So much girl power here! | The Darkest Magic

The Darkest Magic (Spirits and Thieves #2) by Morgan Rhodes

Published: June 28th 2016 by Razorbill

Genre: young adult, fantasy

Goodreads summary: In the second installment of New York Times bestselling author Morgan Rhodes's highly acclaimed Falling Kingdoms spin-off series, danger looms and the mystery deepens as two warring evils vie for possession of one elusive, powerful book.

Modern-day Toronto: Sisters Crystal and Becca Hatcher are reunited after reclaiming the Bronze Codex and narrowly escaping death. They have no one to trust but each other, and the only thing keeping them safe is the book that sent Becca's spirit to Ancient Mytica--the same book that their enemies would kill them for. 

Ancient Mytica: Maddox grapples to keep his newly discovered powers under control, while the ruthless goddess Valoria hunts him down. 

Modern-day Toronto: Farrell embraces his dark side as he unwittingly falls further under the spell of Markus, the mastermind leader of the nefarious Hawkspear Society, who will stop at nothing to find Crys and Becca--and the remarkable book in their possession. 

New York Times bestselling author Morgan Rhodes takes readers into exhilarating new high-fantasy territory with volume two of the Book of Spirits and Thieves series, an epic contemporary saga perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander.

REVIEW

I'm a huge fan of the Falling Kingdoms series, so when the Spirits and Thieves trilogy was announced, I was pretty excited, as it's a prequel of the main series. While I really disliked the cover of the first book, they improved a lot with this one, it was pretty badass and I had serious girl power vibes from it.

When I started this book, I didn't remember very well what had happened in the first book, except the key plot points. Nevertheless, Morgan Rhodes did recaps along with the story, which helped me a lot, because I hadn't find any recap of A Book of Spirits and Thieves on the Internet. However, my issue was that it took a lot of time to get through every character's point of view, because they were four of them. At the beginning of the story, I felt like the plot was moving very slowly because of that, but it picked up quickly.

This trilogy is set a thousand years before the Falling Kingdoms series and it set so much in place for the Mytica I've come to know and love. The Darkest Magic indeed gave a bigger place to the two goddesses, Cleiona and Valoria, but also the Watchers, which is part of Mytica's mythology/series in the original series. Moreover, this instalment developed the magic even further, especially for Maddox and his death magic, but also for Becca, because of her parentage. What I love the most about the world Morgan Rhodes created is the fact Mytica is intertwined with modern-day Toronto, which involves secret societies. The author went even farther in that aspect, about how loyal you can be to someone and to a cause, which was really interesting and challenging for Farell's character.

I was really invested in most characters' storylines in this book and I came to appreciate some of them a bit more, just like Farell. I felt so much girl power in this book, for the Hatcher sisters, but also from the secondary characters like their families or the goddesses. Morgan Rhodes is also great at writing romances in my opinion and I'm way more invested in Farell/Crystal than in Maddox/Becca, because there is this hate becoming love relationship trope happening, which reminds me of Cleo and Magnus in Falling Kingdoms, who are my OTP.

The plot was very entertaining to follow and I can't even tell if it was more interesting in Mytica or in Toronto, which was a good thing. It was cruel to leave small cliff-hangers at the end of each chapter though, because how was I even supposed to go to sleep? This novel introduced a new antagonist, who was very scary and I wasn't expecting him to appear really, because I didn't remember any hints from this in the first book. The ending left my mouth hanging open and I just need the next book in the trilogy now.

Overall, this book was everything I wanted, except that it took me awhile to get into it, as the chapters were pretty long and it followed four characters. Nevertheless, I was very invested in all the storylines and I cannot wait to read the last book in the trilogy, because it'll be explosive!

Other:

• Review of A Book of Spirits and Thieves

Have you read this book yet? What did you think of it? Are you a fan of the Falling Kingdoms series? Are you excited for Crystal Storm?

An amazing sequel with a magic tournament and kisses | A Gathering of Shadows

A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic #2) by V.E. Schwab

Published: February 23rd 2016 by Titan Books

Genre: Fantasy

Goodreads summary: Four months have passed since the shadow stone fell into Kell’s possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Rhy was wounded and the Dane twins fell, and the stone was cast with Holland’s dying body through the rift, and into Black London.

