Vernal by Randi Cooley Wilson A Book with too Much Romance

Book Synopsis

Serena has a bright future etched in stone. 
Tristan has a dark past that haunts him. 
Together, they have a love that can never be.
Sheltered, and unable to escape her bloodline, Serena St. Michael has spent the last two years training at the Royal Protector Academy. Struggling with a dark past, Tristan Gallagher’s current assignment is to protect a lifetime of secrets. One chance encounter will change everything. Serena must decide if she will follow her heart, forsaking all she’s ever known and risking a future worse than non-existence. Tristan will break every rule to save Serena, even if he can’t keep her. In their world of darkness, one love will ignite an ancient war. When pasts collide with the present, and secrets are revealed, will love be enough? Or will one lie destroy it all?
When you’ve hidden behind a mask for so long, would you reveal yourself for love? Vernal, the first novel in The Royal Protector Academy series is a dangerously exciting and darkly romantic tale that will take your breath away. Vernal - Goodreads

My Opinion

2.75/5.00 Stars

I should just post my rough draft as it is because I am out of words. Ha-Ha-Ha!

Moving on to the actual review...

I requested this book from NetGalley a long time ago. The premise sounded promising but I got lost along the way. I had to face the same problem I usually find in books like this one. The romance took over the entire plot. :/

While reading Vernal, I learn that it is a spin off series starter. Nothing wrong with that; although, for a new comer like myself, things were not 100% clear. Little details were offered regarding the world and plot. From what is presented, the setting, the magic system and its background seemed interesting. And this is unfortunate because, just like the characters, the story had a lot of potential.

Speaking of characters... I thought there is going to be more about exploration and build up when the romance element entered the scene. As in, how the protagonists connect and try to figure out this inexplicable connection/attraction they feel about each other. Instead... Bam! Everything ruined by the sex. They spend more time talking about and being intimate than knowing each other. Then, that whole "I am super possessive and inexplicable jealous alpha male. Everything you do is wrong and I own you" and "I am a strong woman capable of anything but I cannot live without you and I am owned by you and you are the only male who can tame me" was not my style. They looked like decent characters and had good qualities here and there but.... In the end, they got overshadowed by the romance and nonexistent plot. Also, there was not a concrete reason why Serena is special and has to become the next ruler.

All in all this book was not for me. Like I use to say, this was not my cuppa tea because of too much sugar was added. It was not what I expected at all.

[I gave it such a high rating because it had enough to keep me entertained and not DNF (do not finish) it.]

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: New Adult, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Urban

Language: Heavy

Sexual Content: Heavy

Violence: Heavy

Drugs/Alcohol: Heavy

P.S. 

• You can check out my latest post -->HERE<--  

Elves by Jean-Luc Istin, Kyko Duarte (Illustrations), Nicolas Jarry, Gianluca Maconi (Illustrator) A Graphic Novel Fitting for Earth Day

 

Publication Day: May 2nd, 2017

 

Book Synopsis

"The crystal of the Blue elves" by Istin and Duarte
The Blue Elves of Ennlya, a small port town of Nordrenn, have been murdered!
Lanawyn, a Blue Elf, and Turin, her human ally, set out to discover who is responsible. The trail they uncover leads back to a clan of Yrlans—Northern men who hate Elves.
At the same time, Vaalann, a young Blue Elf, undergoes a dangerous test called the Water of the Senses. Her future, as divined by the Mother Prophetess, is closely linked to the Sacred Crystal . . . a powerful artifact that enables the wielder to control the ocean itself!
Could Vaalann be the messiah that the Blue Elves have been waiting generations for?
"The honor of Sylvan elves" by Jarry and Maconi
The Sylvan Elves have hidden themselves away from the world, jealously preserving their independence and sacred grounds. Anyone who dares enter their territory soon becomes their prey.
Eysine, City-State of the East, has always observed respect for the ancient pact between Elf and Man. But when a powerful army of Ork mercenaries lays siege to the kingdom, Llali, the daughter of the King of the city, must remind the Elves of the treaty that previously linked their two peoples.
This tale is that of two races who have forgotten their shared past. It is also that of an Elf and a Human who carry with them the power to reawaken this bond.
Thus begins Elves, a sprawling saga of mythic proportions!
In the vein the Lord of the Rings and other high fantasy classics, this richly illustrated graphic novel series contains five volumes, each focusing one of five main classes of Elves. Elves - Goodreads

 

My Opinion

3.75/5 stars

I picked this graphic novel based on the cover mostly because... Amazing Graphics. Get it? Alright! Moving on... In my opinion, the artwork makes more than 50% of the story when it comes to comic books and graphic novels. So, this is my number one criteria in my choosing. Elves does not disappoint at the art category. It's realistic, colorful, and fantastic.

