Mini Reviews! | Voices, Long Way Down, The Case for Jamie

Greetings readers!

I have much to talk about today, so I want to be brief. February was full of lots of great reads, but I sadly don’t have enough time to review them all in full. Just know that I really enjoyed each of these books!

Voices: The Final Hours of Joan of Arc by David Elliott

Pub Date: March 26, 2019
Publisher: HMH Teen
Price: $25.50 CAD
Goodreads | Indigo | Amazon

Author David Elliott explores how Joan of Arc changed the course of history and remains a figure of fascination centuries after her extraordinary life and death.

Told through medieval poetic forms and in the voices of the people and objects in Joan of Arc’s life, (including her family and even the trees, clothes, cows, and candles of her childhood). Along the way it explores issues such as gender, misogyny, and the peril of speaking truth to power. Before Joan of Arc became a saint, she was a girl inspired. It is that girl we come to know in Voices.

*I was provided an ARC by Raincoast book!*

• This was one of the few novels in verse that I have read and for the most part I really enjoyed it.
• I liked a lot of the poems and how each poem took on a different POV from Joan, to her family, to the saints, angels and even the lifeless objects had a voice in this collection.
• I think my favourite poems have to be the Fire ones and when Joan was spitting major truth!
• I also loved that the author included snippets and excerpts from the transcripts of her actual trials, I thought that added a lot more authenticity to the poems
• Look people…I might be Catholic, but I actually know very little about saints (give me a break…there are a lot of them), so going in I knew the bare minimum about Joan. I wouldn’t say that I’m an expert on her now, but the poems definitely have me wanting to go read up more on her story.
  • She was literally a teen who saved her country with the help of divine intervention (IS THIS NOT THE TYPE-A YA THAT RENDZ READS????)
• In short, I need more Joan of Arc retellings in life, thanks.
• I will say that what kind of put me off about the poems is the actual time line. I know this was supposed to be her final hours, but it felt more like we started from when she first started hearing her messages. So I may have been a little frustrated trying to figure out when these poems took place.

Rating: 3.75 / 5 Stars
Recommend: For lovers of poetry and fans of Joan!

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Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Pub Date: Oct 27th, 2017
Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Price: $23.99 CAD
Goodreads | Indigo | Amazon

An ode to Put the Damn Guns Down, this is New York Times bestseller Jason Reynolds’s fiercely stunning novel that takes place in sixty potent seconds—the time it takes a kid to decide whether or not he’s going to murder the guy who killed his brother.

A cannon. A strap.
A piece. A biscuit.
A burner. A heater.
A chopper. A gat.
A hammer
A tool
for RULE

Or, you can call it a gun. That’s what fifteen-year-old Will has shoved in the back waistband of his jeans. See, his brother Shawn was just murdered. And Will knows the rules. No crying. No snitching. Revenge. That’s where Will’s now heading, with that gun shoved in the back waistband of his jeans, the gun that was his brother’s gun. He gets on the elevator, seventh floor, stoked. He knows who he’s after. Or does he? As the elevator stops on the sixth floor, on comes Buck. Buck, Will finds out, is who gave Shawn the gun before Will took the gun. Buck tells Will to check that the gun is even loaded. And that’s when Will sees that one bullet is missing. And the only one who could have fired Shawn’s gun was Shawn. Huh. Will didn’t know that Shawn had ever actually USED his gun. Bigger huh. BUCK IS DEAD. But Buck’s in the elevator? Just as Will’s trying to think this through, the door to the next floor opens. A teenage girl gets on, waves away the smoke from Dead Buck’s cigarette. Will doesn’t know her, but she knew him. Knew. When they were eight. And stray bullets had cut through the playground, and Will had tried to cover her, but she was hit anyway, and so what she wants to know, on that fifth floor elevator stop, is, what if Will, Will with the gun shoved in the back waistband of his jeans, MISSES.

And so it goes, the whole long way down, as the elevator stops on each floor, and at each stop someone connected to his brother gets on to give Will a piece to a bigger story than the one he thinks he knows. A story that might never know an END…if WILL gets off that elevator.

Told in short, fierce staccato narrative verse, Long Way Down is a fast and furious, dazzlingly brilliant look at teenage gun violence, as could only be told by Jason Reynolds.

• I picked this up on a whim. I saw that both Mandy and Kyera has read it and rated it very high so I had to give it a shot!
• It is another novel in verse, that I found I quite liked!
• I actually borrowed the audiobook because I feel like poetry is really something pleasing to listen too.
• Will’s story was so heartbreaking, brutal and intense! Reading about his journey down the elevator that takes no more than two minutes was the incredibly suspenseful, I have never been so nervous!
• Each encounter he had brought him a fresh perspective and insight on the people he thought he knew well.
• The book is all about gang violence and how it affects youth who find themselves caught up in the mix and needing to following the “rules” the adults set for them
• It was a haunting book, I can’t even properly articulate my thoughts with it–it’s that good!
• The ending is still with me to this day. I don’t know exactly what to make of it, but all I can say is that it left me both satisfied and running with a million questions.
• I highly recommend this one if you are looking for poetry that packs a punch!

Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars
Recommend: ABSOLUTELY

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The Case of Jamie by Brittany Cavallaro

Pub Date: March 6th, 2018
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Price: $21.99 CAD (hardcover)
Goodreads | Indigo | Amazon

The hotly anticipated and explosive third book in the New York Times bestselling Charlotte Holmes series.

It’s been a year since the shocking death of August Moriarty, and Jamie and Charlotte haven’t spoken.

Jamie is going through the motions at Sherringford, trying to finish his senior year without incident, with a nice girlfriend he can’t seem to fall for.

Charlotte is on the run, from Lucien Moriarty and from her own mistakes. No one has seen her since that fateful night on the lawn in Sussex—and Charlotte wants it that way. She knows she isn’t safe to be around. She knows her Watson can’t forgive her.

Holmes and Watson may not be looking to reconcile, but when strange things start happening, it’s clear that someone wants the team back together. Someone who has been quietly observing them both. Making plans. Biding their time.

Someone who wants to see one of them suffer and the other one dead.

• I missed my babies so much! You all do not know how much I love this series!
• Here I am again–the fake Sherlock Holmes fan™–who loves all things Sherlock Holmes retellings but has never actually read the books or seen any adaptations (???) I know.
• This book was so intense. Charlotte and Jamie were separated for practically the whole because of the events of the last book so it took forever to actually get them together!!!
• Both of them had to take a step back and really reflect on themselves and the shit that they went through the past year.
• I just love these characters so much. GOSH. Charlotte’s smarty-pantsness and her fight against inner demons that have plagued her since her childhood. Then there is Jamie, the definition of a softball, who had to kind of figure out who he was without Charlotte.
  • THEY ARE MY CHILDREN.
• I loved the suspense of this novel, there were many twists to be had and lots of stuff went down with the Moriartys!!!!!
• I saw some stuff coming but other things just wow!
• I am a big fan of Cavallaro’s writing. It’s not fancy or anything, but it just flows so easily and it can make a mystery plot easy to understand–which is something I super need since I am a mystery noob.
• In short. I loved it.

