A Court of Wings and Ruin

Aah! I have been anticipating this book for over a year. This was everything I needed, and more and yet it left me wanting. I understand that there are mixed reviews for this book, but I thought it was phenomenal considering it isn't really the end. It's just a gateway to another series.

This book was a roller coaster when it came to messing with my feelings because one minute, I wanted to jump up and down in joy and the next, I wanted to tear my hair out. I loved that we met more people from across Prythian in this book. I enjoyed meeting the different High Lords and learning about them. Helion actually reminded me of Rhys when he joins the inner circle in their chambers in the Dawn Court. And I have a lot of hope in Kallias. I really really hope he takes a page out of Rhy's book and makes Viviane his High Lady. I really thought that most of the High Lords were great.

I'm a little confused about the mating thing because, in the last book, Rhys described the whole Frenzy thing was due to an inherent need that tbh, can't explain the fact that Thesan's mate was probably a guy, which doesn't explain the frenzy. I was kind of bothered by the whole thing in the last book, but I was so happy to have so much diversity in ships in this book. We had a High Lord who had a male lover, and I loved the fact that they are probably mates.

And then there is Mor, who is bisexual and even though it breaks my Moriel heart, I'm a supporter of Mor following her heart! I kind of feel sorry for Az, who will probably get heartbroken by this, even though he'll totally support her. Do you guys think that something is going on with Mor and Viviane's sister? That would be amazing. But Moriel!

The worst scene in this book was the death of Suriel! I was so excited to see a Feyriel reunion! I loved the Suriel from the very beginning. He is so... was so amazing. He always offered Feyre what she needed. He told her to stay with the High Lord... to stay with Rhys. He told her Rhys was her mate. He told her how to win the war. He told her to stay with the High Lord. It was his words that went through her mind as she clung on to the mating bond. He told her to make the world a better place. He was fantastic. He was probably my favorite character from ACOTAR, well except for the inner circle. RIP Suriel. You will be missed. And Ianthe deserved what she got!

It's like all the ancient creatures were amazing and oh so willing to help Feyre. The Suriel has always been her number one fan and has always been on her team. The Bone Carver embodied her future son. His deal with Feyre was completely in her favor. All he wanted in return for his help was to know if she was worth risking his life for and I have to say, that is a reasonable request. He offered her more information than he needed to in ACOMAF because he, like everyone else, saw how amazing she was. Then there was Bryaxis. In return for saving her life, all he asked for was someone to tell him of life. He didn't ask her to send tributes as sacrifices, he didn't ask for a prisoner, it felt like he just asked for a friend and I think even if he hadn't made the bargain, Feyre, with her human heart, would have been his friend. And the second deal, all he wanted in return for risking his life was a window!

On top of that, there was Amren. Sweet, vicious, Amren. She was Feyre's friend. She cared for Feyre and the rest of the night court. Amren was fantastic and finding out more about her was amazing. And her relationship with Varian, phenomenal. That is something I'm looking forward to in the next book.

When I started reading this book, I couldn't wait to see Cassian and Azriel again and seeing those two amazing Illiryan warriors again, healed and safe, was like a dream come true. Seeing Cas's wings literally gave my heart a kick start. I do wish we get more of Nessian in the spin-off because that was dragged on and not resolved at all. And then, it felt like Elain and Azriel could be something great but then Lucien exists! And since Mor is no longer a factor, I really thought that Elain and Az would be amazing. Az is like one of the only people that can get through to her. But, we know that mates are important, and I may be okay with Lucien and Elain, but if for some reason Az ends up with her, I'd be happy!

The absolute worst scene in the book was when Rhys dies in the end. It broke me. It made me cry for the first time. Up until now, I'd thought there was something wrong with me because I couldn't truly mourn the deaths of my beloved fictional characters, but I cried! And the scene where all the high lords give their magic to bring him back, sigh... I think solely because of that, Tamlin is now redeemable. Not redeemed, redeemable.

Anyways, I'm super excited about the future of this series because although the series was wrapped up like a perfect gift, there are a few frayed ribbons that will tie into the future of this series!

Anyways, to see the full extent of my feelings for this book and this series, check out my BookTube channel, WriterGAsh, and enjoy, #TwoWeeksOfACOTAR

Reviews for rest of the series:
A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Court of Mist and Fury
A Court of Wings and Ruins

A Court of Mist and Fury

I know the review is a bit late but I've been busy!

PS. This is an edited review and is far more detailed and completely spoiler-filled!

So, when I read this book last year, I have to admit I wanted more. Sarah J. Maas's writing is impeccable and she makes me fall in love and kills me at the same time. The progression of the novel was so gradual and realistic.

It made me love one character less, a character I loved once, Tamlin.

My initial thoughts about the book were clear:

I used to like Tamlin but now I can't even think of him without gagging. I believe women and men are equal and seeing how he treated Feyre pissed me off. And it made reading this book so hard. I was a little hesitant about Rhys. I mean in the last book he basically drugged her but now that I know the reason I'm totally over it. The ending, though. It ripped me apart but made me so excited about the next book! But a year? Really? I need it now. The Rhys and Feyre scenes, especially their banter and the scenes where they... Amazing.

Now, let's go into a spoiler filled discussion, I have to warn you, my memories are a little blurry but I'll try my best to recall my favorite scenes to the best of my ability.

Let's start with my building hate for Tamlin. From the beginning, I started to dislike him and with every scene, the dislike grew into full on hating. He treated Feyre like a trophy wife. She is no one's trophy. She is a kickass wonderful and strong and independent woman who demands respect. It hurt to see Tamlin turn into who he did, cause I liked him in book one. I didn't love him but there was hope. Now I want to gut him and feed him to the wolves. How could he just lie there as Feyre had nightmares? How could he claim he loved her and yet let her suffer. I misjudged him in the last book. I was horrified that I could even consider her with someone as despicable as Tamlin. When we read what happened under the mountain from Rhy's point of view, I was seething with hate for Tamlin. He just sat there! He just sat there as Feyre went through hell and back to save him! What good did it do for him to just sit on his ass? Rhys risked everything, his life, his court, even his mate, and Tamlin just waltz in and claimed her as if he owned her! The one chance he got to save her, he wasted because he was so damn selfish!