Story-wise... It gets complicated. I was expecting the story to continue from issue one to issue two but it was not. Based on this volume, I can assume that the whole series is more of a collection of stories revolving around elves in the same universe. While reading this volume, I got major The Shannara Chronicles TV Show vibes because the two stories are somewhat similar. War. Magical stone.  Humans. Elves. Orks. And the list can continue.

My favorite story of the two was the second one. It had a better development compered two the first which had some plot holes. Both have major plot twists... AND the authors do not have mercy at ALL. Expect the unexpected.

This is NOT for younger audiences. Lots of blood, violence, and nudity; although, you will see more of the first two.

A quick read. Great for that peculiar period when you crave some high fantasy. It might be your cup of tea if you like any of the elements I listed above.

 

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

 

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Graphic Novel
Language:  heavy (use of f-word a couple of times)
Sexual content: heavy (mostly nudity and innuendoes)
Violence: heavy
Drugs/Alcohol: none to moderate

Aphrodite by Kaitlin Bevis Where Spoilers Are Inevitable

Aphrodite (Daughters of Zeus #4) - Kaitlin Bevis

 

Being perfect isn’t easy, but Aphrodite is determined to live up to the ideal. So when Poseidon asks her to investigate strange happenings on several cruise ships, she jumps at the chance to prove herself. Demigods are going missing, and no one remembers them having been on board. Aphrodite charms herself into the best room on the ship, prepared to investigate in style. Unfortunately, the room belongs to the one man immune to her charm. Adonis. When Aphrodite realizes that he could be the next target, her investigation gets more complicated. Worse, whoever is responsible for the missing demigods charmed the passengers and armed them with long-forgotten weapons designed to kill gods. When the ship goes dark, Aphrodite and Adonis have to work together to discover who is behind the mayhem before Poseidon decides their ship, and every charmed and armed human on it, are more trouble than they’re worth. Aphrodite

 

 

 

My Opinion

3.60/5 stars

My opinion... My opinion... My opinion... I got into the Daughters of Zeus in March 2016 (Thank you Goodreads) and I was pumped about the series. The first three books center around Persephone and Hades. And boy, oh boy, I fell in love with those two.

We meet Aphrodite in the second book. In the beginning, I got mixed feelings about her and I still have some. Alright! Alright! Those of you who read the Persephone "trilogy" will say that it is understandable. And I could not agree more although I cannot click with her the same way I clicked with Persephone.

I cannot believe I am going to say this about a character... Aphrodite is shallow with a great personality and she is not afraid to tell the hurtful truths. Surprisingly, I liked her more when I was able to read her PoV because... lots of insight in the brain. (I made it sound like a brain dissection >:]).)
 

(Aphrodite from Kaitlin Bevis book/website) 



This book follows up the events of the Iron Queen and the gods go to investigate the "bomb drop" given by Zeus to Hades. Aphrodite volunteers and she becomes the investigator.

I am trying to keep this review as spoiler free as possible and it proves to be a very difficult task...

A good part of the book moves rather slowly. It is a build up for the grad finale which was extremely rich in action. And only for that, I am glad I gave the book another try after a couple of months; although, I wanted more Hades and Persephone. Ha-Ha-Ha!

Spoilers 

I know that the main ship is Aphrodite and Ares but the fact that we do not see how they click it makes me hard to believe in their relationship. Do not cut short my ship, I need feels. Ares and Aphrodite are great characters by themselves and they need more story time. Probably, I am the only person being sympathetic towards Adonis and that is because I had a classmate in 7th and 8th grade called Adonis and he was (and is since he is still alive) beautiful to the eye and a nice person sooo... I have high hopes for him. Ha-Ha-Ha! He does not seem bad. He just took bad decisions.

End of Spoilers

As a warning for those who got addicted to the series, I recommend taking a break after the third book and then read the Aphrodite books. Aphrodite is not Persephone and Kaitlin Bevis does a great job at keeping them distinctive.

I recommend the series if Greek mythology is you cuppa tea or should I say cup of ambrosia?

These books deserve more credit if you ask me.

 

This is my sole opinion. ^_^
 

P.S. I dare you to eat a pomegranate for every single time I used the words click, clicked or clicks  - including now.
  