In many ways, things have almost returned to normal, though Rhy is more sober, and Kell is now plagued by his guilt. Restless, and having given up smuggling, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks like she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games—an extravagant international competition of magic, meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries—a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.

But while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life, and those who were thought to be forever gone have returned. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning, and so it seems Black London has risen again—meaning that another London must fall.

REVIEW

I actually reread A Darker Shade of Magic at the beginning of February to remember everything that had happened, but I don't think it's necessary to get into A Gathering of Shadows, because the main plot line deals directly with what happened at the end of the first book. By the way, it's the first book I've reread in two years, but it's so awesome than there isn't any surprise here.

 I found this novel's structure to be quite different from the first one, because we don't really see a lot of traveling between the Londons, Kell travelled three times or something. Nevertheless, Schwab expanded her world, even though we mainly stayed in London. Because of the tournament plot line, we got to see characters from the three different empires, which was really interesting. Moreover, at the beginning of the book, Lila is on a ship (which I love, as you know ;) ), which allowed the reader to discover more of the world.

This book was all about a tournament organized by Rhy, which translated as The Elements Game. I loved to read about it. However, I found that the actual tournament came pretty late into the story, because it was all everyone talked about during the whole book and it only started during the eight part on the book, when there were ten parts. But it's the only little complain I have about the plot, because Schwab still managed to keep it interesting, since there also was the main plot lines to deal with, and the characters' development.

The characters were fabulous in this book, just like they were in the first one. I think they were even more fabulous because I grew so attached to them and this book involved a lot of feels. And guys, you'll love Alucard Emery, a new character, whom is so interesting and powerful. This character has so much potential, I'm pretty sure we only started to see it in this one. I found the characters development's to be on point, because it was realistic with what happened at the end of the first book, especially for Rhy and Kell. During the span of four month between ADSOM and AGOS, Lila also changed a lot, because she adapted to a new world and did what she had always wanted to do. The first part of the book focused on her and it gripped me from the beginning, because it was so intriguing. Also, I've had her song stuck in my head for a few days, so thanks, Schwab ;) But anyway, I love her so much <3

How do you know when the Sarows is coming?

(Is coming is coming is coming aboard) 

 Just like in the first book, the romance wasn't the main focus but we saw way more kissing that in the first book. I don't necessarily mean between the main characters, but I'm sure we'll have a lot more in the next book… Even if it isn't really in their personalities. Anyway, the romance was a slow burn and it was worth waiting a good amount of pages before the two main characters finally saw each other again. I want them to see each other again btw, even if they're in a tricky situation at the end of the novel, but still? There also was a really steamy scene featuring two other characters, which I really loved. Like, I need more scenes between them. NO. I DEMAND. So many feels were involved with this book, I just can't.

 Schwab knows how to manage her endings and this one was no different. It ended on an evil cliff-hanger, which made me so sad I finished the book that fast, since I'll have to wait another year before the sequel is published. But wow. Like wow. The characters are in a REALLY tricky situation, I can't wait to see what happens next. Oh, and Lila? I'm sure it will be enough, don't worry ;)

Overall, this was an amazing sequel to an amazing first book, but who is surprised here? Victoria Schwab is such an amazing writer, I expected no less (but no pressure :D). This book was gripping from cover to cover, I loved every word of it and am pretty sad it's finished. However: I am not okay. I think I'm drowning into feels because of this book, how am I going to survive a year? It's a good thing a new Schwab's book will be released in June. So for those who haven't read A Darker Shade of Magic, please do it! Buy it, request it from your library, I don't care! Just read it! :)

Have you read A Darker Shade of Magic? Are you finished with A Gathering of Shadows yet? Which of Victoria's books is your favorite?

Ten Thousand Skies Above You & Their Fractured Light | Mini-reviews

Title: Ten Thousand Skies Above You (Firebird #2)
Author: Claudia Gray
Published: November 3rd 2015 by HarperTeen

Goodreads summary: Ever since she used the Firebird, her parents' invention, to cross into alternate dimensions, Marguerite has caught the attention of enemies who will do anything to force her into helping them dominate the multiverse—even hurting the people she loves. She resists until her boyfriend, Paul, is attacked and his consciousness scattered across multiple dimensions.

Marguerite has no choice but to search for each splinter of Paul’s soul. The hunt sends her racing through a war-torn San Francisco, the criminal underworld of New York City, and a glittering Paris where another Marguerite hides a shocking secret. Each world brings Marguerite one step closer to rescuing Paul. But with each trial she faces, she begins to question the destiny she thought they shared.