In this book we get an insight into Rhysand, we see why did the things he did, we understand him from a different perspective and honestly, I hate myself for judging him in the last book. He is a sweetheart. The way he acts around his people is so different from the way Tamlin did. Lucian, Tamlin's best friend couldn't speak freely in front of him but you could totally see the way that Rhys interacted with others in his court made me think that he was an honorable person. He treated people like people, not property.

When Rhysand showed up and took Feyre away, I was relieved. I was ecstatic. I think I have never been happier. Their story makes me so happy. You could clearly see how she wanted to fight the way she was feeling about him but you could also see how it was impossible to deny that they had the bond.

Every scene between them was like magic and it was so powerfully written. Unlike Tamlin, Rhys made her stronger, supported her and most importantly, didn't belittle her. That was what I loved about him. There is this part in the story where Feyre says that she knew that Cassian and Azriel would pull her out of a situation if they say that she was withering away, unlike Lucian. Despite the fact that Cassian constantly pushed her limits, he would back off if Feyre said no. Something neither Lucian nor Tamlin does. And when she says Rhys would never not see what was happening to her, that he would never be that misguided and arrogant and self-absorbed. That was when I knew, absolutely knew that I could never forgive Tamlin. He let her wither away and couldn't look past his own needs to care about what the woman he loved was going through, what he was putting her through.

The Starfall scene between Rhys and Feyre was beautiful. I loved that the splattered star spirit covered them both. It was such a playful and lighthearted scene and it literally gave me all the feels. Another one of my favorite thing about their relationship as the one thought in exchange for another. I loved that they felt comfortable enough to share their feelings with one another.

My absolute favorite scene were the ones after they found out they were mated. The thing that made Rhysand a hero in my eyes was when Feyre says that she knew that one word from her would send him flying off into the crisp night. Despite the fact he had just flown so far to see her, despite the fact that she was his mate, he would respect her wishes and walk away. When they go to Hybern, Rhys clearly says that Feyre is her own person. She decides what she does and no one else. When he says "if you want to go, then you go, Feyre." you can see how much he respects her! Like she says, she hadn't realized how badly she had been treated before and how low her expectations had become. I love that Rhys made it clear that she is her own master. He said "You might be my mate, but you remain your own person. You decide your fate- your choices. Not me. You chose yesterday. You chose every day. Forever." That literally melted my heart. Can Rhys be any more perfect? Tamlin wasn't even her mate and he decided he was the one that should decide her fate! He went to the King of Hybern to get her back. He put the world at risk! Like Feyre said in the end "Love was a balm as much as it was a poison." I hope that Tamlin realizes what he's become.

Learning about Rhys's childhood, about his mother made my heart go out to him. Every page I turned made me love him more. His strength, his humanity and importantly, his goodness makes me so happy.

Getting to know Rhys's friends was wonderful as each of them had something remarkable that made the book remarkable. And the scene when they all go out makes them seem like normal friends. Ah, that brings me to another point, never once does Rhys make Feyre feel like a prisoner, unlike Tamlin. I love Cassian's playful nature, I love Azriel's reservedness, I love Mor's cheerfulness despite what she has endured and I love Amren's fierceness. I love the scene in the House of Wind where Mor, Azriel, Amren, and Cassian all bow to her and they all have this moment, a moment of friendship. 

I keep going back to how much I hate Tamlin!

The scene where Lucian finds Feyre in the forest and tries to take her back against her will really piss me off. No. Means. No.

NO in itself is a sentence. No world has more magnitude that NO. When a girl, or anyone, says NO, it means NO. It does not matter if you have their best interest in your heart.

I actually like Lucian and I really hope he becomes his own person instead of Tamlin's puppet. He is a good person and I know he can come through for Feyre, for Elain. I wasn't really surprised when we found out that Elain is Lucian's mate, probably, I saw a way for him to get out of Tamlin's control. I saw a reason for him to fight, to help Feyre.

Oh and Nesta, I love you. I love her fire, I love her fierceness to protect her sister. Yes, she could have been a better sister to Feyre but I couldn't hate her after this. I hope in the book we see more of her, I hope in the next book Lucian fights for Elain by dumping Tamlin. I hope Tamlin either does something phenomenal to redeem himself or dies.

On to Nesta and Cassian. I just read the excerpt and reading about their little interaction and knowing how Cassian was affected by it gave me immense joy. I kept looking at signs of their mating bond. I love that Nesta unnerves a witty fast-talking Fae male like him. I love that he needed to compile a list of possible insults. I have really high hopes for them! I love their on-going banter and their thought processes are on the same plane. It's like they say, mates are equal in every aspect and Nesta is his equal. They are both fierce when it comes to protecting those they love and I'm hoping that this builds into something phenomenal soon. Even though Nesta barely knew Rhys, she could tell that he was in love with Feyre and Feyre wasn't far behind and I don't know why it thrilled me to know Cassian had that very same thought! It just made them even more perfect in my eyes. We all are aware how touchy Cassian is about his origin and hearing Nesta constantly bring it up wasn't pleasant and anyone else would have reacted quite differently and despite all this, he was protective of her. His reaction when he found out about Thomas. I want him to pummel him in the next book. I want a scene where their mating bond clicks and I want it from their point of view.

I also wanted to know what the possibility of a mating bond between Azriel and Mor. They don't mention it throughout the book but we know that they like each other. Not being mates puts them at risk of finding their mates and hurting each other. I want that storyline to develop in the next book.