Link to Goodreads -->Persephone by Kaitlin Bevis 

Link to Author's site -->Kaitlin Bevis

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Greek Mythology Romance
Language: moderate
Sexual content: moderate to heavy
Violence: moderate to heavy
Drugs/Alcohol: moderate to heavy



The Edge of Everything by Jeff Giles - The book with two sides Contemporary and Fantasy

Book Synopsis

For the perfect love, what would you be willing to lose?
It’s been a shattering year for seventeen-year-old Zoe, who’s still reeling from her father's shockingly sudden death in a caving accident and her neighbors’ mysterious disappearance from their own home. Then on a terrifying sub-zero, blizzardy night in Montana, she and her brother are brutally attacked in a cabin in the woods—only to be rescued by a mysterious bounty hunter they call X.
X is no ordinary bounty hunter. He is from a hell called the Lowlands, sent to claim the soul of Zoe’s evil attacker and others like him. X is forbidden from revealing himself to anyone other than his prey, but he casts aside the Lowlands’ rules for Zoe. As they learn more about their colliding worlds, they begin to question the past, their fate, and their future. The Edge of Everything

 

My Opinion

3.75/5 starts.

This book stays at the edge of Contemporary and Fantasy (Paranormal). It was strange and a page turner. Jeff Giles succeeded to create something fresh and unique.

When the blurb came out about this book, a lot of people - including me - thought this was a contemporary novel. Wrong. Alright, half wrong. It is so much more than that.

You might want to read this book only for its beginning and end. There is so much tension and suspense that you want to grip something tightly. For a second, I got the impression I was reading a thriller/horror novel.

There are two worlds in this book-universe: our world and the Low Lands - kind of like a hell type of dimension. Our main characters are star crossed lovers from these two worlds, Zoe and X respectively. Their life stories are very interesting so I will let the book to tell you more about them.

The good romance loses same of its credibility due to the rushed start. It was like the author knew that they are going to be together and he was not quite sure how to deal with it so it happened quite fast. Don't get me wrong some moments felt real and genuine.

I feel like I am in minority because I preferred X's part of the story even though we still need to learn more about it. Zoe was a weird character and I mixed feelings about her. In one scene I was liking her and in the next I was despising her. She was not too considered and responsible at times. I grew more sympathetic towards her at the end of the book when things started to get resolved - somewhat.

I liked that the parent figure is not brushed off and be there just for show. That mother was involved. I am so glad. Lately, I see in a lot of YA books that the parent is portrayed as a villain or uncaring or dead or simply not there. And, my dear readers, I feel frustrated because it is not a good representation of how the parent-child relationship should be. In a lot of instances, I detected myself thinking, "That is not how my relationship with my parents is."  I am not saying that those instances are not real too... But as I got older, I realized these type of books can send a dangerous messages - directly or indirectly - to the younger audience. And it is not good. It took me a good junk of my life to realize that the adults in my life were also teenagers at some point.  (That is a lot of time of my life since I just reached adulthood. Adulthood such a weird word to say about myself when I do not feel like and adult at all.)

I was intrigued by the other bounty hunters (Banger and Ripper). I never thought I was going to feel sympathetic towards killers. I am telling you. This book is toying with your mind forcing you to see that things are not always black or white.

As a Minor Spoiler - How the heck did those dogs are still alive by the end of this book? Don't get it wrong, I am not complaining. It is just unbelievable among other things. - End Spoiler

Overall, this book was my cup of tea. Although, something was off and I cannot put my finger on it. I am looking forward to the next installment. I recommend this for its story arc which overshadows the annoying parts. In my opinion, it is something unique because it uses things we have read before but in an unexpected combination.

Give this book a try if you feel like it is something you would like to read.

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

 

Feel free to check out my post on The Edge of Everything - Booksplosion Book Pick and the book discussion, The Edge of Everything - Live Show, on polandbananasBOOKS YouTube channel.  

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal
Language: moderate
Sexual content: moderate
Violence: moderate to heavy
Drugs/Alcohol: mild

Book Giveaway March 2017

Hello-Hello! I have great news for you guys. And you probably figured that out from the title of this post.

One of the wonderful bloggers I follow hosts a Book Giveaway for A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab (Goodreads link). And... And, I got green light to share the Giveaway on my blog.

The host is none other than Giulia China from Books Crumbles.

You can enter to win a free copy until March 31st, 2017. For more details and how to enter the giveaway, you can click the following link ---> Giveaway Rules

 

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Fiction, Magic

 

If you are fan of V.E. Schwab and you did not get your greedy hands on a copy of the book, this is you chance!

Good Luck!

And Happy Reading!

Zenith Part 1 by Sasha Alsberg, Lindsay Cummings or the story which gets a full book in 2017