The second book in the Firebird trilogy, Ten Thousand Skies Above You features Claudia Gray’s lush, romantic language and smart, exciting action, and will have readers clamoring for the next book.

REVIEW

Discovering new dimensions was as interesting as the first time around and the plot was original, because it revealed something else about the Firebirds. The novelty of discovering dimensions has faded a bit though, especially when Marguerite went to dimensions she discovered before. However Marguerite pissed me off because when a Paul from another dimension did something bad, she doubted she could love her Paul. I understand that some Paul's decisions she couldn't agree with in some dimensions, but it didn't mean it was her Paul. She has a lot of trouble keeping up with identities, she already had this problemn because of Lieutenant Paul Markov in the Russia-verse, but it was worse this time around. The different Paul weren't the same and she also acted like that around Theo, because of what happenned in the first book. She doubted of her relationship with Paul because in some universes they weren't in love. Really? Ugh. She was like: um but if I don't love him in this universe, it's because we haven't met yet, right? Well no. She believed in the fate theory a little too much I believe? However I loved that we learn how Triad was created and everything, I didn't expect it at all. And the ending OMG. This story took such a turn, I can't wait for the next one to be released.

Title: Their Fractured Light (Unbound #3)

Author: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Published: December 1st 2015 by Disney-Hyperion

Goodreads summary: A year ago, Flynn Cormac and Jubilee Chase made the now infamous Avon Broadcast, calling on the galaxy to witness for their planet, and protect them from destruction. Some say Flynn’s a madman, others whisper about conspiracies. Nobody knows the truth. A year before that, Tarver Merendsen and Lilac LaRoux were rescued from a terrible shipwreck—now, they live a public life in front of the cameras, and a secret life away from the world’s gaze.

Now, in the center of the universe on the planet of Corinth, all four are about to collide with two new players, who will bring the fight against LaRoux Industries to a head. Gideon Marchant is an eighteen-year-old computer hacker—a whiz kid and an urban warrior. He’ll climb, abseil and worm his way past the best security measures to pull off onsite hacks that others don’t dare touch.

Sofia Quinn has a killer smile, and by the time you’re done noticing it, she’s got you offering up your wallet, your car, and anything else she desires. She holds LaRoux Industries responsible for the mysterious death of her father and is out for revenge at any cost.

When a LaRoux Industries security breach interrupts Gideon and Sofia’s separate attempts to infiltrate their headquarters, they’re forced to work together to escape. Each of them has their own reason for wanting to take down LaRoux Industries, and neither trusts the other. But working together might be the best chance they have to expose the secrets LRI is so desperate to hide.

REVIEW

It actually took me a week to finish this, because it was the last week of school *sigh*

I really enjoyed getting introduced to Gideon and Sofia, because they were both grey characters and I love that! They were both plotting to take down LaRoux but had a HARD time trusting each other because obviously they sometimes betrayed the other one. Like at the beginning when they met, it was so funny. Iloooooved their dynamics together and I shipped them so hard! But, I had a hard time reading the first 40% of the novel... I was kinda bored, idk. The other reason I was so confused/bored was that I didn't remember much of the first two books (only the big lines) so I didn't understand anything... I should have read a recap.... But then big step in their relationship/betrayal and I was hooked again!

I'm so happy the whole gang was back, the story was much interesting when they were there I think? Even if I loved Sofia and Gideon but... Sometimes I wondered what the beginning of the story had to do with the bigger picture? But after that it was so great, action-packed, plot twists and revelations and much plotting (which I love).

I really enjoyed the resolution of the story and how we didn't only got Sofia and Gideon's POV. It was weird and very mysterious but I liked it, in the end. I'm pleased with the ending.

Still I had a problem while reading but it's probably just me: at the beginning of each chapter, the name of the character wasn't written, so I was confused all the time, because I didn't always remember where I left off. But when I was looking at the index it had the name of the characters and the chapters numbers, so maybe my ereader just messed up.

Anyway, this trilogy is a total must read! 

Have you read any of these books/series? What did you think of them?

Firewalker | Book review

Title: Firewalker (The Worldwalker Trilogy #2)

Author: Josephine Angelini

Published: September 1st 2015 by Feiwel and Friends

Goodreads summary: Worlds divide, magic slays, and love lies in the second book of Josephine Angelini’s The Worldwalker Trilogy.