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
Recommend: If you love Sherlock and you wanna see him in a gender-bent way, then YES.

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Let me know what you think! Have you read any of these? Are you looking forward to reading any of them? Do you read poetry? What novels in verse would you rec/want to read? 

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

The Raven Tower | Review

Greetings readers!

Oh look at this, and ARC review that is being published BEFORE the book itself is actually published. Wow. I can really work some miracles, I guess.

I requested this without even doing much research. I saw it was a “Divine Intervention Book” a.k.a. what I call books when there are gods involved that mess up the characters lives and I sent my email so fast. Like there is no better hook, line and sinker for me than the Divine Intervention trope.

THE RAVEN TOWER BY ANN LECKIE

via Goodreads

Publisher: Orbit
Pub Date: Feb 26th, 2018
Price: $34.00 CAD
ISBN: 9780356506999
Genres: Adult Fantasy, SF
Goodreads

Gods meddle in the fates of men, men play with the fates of gods, and a pretender must be cast down from the throne in this breathtaking first fantasy novel from Ann Leckie, New York Times bestselling author and winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Awards.

For centuries, the kingdom of Iraden has been protected by the god known as the Raven. He watches over his territory from atop a tower in the powerful port of Vastai. His will is enacted through the Raven’s Lease, a human ruler chosen by the god himself. His magic is sustained via the blood sacrifice that every Lease must offer. And under the Raven’s watch, the city flourishes.

But the power of the Raven is weakening. A usurper has claimed the throne. The kingdom borders are tested by invaders who long for the prosperity that Vastai boasts. And they have made their own alliances with other gods.

It is into this unrest that the warrior Eolo–aide to Mawat, the true Lease–arrives. And in seeking to help Mawat reclaim his city, Eolo discovers that the Raven’s Tower holds a secret. Its foundations conceal a dark history that has been waiting to reveal itself…and to set in motion a chain of events that could destroy Iraden forever.

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BUY IT!

Chapters Indigo | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

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*Thank you for the ARC, HBG Canada!*

What I Liked:

Very Shakespearean…I see you Hamlet

It’s not that hard to tell that this book draws heavily from Hamlet. Of course there are several key differences in the narrative and the “Hamlet” character is not the star of the show, it’s Horatio a.k.a. Eolo. I really enjoyed the similarities I could pick out (I drew all the parallels to the play on my own *feels gassed*), but the politics of it all was very different. So while the story had loose threads connecting it to the play, the plot itself was different, which I liked.

However, I didn’t see any rendition of the To Be or Not To Be line…so that was maybe only a tiny bit disappointing. Unless I missed it and it went way over my head (which is highly possible).

The Voice was Interesting

It’s literally a rock. A god in a stone, but still a stone! And it is not a boring stone, but one with lots of history and knowledge. Leckie did a great job in evoking that wise, all-knowing voice to the story. It’s told in second person narrative, so the “I” referred to the god in the stone whereas the “you” referred to Eolo and not me, which after a while, I got used to it. Considering this was my first time reading a book in this style, I enjoyed it very much.

It really had some good Meddling Gods

Not just the stone god, as there were many meddling gods to be had. I especially loved their history in their own creation and their limits of existence. There is a lot of history to be had and I was a little confused at the beginning, but Leckie is able to describe with such beautiful imagery that really helped keep me invested. I also really enjoyed the way the gods had to use their magic. Their magnitude of power was both a blessing and a curse, so getting to read their larger story in relation to the puny human adventure was fun.

Diverse Cast

*I don’t know if this spoilery, it might be, beware, but I don’t think so(???)*

**START OF POSSIBLE SPOILERS**

It’s not tagged on Goodreads or stated in the synopsis, but this book stars a transgender character and the society they are living in is not exactly hetero-normative. The story isn’t about Eolo’s transition, but it is nonetheless a fantastical journey starring a trans man!

I feel like a lot of more people would be wanting to pick this book up if they knew! (Then again, it might do the opposite and lure people in who wouldn’t read about LGTBQ characters) I kind of knew from the beginning he was trans, so I don’t think mentioning it would  be much of a spoiler. I cannot be certain whether it’s good or questionable rep, but from what I read in the book and other reviews, people found it to be okay.

**END OF POSSIBLE SPOILERS**

What I Found Questionable:

Flat characters

I felt like we didn’t get to really dive in to other character ARCs beyond the surface. Since the stone-god only really talked about their own past and about Eolo, I felt like the surrounding cast had little to no development beyond what some of their Hamlet counterparts contained. I just felt like the story would have held a lot more richness if some of the other characters had a bigger role to play in Eolo’s journey. No one had much substance to them which was disappointing, in my opinion.

Super talk-y no action

More than half of this book is the stone-god relating tales and talking about the past. The story stems two timelines one in the past and one in the present. Due to this, both have need to a little backstory so sometimes I got confused. There are also no chapter divisions, just page breaks (which is usually a no-no for me, personally). The action and the twists really start to come out towards the last 30% of the novel. It’s good action, but not the greatest. I’m sure it is supposed to conjure high feelings of suspense and intensity, but I was just feeling medium levels of “omg”, if that makes any sense. I think I was more relieved that something was finally happening because the previous 70% had been very slow moving.

The Ending is not an ending and while I didn’t dislike it, I actually kind of liked it, I still have a lot of questions…mostly will there be a sequel to clean up this mess? But I’m also okay if there is no sequel because I liked the question that I was left off with. *As usual I contradict myself*

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Overall, it was good, but the story didn’t blow me away. Like I expected deception to the deepest root, but I kind of got deception on the surface level. It was good, just not jaw dropping, stars in my eyes good. I think this is mostly due to my love for fast-paced plots and this one was very slow with lots and lots of exposition.

Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars

Recommend: Yes, because this book has rep we *hardly* ever see in fantasy!

Let me know what you think! Do you enjoy “Divine Intervention” stories? Will you be picking this book up? What are some of your favourite Adult retellings?

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

A Curse So Dark And Lonely | Review

Greetings readers!

Have you ever pictured yourself living in a fairy tale?

I have, yes. On many occasions.

I mean just look at how much Disney goodness there is being offered. Have you never once dreamed or perhaps for even one millisecond considered what your life would be like if you were swept away on a magical, swinging adventure?

I have, yes. On MANY occasions.

The next question of course is…how would you fair in a fairyland? Think of it as an inverse Enchanted….that is *sort of* what this book is like.

