Can a hypnotist cure you of your dreams? | The Cure for Dreaming

The Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters

Published: October 14th 2014 by Harry N. Abrams

Genres: young adult, historical, paranormal

Summary: Olivia Mead is a headstrong, independent girl—a suffragist—in an age that prefers its girls to be docile. It’s 1900 in Oregon, and Olivia’s father, concerned that she’s headed for trouble, convinces a stage mesmerist to try to hypnotize the rebellion out of her. But the hypnotist, an intriguing young man named Henri Reverie, gives her a terrible gift instead: she’s able to see people’s true natures, manifesting as visions of darkness and goodness, while also unable to speak her true thoughts out loud. These supernatural challenges only make Olivia more determined to speak her mind, and so she’s drawn into a dangerous relationship with the hypnotist and his mysterious motives, all while secretly fighting for the rights of women. Winters breathes new life into history once again with an atmospheric, vividly real story, including archival photos and art from the period throughout.

REVIEW

For some reason, I have always been hesitant to pick up a book by Cat Winters, because I thought she only wrote books set during World War One and I’m not a fan of this time period, to be honest. But I kept seeing positive reviews for her books and added one to my TBR, in hopes to read it someday, before deciding October was the month to do so, with Halloween around the corner. Now I just want to slap myself for not reading The Cure from Dreaming sooner, because it was absolutely fantastic!

This novel captured my attention from the first page. I was swept away in 1900 Oregon and was walking along Olivia the entire time. The fact that Cat Winters added black and white photographs helped a lot to picture this era, even if it was pretty easy for me. The author really did her research perfectly, because she captured the feeling of that time period.

To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever read a book about the suffragist movement before, but I was so involved along these women and now I would love to learn more about that. I was shocked to see women speaking against other women: I can understand women not fighting for their rights, but it’s so frightening to see women fighting for not having rights, even though it happened. It was so hard to read everything men said to women during the entire book, how they belittled them, but sadly it happened and the worst part… Is that it’s still happening. This book definitely made me go through a wide spectrum of emotions, and anger was definitely part of them, because seeing women being bullied is so infuriating.

Olivia was an amazing heroine. She was headstrong, independent and wasn’t afraid to fight for what she wanted. In the fact, the more her father was trying to tame her, the bolder she became and I was admiring her so much. At first, she was a character with beliefs but didn’t act on them too much, until she truly became active as a suffragist and stood for herself. She was definitely relatable and likeable and she’s my new favourite.

At first, Henri appeared distant, because he was this mysterious hypnotist performer but the more we got to know him, the more we saw he was human and flawed. I personally loved his close relationship to his sister, because as you might know by now, I’m always a sucker for sibling bonds. Moreover, I was digging his French accent, as I’m French myself, because it’s so enjoyable to understand a ‘foreign’ language in a book, as it was written in English.

The secondary characters had an importance place in this novel, to the point they even saved the day, at some point. It was very interesting to read about all these women that fought for their rights and to see how mentalities were changing in this new century.

I loved Olivia and Henri’s relationship. This book didn’t focus on the romance and actually I would have loved for it to. For once, I’m complaining about that, who am I? Olivia and Henri were the perfect partenaires all along the book and it was interesting to see how Olivia came to trust him, even if she didn’t rely on him too much. Between the two, she was clearly the stronger one by the end, which is so rare in books. Nevertheless, these two brought out the best of each other and I would love to read a sequel or an epilogue about them.

I confess I was drawn to this book because of the hypnosis aspect, and I was completely satisfied. The first chapter of the book was dedicated to Henri Reverie’s first show and I felt in love right away with this book because of it. I love how hypnosis was part of the American folklore and that the author incorporated to her book so beautifully. Indeed, the ‘paranormal’ aspect, with Olivia seeing the world as it actually is, was just a metaphor for us as human beings, and the way we acted, because Olivia could actually see the wickedness in people, which was so interesting. Cat Winters never completely explains how Henri hypnotized people, but it was part of the magic of this book, but we still got to understand how to resist it.