In the very end when Feyre goes back to Tamlin in the spring court, I was devastated, until I realized that it was fake. When I found out she became the High Lady of the Night Court, my heart literally melted. In that world, for her to be Rhys's equal to that level means a lot. In their world, most mates to the High Lords are trophy wives. I love that he didn't expect her to bear him anything. He didn't want her to do anything out of obligation! This showed me that Rhys respected her. He saw her as an equal, not just a mate. And that is what I something that means a lot to me. What made me hate the King of Hybern the most wasn't the fact that he was a prick, it was because he called Tamlin Feyre's master. It pissed me off and made me want to rip him and those mortal queens to shreds.

I love that Sarah can get people to not only care about the lead characters but also the others. In both her series, I'm as invested in the leads as I am in the other characters. I'm dying to get my hand on the last book in this series.

Sarah J Maas, you are amazing, You make us love characters as intensely as you make us hate them. You make them real.

Reviews for rest of the series:
A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Court of Mist and Fury
A Court of Wings and Ruins

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Once upon a time, when I had yet to read the wonderful A Court of Mist and Fury, I was naive enough to love a beast and discard the god. Yes, I was a Tamlin shipper and I am ashamed! So ashamed. But, in the faith of full disclosure, here is my initial review. And I will be interesting my current review and try being as impartial to Rhys as possible for sake of those of you that have yet to read book two.

Here goes nothing:

Amazing! I'm so confused about my ship. I'm leaning towards Tamiln. I'm kind of disgusted with Rhysand. In some ways I got why he did what he did, he did it in order to keep Amarantha off of his track. But I can't see any fault with Tamlin. This story was so intense and amazing, I can see a great story blooming from it. It's hard for me to get back into the love triangle mindset. I haven't read one of those in a while. And I honestly don't like it. It scares me. I'm afraid that I'll be invested in a ship and it would sink. But this story was beyond the ships. There was sacrifice, strength. We saw a human be stronger than Fae. Honestly, that inspires me, it makes me wish I was braver. Can't wait for book 2!

Now, here is my current opinion of my initial review:

1. Tamlin is awful.

2. Rhys is amazing.

3. There is no love triangle. There is only Feyrhys.

4. Tamlin is delusional.

5. Still a kickass book.

6. Still love Feyre.

7. Still inspiring.

8. Can't wait for book 3!

Now, beware of spoilers from here on out. I will try my best to stay clear of anything from book two and focus on book one.

My absolute favorite thing about this book was Feyre's strength. She was such a strong character from the get go, we get to see that. We get to see her hunt, we get to see her as the independent huntress she is and I love that. Feyre's back story plays a huge role in life. We see that she, the youngest person in her family, had to take up the mantel of their provider. I was really pissed at her sisters and father because they just sat there and complained about how their lives were, about how they had to live in poverty, about their situation and did nothing. I hated that they complained even though Feyre risked her life on a daily basis to save her starving family. It was Nesta who pissed me off because Elaine was simply not capable providing for them but Nesta had the fire and did nothing to help her little sister. It also pissed me off that Nesta was partial to Elaine. Would it have hurt them too much to be in her corner? I know her reasons and I understand but those were my very first thoughts on Nesta and as the book went on, I liked her more, and in the second book, I even came to love her a little.

When we first met Rhysand, I wasn't his biggest fan. And honestly, before I knew his true intentions I didn't think of him as a stand-up guy. At that moment, he seemed like a person that took advantage of Feyre when she was vulnerable. When he made that deal with, I was horrified. It didn't hit me that he was trying to save her from Amarantha's wrath. I keep going back to my previous views and hate myself for it. When I read this book after ACOMAF, I saw it in a different light. But in that moment, I couldn't see past the fact that he had just trapped her in a deal for eternity with no way out and she was now bound to spend one week every month him. You'll understand his motives in book two if you were as put off by him as I was. I have honestly never pulled a one-eighty with my ships like I did in this book. I honestly was a total Feylin shipper but now I am a Feyrhys girl all the way.

I like Feyre's sense of honor, her fierce nature. I loved the way she resisted the Fae when she first got to Prythian. Many people would have succumbed to the lavish Fae life but that is exactly what I love about her. She doesn't let these immortal warriors intimidate her. And I understand Alis is supposed to be a character people like, and I know she was kind of a friend to Feyre, but I saw her as a person trying to take away Feyre's identity. I hated when people told her what to do. I love Feyre for who she is and I don't want her to change one bit.

I love Lucian in this book. I love that he can be a friend to Feyre and despite the events of book two, I have hope for him.

Finally, let's talk about the curse. About fifty years ago, Amarantha placed a curse on Tamlin's court that, frankly, superglued masks to their faces. All the high lords lost their magic and the trace of magic that was left wasn't enough to take her down. The only way to break the curse is for a mortal to fall in love with Tamlin and that was the whole reason for him demanding Feyre's move to Prythian for killing a member of his court. It was stupid of him to send her back three days before the deadline, even if it was to save herself but it did give Nesta a chance to redeem herself. We finally got to understand Nesta a little better. We got to see them as real people, we saw that Nesta went to rescue her and that gave me some closure on that front.

I did like the Feyre Tamlin interactions in this book. He was kind of a gentleman, not at all beastly. He was always trying to respect her wishes and treat her right. I loved him. I truly did and even when we met Rhysand, I did not sway. I'm the kind of person that needs something severe to jump ships and Sarah J Maas can make anyone do that. It took me a chapter or two in book two before I jumped off the Feylin ship and swam to Feyrhys.

The scenes under the mountain were a little dark. I love that they incorporated three tasks that Feyre had to complete and I love that Lucian risked his life for her. I love Rhys for everything he did and I am ashamed I didn't appreciate him back then. I think it was Tamlin's perfectness blinded me and I truly liked him initially but in retrospect, I wish I had seen Rhys for who he is. I love that when everyone thought she was going to fail, he was on her side. I knew when Rhys froze at the end, it was because the mating bond clicked and Feyre didn't know what it was because she was a human before and she has no idea what it is like.