"You think I’m a monster, but my choices, as ruthless as they seem, are justified."

Lily is back in her own universe, and she's ready to start a new life with Rowan by her side. True, she almost died in the Pyre that fueled their escape from New Salem, and must hide her magic for the safety of everyone she cares about, but compared to fighting the Woven, the monstrous creatures inhabiting the alternate Salem, life is looking pretty good.

Unfortunately, Lillian, ruthless ruler of the 13 Cities, is not willing to let Lily go that easily. If she can’t persuade Lily to return to her world, she will force her to come back by doing away with the ones she loves.

Picking up right where Trial By Fire left off, Firewalker is another sexy, fast-paced, heartbreaking thrill ride from internationally bestselling author Josephine Angelini! 

REVIEW

Firewalker starts right where Trial by Fire left off, it put me back up in the story right away (I read Trial by Fire in August, so it wasn't a problem at all). Lily and Rowan are back in her world, where she first has to heal and then face the consequences for leaving during three months. Because obvisouly, if you go missing for three months, the police is investigating, the FBI is involved in that case, which is tough for Lily, but also Tristan who was suspected for months. It made sense that Lily had a hard time going back to school after all these events, it brought a slower pace to the book but it wasn't a bad thing.

With Lily's return in her world, we saw characters we had in the first book, who became closer to her and really important for the turn on events. Because soon, Lily's life is threatened again, she has to make her own covent and go back to Rowan's world. 

At the same time, Lillian shows us her memories to explain Lily why she did what she did in her world. I really enjoyed knowing more of Lillian's motives, Lily understood and respected it, even if she is trying to do it her way. Loyalties are soon questionned, especially between Lily and Rowan, because Alaric's motives are explained and aren't that benefic to this world. 

The world of the Thirteen cities was expended, I enjoyed learning more about the Woven and the Hive. I'm looking forward to see what these discoveries will bring to the next book, which I need as soon as possible. 

Just like with the previous book, I had a hard time processing everything that was happening, because there are a lot of information, switch of points of view and memories of other people in one chapter... Toward the middle of the book, I got a little confused, but it was better at the end. 

I wasn't really happy with Rowan and Lily's relationship in this book, because it was obvious they lacked communication and it would explode in their faces... I didn't agree with the choice one of them did, I hope this person will make up for it in the next book, but I have high hopes. My favourite relationship was Lily and Juliet's, in both world actually, they love each other so much it makes me want to cry. 

I felt like a lot of things were revealed in the last pages, it is a lot to process. I'm a little sad with that ending, because a part of it was too easy, but at the same time, there is a revelation about this world that makes me think and eager to know what will happen next (yeah, it's cryptic I know!).

• My review of Trial by Fire

Have you read this book or Trial by Fire? What did you think of it? 

A Thousand Pieces of You | Book review

Title: A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird #1)

Author: Claudia Gray

Published: November 4th 2014 by HarperTeen

Goodreads summary: Every Day meets Cloud Atlas in this heart-racing, space- and time-bending, epic new trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray.

Marguerite Caine’s physicist parents are known for their radical scientific achievements. Their most astonishing invention: the Firebird, which allows users to jump into parallel universes, some vastly altered from our own. But when Marguerite’s father is murdered, the killer—her parent’s handsome and enigmatic assistant Paul—escapes into another dimension before the law can touch him.

Marguerite can’t let the man who destroyed her family go free, and she races after Paul through different universes, where their lives entangle in increasingly familiar ways. With each encounter she begins to question Paul’s guilt—and her own heart. Soon she discovers the truth behind her father’s death is more sinister than she ever could have imagined.

A Thousand Pieces of You explores a reality where we witness the countless other lives we might lead in an amazingly intricate multiverse, and ask whether, amid infinite possibilities, one love can endure.

REVIEW

I was intrigued by this book because of the idea of this world and honestly, that’s what made me fall in love with it. The idea of these parallel universes was really interesting, I enjoyed reading about every one of them, I was so excited every time Marguerite was going to a new one. About that, I found it realistic that because the characters were jumping into their other selves’ bodies, they had hard times remembering who they really were and needed a “reminder”.