The ending was definitely faithful to Olivia and for that, I think it wrapped the book perfectly. However, I thought I would get one more chapter after it, so when I realized the book was over, I started to cry, because I would have loved an epilogue. I’m feeling so bittersweet, because I do understand the ending, but I just want more time with these characters. It’s so rare I’m that attached to characters during standalone novels, but right now it’s the case and I need to see them again. Please.

Overall, this book came as a huge surprise and I know I will be thinking about it long after I’ve finished it. It is a story about equality, pursuing one’s dreams and how oppressing a minority will only make it fight harder. I adore this book with my whole heart, and I would love to see Olivia and Henri again. I think this one is a perfect read for Halloween, so go ahead, you won't be disappointed!

Have you read any books by Cat Winters? Have you read this one? What did you think? Have you read other books involving hypnosis? What do you like to read around Halloween?

Monsters are gonna come and eat you all | This Savage Song

This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity #1) by V.E. Schwab

Published: June 7th 2016 by Titan Books Ltd

Genre: young adult, dystopia, paranormal

Goodreads summary: There’s no such thing as safe in a city at war, a city overrun with monsters. In this dark urban fantasy from author Victoria Schwab, a young woman and a young man must choose whether to become heroes or villains—and friends or enemies—with the future of their home at stake. The first of two books.

Kate Harker and August Flynn are the heirs to a divided city—a city where the violence has begun to breed actual monsters. All Kate wants is to be as ruthless as her father, who lets the monsters roam free and makes the humans pay for his protection. All August wants is to be human, as good-hearted as his own father, to play a bigger role in protecting the innocent—but he’s one of the monsters. One who can steal a soul with a simple strain of music. When the chance arises to keep an eye on Kate, who’s just been kicked out of her sixth boarding school and returned home, August jumps at it. But Kate discovers August’s secret, and after a failed assassination attempt the pair must flee for their lives.

REVIEW

By now, you must know that Victoria Schwab is one of my favourite authors, and she never disappoints. Sure, I don't read all of her books 5 stars, but it's still so pretty damn close every time.

To be honest, I would love to see what is happening in Victoria Schwab's head, because she always crafts such unique and dark worlds I'm deeply in love with (but living there wouldn't be the best idea, right?). This Savage Song was a post-apocalyptic novel where monsters appeared because of all the violence that we, humans, perpetrated. This idea is so interesting considering what happened in the world in the last few years, but also so disturbing. While the idea of this world was creepy, I was engrossed by it, because I love when there are monsters in a world, as it means so many possibilities. There also was a song about it in the book (like Lila had a song in A Gathering of Shadows <3), which I'm totally digging and you should too.

    “Monsters, monsters, big and small,

    They're gonna come and eat you all.

    Corsai, Corsai, tooth and claw,

    Shadow and bone will eat you raw.

    Malchai, Malchai, sharp and sly,

    Smile and bite and drink you dry.

    Sunai, Sunai, eyes like coal,

    Sing you a song and steal your soul.

    Monsters, monsters, big and small,

    They're gonna come and eat you all!” 

Schwab is so talented when it comes to world-building, because you never feel overwhelmed with all this new information to process. Indeed, she gives you hints on what is going in but doesn't deliver the whole information until her reader actually needs it. This book was about the notion of good and evil and how complex it was, especially in such a terrible world. You couldn't exactly tell who was "right" and who was "wrong", because the situation was unique. Her writing is so vivid and she can writes such amazing sentences, I fall in love with it every time. It feels like her characters are coming off the page, which can be a little frightening at times, because Kate Harker would definitely scare me to death.

The book started on a quote of Vicious, Schwab's first adult novel, and I loved that so much. It made me laugh, because you need some nerve to do that, but she can totally get away with it, as it was one of the best books I've ever read. While the prologue totally hooked me (because OMG, Kate), it took me about 100 pages to really get into the story, because there wasn't much happening. The first third of the book built a lot of the initial situation - so the synopsis is actually spoiling something happening almost halfway through - but the book was so worth it after that. It was so action-packed and fast-paced and I couldn't stop reading, because I was rooting for the characters and was scared for them at the same time. I loved the last twists Schwab used, because I hadn't seen that coming at all, and I'm pretty excited for Our Dark Duet, the sequel, because while it didn't end on a cliff-hanger, I'm intrigued by the direction the book will go.