A Curse So Dark And Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pub Date: Jan 29, 2019
Price: $24.99 CAD
ISBN: 9781681195087
Goodreads

In a lush, contemporary fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Brigid Kemmerer gives readers another compulsively readable romance perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer.

Fall in love, break the curse.

It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper Lacy. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she’s instead somehow sucked into Rhen’s cursed world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom.

A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn’t know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what’s at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.

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BUY IT!

Chapters Indigo | Amazon | Book Depository | Barnes & Noble 

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*Big thanks to Raincoast Books for sending me an ARC!*

What I Liked:

Characters:

I really enjoyed Harper. She was a very interesting character and her already unconventional life turned even more complicated when she got transported to Emberfall. I liked her spunk. She had this ferocity and she was made of pure determination. She was not perfect, makes a few fatal decisions, but overall I really enjoyed seeing her growth. She has Cerebral Palsy, which is something I’ve never read before and it was very important to her character. Her leg and ankle often caused her a lot of pain, but that didn’t stop her from having a high-stakes adventure in this book. And trust me she runs a lot.

Grey was my next favourite character. I can’t help it, I have a thing for the tall, dark, broody ones. He was definitely more background, but under all that steel is a lot of personality. And while the end of his story was just a weensy bit predictable, I am really excited to see if the author will do more with it.

Ok Rhen. Aka Beastie. I liked him and yet he was kind of just there. He was the arrogant, jerk type that had to learn how to be genuine, which is understandable because that is how the tale of B&tB goes. Yet…I don’t know, he just didn’t strike me as amazing at the end there. He does go through some crazy stuff and I don’t blame him, but mmmmmmmmmmmmm I just…I don’t know. I like him, but I don’t think I would have fallen in love with him to save his kingdom….sorry.

The World:

The modern world is in this very little, which I am very thankful for. I can only take so much Urban fantasy at once (I’m a hypocrite for *reasons*), but I did enjoy the fantasy land. I especially loved the Disi joke *You’ll have to read it to get it. I mean Emberfall was pretty generic and it didn’t have anything I could pick out that made it truly unique, but it had good people to entertain the reader.

I especially enjoyed the quirks that the modern characters had to face in Emberfall, and the way that they explained their mannerisms.

It Stayed True to the Tale:

It’s at its core Beauty and the Beast only with a beast much more hostile and dangerous and an Enchantress that is not so nice and lots and lots of blood. This book is definitely more bloody than the Disney version. And since we are comparing to Disney there is no Gaston. Which I’m okay with.

The Romance is Slow Burn:

Because it has to be hello. The ending actually quite surprised me because I thought it would have held a different kind of declaration, but it was still cute. Not gonna lie though, there was some triangular action going on near the beginning with tensions between Grey and Harper and I was no, no, this cannot be. Rhen’s the Beast, he’s gonna get the girl, stick to the script!! But I actually ended up liking how this tension was handled.

Plus it added drama hehehe

What I Found Questionable (Not necessarily unlikable)

The Villain was really not explored enough. I mean she was vicious!!!!, but I would have liked more depth to her. And because of that lacking information, I really didn’t get the magic that was present–although very minimal, but it had an important history.

The Ending was not an ending because it sets up for a companion novel. It does a really good job of keeping the intrigue alive, but the characters’ stories were left far from finished, I think.

It’s got some cheesy lines, like those fantasy kingdom creeds that I sometimes can’t take seriously but okay, I’ll let them slide.

The Math confuzzled me. So Rhen has been through 328 seasons (I actually don’t remember if that is the right number, but somewhere there) and each season lasts up to 3 months, but some seasons are cut short and yet only 5 years have actually passed? Something here smells fishy. Like can a season last a day? I didn’t really get how this was possible. (I know I’m focusing on such little things, but still.)

AND I’VE SAID IT BEFORE I’LL SAY IT AGAIN.

You’re gonna tell me that Harper gets:

A) Kidnapped and Taken to a magical land,
B) Locked away in a castle with a broody, arrogant Prince
C) Is told that the kingdom is cursed,
D) Has to fall in love with Prince-y to break the enchantment,
E) Later finds out that Prince-y actually turns into the beast that terrorizes that land

AND SHE DOESN’T ONCE REALIZE SHE IS IN A BEAUTY AND THE BEAST LIKE TALE???

Sounds fake to me. But okay.

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Overall, I enjoyed this book. For being almost 500 pages long (it honestly could have been shorter), I flew through it, which I am super proud of! I am really looking forward to the companion novel because I have a big feeling it is gonna follow Grey (and I love Grey!!) and I am really curious as to what he is going to get himself into!

Rating: 3.85…heck, I’ll give it the 4 / 5 stars!

Recommend: A great retelling for those who like to stick to stories they know and love!

Let me know what you think! Have you read this? Are you looking forward to reading it? What are your favour B&tB retellings? What fairy-tale/legend would you love to read about?

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

A Spark of White Fire | Review

Greetings readers!

This is my first review of the new year! (This is my first actual post for the new year–yay) And I am so excited to be talking about a book that I genuinely loved. I don’t read many space operas, but they have been a fascination of mine as of late for *reasons*.

I had an amazing time reading this book. I flew through it so fast! It’s a diverse, multicultural tale in space! How does that not make you want to read it?!?

A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandanna

Publisher: Sky Horse Pony
Pub Date: Sept 11, 2018
Price: $27.99 CAD
ISBN: 978-1510733787
Goodreads

The first book in a scifi retelling of the Mahabrahata. When Esmae wins a contest of skill, she sets off events that trigger an inevitable and unwinnable war that pits her against the family she would give anything to return to.

In a universe of capricious gods, dark moons, and kingdoms built on the backs of spaceships, a cursed queen sends her infant daughter away, a jealous uncle steals the throne of Kali from his nephew, and an exiled prince vows to take his crown back.

Raised alone and far away from her home on Kali, Esmae longs to return to her family. When the King of Wychstar offers to gift the unbeatable, sentient warship Titania to a warrior that can win his competition, she sees her way home: she’ll enter the competition, reveal her true identity to the world, and help her famous brother win back the crown of Kali.

It’s a great plan. Until it falls apart.

Inspired by the Mahabharata and other ancient Indian stories, A Spark of White Fire is a lush, sweeping space opera about family, curses, and the endless battle between jealousy and love.

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BUY IT

Chapters Indigo | Amazon | Book Depository | Barnes & Noble

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*I was provided a finished copy by Thomas Allen & Son in exchange for an honest review!*

What I Liked:

Characters:

Esmae: Amazing. I mean…amazing! She’s got (mommy) issues, but she’s amazing. Esmae plays by the heart and it gets her into a lot of trouble, but that brain of hers is also pretty out of this world. She is perhaps a little-just a little–snow flakey because she had to be the bestest warrior/fighter/strategist, but like I admired her tact, wit and will a lot!