Book Synopsis

There is darkness sweeping across the stars.
Most know Androma Racella as the Bloody Baroness: a powerful mercenary whose reign of terror stretches across the Mirabel Galaxy. To those aboard her fearsome glass starship the Maurader, she’s just Andi, their captain and protector.
When a routine mission goes awry, the all-girl crew’s resilience is tested as they find themselves in a most unfamiliar place: at the mercy of a sadistic bounty hunter connected to Andi’s past and a harrowing betrayal.
Meanwhile, on the far side of the galaxy, a ruthless ruler waits in the shadows of the planet Xen Ptera, biding her time to exact revenge for the destruction of her people. The final pieces of her deadly plan are about to fall into place, unleashing a plot that will tear Mirabel in two.
Andi and her crew embark on a dangerous, soul-testing journey that could restore order to their ship—or just as easily start a war that will devour worlds. As the Marauder hurtles towards the unknown, and Mirabel hangs in the balance, the only thing certain is that in a galaxy run on lies and illusion, no one can be trusted.
From internet sensation Sasha Alsberg and author Lindsay Cummings comes a new serialized space opera, full of action, fantastical intrigue, and steamy star-crossed romance. ​
For fans of popular sci-fi books and fantasy books for teens such as Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, Wool by Hugh Howey, Truthwitch by Susan Dennard, and A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. Zenith Part 1

My Opinion

3/5 starts.

Sasha Alsberg is one of the YouTubers I follow - Abookutopia. She is fun to watch and because of her recommendations and book club, Prustopia, I was able to read good books. Now she paired up with Lindsay Cummings and wrote a book. 

In 2016, Zenith was planned to be released in three parts. The success of the first part got Zenith a publisher and an official release date as a complete book in 2017. So, yeah! This baby is coming out this year again.

I got my hands on this first part from the library and I got excited to be kind of disappointed by the end of the 60 pages. It took me a couple of days to read 60 pages. I mean 60 PAGES for goodness sake :)). Something was off and I cannot pinpoint what.

The overall story was great and promising. Think about it! Space. Pirates. Bounty hunters. Outlaws. Politics. Betrayal. Death. And prison. Yep! Yep! Yep!

Sign me up for this. And because of these, I am going to give the full book a shot. I want to see what edits the final version gets.

My problem with Zenith was the credibility of the story. For a criminal lady, the nickname, Andi, doesn't sell it for me especially when your whole crew uses it. She has to show power, trust and no mercy. I was expecting the nickname to be part of her past when she was a child or innocent... You know... Before becoming the Bloody Baroness. Or to let only the people who are the closest to her to call her Andi. I don't know. That is just me because every single time I read Andi I see a cute girl running in a summer dress singing lalalala from the top of her lungs.

 

Ha-Ha-Ha! Ooops!

This was probably not what the authors intended. My bad. I bet you cannot take that image out of your head >).

I going to wait and see what the whole book is going to bring us. I have high hopes.

 

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

 

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Language: moderate
Sexual content: mild to moderate
Violence: high
Drugs/Alcohol: none to mild

  

The Alchemist of Loom Perustopia Book for February

Elise Kova

 

Hey-Hey-Hey! This is the book pick of the month for another book club.

Hint-Hint: Perustopia.

The February's book pick is...

 

The Alchemist of Loom

by Elise Kova

 

Her vengeance. His vision.
Ari lost everything she once loved when the Five Guilds’ resistance fell to the Dragon King. Now, she uses her unparalleled gift for clockwork machinery in tandem with notoriously unscrupulous morals to contribute to a thriving underground organ market. There isn’t a place on Loom that is secure from the engineer turned thief, and her magical talents are sold to the highest bidder as long as the job defies their Dragon oppressors.
Cvareh would do anything to see his sister usurp the Dragon King and sit on the throne. His family’s house has endured the shame of being the lowest rung in the Dragons’ society for far too long. The Alchemist Guild, down on Loom, may just hold the key to putting his kin in power, if Cvareh can get to them before the Dragon King’s assassins.
When Ari stumbles upon a wounded Cvareh, she sees an opportunity to slaughter an enemy and make a profit off his corpse. But the Dragon sees an opportunity to navigate Loom with the best person to get him where he wants to go.
He offers her the one thing Ari can’t refuse: A wish of her greatest desire, if she brings him to the Alchemists of Loom. The Alchemist of Loom

 

Is this book you cup of tea?

Then, don't hesitate and join the club if you are not already part of it!

This is the link is the club's Goodreads page --> Perustopia

Also, don't forget to check out the creators' YouTube channels:

Sasha from  abookutopia 

 Regan from PeruseProject

You can find the January book pick here --> Ever the Hunted

The Edge of Everything Booksplosion Book of February

By Jeff Giles

Hello-Hello! It's February! Thus, it is time for the book of the month.

Of course, you kind of figure out which book was chosen based on the title of this post.

Without further ado, I present you...

 

The Edge of Everything

By Jeff Giles 

 

 

 

It's been a shattering year for seventeen-year-old Zoe, who's still reeling from her father's shockingly sudden death in a caving accident and her neighbors' mysterious disappearance from their own home. Then on a terrifying sub-zero, blizzardy night in Montana, she and her brother are brutally attacked in a cabin in the woods--only to be rescued by a mysterious bounty hunter they call X.
X is no ordinary bounty hunter. He is from a hell called the Lowlands, sent to claim the soul of Zoe's evil attacker and others like him. Forbidden to reveal himself to anyone other than his victims, X casts aside the Lowlands' rules for Zoe. As X and Zoe learn more about their different worlds, they begin to question the past, their fate, and their future. But escaping the Lowlands and the ties that bind X might mean the ultimate sacrifice for both of them. The Edge of Everything  

 

If this book seems appealing to you join the club, if you are not already part of it.