The characters were so complex and I was so in love with them. On one hand, we had Kate, who was so kickass and willing to prove her father that she was worth it, she was a Harker, but realized, during the book, that the notions between good and evil weren't as simple and maybe her father wasn't the good guy. On the other hand, you had August who also wanted to prove himself, but was so insecure and willing to be human. He was so, so cute. Except when he was dangerous? But even then. Also he was playing the violin and lured his preys thanks to it, how cool is that (except for the preys, oops)? He was becoming so strong near the end of this first book and I can't wait to see who he'll become. So basically, it was about these teenagers trying to figure themselves out in a messed-up world and went through so much character development. Moreover, Ilsa, August's sister, was such a scary but precious cinnamon roll.

You might have seen a lot of reviewers mention that, but there is no romance in this book. None. Kate and August are coming together not even because there are friends, but because their situation is calling for it, and then, of course they become friends, because it's a life or death situation. But that was all. I loved their relationship, because they came to be so loyal to each other, no matter how awful the situation was and thinking about it…  It is praiseworthy.

Overall, this book was amazing, but it took me some time to get into it, because I was waiting more from the plot. But once I went through this, I was completely addicted to This Savage Song and didn't want it to end. It had such complex and relatable characters on top of a unique and scary world. I don't read dystopian novels that much these days, but you forget it's one while you're reading it, because it doesn't really use the tropes of the genre. I would 100% recommend this book to everyone, but be warned that it could take you time in the beginning.

Have you read this book yet? What did you think of it? What's your favourite book by Victoria Schwab (it's close between Vicious and A Gathering of Shadows for me)?

Is the Apocalypse coming? | Riders

Riders (Riders #1) by Veronica Rossi

Published: February 16th 2016 by Tor Teen

Genre: young adult, fantasy

Goodreads summary: Riders. A new fantasy adventure from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Veronica Rossi.

For eighteen-year-old Gideon Blake, nothing but death can keep him from achieving his goal of becoming a U.S. Army Ranger. As it turns out, it does.

Recovering from the accident that most definitely killed him, Gideon finds himself with strange new powers and a bizarre cuff he can't remove. His death has brought to life his real destiny. He has become War, one of the legendary four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Over the coming weeks, he and the other horsemen--Conquest, Famine, and Death--are brought together by a beautiful but frustratingly secretive girl to help save humanity from an ancient evil on the emergence.

They fail.

Now--bound, bloodied, and drugged--Gideon is interrogated by the authorities about his role in a battle that has become an international incident. If he stands any chance of saving his friends and the girl he's fallen for--not to mention all of humankind--he needs to convince the skeptical government officials the world is in imminent danger.

But will anyone believe him?

REVIEW

Going into Riders, I was a bit anxious, because I had seen mixed reviews about it. If you’ve read Under the Never Sky (if you didn’t, you should!), don’t expect a similar book, because it definitely wasn’t. In my opinion, Riders was pretty unique and I loved that the author choose to include the lore around the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

For 75% of the book, Gideon, the main character, was describing what had happened to him, because he found himself in a tricky situation in the first page of the book. I think that it was really interesting that Rossi chose to tell the story this way, because it almost felt like it was a report. Riders felt like a standalone, because overall, almost everything was resolved in the span of this one book, the sequel will be more Daryn’s point of view. Indeed, the beginning of the book was more about finding the others Horsemen and then get through with their quest. It was a lot to process at times, but at the same time it was a bit slow and repetitive during some part of the book.