Titantia: Yes, she is a spaceship. Yes, she is amazing. Yes, she reminds me of Iko when she dawned the Rampion…only a little less flamboyant than my dear Iko. But she had a real personality and wisdom that I enjoyed reading.

Other characters…there were many amazing characters to be had. A lot of them were unique. I really liked the depiction of the uncle! It was so contradictory and plays with your feelings, until you just do not know what to think!

The Family Conflict Plot!:

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. Can I just say that I LOVED this part of the book? There was so much drama to be had. So many twists and turns of the head. Family struggle is one of my favourite points of conflict in novels, I mean you want Esmae to side with one side of her family…but like the other side has good points to them too. And the cons of both sides are revealed and you just don’t know what to do and you’re stuck like Esmae! It’s a great, horrible feeling to have if you know what I mean. (DO I even make any sense? Probably not.)

The Prophecy:

I am a sucker for prophetic plots. It is definitely overdone, but I can’t help it. I absolutely adore the challenge of fate!!!!! Trying to weave a path around was is inevitable and will eventually come to be! And then there are more revelations and just when you think that inevitable has been avoided it is thrown right at your face. I LIVE FOR THIS STUFF. AND THIS BOOK HAD IT. AND IT KEPT ME ON THE EDGE OF MY (BUS) SEAT (CUZ I READ THIS ENTIRELY ON COMMUTES) AND ALL THE BUILD UP WAS WORTH IT!!!

THE GODS COME OUT TO PLAY!!!!!!!:

I have said it before, I will say it again. WHEN THE GODS COME OUT TO PLAY, TROUBLE IS COMING TO THE CHARACTERS WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And my goodness, did these gods cause trouble. Absolutely terrific!

The Plot:

So much fun. From the games, to the back and forth of family meetings, to the final dual. It was all so fantastic! It is a retelling of the Indian epic, Mahabharata. I cannot say whether it is like really well done or not because I am not familiar with the tale and I don’t really think a quick skim of the Wikipedia page makes me any kind of expert. I WILL HOWEVER say that the fish challenge was super awesome!

The Romance:

They are not cousins. That is all.

But it was also very cute and not the focus, but added to the drama!

What I Disliked:

I don’t have many complaints. Um a map would have been nice. There are a lot of planets, kingdoms and ships to keep track of. I also hope that the mom character is delved into a little bit more. She was a major source of conflict in this book, but not present at all so I’m hoping that will be coming in the sequel!

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Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It was fast-paced, full of action, the prophecies were amazing. Mandanna really took me on an adventure! I flew through it and you know that means that I had a great time with it!

Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars

Recommend: UM YES. THIS BOOK IS SO UNDERRATED AND YOU NEED TO GET ON IT NOW!

Let me know what you think! Did you enjoy this book? What epic retellings would you like to read? Can anyone recommend me a good Mahabharata movie/series/book that I can watch or read that will give me a better appreciation for it?

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

Forest of A Thousand Lanterns| Mini Review

Greetings readers!

I was in such a good reading track this past January that I read a lot faster than reviewing. Which doesn’t happen too often, so I cherish these triumphant moments. During that time, I read this very dark tale and I’ll be sharing with you a mini review just to sum up my thoughts and feelings.

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao

An East Asian fantasy reimagining of The Evil Queen legend about one peasant girl’s quest to become Empress–and the darkness she must unleash to achieve her destiny.

Eighteen-year-old Xifeng is beautiful. The stars say she is destined for greatness, that she is meant to be Empress of Feng Lu. But only if she embraces the darkness within her. Growing up as a peasant in a forgotten village on the edge of the map, Xifeng longs to fulfill the destiny promised to her by her cruel aunt, the witch Guma, who has read the cards and seen glimmers of Xifeng’s majestic future. But is the price of the throne too high?

Because in order to achieve greatness, she must spurn the young man who loves her and exploit the callous magic that runs through her veins–sorcery fueled by eating the hearts of the recently killed. For the god who has sent her on this journey will not be satisfied until his power is absolute.

This was so dark. Going in I knew it was going to be pretty rough, this is the origin story of the Evil Queen, after all. But man…. I really enjoyed this book, the world was lush and the characters were amazing. I loved the Asian mythology and culture that it was set in and it just wowowowow.

The Likes:

• Xifeng: Girl you’re kind of crazy, but I love you. I mean your twistiness is alarming, but hun I was rooting for you.
• The Empress…my heart.
• Myths, fate, destiny!!! IT’S ALL IN THE CARDS!
• The World: Small villages, magical forests, deceptive kingdoms, what is not to love. It was lush (did I mention that already?) Simply stunning, I loved it.
• Dear goodness the twistiness of this novel. It’s a series of slaps. Left, right, left, right.
• Julie made me waiiitttt. I knew from the get-go that Xifeng would turn up evil, but my-oh-my there were many times I doubted it and thought she was Snow White, when I knew that this was an Evil Queen origin story!!!
• My goodness, there were some rather gruesome and bloody elements tucked in there. I literally gagged at one point *shivers*
• The ending: dark, dark, darkkkk

The Dislikes:

• *Does not take away from the novel* Emperor is a little B*tch™
• I’m hoping that the sequel goes into a little more depth about the gods and their legends because I was just a tad confused.
• It was put-downable. My attention was splotchy with it, especially when the characters were just travelling or it was endless days of just being in the palace.

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Recommend: It is a fantastic debut, that can satisfy that dark fairy tale lover in you!

Let me know what you think! Have you read this? What did you think? What are some of your favourite dark fairy tales? Know of any other Evil Queen retellings?

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

A Moment of Fangirling: Cress

Greetings readers!

The time has come. The book where my relationship with this series was cemented. Complete. Set in stone. The book that sucked me in and never let me go.

Mini story time: The first time I read Cinder and Scarlet, I was falling. Falling fast and falling hard. I liked the characters and Thorne was definitely the most intriguing one of them all. Then I read this book–a few months before Winter’s release–and I was just………

Cress. Ladies and gentlemen, CRESS!!!!!!!!!!!

*Did you miss my fangirling on Cinder Or Scarlet? Fear not for just click on this: A Moment of Fangirling: Cinder or A Moment of Fangirling: Scarlet*

WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN??

OH CRESS!

CRESS!

CRESS!

CRESS!

This book is so important to me, for many reasons and one in particular that touches my heart. This book holds everything I want in a perfect adventure read. The drama, the plot twists, the romance, the epic battles, heists, and most importantly Carswell Thorne.

“Even in the future, there are damsels in distress…

Gosh! Gosh! Gosh!

Ok, we are going to start with the obvious.

Cress.

