Review: Fairest by Marissa Meyer

Fairest by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pub. Date: January 27th 2015
Pages: 222
Series: The Lunar Chronicles book # 3.5

Short Sweet Synopsis: Levana's story. Find out why she is such an awesome villain. 

I have a confession to make, I don't usually read novella's or short stories that are part of a greater series. I wish I had a good reason for this, but usually I'm simply not interested enough in a character to take this on. However, I have always been intrigued by Queen Levana in the Lunar Chronicles because she is such an amazing villain. I love to hate her and could not imagine myself empathizing with her, but Marissa Meyer made it happen in "Fairest".

Let's make this clear, you will not end Fairest thinking that Levana is a stand up gal who is just misunderstood. You will have a better understanding of her as an individual, but you will still think everything she has done is unforgivable. What is the point then of reading the book? Because even though Levana was doing some devious deeds, I felt myself hoping that she would surprise me and take the high road. At the same moment, I felt sorry enough for Levana that I was in tears through most of the book. Even though Fairest is very short, a little over 200 pages, Marissa packs enough character development that you will understand how Levana became so twisted.

If you enjoy the Lunar Chronicles, it really doesn't matter your opinion of Levana, you will want to read Fairest. If you are like me and appreciate Levana's demonic plots then you MUST read Fairest because you have only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to mental torment. I probably just made myself sound like a bit of a psychopath, but I just admire when an author can create an truly terrifying villain.

Review: The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg

The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Pub. Date: September 1, 2014
Pages: 224

Short Sweet Synopsis: Ceony has worked hard to be first in her class at the Tagis Praff School for the Magically Inclined to fulfill her dream of choosing metal as the medium for her magic; however, her dreams are crushed when the school assigns her to work with paper. Little does she know that there is more to paper magic than she even thought possible. When a magician practicing dark magic enters the picture, Ceony must use all the magic she has learned in order to save the life of her teacher.

"The Paper Magician" was a nice change from the books I have been reading. You may think that the idea of a paper magician is lame, but Charlie N. Holmberg makes it incredible. Like the idea of a magician who can work wonders with paper, there were aspects of "The Paper Magician" that I loved, but there were some issues with the execution of the plot that got in the way of the flow of the story.

I'm going to start with the positives because my experience when reading "The Paper Magician" was a good one. I loved the characters in "The Paper Magician" because they all had strong personalities. Ceony and Emery had great chemistry throughout the book and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. I truly appreciated the way Holmberg created his magical world where there Magicians bond to a specific man-made medium. Once bonded a magician can only work with that material. Even though paper sounds like a lame material to work with, it turns out that almost anything is possible if the magician knows his craft and understand the material.

My biggest problem with "The Paper Magician" was the pacing. Much of the book moved very quickly, but then the book slowed down towards the end. There was too much descriptions that didn't add to the world building or story. There was also a point where the plot started to crawl along and Ceony was going around in circles. It was getting really frustrating. I think it would have helped the pace if Emery and Ceony had more time working together at the beginning of the story and less with Ceony running in circles (sorry I'm trying not to give away cool details). Luckily the end of the book made it totally worth it!

I really enjoyed "The Paper Magician" because it felt very unique to other fantasy books out there. Yes it had romance and a good vs. evil plot, but these are elements I enjoy when the author does them well. Even though poor pacing is one of my pet peeves, I still really enjoyed "The Paper Magician" and even plan on reading the second book in the series.

Review of My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories

My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by Stephanie Perkins, Holly Black, Ally Carter, Matt de la Pena, Gayle Forman, Jenny Han, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Myra McEntire, Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor, and Kiersten White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pub. Date: October 14th 2014 
Pages: 320

Short Sweet Synopsis: Twelve holiday love stories by twelve spectacular young adult authors.

My True Love Gave to Me is filled with enchanting holiday stories that I couldn't put down. It is a mix of genres, so if you aren't a fan of fantasy or paranormal then you probably will not like all the stories; same goes if you don't like realistic fiction. Luckily for me I'm an eclectic reader and My True Love Gave to Me featured many of my favorite authors. As the title indicates, these are all love stories; if you aren't looking for cozy holiday romance stories then this is not the book for you. Not all of the stories are light, some of them are pretty dark featuring some big issues, but all of the stories leave you with that warm holiday feeling. Yes, that sounds like complete Cheez Whiz, but it is the best way I know how to describe how I felt after reading My True Love Gave to Me.