Now, the scene where Feyre became High Fae. I love that each High Lord gave a little of their magic to bring her back to life. I love the way that scene was written and I love that Amarantha died. I never want to see that witch again. Not after everything she did to my poor Illyrian baby...

Finally, I want to discuss some absolutely useless thoughts passing through my brain. Does High Fae sound like hyphae, the filaments that make up the mycelium of fungi? And I kept wondering why there is no Dusk Court when there is a Dawn Court! I know useless.

Anyways, what is better than a book that keeps you reeling a year after you read it? I mean this has to be one of the most phenomenal series I have read and I think there is only one thing that could make it better. A crossover. I mean, it's magic right? What if a Wyrd gate from the Throne of Glass world led here? Wouldn't that be amazing? All my favorite Faes in one book!!!

If you haven't read this book, I suggest you pick it up. Sarah J Maas's words are like ice cream, you just never get enough. If I had to say I had an addiction, it would be the words of SJ Maas and Cassie Claire!

Reviews for rest of the series:
A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Court of Mist and Fury
A Court of Wings and Ruins

Windwitch

So, Windwitch, a book I'd been dying to read all year finally came out and I have to say, I loved it.

Last year I picked up Truthwitch right when it came out and with every page that I read, I loved it even more. And even though I picked it up right after I finished Wayfarer, another great book, I found myself sucked into it. I was so excited to read Merik's

And even though this book skipped on most of my favorite things from the last book, I still loved it. I am going to warn you that from here on, there will be spoilers.

"Fool brother Filip led blind brother Daret
deep into the black cave.
He knew that inside it, the Queen Crab resided
but that didn’t scare him away.

Said blind brother Daret to fool brother Filip,
does Queen Crab no longer reign?
I have heard she is vicious, and likes to eat fishes.
It’s best we avoid her domain.

Answered fool Filip to his brother small,
have I not always kept you safe?
I know what I’m doing, for I’m older than you,
and I’ll never lead you astray.”

That song was such an integral part of Merik's part of the story. I liked the scenes but they were really dark and intense, we got to see a different side of him, a bitter side. But that allowed him to develop in an unexpected way.

And the best part was having Vivia's point of view. From the very first scene we got from her, I knew that she didn't have him attacked. I could totally understand her perspective and it enraged me how someone could do that. She was more capable than Merik and more qualified and yet they completely disregarded her when they gave Merik the Admiral's title. Again, I love Merik and I know it wasn't his fault but it made me angry that he couldn't see that.

She honestly was a better candidate than him and the moment he realized that, I jumped with joy. We could finally have them on the same page, on the same side. When he realizes that Vivia was never his attacker and that she was just trying to protect their kingdom made me love him again.

“Why do you hold a razor in one hand?
So men remember that I am sharp as any edge.
And why do you hold broken glass in the other?
So men remember that I am always watching.” 

Moving on the the Fury thing, it broke my heart a little every time someone looked at him and didn't recognize him, so, when Vivia knew at first glance who he was, I was so happy. In the end, we got to see them develop and form a sort of relationship they should've had before.

And, also, Merik was such a jerk in this book. I get that he went through so much. Lost his thread brother (you know what I mean) and Safi (he thought she was dead) and then had someone kill him! Despite all this, I wish he was better towards Cam. She was such a great person regardless of her part in the attack on the Jana, which she was unaware about, she was always there for Merik.

Now, Safi. She was my favorite character in the last book and although I still admire her and love reading about her, I kind of wish we got to see more of her and Iseult. Their friendship makes this story way better and I'm glad we got that one little scene in the end. I'll get to Iseult later, I'd like to discuss Safi's escapades first.

“I told you, Hell-Bard. Everyone lies. It's in the way we banter with our friends. It's in the mundane greetings we give passersby. It's in the most meaningless things we do every single moment of every single day. Hundreds upon thousands of tiny, inconsequential lies.” 

I loved some of her scenes with the Hell-Bards but my favorites were her scenes with Vaness. Now that was some good girl power. I love that in the end, she gave Safi a choice and although I'm scared that she'll end up going to Cartorra and have to face the Emperor. If she does, I'm interested in seeing how she kicks his ass!

Can I be honest, I'm scared something will happen between her and Caden. I have come to like Caden but I love her and Merik. I don't want them to split, even though they both think the other is dead. I'm a little unclear about if Merik thinks Safi is dead but Safi thinks Merik is dead. And I don't want something to happen with her and Caden. I want Safi and Merik to find each other and I want Caden to be free of the Emperor and be his own person, not someone else's person.

Finally coming to my favorite characters in this book, Aeduan and Iseult!

Every scene they had together was amazing, their adventure together was amazing. I love that Aeduan starts to care about Owl. That was amazing. It brought out a side of Aeduan I did not expect and then what Iseult did was amazing. I know it was horrible when she cleaved that man but it was epic.

“Run, my child, run.” 

I loved getting to know Aeduan. We learned a little about his childhood with the constant flashback to that event from his childhood and we got to know him. This finally allowed us to understand him and love him.

In the dream sequence with Esme, my mind was filled with ideas, especially when Aeduan said that one of them is the Cahr Awen. I knew it was definitely Iseult. Maybe Esme is the other one considering how similar their powers are and how she can dream walk into Iseults sleep.

I made a note while reading of my assumptions at the point where Esme shows Iseult how to cleave. I thought that either she or Esme would bring Kullen back, which did happen!

Esme brought Kullen back and is working for Ragnor and he is trying capture Marstok and Nubrevna. Esme is probably controlling Kullen and since she can uncleave so can Iseult.