“When she was just a child, the witch locked her away in a tower that had neither doors nor stairs.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

I have never found another character (other than Laia of Serra from An Ember in the Ashes) that I identified with so much! “So much” doesn’t even really cover how close in personality I feel to Cress. There are so many elements: the shy girl, the fan girl, the hopeless romantic, the imaginative dreamer. A girl who lives in her head kind of person. When I first read this, I was like “Wow, I’m just like this girl. Socially inept and very, very prone to blush!”

It was the greatest moment of my life. (Is that too big to say….I’m going to say it again.)

IT WAS THE GREATEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE!

In all my years reading YA and finding the sarcastic, whip smart, kick butt heroines (whom I love) I had never encountered, a wee little girl, who’s quiet, smart but not at all great with the whipping of the smarts. Then I found Cress and just……

“She was a girl. A living girl, smart and sweet and awkward and unusual, and she was worth far more than they could ever realize.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

I may not be a tech-savvy genius, but I am definitely the kind of person to make up crazy fantasies and talk to myself! And they would most certainly be about a very swoony Captain!!!!!

But yes. Cress. I love her. I relate to her. And I’m so glad that alongside the Brave-Kick-Butt Heroines, we also have our Still-Finding-Their-Courage-But-Still-So-Awesome Heroines!

“She would have freedom, and friendships, and purpose. And she would be with him.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

Okay then we have our lovely returning characters:

Cinder

LORD, LORDY, LORD. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT WITH EVERY COMING BOOK, I NEVER GET TIRED OF SASS, SARCASM AND MECHANICS? IT’S BECAUSE IT COMES OUT OF CINDER’S MOUTH AND I ADORE EVERYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH CINDER!!!!!!

Kai

AWWWWWWW KAI!!!! HE JUST KEEPS GETTING CUTER AND MORE CLUELESS! My poor emperor just keeps getting more and more stressed out! With Levana hovering over his shoulder and their impending nuptials coming so close, you can’t blame him if he is a little down in the dumps! Especially since he still has feelings (though he “denies” them) for Cinder and basically the whole world and moon are trying to arrest her!

My poor pup, KAI!! His sass however, is always spot on,.

“Have you given any thought to your wedding vows?”

Kai snorted. “Delete anything that has to do with love, respect, or joy, and I’ll sign on the dotted line.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

Scarlet

Of all the characters she was the least focused on in this book because *things* happen, but from the few chapters from her perspective readers discover the horrors inflicted by Lunar Aristocrats! PLUS Scarlet is still incredibly brave, hard-headed and the passionate fiery red-head that we all know and love!

Wolf

Aww poor Wolf! With Scarlet in a pickle, he is ten times broodier than normal, but still so darn lovable!! He goes through a lot of emotions too and takes a back seat in this one. I do love all his scenes though, I can’t get enough of my little wolf!

Iko

IKO, IKO ALL DAY! Love her and every word that comes out of her mouth! She has the biggest personality and heart, despite only being a small chip! Plus her sass!!

“Iko. My name is Iko. If you don’t stop calling me the ‘ship,’ I am going to make sure you never have hot water during your showers again, do you understand me?”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

 

Jacin

Hmmmm….despite how much more I like him in Winter, and how much of a rat he is in this book, I can’t help but love his sass. His meanness and  bluntness make him an angry little pup that just needs a hug to lighten up. He also needs to get punched, but that part comes later on 😉

Okay, okay….Here we are, the moment of truth…….

C A R S W E L L    T H O R N E 

“Seeing that smile, Cress melted. Every. Time.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

*Me too, Cress. Me. Too.*

I can’t help it! He is just everything that I needed from a fictional love interest. Funny. Suave. Foolish. Heroic yet Criminalistic (not a word, but let’s just say that it works for him).

Coherent thoughts and words aren’t possible when I talk about Thorne. It is all gush and goo and Maz giving me a face that indicates the lunacy of falling in love with a person that does not exist.  But I can’t help it people, I am head-over-heels devoted to my Captain, Carswell Thorne.

His heroics are put on full display in this book, on his journey with Cress. His humour, swooniness and overall gorgeousness are always on display.

And of course there is this piece of gold:

“Honestly, Thorne.” A girl. Linh Cinder? “Do you ever think before you speak?”

“What? What did I say?”

” ‘Is that all hair?’ ”

“Did you see it? It was like a cross between a magpie nest and ball of yarn after it’s been mauled by a cheetah.”

A beat. Then, “A cheetah?”

“It was the first big cat that came to mind.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

I just can’t okay. The feels are too much when it comes to Thorne. I can (and might) write a whole blog post dedicated just to him!

Second most important topic of the night:

THE SHIPS

Everything is just too cute. TOO CUTE.

With KAIDER and WOLFLET on pause for just a little (they do have their small moments) this book is full of CRESSWELL.

CRESSWELL.

The friggin ship of my life.

“Captain,” she murmured.
“I think I’m in love with you.”
An eyebrow shot up. She counted six beats of his heart before, suddenly, he laughed.
“Don’t tell me it took you two whole days to realize that. I must be losing my touch.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

No Thorne, it took two seconds to fall in love with you, boy!

“Captain?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you think it was destiny that brought us together?”
He squinted and, after a thoughtful moment, shook his head. “No. I’m pretty sure it was Cinder.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

THIS.

“But you’re a prisoner,” said Thorne.
“I prefer damsel in distress,” she murmured.
One side of Thorne’s mouth quirked up, into that perfect half smile he’d had in his graduation photo. A look that was a little bit devious, and all sorts of charming.
Cress’s heart stopped, but if they noticed her melting into her chair, they didn’t say anything.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

I WOULD HAVE BEEN A PUDDLE.

“How are your eyes?” she asked.
“Well, I’ve been told they’re dreamy, but I’ll let you decide for yourself.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

DREAMY, SWOONY, PERFECT, MELT-WORTHY

“She loved him more than ever. And not because she’d scoured file after file of reports and summaries and data and photographs. Not because he was the dreamy, untouchable Carswell Thorne that she’d imagined kissing on the banks of a starlit river while fireworks exploded overhead and violins played in the background. Now he was the Carswell Thorne who had given her strength in the desert. Who had come for her when she was kidnapped. Who had kissed her when hope was lost and death was imminent.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

*Hello, Hi, it appears Rendz has fallen comatose from this little but of enchantment that you just read. Please excuse this short interruption*

• • •

Update: Rendz is now dancing around because of that same quote:

“Aaaaw,” squealed Iko. “Did Wolf just say he loves Scarlet? That’s so cute!”
Scarlet cringed. “He did not – that wasn’t -” She balled her fists against her sides. “Can we get back to these soldiers that are being rounded up, please?”
“Is she blushing? She sounds like she’s blushing.”
“She’s blushing.” Thorne confirmed, shiffling the cards. “Actually, Wolf is also looking a little flustered -”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

A LITTLE BIT OF WOLFLET *FLAILS*

“She’s my alpha”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

Now how about a little Kaider:

“Cyborg. Lunar. Princess. No more secrets. No more lies. Well, just one. She thought she might be a tiny bit in love with him. But there was no way she could tell him that.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cress

I LOVE HIM TOO!!!!!!!