I started My True Love Gave to Me because I wanted more Rainbow Rowell, she is my new favorite author, and kept reading because each story hooked me immediately. That is what blew me away most about this collection, I have a hard time picking a favorite story. Instead of there being only a few standout stories, every mini world felt special. I fell in love with all of them and was sad to move on so soon.

My True Love Gave to Me is a must listen for audiobook fans as it is performed by some of my favorite narrators. The audiobook had a particularly special meaning for me because reading holiday stories out loud used to be a family tradition. 

My True Love Gave to Me was one of my favorite books I read in 2014. I was going to post a different review today, but I wanted to make sure I shared this book that is so special to me. I loved this book so much that I purchased it for my permanent collection. I can't wait to read My True Love Game to Me again next year!

Review of "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pub. Date: January 14th, 2014
Pages: 396

Short and Sweet Synopsis:  The peculiar children have left their island and now must find a way to save Miss Peregrine by exploring time loops with wights and hollowgasts on their tail.

"Hollow City" was a really good book; it had a great plot and interesting new characters.  I especially enjoyed learning about the different time loops.  The book had a good pace and I was constantly worried about the well being of the characters, especially Miss Peregrine.  Would she stay a bird or would the children some how succeed in their impossible quest?  Another aspect of the book that I appreciated was seeing Jacob's peculiar ability develop.

My one criticism of "Hollow City" is that the photographs didn't feel like they added anything to the story.  When "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" came out, I thought the photographs eerily fit the story; however, the photographs in "Hollow City" felt like more of an afterthought.  The pictures in this sequel weren't always good representations of the story or characters.

Overall, "Hollow City" was great!  The photographs were disappointing, but the  story and characters were very intriguing.  There was a twist at the end of the book that I did not see coming and left me craving more.  I will be continuing with this series!

Review of "Shadow and Bone"

"Shadow and Bone"

by Leigh Bardugo

My Rating:

Pub. Date: June 05, 2012

Pages: 368

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Source: Free from Publisher

Edition: ARC

Short and Sweet Synopsis: The only thing that Alina likes about her life is the time spent with her best friend, but all this changes when their regiment is attacked.  Alina discovers a hidden power that not only save them, but may also be the key to saving her country.


I just finished "Shadow and Bone" and I can't believe how wonderful it was!  If the rest of the books in this trilogy were out, I would be devouring them right now!  I can't think of anything I didn't like about this book.  The characters, plot, setting, pace, writing, and cover are all AWESOME!  There was a bit of romance, but it didn't overtake the story. 

I loved all the characters both good and bad.  I loved how the characters developed throughout "Shadow and Bone".  No one was 100% good, they were just handling situations the best they could as things came at them.  There were definitely evil characters in the book and they earned it.  There were also some "villains" that I definitely felt for by the end of the book.


Usually I don't talk about setting, but how can you not love a book where part of the land is filled in completely darkness?!  That is so terrifying!  Plus, there are evil monsters that will massacre anything that enter these dark lands.  There is also a beautiful palace filled with dark secrets.  There is an interesting play between good vs. evil and beauty vs. ugliness.  Just like nothing is 100% good or evil, nothing is 100% beautiful or ugly.  Some things that may be seen as ugly had redeeming qualities where some things beautiful also had terrible qualities.  Evil sometimes hides in beauty just like good can be found in ugliness.  I'm not going to explain anymore because I will totally give something away.


Whether you are looking for a great fantasy book or just want to read an amazing book,  "Shadow and Bone" will satisfy both cravings.  It is truly a wonderful book that is worth buying in Hardcover.  I am definitely going to be recommending this book to everyone who reads teen books.  It just blew my mind!  It has been hours since I finished the book and I am still acting like a fangirl.  I not only have a crush on a couple of the characters, but the book as well!

Review: "Theatre Illuminata"

“So Silver Bright”

by Lisa Mantchev

My Rating:

Pub. Date: September 13, 2011

Pages: 368

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Source: Bought

Edition: Hardcover

Short and Sweet Synopsis: Final book in the "Theatre Illuminata" Series that follows a love triangle between a girl who can write things into reality, a pirate from "The Little Mermaid", and Ariel of "The Tempest".  Can they survive the wrath of a sea witch, face an unpredictable queen, reunite Bertie's family, AND save the Theatre Illuminata?

"So Silver Bright" was a perfect ending to a wonderful series. These books have such a unique plot that they completely swept me into their world. The "Theatre Illuminata" series is for people who are willing to fall into a fantasy world where anything is possible.  I loved that the possibilities for this book seemed endless.   