This book was set in different locations all around the world, it wasn’t just about the U.S. – which I’m kind of sick of, these days – but also set in Italy and Norway. You could find this same diversity in the cast of characters, which I wasn’t expecting. Out of the four horsemen, two were typical Caucasian males, when the two others weren’t (but no spoilers!). I really enjoyed that aspect, because as an incarnation of the four horsemen, the boys were chosen and it showed that they were equals. The ending was definitely crazy, with a plot twist I wasn’t expecting (I was pretty naïve on that one, apparently). The author wasn’t scared to hurt her characters, which I totally respected, because they were fighting demons/fallen angels, after all.

I was thrown off a little in the beginning, because I’m not used to read books with only a male’s point of view, but I got used to it quickly. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Gideon’s character in the beginning, because he was macho (ugh), but he went through many character development during the book, which felt realistic. Nevertheless, I loved that his character was so realistic, trying to find ways to cope with what happened to him a year before, which still made him likeable. Moreover, I learnt a lot about the army reading this book, because Gideon had been training to become a Ranger before the accident happened, which was a bit outside of my comfort zone, as I avoid books about the military most of the time.

Out of the rest of the boys, Bas was definitely my favourite. Rossi managed to give us fleshed-out characters, even when she had five main characters. Daryn’s character wasn’t as developed as the others though, but I think it’s because the sequel will focus on her. She was still a pretty tough character and I loved how she was still the leader of the team, despite being the only girl there. I’m intrigued to learn more about the seekers in the next book, because it felt mysterious, as we weren’t in her head.

The team spirit definitely wasn’t there between everyone in the beginning, but the characters worked a lot towards that, so it was a success in this. The last chapter showed it, for there was a real bond between Marcus and Gideon, when they almost were trying to kill each other in the beginning. About the romance, the connection between two of the characters happened pretty quickly, but I enjoyed how it built up and how it ended up in the first book. I’m looking forward to see what happens between them next.

Overall, I found Riders to be a unique book that I quite enjoyed, even if it wasn’t perfect. I would recommend it to you if you’re looking for a badass and original adventure, even though it could be slow at times. Don’t expect this one to be similar to Under the Never Sky, though, but it showed how Rossi evolved as a writer since her debut novel.

Have you read this book? What did you think of it? Did you like Veronica Rossi's first series, Under the Never Sky?

"This is the end. Hold your breath and count to ten." | Lady Renegades & The Crown

It’s time to say goodbye to some series I’ve been reading! I feel a lot of series are concluding this year and while I’m always sad to say goodbye, it helps the tbr pile a little, let’s be real. Today, I’m talking about The Crown by Kiera Cass (can I laugh if books are added in the series again? But I hope she won’t do that) and Lady Renegades by Rachel Hawkins.

Lady Renegades (Rebel Belle #3) by Rachel Hawkins

Published: April 5th 2016 by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Genre: young adult, fantasy

Goodreads summary: Just as Harper Price starts coming to terms with her role as David Stark’s battle-ready Paladin, protector, and girlfriend—her world goes crazy all over again.

Overwhelmed by his Oracle powers, David flees Pine Grove and starts turning teenage girls into Paladins—and these young ladies seem to think that Harper is the enemy David needs protecting from.  Ordinarily, Harper would be able to fight off any Paladin who comes her way, but her powers have been dwindling since David left town…which means her life is on the line yet again.

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins brings the fun once again in the finale of this pitch-perfect romantic paranormal comedy series.

REVIEW

I read the first two books in the series last year and while I really enjoyed the first one, I found that the second one was pretty much a filler. I liked this one better, but it still wasn’t as good as Rebel Belle. In fact, my main problem was how short it was: it’s not even 300 pages long!

In my opinion, the plot isn’t one you find in finales: it was about finding David for almost the whole book, I would have liked that part to be shorter. I enjoyed that in the beginning, the lives of the characters were back to normal, with summer jobs, but it didn’t last long. Indeed, the action picked up right at the end of the first chapter and it put me right into this world again. But after the characters left, I found the quest to be repetitive, even though there were some action-packed scenes and revelations. Once David was found, there were only 30 pages left or something, which made the ending feel rushed, even if I liked it. Still, Lady Renegades was so much fun to read, because the fantasy aspect wasn’t too heavy and the characters made me laugh.