“Bending his head, Kai pressed his lips to her knuckles. The plating had no nerve endings, and yet the touch sent a tingle of electricity along her arm.
“Cinder?”
“Mm?”
He lifted his gaze. “Just to be clear, you’re not using your mind powers on me right now, are you?”
She blinked. “Of course not.”
“Just checking.”
Then he slid his arms around her waist and kissed her.
Cinder gasped, pressing her palms against his chest. Kai pulled her closer.
Seconds later, her brain began registering all the new chemicals flooding her system. INCREASED LEVELS OF DOPAMINE AND ENDORPHINS, REDUCED AMOUNTS OF CORTISOL, ERRATIC PULSE, RISING BLOOD PRESSURE …
Leaning into him, Cinder sent the messages away. Her hands tentatively made their way to his shoulders, before stringing around his neck.”
― Marissa Meyer

Rendz has once again become incapable of forming coherent thoughts. Please wait for our swooned-out blogger to continue her fangirling, thank you. 

3……2……1….

WHAT A RUSH.

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SO the real deal business:

The STORY.

I sing its praises. It is not just about these stellar characters, but it also has a great adventure aspect, lots of fun cool SciFi elements that frankly I quite enjoy! It is not just about romantic relationships, but it is also about friendship. There are so many friendships formed within this crew that make me melt with feels just like the romantic ships do!

There is some big heartbreak in this book, a character death that hit me quite hard. BUT THEY WENT DOWN SWINGING AND FLINGING!

And of course, there is a crazy (really crazy) killer queen, Levana. She literally makes me want to strangle something/someone (her) and she causes so much pain that arghhhhhhhhhhhhhH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don’t get me started on her. None the less, she is a great villain to hate!

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OMG THIS IS A GLORIOUS COVER!!

Now the retelling, I can’t say much about because I have never read the true Rapunzel story. I’ve only ever heard a more toned down story and watched the movie Tangled, so there is my knowledge.

BUT. I love the internet and people in this fandom do their research and let’s just say that Queen Meyer is a genius!

With the classic long hair, the lonely satellite (i.e. tower), the damsel in distress and the heroic prince (who has a very dangerous encounter with thorns…) this retelling is crazy amazing!

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I’m going to cut this now, because this is getting LOOOOOONNNNGGG.

In short, I found this book to be an epic masterpiece! *strong word choice, I know*

I can’t help it, I love every aspect of this book. I love the fact that I found my own little quirky, awkward personality in this book.

I found the love of my life in this book. (Watch out real life boys, you have very high standards to live up to)

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Final words:

GLORIOUS

A  HEROIC CRIMINAL AND A TECH SAVVY DISTRESSED DAMSEL.

A DESERT ADVENTURE.

THE BEGINNING OF A SPACE WAR.

WE ARE SO CLOSE TO GETTING TO THE MOON…

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Deep breath Rendz….deep breaths.

Okay, so that was me. Now I need to hear from you. But if you didn’t like this book, I’m going to kindly ask you to exit the premises please. (Just kidding………no I’m not)

But seriously, I’m ready for you guys to hit me with the feels again. I promise no more interruptions while I roll on the floor with feels.

Go crazy, my Lunartics.

Until next time, when I finish the epic finale…Winter!

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

Disclaimer: All gifs via Giphy.com and all images via Goodreads.com

A Moment Of Fangirling: Scarlet

Greetings readers!

Time for the second installment of Lunar Chronicle crazy fangirling!!!!!!

Okay so after reading Cinder (the first time) and completely falling in love with it, I ran (more like hopped on the bus) to get the next one from the library. Luckily, it was available to me.

After reading Cinder (for the second time) and completely loving it AGAIN. I ran (actually ran) upstairs to my room (almost tripped) and grabbed my copy of Scarlet off the shelf!

Only it was too late at night to start it, but I did start it early the next day!

*Did you miss my fangirling on Cinder? Fear not for just click on this: A Moment of Fangirling: Cinder*

SO SCARLET

via Goodreads

SCARLET

SCARLET

SCARLET

I loved this sequel almost as much as I loved the first book. It had a new great cast of characters along with some previously known characters. Things get so much more intense and troublesome in this sequel with the whole Levana/Luna situation getting out of control!!! And an all new retelling with a futuristic and fantastic twist!!!!!!!!!! AND we are half way to a full Rampion crew!!!

PLUS an all new ship with cute and adorable moments!!!!!!!!!

via giphy.com

“Even in the future, beware of the big, bad wolf…”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

Where, oh where do I begin?

Scarlet. (Of course)

“She did not know that the wolf was a wicked sort of animal, and she was not afraid of him.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

via Goodreads

I love Scarlet to the end. And beyond. She is a stubborn, passionate and intelligent farm girl, turned pilot, dubbed “mom” of the Rampion crew!

She is definitely a red headed hot head. She has a rather quick temper but she stands up for all the right reasons. Defending her grandmother and Cinder from a raucous diner crowd takes some courage.

“I just think we shouldn’t judge her, or anyone, without trying to understand them first. That maybe we should get the full story before jumping to conclusions. Crazy notion, I know.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

She is also killer strong! Physically, I mean. She has to do farm work and lug crates of vegetables around all the time.

Like tomato crates.

via giphy.com

Plus she is killer cool. She knows how to fly a plane (or spaceship). Necessary skills it would seem to have for someone living in the future! And she can shoot! *Not saying the guns are cool and free to use all the time* but when face to face with some killer crazy-bloodthirsty beasts or a crazy Lunar Queen, learning to shoot may be a necessity.

Just saying.

But yes. I love Scarlet. I love her red hair and clashing red sweater!

And she is just so dedicated to her grandmother that my heart swells when I think about it!

via giphy.com

Then there is WOLF!

“What’s your name, anyway?”

That awkward shrug again. “They call me Wolf at the fights.”

“ Wolf? ” How … predatory.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

via Goodreads

Your classic, broody, silent dangerous looking heartthrob.

Such a swoon-motivator.

Plus, a street fighter! Not one’s typical occupation, but a rather successful one for our lovely friend, Wolf.

Did I also mention. He. Sounds. G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S.

“He was still dazed, and though she hated to admit it, he was actually rather attractive. If a girl happened to like that square-jaw, bright-green-eyes, devilish-dimples kind of thing. Although he was in desperate need of a haircut and a good shave.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

via giphy.com

But beyond the looks. Wolf is quiet, sweet and a sensitive soul. He may have killer instincts and a rough looking exterior, but inside he is all goo and glory! He finds his saving grace in Scarlet and his ticket out of a bad-bad gang.

