Fantastically Fierce Fiction

Holy gods! So much happens in this book! Celaena grows as a person and into her powers and birthright. She makes some powerful allies in Prince Rowan and his cadre. Unfortunately, she also realizes while she loves her captain, Chaol, she can no longer be with him. I think part of her realizes this after being around the fae and knowing deep down that he is not her mate nor is he willing to accept her fae heritage. She overcomes some very large emotional battles which lead her to discover her true potential. She makes a bold statement about who she is that rings across a continent. She now realizes what she wants to do and who she wants to be. Aelin of the Wildfire, Heir of Brannan, Queen of Terrasen, and she wants to “rattle the stars” to “build a better world.” Meanwhile, Chaol is trying to help Dorian in whatever way he can leading him to working with her cousin, Aedion, and in turn helping her as well. Poor Chaol is mentally struggling so much with his decisions. His honor in his title and position has always been his anchor, but what if honor actually lies in doing…

I found myself wanting to pick up the next book in the series after finishing Throne of Glass because I was looking forward to what mischief Celaena would find herself drawn to. I was not disappointed. This book continues her investigating and attempts to unravel the mysteries around her while trying to cover her tracks and remain true to herself. This one has a little more action thrown into the mix and we find out more about Celaena, what she’s hiding, and what she’s capable of. We see she is a force of nature loyal to those she cares about such as Chaol and Nehemia. Chaol is steady, loyal, and honorable, and she has this deep inexplicable connection to him that just continues to grow over time. Eventually she gives in to her growing feelings and turns to him for more than just companionship and a safe place to pass the time. At the same time, she seems to have this soul-deep connection with Nehemia like they are two of a kind although Celaena doesn’t want to see it or own it. Like Nehemia, I feel like she has potential for so much more if she would just dare to…

Looking for another fantasy series with a strong female lead? Look no further than Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas as she creates another magnificent world around an infamous female assassin, Celaena Sardothian, who perseveres through every obstacle thrown her way. She repeats her mantra, “I will not be afraid” which got her through a year of slavery as she starts investigating some evil forces lurking in the castle while competing for the title of King’s Champion. This book starts off the series with very little background on our assassin except for her personality traits which become rather obvious right out the gate. Soon after she makes a bargain to get out of the slave camp, Endovier, she finds herself participating in a competition to become the King’s Champion while trying to not draw too much attention to herself. Which, once you read about her, you will see she loves showing how capable she is, and when she’s not performing these sometimes daunting tasks, she loves to boast about them. I love her swagger, confidence, and nonchalant way of talking about some of her daring accomplishments. Furthermore, I love the mischief she and Dorian, the Crown Prince, get themselves…

I was not thrilled when I first started this book because although it clearly states it’s not the same as the fairytale we all know, I was still shocked by the many character differences. However, the more I read, the more I just didn’t want to stop reading. I like the different, more realistic family dynamic she’s given Cinderella. It’s not a tale of a wicked step mother and sisters who come to sabotage her life. Her truth is actually quite different, you’ll see, if you so choose. If you sometimes find Disney to be too unrealistic in its princess’s love stories, you’ll love the better character development in this book. Sarah Pinborough paints Cinderella as more than just a nice girl who dreams of going to a ball. This new Cinderella has passion, wants love, likes the thrill of adventure, and is truly a little bit of a spoiled brat at times. Furthermore, I love how she’s woven in a few different fairytales and can’t wait to see what the next book is about and who is involved. Don’t hesitate to read this new take on Cinderella’s tale where a young girl who wants passion and love figures out…

I don’t know if I can truly do this book justice. This series has become a favorite of mine along with this author. I don’t say that lightly, but I find myself coming back to these books over and again. I’ve just finished this particular series of hers for the 3rd time at a minimum. Each time I reread it, I fall in love with the characters all over again and find myself devouring the books every chance I get. I love the story line. I love the character makeup and development. This is a MUST read for those who love books about strong female characters with a little romance thrown in and books about the fae. Throughout the book, we follow Feyre, a young girl who is dependent on no one but herself and finds a way to figure everything out through trial and error and perseverance. She is someone to respect and watch out for, and we see that very early on when she’s hunting alone in the woods at a very young age. Especially when those woods are in such close proximity to Prythian, the faerie lands, and known to have wolves that roam throughout. Yet brave…

A supernatural, romantic, and mysterious tale of Nephilim and fallen angels. I always love reading tales about the Nephilim. The different takes on how they’ve come into existence and where they sit in the good vs evil battle has always intrigued me. In this particular version, a Nephilim is the child of a fallen angel and mortal coupling. This tale also has a good dose of suspense with accidents and murders and this creepy sensation of being watched. The author is good at keeping you guessing, like a whodunit, until the very end. So who’s to blame and who gets the girl? I guess you’ll have to follow Nora to find out. Could it be the mysterious, sexy new guy, Nora’s new lab partner, who she can’t help but feel afraid of, attracted to, and maybe a little annoyed by? How about the hot new transfer from the prep school? Or his creepy, silent friend? I don’t have many posts so you won’t realize this yet, but give it time and you will see I tend to have a weak spot for the somewhat bad boys. Those subtle hints of a smile and cocky attitude will get me on a…

The classic play we’ve all read at some point or another. Is it a falsity? Is it truly a tale of sin and good versus evil, not a tragedy? Did Juliet truly wield the dagger ending her own life upon seeing Romeo “dead” or was it his hand that drove the blade home? I feel very disconnected from this story, but I can’t place my finger on the cause. Perhaps it is my frustration with Ariel and Gemma. I don’t understand how she can put up with a best friend like Gemma for I would never have someone in my life who constantly talks down to me and treats me like a dog. Perhaps it is my frustration with Juliet who is an Ambassador for good and love yet harbors so much hatred and distrust. Perhaps I feel there is an excess of drama that is unnecessary. Juliet who is Ariel is interested in Ben. He’s glowing so she assumes it’s for Gemma since she’s glowing also. Gemma adds to that belief by spending more time with Ben and getting angry with Ariel for her attraction to Ben. Meanwhile, Gemma is really into someone else altogether. Why the games with…

Vivian moves to a new city after the traumatic loss of her father leaves her pack in disarray. She finds the jockeying for power too violent after his death. Her mother is out fighting to stay the pack leader’s mate. Her childhood friends have created hostility amongst themselves now that they see her as a potential mate instead of just pack. She wishes for things to be simple like they used to be like when she could just change and run for the joy of being wolf. She just wants things to be easy and normal again. After seeing a poem about “the change” a werewolf goes through, she seeks out the author. Upon discovering he’s a human, she decides she wants to learn more about him and finds herself drawn to his softer mentality and love of life which leads her to fall in love with him in turn. Now she’s caught in the middle of not wanting to betray her pack to a human and wanting to share everything she is with her human love. Overall, I like the story because it’s relatable in some ways. Obviously not all of us are able to shape shift, but it…