My favourite part was clearly the characters. In Rebel Belle, when Harper Price was introduced, she felt like a typical Mary Sue, but then she was confronted to tricky situations, because she acquired powers by accident. She went through a lot during this series, but she was still so much to read about. In this instalment, I liked that the author focused on her friendship with Bee. I even came to like Blythe, who was more of an antagonist in the first books, because of the decisions she made, but also her backstory. Basically, she saved the day, in the end, when she didn’t have to. I wished we had seen more of David, he’s so much fun to read about when he’s bickering with Harper. Also, I felt like Ryan was left behind, because he chose not to come, and then we saw him in another scene and that was all.

Overall, this was a good trilogy and I liked it more than Hex Hall, Rachel Hawkins’ first trilogy. The premise was original, but this effect only lasted in the first book. In Lady Renegades, I liked that the characters went through so much development, but I would have liked the plot to be more complex, because it didn’t feel like a finale. In fact, I wanted Miss Mayhen and Lady Renegades to be longer, or maybe it should have been a duology. I think some readers won’t see the final twist coming, which made the series end on a bittersweet note.

The Crown (The Selection #5) by Kiera Cass

Published: May 3rd 2016 by HarperTeen

Genre: young adult, dystopia, romance

Goodreads summary: Kiera Cass’s bestselling Selection series has enchanted readers from the very first page. Now the end of the journey is here, in a wonderfully romantic series finale that will sweep you off your feet.

Twenty years have passed since the events of The One, and America and Maxon’s daughter is the first princess to hold a Selection of her own. Princess Eadlyn didn’t think she would find a real partner among the Selection’s thirty-five suitors, let alone true love. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you... and now Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more difficult—and more important—than she ever expected.

The Selection series has sold more than 3 million copies and captured the hearts of fans around the world. This swoon-worthy final installment is the happily ever after they’ve all been waiting for.

REVIEW

In this series, the books were fun and quick to read, this one was no exception. Like so many reviewers, I had mixed feelings about The Heir, mainly because Eadlyn was so self-centred and arrogant. I think I liked this one slightly better, but I found that everything that happened was convenient and a little bit rushed.

Maybe I’m wrong – I read the Heir last year – but I felt like between these two instalments, Eadlyn drastically changed, but I liked her more this way. She went from this spoiled little princess to a caring and open young woman. I can believe that she had potential to become like that, but it felt sudden and that it wasn’t the same character as in the first one. Let’s be real, I was pretty sure about who she would pick and I was totally right, it’s not even funny when it happens… Anyway, I liked the boys that were still in the Elite and they all deserved a chance. There was a plot twist about one of them I didn’t see coming and I was pleased about, though. The romance aspect is something I enjoyed in this one, much more than in the Heir, because Eadlyn was more open to it. However, there is an epilogue and I felt like it was utterly useless. I found that the last chapter was enough to wrap up the romance and that the epilogue was way too cheesy and didn’t have a purpose.

I also felt like everything that happened was pretty convenient, it just happened, poof. In the end, it was just a book to make (pretty much) everything right again for Eadlyn, but it’s not life.  In my opinion, this book should have been longer, since it’s the finale of a five books long series (sort of). It should have been a way to say goodbye to this world, but it just felt similar to the others. It would have been time to expand the world but ha! As if. There are some loose ends I wanted to be deepened – like Eadlyn’s twin said there were complications about something but it was never explained.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this one, it was quick and fun, but it doesn’t stand out among all the books I read. I liked Eadlyn more in The Crown, because she had character development, but it felt way too quick. I would have liked the loose ends to be explored but Kiera Cass stayed in what should be expected.

Have you read any of these series? What do you think of them? Have you read these finales yet?

An emotional rollercoaster that felt like home | Lady Midnight

Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Published: March 8th 2016 by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Genre: young adult, urban fantasy

Goodreads: The Shadowhunters of Los Angeles star in the first novel in Cassandra Clare’s newest series, The Dark Artifices, a sequel to the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series. Lady Midnight is a Shadowhunters novel.