He keeps his secrets, but he does redeem himself!!

Cinder. Oh look! We get to talk about her again!

Cinder just keeps becoming more and more epic and kickass in this one. Now that she knows who she is and has to figure out what exactly she wants to do with that information she goes on another grand adventure! She is after all a wanted fugitive so she has to be on the run all the time.

“Two counts of treason, if you must know. And resisting arrest, and unlawful use of bioelectricity. Oh, and illegal immigration, but honestly, I think that’s a little excessive.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

But I love her even more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can one love a character that much!

via giphy.com

Kai!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh my poor, poor Kai!

Talk about going through some really tough stuff in this one. Levana sinks her claws deep into him and he is forced to experience so many terrible things! He is still my sweet little potato and I love him more as each book goes on!!

Plus his sass levels are rising!

“But Kai wasn’t his father. He wasn’t that selfless. Knowing it was wrong, he couldn’t help but wish that wherever Cinder had gone, they would never find her.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

Now the moment, I have been waiting for.

The love of my life.

Carswell Thorne

CARSWELL THORNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

via giphy.com

I don’t think I have ever fallen harder for a character than Thorne.

“The captivity of Carswell Thorne had gotten off to a rocky start, what with the catastrophic soap rebellion and all.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

I cannot even fathom proper thoughts, it is just a constant squeal in my mind.

A giddy feeling.

To put it straight. He is funny, charming, swoony, caring and a total hero despite being a total criminal. (Criminal Mastermind.)

And a “great” Captain.

“At least we have each other.” He held out his arms, like he would have given her a huge hug if they hadn’t been strapped into their seats. The nose of the ship tipped to the right and he quickly grasped the controls again, leveling it out just in time to dodge flock of pigeons.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

Guys. I just. I cannot form coherent thoughts.

More of this rambling will come in the next installment of this series. 

OF COURSE IKO WAS STILL AMAZING IN THIS BOOK AND SHE GOES THROUGH SOME BIG BODILY CHANGES, BUT STILL EVER SO FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!

“Another silence as the heat in the engine room hovered just upside of comfortable. Then, “You’re … rather handsome, Captain Thorne.”
Cinder groaned.
“And you, my fine lady, are the most gorgeous (spoiler) in these skies, and don’t let anyone ever tell you different.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

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Alright SO THE RETTELLING ASPECT!

via Goodreads

I have never read a Little Red Riding Hood retelling and so I didn’t know exactly how it was going to go….

But I really enjoyed it! It had the traditional elements with the granny, the red hood and the big bad wolf (or perhaps wolves……)

The adventure to find Scarlet’s grandmère was definitely fun, risky and dangerous!

Especially when the confrontation came with the wolves. That was very suspenseful *even reading it a second time*

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Favourite topic of the night…

SHIPS

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Okay so this was the introduction of WOLFLET and OMG

How cuteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

How sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetttttttttttt.

ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just so much gushing coming from Rendz.

“You’re the only one, Scarlet. You’ll always be the only one.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

via giphy.com

“Then he was pulling her toward him and bundling her up in his arms. Scarlet gasped as Wolf buried one hand into her mess of curls and kissed her back.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

via giphy.com

And of course this:

“Scarlet and Wolf are saying gushy things in the galley,” Iko said. “Normally I like gushy things, but it’s different when it’s real people. I prefer the net dramas.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

via giphy.com

So yeah……………………………………………………..Wolflet.

There was minimal action between Cinder and Kai in this book seeing as he was in New Beijing and she on the run! But still they had some cute moments even so far apart!!!

“I don’t see that her being cyborg is relevant.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

Love you Kai.

Cinder too.

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via Goodreads

There was also the beginning of the best friendSHIP ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cinder and Thorne.

Corne.

“I can see that you’re in need of an accomplice,” Thorne said, straightening his jumpsuit. “And lucky for you, I happen to be a criminal mastermind.”
She glowered at him. “Go away.”
“That’s a difficult request in this situation.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

They have their special little banter that has me cracking up all the time. Cinder feels like she has no time for Thorne’s Thorne-ness and is always using her sass to crack a whip at him! And Thorne is–of course–oblivious to Cinder’s annoyance so the banter and friendship strengthens and forges to even stronger levels!!

via giphy.com

“Well,” Cinder finally grumbled. “I guess that was pretty fast thinking.”
A relieved grin filled up Thorne’s face. “We’re having another moment, aren’t we?”
“If by a moment, you mean me not wanting to strangle you for the first time since we met, than I guess we are.”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

Just look at that banter.

Trust me guys there is so much more in the book and you guys have to read it. It is HILARIOUS.

“I have something else to show you.”
“I’m busy.”
“I promise not to make fun of your boyfriend anymore.”
“He’s not my boyfriend!”
― Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

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Alright this is getting to be a little long, so I shall cut it off here.

via Goodreads

In short, I loved the sequel. I think everyone should read Cinder and then wait about 10 minutes after reading Cinder (you know to get your emotions together) and then immediately follow up with Scarlet!!!

So my final words for this book.

WONDERFUL.

RUGGED STREET FIGHTER AND A NO-BS TAKING BADASS RED RIDING HOOD!

ADVENTURES IN SPACE.

TRAVERSING THROUGH FRANCE (OMG THE DREAM DESTINATION OF RENDZ)

SHIPS GALORE.

BIG. BAD. WOLVES.

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Time for you to fangirl/boy with me!!!

Have you read Scarlet? Did you love it? Or just like it? What did you think of Wolf? Of Scarlet? OF THORNE????? *All love, I’m sure*

Please, go crazy! 

As usual it’s a total recommend from me!! This whole series is.

I can’t wait to fangirl about Cress next time.

That is going to be EPIC.

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

 

 

The Last of August Review

Greetings readers!

Confession time. I have this thing for Sherlock Holmes retellings or anything to do with the mysteries of Holmes.

Bigger confession: I have never read a real Sherlock Holmes book or watched the various TV and movie adaptations.

Yup.

So, I really do not know where this fascination stems from. It just is as it is. Thus, when I stumbled upon a gender-bent Sherlock last year in Brittany Cavallaro’s  A Study in Charlotte I knew I would immediately get hooked!

And I was hooked!

Revisiting the beloved characters of Charlotte and Jamie came in the sequel The Last of August!

The Last of August by Brittany Cavallaro

via Goodreads

Watson and Holmes: A match made in disaster.