I really enjoyed these characters, even if I would have loved to see a little more backstory. The dynamics between Marguerite’s family was so cute. About the romance, Claudia Gray definitely knew how to make me feel everything. I was rooting for one love interest, then another… Yes, it was so well-written. I’m questioning one of Marguerite’s decisions, though. But we’ll see how it goes in the next books.

“I meant it when I said I didn’t believe in love at first sight. It takes time to really, truly fall for someone. Yet I believe in a moment. A moment when you glimpse the truth within someone, and they glimpse the truth within you. In that moment, you don’t belong to yourself any longer, not completely. Part of you belongs to him; part of him belongs to you. After that, you can’t take it back, no matter how much you want to, no matter how hard you try.”

The writing was very visual, I could easily picture the world, but maybe not as easily the characters. You can say Claudia Gray has experience in writing, because she totally knew how to handle that romance! I also have some memorable quotes, which doesn't happen with every book I read. 

The plot was compelling and kept my interest during the whole book. The fact that we jumped straight into the action when Marguerite writes “Kill Paul Markov” on a wall for her other self hooked me. Changing universes made the action fast-paced, because the characters had to understand where they were, maybe find each other and then resolving everything.

I didn’t really see the ending coming, I guessed the plot twists just seconds before the main character, so it was really well done! I enjoyed how connected everything was, even if the Firebird had just been invented in Marguerite’s world. I’m looking forward to see what the second book has in store!

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

Review : Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini

Title: Trial by Fire (The Worldwalker Trilogy #1)

Author: Josephine Angelini

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Release date: September 2nd 2014

Goodreads summary: This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying experiences that others in her hometown of Salem take for granted, which is why she is determined to enjoy her first high school party with her best friend and longtime crush, Tristan. But after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class, Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly, Lily is in a different Salem—one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruelest of them all is Lillian . . . Lily's other self in this alternate universe.

What makes Lily weak at home is what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. In this confusing world, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone and a love she never expected.

REVIEW

"Lily girl? Are you dead yet?" the shaman asked. The sound of his voice warmed her and gave her strength. She might be in the dark, but at least she wasn't alone.

"Not yet," Lily answered, smiling.

"Then let's get back to work. You've got a lot to learn."

Everyone seems to either love or dislike this book, I thought I would fall in the latter category, but boy I was wrong. For me, Trial by Fire was a very unique read and I can't wait to read the sequel, Firewalker, who will be released September 1st.

This book started as a typical contemporary: Lily starts to go out with her best friend, Tristan, but he's a total player and while they're at a party, things go wrong. Lily also has family issues 1) she seems to be allergic to EVERYTHING 2) her mom is crazy 3) her dad left and didn't divorce because he doesn't want to be stuck with her. When everything in her life starts to suck, Lily follows a voice in her head and leave. Then, she's is another world.

She's in another Salem, who seems medieval in some ways but futuristic in others. There, witchcraft rules the world, with Lillian at its head, which means… Lily 'evil' double. Here, science is punishable by death and no one knows why...But Lillian.

"Magic is a science only people who are born with a particular talent can do," Rowan said. He poured maple syrup on Lily's pancakes. "Actual science can be done by anyone. And there's no way for Lillian to control what people do with it or how far it spreads."

Caleb guffawed. "Like Tristan said. She's a power-hungry bitch who wants to rule the world with an iron-fist."

I really like this world, how much Angelini explained the way magic worked, but at the same time, it felt a little like info-dumping sometimes, it was hard to process all these informations.

For the characters, I thought that in the beginning, Lily was a little too much naïve, but she got through a lot of character development, I liked her a lot more at the end of the novel. Something I really liked about her was her relationship with Juliet, like her mom said "there is no Juliet who doesn't love you", it was such a strong relationship! However, I'm not sure about the romance, it was a little obvious and will be complicated in the second book, is their love strong enough? I'm not sure… I liked the three boys, Rowan, Tristan and Caleb, especially the dynamics they had together.

The plot was well executed and unpredictable, even if in the beginning, it seemed to be a classical learning and fighting the villain. Speaking of which, I found Lillian to be really interesting, the kind of villain who wants to do 'the right thing' but doesn't back up and can kill to achieve her goal. Lily could easily cross the line and end up like her, we'll see in the next book.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story, I'm not really familiar with parallel worlds, now I want to read more books about that. I liked the dynamics between the characters, not particularly the romance, but maybe it'll improve in the next one. The ending makes me want to jump right into the next book.

Rating: 4/5