It’s been five years since the events of City of Heavenly Fire that brought the Shadowhunters to the brink of oblivion. Emma Carstairs is no longer a child in mourning, but a young woman bent on discovering what killed her parents and avenging her losses.

Together with her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches across Los Angeles, from the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica. If only her heart didn’t lead her in treacherous directions…

Making things even more complicated, Julian’s brother Mark—who was captured by the faeries five years ago—has been returned as a bargaining chip. The faeries are desperate to find out who is murdering their kind—and they need the Shadowhunters’ help to do it. But time works differently in faerie, so Mark has barely aged and doesn’t recognize his family. Can he ever truly return to them? Will the faeries really allow it?

Glitz, glamours, and Shadowhunters abound in this heartrending opening to Cassandra Clare’s Dark Artifices series.

REVIEW

I'm feeling very emotional about this book, and I'm typing this three days later. I wasn't completely sure I would love it as much as I did, because it's been three years since we got a Shadowhunter novel. I was thinking that maybe I had grew out of it, but fortunately, I didn't, which made me so happy, since it's because of those books I started reading in English.

First off, Cassandra Clare grew so much as a writer since City of Bones. I'm planning on re-reading it this year, but from what I remember, I don't think I'll enjoy it as much as I did this one. I remember that it took me a whole month to get through City of Lost Souls, because it was painfully slow... I was so done with that series because it was really long, but City of Heavenly Fire was truly amazing, so it made up for it! Anyways, I've been excited for this book for years and I just checked... I added it to my 'tbr' on Goodreads the day I joined the website. So yeah, I was dying for it and it was really worth it. It made me laugh, it made me cry and more importantly, it felt like home. 

Because I already read nine books in this world, it was really easy to get into it. Nevertheless, Cassandra Clare still managed to add new elements into her world, like the Scholomance or the Shadow Market. I also really enjoyed that there was this "kind of a secret society", it was really mysterious and made me eager. I also really enjoyed that we saw a little more faeries than in the other books, but I still crave more of them.

The strongest part of this novel were its characters. I remember that in The Mortal Instruments, the characters were annoying and made to be perfect... But here, it wasn't the case at all! If Clary and Jace were made to be amazing Shadowhunters in TMI, Emma and Julian worked so hard to be great Shadowhunters... Emma was actually so careless... It's a good thing she had Julian to watch her back! Emma was sassy and tough, I really enjoyed reading about her and she's blonde, it's the plus size for me, lmao. I thought that Julian changed a lot from usual male leads Clare wrote, he was so much more gentle and had a strong sense of family... But at the same time he could be ruthless. And he paints so yay! I had totally figured it out about his studio though, but it was still really cute.

I really enjoyed reading about the Blackthorn's siblings, because since I got all excited three years ago, I knew their main characteristics and they felt so realistic. Especially Ty. I'm really emotional about him because... My little brother is a lot like him, so I could relate so much and I just wanted to cry. It was so funny that they all loved crime mystery and just wanted to solve it. And their dynamics were great! Cristina was a mystery I was trying to solve and I really liked her, she was another character to balance Emma's fire. I feel like Clare took a lot of time to craft realistic and important secondary characters, which I really appreciated.

Moreover, we got some cameos into this book, which made my little fangirl heart happy (because Jem <3). At the beginning, someone mentioned Simon's ex-band, TMI which of course stood for the Mortal Instruments and oh the feels. We didn't see every main character of the previous series, but we still learnt what was going on in their lives, that's all I wanted, I don't really want them to take too much screen time.

I found the plot to be very strong, I was hooked from cover to cover (even if technically I read it as an e-book... I'm waiting for my copy to arrive) and I didn't find that it dragged a lot, which had scared me because of the length of this novel. This plot was about solving murders and I liked that the Shadowhunters actually used mundane technology, it felt so much more realistic! I also really appreciated all the subplots, because I was interested in all of them. It was full of twists and turns and some of them left me gasping, because I wasn't expecting it. At all.