 Or, just read it for your own pleasure.

This is the link to the Goodreads club page --->  Booksplosion 

(Ups! I forgot to put it last month.)

And, do not forget to check out the creators' YouTube channels:

Christine from polandbananasBooks
Jesse from jessethereader
Kat from Katytastic

The January's book of the month was Wayfarer, book two in the Passenger duology. 

Siren's Fury by Mary Weber Book Review

This Post May Contain Spoilers

The Storm Siren Trilogy #2

Book Synopsis

I thrust my hand toward the sky as my voice begs the Elemental inside me to waken and rise. But it’s no use. The curse I’ve spent my entire life abhorring—the thing I trained so hard to control—no longer exists.
Nym risked her life to save Faelen, her homeland, from a losing war, only to discover that the shapeshifter Draewulf has stolen everything she holds dear. But when the repulsive monster robs Nym of her storm-summoning abilities as well, the beautiful Elemental realizes her war is only just beginning. Now powerless to control the elements that once emboldened her, Nym stows away on an airship traveling to the metallic kingdom of Bron. She must stop Draewulf. But the horrors he’s brought to life and the secrets of Bron are more than Nym bargained for. Then the disturbing Lord Myles tempts her with new powers that could destroy the monster, and Nym must decide whether she can compromise in the name of good even if it costs her very soul. As she navigates the stark industrial cityscape of Bron, Nym is faced with an impossible choice: change the future with one slice of a blade…or sacrifice the entire kingdom for the one thing her heart just can’t let go. Siren's Fury

My Opinion

3/5 stars.

Well, well, well... This book is on the slow side. It has that book two syndrome. It hurts to say it but it's the truth. It took more or less than 10 chapters for the story to pick up. After that, oh boy... It was intense. (Sincerely, I listened the first couple of hours of the book in a couple of weeks.)

More background information is revealed. I loved that. Although, I wished it was more. Nym's new powers were interesting but not fully explained. Since the subject of Nym's power came up, I was confused at that scene towards the end when the magic was all over the place. It involved Myles, Nym and Draewulf. I am blaming the audiobook for that :)).

Some characters needed more development. I do not know how to say this without making a comparison. It was like going to a super expensive restaurant with delicious food. The problem is the portions are so small that you do not get enough. It is like a torturous tease for your taste buds and you crave for more. And the sad part is you do not have money to get more food. Sad, I know. So, I am blaming the length of the book or the length of the slow unnecessary-ish chapters.

The climax and the end were explosive. Overall, the book was ok and it made me want to finish the trilogy. Let's put it this way: The villain(s) is (are) worth it!

I am going to continue the series. The author has a great talent in creating complex characters - not fully good or evil, rather a mixture of both.

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

You can also check out my review on book one, Storm Siren.

Genre: YA, Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Language: mild
Sexual content: mild
Violence: moderate to heavy
Drugs/Alcohol: mild



Awake by Susan Beneville, Brian Hess (Illustrator) - Comic Volume 2

This post may contain spoilers

Comic Book Synopsis

 

Having successfully completed her first mission to wake up and heal the planet Gremon, Chkarta Dola Regn should be celebrating. Instead she is fleeing from the brutal and greedy Baron Korup. Meanwhile, her brother Picar and her mentor Operi attempt to rescue their friend Chay from the clutches of the duplicitous Gen and the conniving Gurk. This all-ages trade paperback collects Regn and Picar’s further adventures on Gremon in AWAKE #5-8. Awake Vol 2

My Opinion

4.65/5 stars

The epic story continues. The planet is yet again in danger. Our main character are struggling to survive and escape the Baron.

The art is once again great and I can say the same thing about the dialogue.

Finally, we get more in formation about the Dolla. And, more important, we get the background story which caused all the trouble on Gremon. (It felt a little short but it was alright).

If you liked the first volume, you should definitely check out volume 2.

 

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

 

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

Also, feel free to check out my review for Awake Vol 1

 

 

Genre: Children Fiction, Fantasy, Magic, Middle grade, Sequential Art
Language: none to mild
Sexual content: none to mild (flirting)
Violence: moderate
Drugs/Alcohol: none to mild 

 



Awake by Susan Beneville, Brian Hess (Illustrator) - Comic Volume 1

Comic Book Synopsis

Twelve year-old Regn has the power to wake and heal planets. But, on her first mission, she lands on Gremon where she discovers an angry planet tearing itself apart, an irresponsible big brother, and a greedy baron who stokes the chaos for his own benefit. Her power may not be enough when she comes face-to-face with the planet’s consciousness. Awake

My Opinion

5/5 stars.