I'm assuming that Merik and Iseult run into each other and she tells him about Safi being alive (if he doesn't know about it yet) and of course she tells Safi too. But I know that's too easy. I also think that after dropping Owl off at the monastery, she and Aeduan are going to make their way toward Safi and run into Merik. I also think that because of her and Esme's bond, she may be able to help uncleave Merik.

I also expect that because of their bond, she might be able to get Esme to flips sides.

I can't stop my mind from wandering all over theorizing what could happen and it kills me that I have to wait an entire year but at least I get some amazing books this year to clench my thirst. Both of Sarah J. Maas's series are ending and Lord of Shadows is coming out this year and I cannot wait, neither can I wait for Bloodwitch!

Reviews for rest of the series:

Truthwitch

Windwitch

Bloodwitch (Awaiting Release)

Threadwitch (Hopefully) (Awaiting Release)

Dreams of Gods and Monsters

Well. I finished the book. The entire book had me on my toes. The thing with Ziri broke my heart and seeing him trying to make peace with being the Wolf, Ah! Anyways. This is definitely a great book and filled with so many amazing characters. I don't want to spoil anyone but I have to say, READ IT!

Let's start with the new character, Eliza. I completely understand her importance in this book and as the book progressed, I understood her importance and came to enjoy reading her chapters but initially, it just felt like she providing a damper on our favorite characters. I felt awful for what she went through as a child. Can you imagine the kind of situation where everyone you know thinks of you as a prophetic child and not treat you as a person? I wasn't surprised when she turned out to be an angel. I liked that her story gradually weaved into the story we knew and how it unveiled and connected to Razgut's story. We learned about the Faerers and their purpose. It was an interesting tale and brought a new depth to the story.

One of my absolute favorite characters was Ziri. You could see how he suffered in Thiago's body but he had to do so for Karou. Poor Ziri. He loved Karou and she couldn't even look at him in Thiago's body, even though she did it for him! His presence throughout the book was appreciated and I loved reading every scene that involved him and I loved him and Liraz! To be honest, when he died in the end, I was relieved. I was even more relieved when Liraz saved his body. 

Initially, Liraz obviously hates him, considering he is the Wolf but you can see their relationship develop as they get to know each other. I was glad when she found out Ziri was Ziri and not Thiago. I was elated when she saved his life like he saved hers. Hazael's death is a major factor in Liraz's development and I found myself missing him throughout the book.

Finally, the main event. Karou and Akiva. We see the heartbreak in Akiva's eyes as he bears witness to Karou being civil towards Thiago, or as we know Ziri. It took some time for him to find out the truth and the story between them progresses at a steady pace. We learn more about Akiva's past and about his mother. We learn about her heritage. Finding out Akiva was a Magus wasn't surprising after seeing what he could do but I felt like the ending was kind of rushed. He somehow managed to tip the balance that kept the world safe and the Stelians came after him. Just as he and Karou finally found peace together, they had to be separated because of earth shattering reason.

I love that Karou took charge to save her people and I found that the way her character developed was phenomenal. She finally took up Brimstone's mantel and worked on saving the souls she could.

I was glad we got the epilogue because it offered us some closure to the story but I still feel there can be more because quite a few of these storylines can still be continued.

Either way, I loved this book and this story and Laini Taylor's work is phenomenal!

Reviews for rest of the series:
Daughter of Smoke and Bones
Dreams of Gods and Monsters

Days of Blood and Starlight

Days of Blood and Starlight

Reading books this month has been a little challenging but I have to say, this book is one you can't put down once you start. Even though the next book of this series wasn't on my May TBR, I still rushed through it and it was amazing.

Back to this story. As usual I will only discuss things that really stuck with me even after all this time.

Firstly, Karou the resurrectionist! I loved that she was the continuing Brimstone's legacy. I have to say, I'm still not over him dying.
I'm also not over Hazael dying. I really took a liking to him. His openness and big heart really made me respect him.

Through out the story, we see this other side to Karou, she's constantly feeling guilty for loving Akiva and at same time she has to deal with her world turning upside down.

I personally loved all the scenes with Zuzana and Mik. They were like the tiny bit of normal in this crazy amazing world.

I love that she was worried about Karou, that's true friendship. Also, kudos to her for figuring Karou's non-message message out.

I love Ziri. That poor boy gave up his life for her! I love him so much! He's such a great character!

The scenes with Akiva and Karou were so heart wrenching. It really tore me apart. A part of me hated him and the other half loved him.

He did the wrong thing but he was hurt!

This book reeled me in from the first page and spit me out wanting more. I would recommend it to all the readers out there. It is definitely a must read!

Reviews for rest of the series:
Daughter of Smoke and Bones
Dreams of Gods and Monsters
Days of Blood and Starlight

Daughter of Smoke and Bones

After putting this book off for so long, I finally experienced the greatness of DoSaB.

I didn't quite expect to love it quite as much as I do. There are things about this book that bother me but it makes such a great plot line.

I loved reading about the scenes between Akiva and Madrigal in the past, it was so sweet and showed the goodness of people. I wish Akiva honored Madrigal's memory by trying to unite the two races but I also understand his side, those people took the life of the person he loved, one of them.

I am kind of hoping that now that she knows who she is, she kind of becomes Madrigal, but not completely forget Karou. I would like to see her as an embodiment of both Karou and Madrigal.

I'm curious about Karou's aging, will she age like a human or like a Chimera cause she isn't really human, she's just wearing human skin.

I really hate her sister, Chiro. How could she betray her sister like that? I get being jealous but how can you be that jealous of your own sister? And I hate how everyone keeps pushing her to be with Thiago. It's her free will. She would have lost herself if she had been with him.

I love that scene where she and Akiva dance and their stolen kisses. Their whole relationship was cute up until he killed Brimstone. I'm really going to miss Brimstone.