The characters are fun and there are moments where I found myself laughing out loud. How can you not love a set of characters that includes four faeries from "A Midsummer Night's Dream"?  They are hilarious and wreak havoc where ever they go.  I will also admit that I have a total crush on Nate!  A pirate with a heart of gold who is ruggedly hansom and 100% man.  Who am I kidding? I just needed to know he was a pirate!  ;)  Ariel is his super sensual self.  Bertie, our leading lady, is growing up but still remains kick ass.  Ophelia also has a memorable part to play in this final installment.


"So Silver Bright" may be a fantasy book, but the characters struggle with issues anyone can relate to.  Bertie is trying to bring together her separated parents by learning about their past.  Ariel is trying to figure out where he belongs in the world.  Bertie is constantly trying to learn about her powers and gain the confidence she needs to be successful in her objectives.  While the problems and actions are fantastical, the emotional struggles of the characters are realistic. 


I really hope Lisa Mantchev continues to write novels because I want more of her fantastic creativity.  I am very sad that this is the final book in the "Theatre Illuminata" series, but I am happy with how it ended.  

Review of "Daughter of Smoke and Bone"

 "Daughter of Smoke and Bone"

by Laini Taylor

My Rating:

 Pub. Date: September 27, 2011

Pages: 432

Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

Source: Borrowed From Library

Edition: Hardcover

Synopsis: Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

In case you didn't see all the hearts, I LOVED "Daughter of Smoke and Bone".  Laini Taylor is a beautiful storyteller; she was able to combine the beauty of Prague with paranormal romance to create an epic fantasy novel.

The characters are one of a kind.  Brimstone is a monster that sells wishes for teeth.  Yes, you read it correctly, TEETH!  At the same time, he is part of the only family that Karou has ever known.  Karou herself is wonderfully mysterious.  She has tattoos and "naturally" blue hair, is extremely artistic, runs dangerous errands, was raised by monsters, and has no idea who she is.  Karou is a strong female character searching for her identity, but nothing can prepare her for the truth.

The way Laini Taylor described Prague transported me back to this beautiful, historic city.  Prague is a fantastic city and is the perfect setting for this book.  It is so romantic with great old-world charm that I could totally picture there being secret doors that lead beyond our world.

On top of characters, plot, and beautiful storytelling, there is this huge war that has taken over two civilizations for hundreds of years and Karou is getting sucked in.  I know this probably doesn't make a lot of sense, but you will just have to read the book to find out how all these pieces fit together.

"Daughter of Smoke and Bone" is filled with so many mysteries that it hooks you from the first page until the last.  And let me just say that the last page will blow your mind hole!  How can Karou be family with monsters?  Why does Brimstone collect Teeth?  Who is Karou?  Honestly, just go buy "The Daughter of Smoke and Bone.  It is awesome and one of the best books that was released in 2011.

Review of "Entwined"

"Entwined"

by Heather Dixon

My Rating:

Pub. Date: March 29, 2011

Pages: 480

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Source: Borrowed From Library

Edition: e-book

Synopsis: Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it's taken away. All of it.

The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation.

Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest.

But there is a cost.

The Keeper likes to keep things.

Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.

I LOVE the cover of "Entwined".  It fit the romantic aspects that I was sure would be a part of a book that highlighted dancing and magic.  I think I loved the cover a bit too much because the book did not live up to it.  I really liked the retelling of the 12 dancing princesses  fairy tale.  It was great to understand why the King was so harsh.  He became a character with depth instead of just a horrible father trying keep his children from having any enjoyment out of life.  I liked how the daughters struggled to  live with their father.  Their difficult relationship felt true and grounded the story in a way that made it seem more realistic.  For the most part, I liked how the girls didn't adhere to social norms.  They had spirit and I enjoyed that.  

There were a few problems with "Entwined".  First, the daughters were kind of dense about the danger they were in.  I understand their naivety at first, but out of 12 girls only the oldest started to worry... it was very unrealistic to me.  Especially since these girls are strong minded and educated.  Second, the book was kind of slow.  I think it was just a bit too long because there were times when not a lot was happening.  I am a fan of dancing, but some of it could have been cut out.  It was just a bit too much.  I guess the problem was that I didn't love Heather Dixon's writing style.  It just wasn't my favorite.

Overall, I liked the book.  It didn't take me a long time to read, I just wish there had been more editing.  I am glad I read it because I did enjoy the plot.  I have a feeling that there will be readers out there who love this book, but I am just not one of them.