Fans of the Italian comic W.i.t.c.h. will love to read this comic. It has magic. It has people who maintain of the balance in the universe.

The art was amazing.

The story was interesting.

It is a comic for all ages.

I was engaged in the story the whole time. I read issue one through four in one day. So, it is a fun and quick read.

If you like magic, multiple worlds/planets, and adventure, this is definitely your cup of tea.

 

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

 

And, if you are interested in finding other comics to read, you can click the following links Sun Dragon's Song 1 and Sun Dragon's Song 2

 

 

Genre: Children Fiction, Fantasy, Magic, Middle grade, Sequential Art
Language: none to mild
Sexual content: none to mild (flirting)
Violence: moderate
Drugs/Alcohol: none to mild 

Black Moon by Romina Russell - Where all your questions get answered

Zodiac #3

At least, most of them...

Book synopsis

May contain spoilers

Book 3 in the breathtaking sci-fi space saga inspired by astrology that will stun fans of the Illuminae Files and Starbound series.
One final secret stands between Rho and the enemy. But will the devastating truth be enough to destroy her first? Rho, the courageous visionary from House Cancer, lost nearly everything when she exposed and fought against the Marad, a mysterious terrorist group bent on destroying balance in the Zodiac Galaxy. Now, the Marad has disappeared without a trace, and an uneasy peace has been declared. But Rho is suspicious. She believes the Master is still out there in some other form. And looming over all are the eerie visions of her mother, who died many years ago, but is now appearing to Rho in the stars. When news of a stylish new political party supported by her best friend, Nishi, sends Rho on another journey across the galaxy, she uses it as an opportunity to hunt the hidden master and seek out information about her mother. And what she uncovers sheds light on the truth–but casts darkness upon the entire Zodiac world. Black Moon (Zodiac #3)

 

My opinion

4.5/5 stars.

Awesome world building! The images pictured by the author are amazing! This book has it all. Character development. Big reveals. Or should I say HUGE! :)) Ok. Ok. I am gonna stop the jokes. We finally get some answers regarding the Zodiac's origin. Now we finally know what happened with the thirteenth house. The big bad villain if finally revealed. And I am glad that some of my brain-storming theories were right.

Unfortunately, we have some deaths and betrayals. Good part is that we also have some alive and coming back to life characters too. Hint-Hint! There are twists and turns in this book... Man! I literary throw my iPad aside screaming "What!?!"
That ending thou! Clap-Clap!
How could you, Romina? How could you?!! Now I have to wait... let me see... until August. Well, it is better than December.
I love that the author brings into question a lot of the ethical problems we go through in real life. And the characters' response to them reflect the ones you, me, your friend, or a person X will give. It makes you think. You learn to see from a different perspective. The author does not present only the good option. She also offers the bad one. And... It feel more realistic that way. Opinions were not forced on me. That, dear reader, is what I love in a book.

SPOILERS Section 

- I want to say that the ending is impossible to be true because we still have narration post facto. Sooo... You who read this book get what I mean. I am glad to see our character struggling to accept their heritage, who they really are, and what they want. I am talking about Rho, Mathias,  Hysan, Rho's brother, Nishi. I wished there was more of Hysan in this book.

The master is revealed! And, why he/she has to be from my people? :))

The Zodiac gets more united!

We have a great prophecy about the Zodiac!

We get to see Aquarius, Scorpion, and Pisces! Even though I loved reading about it, the book spends too much time on Aquarius than I expected. I thought there is going to be more action on Pisces considering the pandemic issue. -

End of SPOILERS

One last note, this is a slow-ish paced book. Make sure you are in a mood for it.

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

Also, feel free to check out my other two reviews on book one and two, Zodiac and Wandering Star.

Genres: YA, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Language: mild
Sexual content: mild to moderate (kissing and the notion that two characters have sex)
Violence: moderate
Drugs/Alcohol: mild 

 

 

Sun Dragon's Song #2 by Joyce Chng, Kim Miranda; Comic Review

 

Publication Date: 01 March 2017

 

Book synopsis - May contain spoilers

Yo Hi's life's dream has finally come true: He's been accepted into the Dragon Riding Academy. While his life will never be the same, unfortunately, some things may never change. Sun Dragon's Song 2

My opinion

5/5 stars.
The second issue was beautiful. It was better than the first one. We learn more about the dragons and the academy. The art is gorgeous. I loved the color scheme. The storyline is captivating.
I recommend this if you love a quick read with and interesting story about war, dragons, magic, and will power.