The romance was amazingly written, like usual and I was rooting for the characters so much. Of course, we're only in the first book so it can't actually last right now but it was painful, because Clare makes us hope. *sobs* These characters are so made for each other and I'm not buying this b******t. Nope. But I'm excited to understand more about it. Nevertheless: why Emma? why??

It also contained a LGBT romance and I wasn't expecting it for this character because I thought it would be between Helen and Aline, but obviously they're not here. Please I need Helen and a happy Blackthorn reunion *cries*

Basically, the ending was really painful to read about and now I just want the second book. I found the epilogue a little predictable, but that's just my opinion. It was just enough to make me eager for the rest of the story, even though I totally wanted to read the next book just because of the romance, because I need these characters together. At least there won't be a love triangle, right?

Overall, I think Cassandra Clare grew a lot as a writer and if you weren't a big fan of the Mortal Instruments, you could actually really enjoy this one. Did I love it as much as the Infernal Devices? I cannot say until I've read the whole trilogy sadly. Still, it balanced suspense, romance and action perfectly and it was so gripping! I just need the next book NOW.

Have you read my whole review (if you did, you deserve a cookie!)? Have you read this book yet? Your thoughts? Do you love the Shadow world? Do you want to read this series?

Strange and Ever After | Book review

Title: Strange and Ever After (Something Strange and Deadly #3)

Author: Susan Dennard

Published: July 22nd 2014 by HarperTeen

Goodreads summary: In the conclusion to the trilogy that Publishers Weekly called “a roaring—and addictive—gothic world,” Eleanor Fitt must control her growing power, face her feelings for Daniel, and confront the evil necromancer Marcus...all before it’s too late.

He took her brother, he took her mother, and now, Marcus has taken her good friend Jie. With more determination than ever to bring this sinister man to justice, Eleanor heads to the hot desert streets of nineteenth-century Egypt in hopes of ending this nightmare. But in addition to her increasingly tense relationships with Daniel, Joseph, and her demon, Oliver, Eleanor must also deal with her former friend, Allison, who has curiously entangled herself in Eleanor’s mission.

With the rising dead chomping at her every move and Jie’s life hanging in the balance, Eleanor is convinced that her black magic will see her through to the bitter end. But there will be a price. Though she and the Spirit Hunters have weathered every battle thus far, there will be consequences to suffer this time—the effects of which will be irreversible. And when it’s over, only some will be able to live a strange and ever after.

Susan Dennard will leave readers breathless and forever changed in the concluding pages of this riveting ride.

REVIEW

One of my favourite aspects of these books was the traveling parts. With Something Strange and Deadly, we started the story in Philadelphia, then went to Le Havre and Paris in A Darkness Strange and Lovely, finally went to Marseille and Egypt in this book. There was no way I could have been bored because there was this perpetual change of scenery, we went to so many places.

I felt like we didn’t see the Dead that much because this book focused more on necromancy and Eleanor trying to control it. We also got a really interesting take on Egyptian mythology, which was linked to necromancy, a change from the demi-gods trope. The artefacts were a little creepy tbh. Moreover, choosing to kink everything with Egypt was a great idea because at that time, people were so fascinated with Egypt, which you can see with the party in Cairo.

I really enjoyed the characters; they grew a lot since the first book, especially El, of course. Her relationship with Oliver improved a lot in this book; he became a lot more like a brother to her than just a tool. The romance we all waited since the first book finally happened and the characters looked so right together!

This book was action-packed; the situation started at the end of Something Strange and Deadly was resolved, with some betrayals. The ending made me feel so emotional, I was like: WHY SUSAN WHY? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO US THE CHARACTERS? Sadly, I expected it; I hoped I was wrong but nooooo. It still hurts so much…

The last chapter was full of hope for the characters so I’m making my peace with event. The characters will be able to complete part of their dream, hopefully.

Have you read this book? What did you think of it?

Lair of Dreams | Book review

Title: Lair of Dreams (The Diviners #2)
Author: Libba Bray
Published: August 25th 2015 by Atom

Goodreads summary: The longing of dreams draws the dead, and this city holds many dreams.

