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends 
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Age Group: YA
Source: Book Depository (purchased)

Review 

I haven’t read a really gripping standalone in a long time and I am so glad that The Shadows Between Us did not disappoint me. The opening chapter pulled me in straight away with its dark intrigue ‘They’ve never found the body of the first and only boy who broke my heart. And they never will. I buried Hektor Galanis in a hole so deep, even the devils of the earth couldn’t reach him’ and an already promising strong main female protagonist. However, I did feel that once I’d finished the book what had promised dark intrigue with Slytherin vibes ultimately fell short of this premise. This didn’t lead to disappointment and I still thoroughly enjoyed the book, but I felt that the premise and promotion of the book was oversold and misleading which in a sales sense was disappointing. As with many YA books its tricky for most authors to avoid predictability and in some ways this is what makes books enjoyable for some readers. The Shadows Between Us also fell into the trap of predictability at times but did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. In fact, there was one twist that I’m glad to say I did not predict. I was so glad I didn’t see it coming because it gave me that final thrill when reading a book and its nearing its closure but there’s still so much to wrap up with a satisfying resolution and thankfully The Shadows Between Us achieved that.

What usually draws my attention to a book worth reading is a strong female protagonist and character development. Alessandra Stathos definitely deserves to be a part of this group among other strongly developed female characters. At first I wasn’t too keen on Alessandra and her selfish and shallow personality and was concerned about her lack of potential for development, especially considering her motivations, to kill the king and become the sole ruler of the kingdom. This example in particular exhibits Alessandra’s earlier shallowness and why I feared her lack of developmental potential. This extract shows a scene where a robber has recently been stealing from the kingdoms nobles and Alessandra’s reaction to it:

‘Who in the world would steal and then not keep the riches for themselves? That’s just bad business. Someone that stupid must surely be caught soon. [...] The nobles who were robbed will be paying taxes to me in the future. If Kallias doesn’t solve this problem, it will become mine.’

On a financial level the nobles weren’t unfortunate but on a human level of concern no one deserves the trauma of being held captive until they hand over their possessions. Alessandra herself is not an impoverished woman and her greed for more money didn’t sit well to begin with and her lack of moral concern for others traumas either. However, as The Shadows Between Us progressed so did Alessandra’s development and she ultimately redeemed my personal favour in her. She eventually became less shallow and more considerate of other people’s emotions and I loved that someone who began with so little appeal proved me wrong and actually won my adoration!

What always stood out for me in The Shadows Between Us was its positive approach to female sexuality and the men’s respect for a woman’s decision and their compliance with equal consent. For me, that was ultimately the strength of this book. So, I will leave you with this rather fitting scene that exemplifies one of the few ways an author can empower a young woman’s developing exploration and understanding of their sexuality:

“What of you and Lord Paulos?” I ask. “Have you two…?” “No,” she says simply. “I asked him if we could wait until after the wedding.” “Has he pressured you?” I ask, suddenly growing protective of my friend. “Oh, no. He’s been wonderful about it. You might think I’m silly, but I just want to wait until I’m his wife.” I take her hand in mine. “There is nothing silly about waiting until you want to. Don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise. It is your body to do with as you will.” She smiles at me then, and I worry that I might be the first person to tell her that. Waiting. Not waiting. One lover. A hundred lovers. There should be no judgment either way. A woman is not defined by what she does or doesn’t do in the bedroom.’

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:

1) Woo the Shadow King.

2) Marry him.

3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.

No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.

But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?

Key Quotes

‘I barely remembered grabbing the knife Father had given to me for my fifteenth birthday, three months previous, with its jeweled handle and silver sheen, but I do remember that Hektor’s blood matched the inlaid rubies. [...] Alessandra. His last word was my name. His last thought was of me. I won.’

'No one is allowed to touch the king. To do so is punishable by death. Oh, he is a delightful mystery that I can’t wait to solve.’

'I jabbed the heels into the earth and used them to crawl my way out. My muscles spasmed within my body, and my dress was damp with mud, my nostrils full of dirt. But I would not allow myself to die in the grave I’d dug.’

“Aren’t we all drawn to our friends in the beginning by trifling things? True bonds develop afterward, when character is revealed.”

Similar Reads

From Blood and Ash, Serpent & Dove, And I Darken

Afterthoughts

Have you read The Shadows Between Us. did you enjoy it let me know!

I loved the positivity and empowerment of female sexuality. 

What books would you recommend to those who enjoyed this book?