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Coming Soon

Also, feel free to check out my review on the first issue Sun Dragon's Song 1

Genre: Children Fiction, Fantasy, Magic, Sequential Art
Language: none to mild
Sexual content: none
Violence: moderate
Drugs/Alcohol: none

Sun Dragon's Song #1 by Joyce Chng, Kim Miranda

 

Book synopsis

More than anything, young Ho Yi wishes to become a Sun Dragon Rider, the courageous human guardians of the magnificent beasts that roam the sky and keep watch over the land. But confined to crutches, bullies giving him a hard time, and his parents being away at war, Yo Hi is up against almost impossible odds! Can he still keep hope alive, while suffering in his tiny village, to become the valiant hero only he feels he's destined to become? Sun Dragon's Song

 

My opinion

4/5 stars.

This is a cute quick read. The art is great and cute. The storyline is interesting and it deals with powerful themes like hard work, never give up, bulling, and being invisible or singled out in the society because of a defect. Oh! I forgot about the war and warrior parents themes.

I will recommend this if you are a fan of dragons and fantasy.

 

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

 

Genre: Children Fiction, Fantasy, Magic, Sequential Art
Language: none to mild
Sexual content: none
Violence: moderate
Drugs/Alcohol: none

A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess

Kingdom on Fire #1

 

 

Book synopsis

I am Henrietta Howel. The first female sorcerer. The prophesied one. Or am I?
Henrietta Howel can burst into flames. When she is brought to London to train with Her Majesty's sorcerers, she meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, young men eager to test her powers and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her. As Henrietta discovers the secrets hiding behind the glamour of sorcerer life, she begins to doubt that she's the true prophesied one. With battle looming, how much will she risk to save the city--and the one she loves? A Shadow Bright and Burning
 

My Opinion

3.5/5 starts.

Overall, I liked the book. The author basically chose tropes seen in other big fandoms, put them into a big cauldron, added her own magic to them, mixed them and... Poof! A Shadow Bright and Burning was born.

The writing is good.

The story on the short side. It needed more development aka more pages, more words.

We are not given a lot of explanation about the magic system or enough of world building.

I liked the main character Henrietta. She had strong personality, very powerful, naïve sometime... ok a lot of times.

Weird on the romance thou. There was a love square-ish. I like more mysterious guys than flirtatious guys. I love when the suppose love interests hate each other in the beginning and then fall slowly in love, not become friends but who knows. At the end, the love square becomes a love triangle. Spoiler - So, the flirt guy and the childhood love come to be the main focus of the romance while the mysterious guy... let's just say that he is still mysterious. - Spoiler end.  We do not have a lot of details about him.

I need to know more about the origins of the magic and the Ancients (the hideous magical creatures from another world).

And, we also need to know more about witches, sorcerers, and magicians (ok more about witches and magicians). The sorcerers were so self-centered and ignorant about other types of magic and magical creatures. Just because they were privileged, it does not automatically make them better than others.

Let's see what the second instalment brings to the story in September 2017.
The series has potential. I liked it. If you like historical fiction mixed with fantasy and magic, then, this is your cup of tea.

This is my sole opinion ^_^.

 

Genre: YA, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Magic
Language: mild
Sexual content: mild to moderate
Violence: moderate to heavy-ish (more in some sections)
Drugs/Alcohol: mild to moderate (drunk characters)

 

Storm Siren by Mary Weber

Book synopsis

“I raise my chin as the buyers stare. Yes. Look. You don’t want me. Because, eventually, accidentally, I will destroy you.”
In a world at war, a slave girl’s lethal curse could become one kingdom’s weapon of salvation. If the curse—and the girl—can be controlled. As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn’t merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth — meaning, she shouldn’t even exist. Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed. Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she’s being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons. But what if she doesn’t want to be the weapon they’ve all been waiting for? Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, Storm Siren is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win. Storm Siren

 

My opinion

3/5 stars.

This book is another type of "the chosen one sees its talent as a curse" story. The story has great elements of magic, interesting world, and good characters. It has a lot of religious/spirituality elements. Nym wants to use the "kill them with kindness" approach for everything which becomes unrealistic after a certain point. I understand it. I know her gift is dangerous and she has a lot of blood on her hands. But... She is naïve. A war is a war. There are casualties. In my opinion, Nym needs more backbone. You are a badass girl with a badass gift. Live up to it!
The magic system in this world was amazing. Although, we do not get a lot of foundation for it. Why are abilities and magical powers different in different geographical regions? I was listening to the audiobook and I got a little confused when some "magic origin" info was discussed.
Romance... Hmmm. It was ok. I kind of got annoying listening to Nym telling me how gorgeous Eogan is. I mean really. I get it. Girrrl! I know he is drop-dead-gorgeous. ^_^ Move on. Ha-ha-ha!
Eogan as a character was good. I liked him. Although, I was not able to see the sparks or the "umf" (What up New Girl reference? ^_^' ) It was choppy. Apparently there is a love triangle, I was not able to see it. For me, Nym looked attracted only to one guy.
The side characters were great along with the villains.
The battle scenes towards the end were epic. The end was great. What a twist!!!
This story had a lot of potential. It needed to be longer and have everything sorted out better.
I liked the beginning of this new trilogy. I am going to continue it.
if this series sounds promising for you, go for it!