I love Zuzana, she was such a great friend, unlike Chiro. And lover her thing with Mik.
While Karou and Akiva's relationship is complicated theirs is simple and sweet. I love whole puppeteer thing, the art project. It was such a great idea and I keep trying to picture it.

I loved the scenes where Akiva and Karou were getting to know each other and them building a sort of friendship and the undeniable attraction between them. It was cute as perfect.

The ending with the whole back and forth between the past and present made a lot of things clear and it was insightful but I wanted to know what would happen with Karou and Akiva, which in the end turned out broke my heart.

I love the wish thing and love how her memories were stored in the wishbone, something that meant so much to the two of them.

I hope that in the end, things end up all right.

Reviews for rest of the series:
Daughter of Smoke and Bones
Dreams of Gods and Monsters

Days of Blood and Starlight

Lady Midnight

Lady Midnight. Well after waiting for two years I finally got to experience the greatness of Cassie Clare again. Yes. I read the Shadowhunter Academy but it wasn't the same. I love TSA but this was a full-on Cassie Clare book and I was so happy to read it. It kills me that I have to wait another year for book two. This book met every one of my expectations and exceeded it by so much.
PS. Did you know, I've been calling this series The Dark Artifacts? I was actually shocked to learn it was Artifices.

I love Emma and I love Julian. They are such great individuals!

I love the way Julian is so committed to his family. I love his relationship with each and every member of his family. I love how he takes care of them and how selflessly he loves them, how he puts them first. In my mind, Emma and Julian are like parents to those children, just like in Julian's dreams.

What I don't like about him is his cruel side. The ending when he plans the whole thing and uses Anselm Nightshade as a scapegoat. I hated that actually. I like Nephilim who respect other species and using them the way Julian did is not right. I really hope he makes up for it. I mean it could start a war between shadowhunters and the vampires.

I love Emma's strength, I admire her for it. I love that she and Clary kept in touch, thus she kind of has a connection to Jace too. I mean how many people can say that they are close to their role models?

I loved all the Emma and Julian scenes and I was so happy when they got together but I knew it wouldn't last. Before this book, I always thought the anti-relationship between parabatai thing was stupid but I see the reason. I get it but there has got to be a way around it. And it can't be that bad, can it?

I kind of expected his secret painting room to be a room full of Emma's portraits. I mean for an artist, art is a window into their soul, take Clary for example. How can he not draw the person he loves the most. Also, I loved that beach scene. I love that they have this bond stronger than everything else.

Also, when Tessa said that thing about making the other person hate you being easier, she should've mentioned that it didn't work. I mean Will tried and they still got married!

I'm excited to see how the Parabatai thing turns out. Also, Mark? Really? And I really wish that never really happens.

I am curious about Mark. I hope he can stay. The Faeries' deal was not really fulfilled but I hope they let him go. I want him to be with his family. He might need time to find his place again but he is needed. Julian needs him, also, I'm scared about their relationship with what Emma's about to do.

I wonder if Helen will be in the other books and I hope the Clave sets her free.

Now Ty and Liv. I really hope he doesn't join the Scholomance. I want him to stay with his family. And I love those two. They're brave and strong shadowhunters but Ty can't go.

Now. I have a few questions about Ty's condition. Is it a real thing? Is it like what Henry and Christopher Lightwood (TSA)? I Matthew mentions having to take care of his father and Christopher needing the same and Ty kind of reminded me of them, a genius!

Speaking of the Scholomance, am a crazy for shipping Diego and Cristina. I mean he didn't betray her like she thought he did, and honestly, he isn't all that bad of a person.

Now, Kieran. I want him and Mark to make up. They're good together. I wonder if he can leave the Wild Hunt 'cause that's the only way they can be together.

Now onto important things.

I did not see that coming about Kit! I did not expect it to happen. It was like that story about Tobias Herondale went out of my mind! It's so like Tessa to go save her descendant. I love her. I Want to read more about Kit, I want to see him turn into a shadowhunter, grow into his own person. I was kind of hoping something happens between him and one of the Blackthorns. I thought it would've been Livvy but read online he's probably Ty's love interest. But wasn't Kit interested in that girl in the prologue? I'm excited to see how this plays out either way!

Now. Malcolm. I did not see that coming. I was heartbroken about it. But here's what really bothers me. Annabel is back and he's gone. Now that is cruel. I am actually hoping he didn't die. I mean Emma didn't get him in the heart so he could be fine.

I wonder if there is a way of breaking the Parabatai bond. I mean in the TV Show they mention Alec and Jace's bond becoming extremely weak almost to the point of breaking so I wonder if Cassie will introduce that in the books too. I wish they do something about it. I mean if Clary and Jace can be allowed to be shadowhunters with exceptional powers why can't these two.

Also. I loved that extra scene in the end when they are about to leave for the LA institute from Sizzy's engagement party, it says she would have to give him her answer when they returned and she dreaded it. Was she going to say no? She can't say no! Why would she dread marrying Jace? He's Jace! She loves him! What the hell! Or am I over analyzing?

Anyways, I am in love with this book and it's fantastic characters and I can not wait for book two. I would love to more of our old characters. Clary, Jace, Simon, Izzy, Magnus, Alec, Jem, Tessa, the whole lot of them. I miss Will. I wish he were still alive!

Reviews for rest of the series:
Lady Midnight
Lord of Shadows (Coming Soon)

Ugly Love

Ugly Love. Well. It tore me apart and made me feel so many emotions. I can't even get my thoughts to turn into words. When I started the book, I was so scared. We were reading about two love stories with the same guy and it was clear who he would've ended up with from page one.

But I was scared that since we read about Rachel from his POV and didn't really get much about Tate from him until the very end thus not really knowing how he really felt. I was scared that I'd like Rachel more, didn't happen. I ship Miles and Tate.