After a supernatural showdown with a serial killer, Evie O’Neill has outed herself as a Diviner. With her uncanny ability to read people’s secrets, she’s become a media darling, earning the title “America’s Sweetheart Seer.” Everyone’s in love with the city’s newest It Girl…everyone except the other Diviners.

Piano-playing Henry DuBois and Chinatown resident Ling Chan are two Diviners struggling to keep their powers a secret—for they can walk in dreams. And while Evie is living the high life, victims of a mysterious sleeping sickness are turning up across New York City.

As Henry searches for a lost love and Ling strives to succeed in a world that shuns her, a malevolent force infects their dreams. And at the edges of it all lurks a man in a stovepipe hat who has plans that extend farther than anyone can guess…As the sickness spreads, can the Diviners descend into the dreamworld to save the city?

In this heart-stopping sequel to The Diviners, Printz Award-winning andNew York Times bestselling author Libba Bray takes readers deeper into the mystical underbelly of New York City.

REVIEW

Every city is a ghost.New Buildings rise upon the bones of the old so that each shiny steel beam, each tower of brick carries within it the memories of what has gone before, an architectural haunting. Sometimes you can catch a glimpse of these former incarnations in the awkward angle of a street or a filigreed gate, and old oak door peeking out from a new façade, the plaque commemorating the spot that was once a battleground, which became a saloon and is now a park.Underground, it is no different.

These beautiful sentences are the beginning of this book. It shows how Libba Bray has magical writing and you will love every bit of it. However, I found this book to be hard to read, because it was so long, and that this magical writing was a bit heavy. To be honest, it took me more than two weeks to read this book; I had to read other books in between. I’m pretty sure I’d have enjoyed it more if it was shorter.

This book is centred on a sleeping sickness that takes people as they dream. The plot was compelling and when everything was revealed, I was so surprised and loved every part of it. The epilogue felt like the biggest of cliff-hangers, because it showed there is much we still don’t know about the Diviners, and that what they loved was just the beginning. I’m intrigued but at the same time, I’m a little concerned: when will the next book be released? I’m afraid that when it’ll be, I’ll have forgotten everything about Lair of Dreams and will be less interested in the mystery surrounding the Diviners.

Even though the plot was interesting, having so many points of view made me forget it at some point in the story. Sure, some points of views were essential to this plot, but it wasn’t the case for all of them. A lot of different storylines were developed and it was really interesting, but I was losing my focus on the main plot, I regretted that. I have the feeling the characters were linked to the plot 60% in the story (and it wasn’t every of them)…

The cast of characters was diverse, just like in the first book. Evie O’Neill is now famous in New York and has her own radio show, which means she goes to parties instead of hanging out with her friends. Sam is still investigating Project Buffalo and flirting with Evie. Jericho is trying to save Will’s museum with Sam and Mabel’s help. Unfortunately, Mabel was pretty useless in this book in my opinion; she was just here as Jericho’s love interest. Theta wasn’t really a main character either but she’ll be in the next book, judging on the end of this book. However, she was Memphis’ love interest and it was really interesting, because they have so many obstacles to go through with their relationship because they’re not from the same world. Henry was truly in the middle of this book, because of his ability to sleep walk. I enjoyed learning about him; he is now one of my favourite characters. A new character came along, Ling, who is also a dream walker. It is mainly these two characters who had to deal with the sleeping sickness because of their abilities, even if the other characters helped a lot in the end.

The mystery around the Diviners thickened and I’m definitely intrigued now, because we know who was involved… I really hope it will be revealed in the next book, because I think there will still be two books in this series and I don’t want to wait years again. I know that when the next book comes, I’ll need a recap of Lair of Dreams…

This book was highly enjoyable but a little too long; it made me lose focus on the main plot. Everyone’s point of view wasn’t necessary, like Mabel, she appeared rather late in the book anyway… However, I’m looking forward to see what Libba Bray has in store for us in the next books.

Have you read this book? What did you think of it?