This is my sole opinion.

Genre: YA, Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Language: mild
Sexual content: mild
Violence: heavy (war, death, slavery)
Drugs/Alcohol: mild

Mer by Joelle Sellner (writer), and Abby Boeh (artist)

Graphic Novel

 

 

Publication Date: 19 April 2017

 

Book synopsis

Twilight meets the legend of Atlantis in this gripping graphic novel from writer Joelle Sellner and artist Abby Boeh. After the death of her beloved mother, Aryn’s father has moved her family to a new town hoping for a fresh start. At first things seem to be going well—Aryn is making friends and has even caught the eye of one of the hottest guys in school. But there are dark forces moving under the surface that Aryn cannot see; and her new crush may not be … human. Mer

My opinion

3.5/5 stars. Rounded to 4 stars based on Goodreads rating.

Mer is a good graphic novel. It has great art and a captivating story. The story is great for a quick read. I liked that at the end of the novel the artists and the author offered more information about the characters' design and the myths behind mer people.

Although, the story felt rushed and there is not enough character development. It feels like the characters are jumping from one emotional/psychological stage to another. Because of this, the storyline does not flow and it is rather... chunky... if this is an actual word. :D

Before publishing, the writing does need some polishing to make the characters' dialogue to flow also.

This graphic novel has a lot of potential if it is going to have more instalments. (Let us hope that that is the case based on the ending.) We need to learn more about the mer people and their world.

Overall, this graphic novel does not have something we have not seen before; although, it has the power to captivate you. Which, in my opinion, that is a good thing.

I am looking forward for the finished product and the possible next instalments.

If you love graphic novels, good art, mermaids, young adult, and romance, this might be your cup of tea.

This also reminded me a lot of the TV shows H2O - Just Add Water and Mako Mermaids - an H2O Adventure.

 

This is my sole opinion.

 

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

Genre: Sequential Art, YA, Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Language:  mild
Sexual content: mild
Violence: moderate
Drugs/Alcohol: mild

 

 

 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by John Tiffany (Adaptation), Jack Thorne, and J.K. Rowling

Book synopsis

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.
It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.
While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

 

My opinion

3/5 starts

The story had its flaws. It felt forced in some places and inconsistent in other places. It had some great moments too.
I did not quite care for the main "Potter" characters throughout the story, except at the end. I cared more for Scorpius and other characters. Ron was just there the same as the two Potter kids and Granger-Weasley kids...
I understand that it is a play. It worked overall, although I wished it had more detailed in the characters' reactions/emotion description section. On stage, it might work but, when reading the play itself without the visual, it does not.
I understand why some people see it as fan-fiction. And, I agree with the fact that Harry seemed off and Albus was a - b-r-a-t - brat. :)

This book is not for younger readers due its more mature content (aka heavy on dark themes) similar to the last books in the Harry Potter series (e.g. books 6 and 7).

This is my sole opinion.

 

Original review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Goodreads Review

 

Genre: Play, YA, Fiction, Fantasy,
Language: mild
Sexual content: mild
Violence: moderate to heavy-ish
Drugs/Alcohol: none to mild

 

Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

Snow Like Ashes #1

Book synopsis

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.
Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.
So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own. Snow Like Ashes

My opinion

3.5/5 starts

Great book. It has some Falling Kingdoms' vibe to it. And to be sincere, I did not quite feel the romance in this book. Yeah right. She is attracted to Mather because he was the only male at the camp at her age. He is the "heir" to Winter's throne. I get it. It's forbidden so of course she would have feelings for him. I understand the situation; although I did not get too many details to feel connected and care about the romance. When Theron was introduced, I was like "whatever" again. He was better because I was able to see layers of Theron by the end of the book. I think that by himself, Theron, is great character. I felt sorry for Mather because he was turned more into a background character. And from what I learned about him, he had so much more potential.
Meira was a badass. I loved her. We connect 85% of the time. Her voice as a narrator was great. The vivid details which she used to tell the story made everything come to life in my mind.
Also, I kind of guessed the major twist of the book. It was quite obvious. ;)

        

Original review: Snow Like Ashes - Goodreads review

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Magic,  Romance
Language: mild to none
Sexual content: none to mild
Violence: moderate to heavy
Drugs/Alcohol: mild to none