What bothered me a little was how fast Tate fell, I mean knowing there was no future, she didn't even try not to fall. She was deluding herself into believing he'd fall for her, I know he did and I love the story but I wish she was a little harder to get, especially in the end.

Should've have made him work for it. He said the wrong name. Should've made him grovel first.

I felt so sad when we learn about Miles' son dying. I expected it when we found out about the kid, I was kind of expecting a car crash too but never did I expect it to happen at the same time. I was thinking it would've been a miscarriage.

It's scary to think about what he felt for six years. He held his child in his arms and lost him the same night. And Rachel. How could she just up and leave? It wasn't his fault, and yes, she said she knew and she was just scared and confused but she shouldn't have left like that.

I don't like the "I'm liquid and Miles is solid" thing. To me, both partners should be solid. Again didn't make me love the story any less.

I love Ian. I love Corbin. I like that Corbin was such a protective big brother, I really like reading about those kinds of brothers for some reason. And the scene with Ian and Miles in the end when Ian is trying to get Miles to open his eyes was pretty great.

I also love Cap, I love how both Miles and Tate felt like they could confide in him. He was such a sweet old man.
I think Miles and Rachel both really needed that closure, in the end, to move on from happened and it made feel better to know he wasn't really hung up on Rachel, he was feeling guilty. Am I sick that I feel better about someone being in pain rather that in love with an ex?

It's just that I didn't want Miles to reject Tate because he loved Rachel. Knowing he thought he didn't have the right to be happy and that Tate did make him happy made me feel better.

This story was phenomenal and there were times it made my heart melt and times when I wanted to rip my hair off. Well overall, my heart is still healing with all the crazy thing the words did to me. And on top of that, I picked up November 9 soon after that and well. Same damn effect on me. Love the book but I hurt so much!

The beautiful moments do make up for the ugly love.

Queen of Shadows

This book shook me to the core. There were moments I just couldn't take it anymore. I was so worried. It was like a roller coaster of emotions that made my stomach turn and my heart race with anticipation at the same time.

Now. I'm heading into the spoiler section!

Let's start with the fact I'm a definite Rowlin shipper. I would be able to cope with Dorleana/Dorlin.

Now. I was kind of mad at Chaol for his mean behavior towards Aelin. I was kind of frustrated with him.

I thought Chaol and Nesryn made a good pair. They were great together. They ran on the same wavelength, understood each other better than others.

And that scene with Lorcan. Well. I loved that.

After she and Rowan returned and she said 'At least I said it was going to be a big mistake, I was tempted to say 'a little mistake.'

Ha!

Also. Manon kind of annoyed me in this book. She was such a strong character and to see her succumb to the will of others? She did whatever her grandmother asked her to do, she let that prick use her witches.

I feel awful for Asterin. I really hope Manon's grandmother dies soon. Then she can be the high witch and decide to side with Aelin and Dorian instead of Perrington.

They were witches, dammit! Not vessels!

Witches might be wicked but they are people. Not Vessels!

At least she realized it and did the right thing.

Aedion. Damn. Could he be more amazing? Why can't my brother be like that?

I felt kind of bad for him, though. All his life he believed he was to be Aelin's protector. Her blood oathed warrior but she didn't even think of him. I'm not saying she shouldn't have let Rowan do it. I'm just saying how much could it have hurt to think of Aedion. But, hey! Both of them can make the oath!

Also. I heard some people ship Aelin and Aedion. That is ridiculous. They love each other like siblings and I think Aedion and Lysandra will be great together.

When we went to the temple, I was horrified. It was awful. The whole place was made with bones, floor to ceilings and Gavin even went there.

The Valg Princes. They were such horrific creatures. So heartless!

And to think that the Valg King is awake, oh lord.

I loved Aelin in the end. I love how she took charge and helped Dorian out. I love that she and Dorian are friends. I'm hoping that all the kingdoms unite and stand as one. Dorian and Aelin will make a kickass royal duo. They have such a great friendship and genuine trust and love, platonic. That is obvious.

When Dorian ripped the collar off, I literally whooped in joy. It made me so happy to see him, actually see him. He's such a good person with such a great soul and to have someone so evil take him over was horrific.

I'm pretty sure Adarlan will be a better place with him on the throne.

I really hope Elide find Aelin and her court and maybe she can ask Aelin if she's heard of Celaena Sardothien and Aelin will be like "I am Celaena Sardothien" and then she'll have two wyrdkeys.

I know it's not going to be that easy. I mean come on. It's a YA Fantasy Novel, nothing comes easy. Elide will probably reach Celaena in the end of the book and then decide to keep this from her queen.
Well. I can hope.

Before I close. I'd like to say, I'm glad Arobbyn died and hoped his death was more painful!
And Lysandra was amazing!

Reviews for rest of the series:
Throne of Glass
Crown of Midnight
Heir of Fire
Queen of Shadows
Empire of Storms (Review Coming Soon)
Unnamed Book 6
The Assassin's Blade

Unnamed Novela

Heir of Fire

I'll start the review by saying I'm not pulling a complete switch-a-roo, I ship both Dorlaena and Rowlaena. I mean I liked Chaolaena for like a second but they were never really right for each other.

Celaena and Aelin are the same people and I keep using different names, so beware!

Anyways, this book was awesome. I was kind of hoping we saw Celaena interact with her mother's kin. I was hoping that we went to the King of Wendlyn. I'm pretty sure the king would've helped her. It seems as if all the royal families except the Havilliards' actually have a heart. Dorian does have a heart.

And with that, I'd like to mourn Dorian's loss. That poor boy never did anything wrong. He was so perfect. How can his own father do that to him? He had one of the purest souls I've ever read about and his own father does that. That makes my skin crawl. How could he do that to his own flesh and blood?

The King of Ardalan was disgusting. He had such a dark heart and I hate him so much. How can someone do that to his own flesh and blood? How can someone hurt people the way he does. He kills Sorscha. He takes away everyone from his son. He is despicable.

Manon had a great impact on me. She was raised to be a heartless and soulless monster and yet we could see bit's and pieces of her soul seeping in. Her passion her her Wyvern, Abraxos. I mean even though she is said to be heartless she does so much for an animal. I love that. I see a potential for her to grow into this amazing person, to be someone great.

I like that Manon and Abraxos chose each other, that strengthens the bond between beast and rider. I really loved Abraxos. He was so much fun to read about. He was this stubborn dog that made me wanna pet him. His antics... I knew he had it in him to surpass everyone else. He went from being a bait to being the best.

At the end when Manon becomes the Wing Leader, I was so scared she'd be punished for caring. And she was. I hate her grandmother for being so cruel but at least Manon can see the truth for herself now.

Throughout the book, we see Dorian and Sorscha, and to be absolutely honest. I didn't like it. It wasn't that I didn't want Dorian to move on. He should move on. If he and Celaena were to be together, which kind of seems unlikely now, they'd find their way to each other someday. But Sorscha just didn't seem to have much of a personality. I get that she's a rebel and brave but she didn't really like someone that could move the universe. I think she's more Chaol's type than Dorian. He deserves someone great.

Let's get to my favorite character. Aedion. I never, even for a second believed that he betrayed the throne of Terrasen. I love that he's loyal to Aelin. He's such a great cousin. I mean that boy risks everything for a kingdom that isn't his by birth, just because he loved his cousin, his queen, he risks everything for Terrasen.

Throughout the book, we see the similarities between Celaena and Aedion. I'm having a hard time getting used to calling her Aelin.

I really hope I get to see them in the next book. I bet he'd be that type of a brother that doesn't leave her side. An overprotective fool!

I loved that Chaol was loyal, loyal to Dorian, to Celaena, even to the rebels. No matter what I say about him, I have to admit, he's an honorable man.

Now. Rowan! He was kickass awesome! He was such a grouch when we started reading about him but I absolutely loved him after he started opening up to Celaena. I felt so bad for him. He lost his mate and was coaxed into a blood oath to Maeve.

I loved reading about Aelin and Rowan's training. And seeing her powers develop was amazing. I hope we see something similar with Dorian where he embraces his magic and masters it.

The battle against the King's men was amazing. Aelin was badass. I loved seeing her go through her past throughout the book. It made me love her parents and her uncle. Her uncle was such a great king. He was kind and just. I wish Dorian got that experience in life. He never knew love like she did. Her parents loved each other. His, it was political!

When we were at Doranelle I loved the way Aelin faced Maeve. The way she saved Rowan from his oath!

Reviews for rest of the series:
Throne of Glass
Crown of Midnight
Heir of Fire
Queen of Shadows
Empire of Storms (Review Coming Soon)
Unnamed Book 6
The Assassin's Blade
Unnamed Novela

Crown of Midnight

So. Crown of Midnight. You did a great job of wrecking me. So many things happened in this book. So many secrets reviled and so many people broken. The ending, oh lord. It was so intense and so nerve wracking.

From here on there will be spoilers so beware!

Let's start with Nehemia! How could they? I was heartbroken that Celaena and Nehemia's last encounter. When Celaena and Nehemia fought and exchanged such foul words, Nehemia saying Celaena was a coward.

The characters in this world are so brave and powerful in their own individual ways.

I understood that what Nehemia did was what she thought was the best thing to do but couldn't she have done something else. I would have preferred if she survived doing this! She didn't have to be a martyr.

I loved Nehemia! I loved how she was such a loyal friend to Celaena. It really shocked me when I found out how much she was keeping from Celaena, how much she lied. I get that she did what she thought was right but it still kind of got me
I'm currently reading Queen of Shadows and I'm still not over Nehemia's death.

Archer Finn! Can I just say I hate him?

He was a self-severing jerk. I understand most of the characters, even Celaena is self-serving but she still has a heart.

I was surprised at how easily he kept manipulating Celaena and how easily she kept trusting him.

Is it wrong for me to be glad Celaena killed him!

When we found out that Dorian had magic, I was kind of glad. I didn't really ship Chaolaena so knowing that both Dorian and Celaena were magic wielding.

I liked Chaol better in this book, I loved that scene where he and Celaena danced together, it was nice but it wasn't like the Dorlaena scene in book one!

I was crushed when Celaena decided that the only way to protect Dorian was to leave him alone. It was relieved when they started to become friends again.

That scene in the library had me on the edge of my seat. I was scared. So damn scared!

I was kind of happy when we said goodbye to Chaolaena. I like Chaol and I love Celaena but I do not ship Chaolena. I liked reading about them in this book but they didn't seem special to me. I liked reading about their training and things like that but they were better friends than lovers.
Anyways. I wish the king wasn't in the book. I was glad when he left in book one. And having him around was horrifying. I hated how he treated people. How he treated his own people! I'm pretty sure my hatred for him will only grow with time.

Another reason I didn't like Chaolaena was because Chaol kept things from her but didn't think she deserved the same liberty.

When she sings that song for Nehemia at her grave, it broke my heart. She was burdened by the guilt and hated Chaol for not telling her. I think she had the right to be enraged. On top of that Chaol had the guts to try to find out what she was hiding!

At the end when they face the demon, I kind of wished she'd tell Dorian the whole truth too. Honestly, Dorian was more trustworthy, even if she kept it from him for his own safety.

Chaol was an idiot for sending her off to Wendlyn though.

Anyways. I might have missed a lot of important things that happened but at this moment this is all I can think of.

Reviews for rest of the series:
Throne of Glass
Crown of Midnight
Heir of Fire
Queen of Shadows
Empire of Storms (Review Coming Soon)
Unnamed Book 6
The Assassin's Blade
Unnamed Novela