Jamie Watson and Charlotte Holmes are looking for a winter-break reprieve after a fall semester that almost got them killed. But Charlotte isn’t the only Holmes with secrets, and the mood at her family’s Sussex estate is palpably tense. On top of everything else, Holmes and Watson could be becoming morethan friends—but still, the darkness in Charlotte’s past is a wall between them.

A distraction arises soon enough, because Charlotte’s beloved uncle Leander goes missing from the estate—after being oddly private about his latest assignment in a German art forgery ring. The game is afoot once again, and Charlotte is single-minded in her pursuit.

Their first stop? Berlin. Their first contact? August Moriarty (formerly Charlotte’s obsession, currently believed by most to be dead), whose powerful family has been ripping off famous paintings for the last hundred years. But as they follow the gritty underground scene in Berlin to glittering art houses in Prague, Holmes and Watson begin to realize that this is a much more complicated case than a disappearance. Much more dangerous, too.

What they learn might change everything they know about their families, themselves, and each other.

I waited a whole year to read this sequel and then made myself wait a little more because I forgot about it! When I saw it at the library, I snatched it up! I loved the first book so my expectations for the second one were quite high!

What I Liked

Characters:

Jamie – Ohhhhhhhhhhh Jamie! Sweet, sweet, sweet Watson! I love this guy too much! He is the best narrator for this book! Funny, quirky and so utterly confused! It would be really hard to live and be around people like Holmes, who are walk around know-it-alls (and I mean that in the nicest way possible!) Yet, despite all the moments he feels like he is so out of place, he understands that he has a purpose in this group and that he can work with them even if he doesn’t know all the hacks and tricks of a good detective!

Charlotte – Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Charlotte! How lovely and mysterious you are! She is also rather funny, she just doesn’t know it! She is très, très INTELLIGENTE! Also, mysterious, closed off and a survivor of something so horrific. I adore Charlotte and all her detective work! I adore her ability to keep moving forward despite so many difficult obstacles! Plus, I love it when she narrates those two chapters because she is so blunt and fun!

August – Even though I thought he was coming in to make a triangle, I think he is an interesting character. He definitely brought up a lot of questions about Charlotte’s past and her family. He is after all a part of her family’s mortal enemy! I wish we had got to know him a little more, but then I remember that Jamie is narrating and he gets quite jealous!

Cross Europe Travelling: I loved that the characters moved around! London! Prague! Lots of new settings, with lots of places to discover! I loved the way the places were described and ventured through! I felt the chilly winter breezes and the sweet smells of all the Christmas treats! Just wow! I wish I could go to those places!

Romance: There was quite a bit of emphasis (I would say) on romance in this book. Jamie clearly has feelings for Charlotte, but understands that he cannot get to close to her because of her past. Charlotte tries a lot in this book to get comfortable again with being intimate. It is not easy and doesn’t happen within a scene. It is gradual, slow and honestly melted my heart. I ship it hardcore, but after that ending and reading the third books synopsis, things seem to be in danger!

Cover: JUST LOVE IT! Ahhh. I love that it gives away (not many) but some of the events in the book!

Mystery and Suspense: A very important element in these kind of books. I loved following Charlotte and Jamie on this new case. I always try and follow along to see if I can make any sense of what is happening or figure out the twist. BUT NOPE. I am no detective, I did not see any of those things happening. I loved their heist pulling and the auction scene was one of my favourite scenes in the book! Hilarious and fun!

What I Disliked

What the Heck Happened At The End? I Am Very Confused, Someone Please Explain This To Me: Yeah, I didn’t get it. Well, it’s not that I was completely lost, it’s more that I didn’t understand the significance and severity about what happened that keeps me from saying this book was perfect! I honestly need an explanation as to how the ending affected the characters! Send. Help.

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Overall, I did enjoy this book! Not as much as the first one, but I did like it a lot! The mystery, the action…perhaps a little too much romantic tension? But I still liked it either way! I cannot wait for the final book, which comes out in March! *sweats nervously* That is so far off!!!

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Recommend: Yeah! But obviously read A Study in Charlotte first because if you don’t you’ll be more confused then I am!

Let me know what you thought of this book? Any explanations as to the ending? Any Sherlockians out there angry at me for not actually knowing anything about Sherlock? XP

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

A Moment of Fangirling: Cinder

Greetings readers!

As promised (to myself) I began a Lunar Chronicles reread this summer, beginning with the YABookBloggers Cinder buddy read. So I figured that since I was reading such an amazing series again, I should just burst with feels on the internet.

Thus is the purpose of this blog.

So CINDER.

CINDER.

CINDER.

CINDER.

I would just like to say that I am so angry with past-Rendz for not picking this book up sooner. I remember the day clearly. My sisters and I were at the bookshop, I had enough money for one book and I was overwhelmed by choice. Back then I wasn’t such a huge reader and so I took the “Teen Best Choice” table as solid reading advice. Displayed on the table was Cinder and Ender’s Game, which had the movie cover so it looked cool. You know what didn’t look cool, robotic Cinderella foot. Despite my grand love for Cinderella, I didn’t have the guts to pick up Cinder. I was too put off by the futuristic setting and robot foot!

So I made the worst financial decision ever and bought Ender’s Game. Which to this day, I have neither read nor watched the movie.

But then a year or two later, I decided to read this book.

BEST. DECISION. EVER. 

Fast forward to today and I am rereading the series that took me by storm. By the time I finished Cress, there was still four months left before Winter was released so I did suffer a little waiting!

But enough of the backstory, let’s get into the real-deal fangirling.

Commencing in

3
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2
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1

“Even in the Future the Story Begins with Once Upon a Time.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cinder

via giphy.com

Rereading Cinder was one of the best things ever. I usually don’t reread because time is a very limited factor in my life, but I knew I wanted to so badly! So picking up this book and reliving these precious events and scenes with characters that I know and love just made my heart burst.

Literally.

I cannot even count how many times I squealed in the first chapter!

The dusty market, Cinder’s itty-bitty foot, KAI, IKO and all the cute moments in between and afterwards!

Let’s talk Cinder.

My idol. Lord, the perfect mix of Cinderella and badassery.

via giphy.com

There is nothing I don’t love about Cinder and she is not perfect. She is crazy talented with her mechanics and problem-solving mind set. She is kind, patient and generous despite how many times she should have ripped off Pearl’s and Adri’s heads! She definitely struggles with her identity and coming to terms with her leadership but who wouldn’t struggle with that!

PLUS SHE IS SASSY! SARCASM FOR THE WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gosh, there is a reason Tumblr calls her the Sass Master!

“I’m sure I’ll feel much more grateful when I find a guy who thinks complex wiring in a girl is a turn-on.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cinder

For me, Cinder was going to have to be an out of this world character. I have been ridiculed and teased for harbouring this fascination with Cinderella’s story all my life. Many people question me on my taste, and tell me to look into a princess who is more than a pretty face! Who does more than just wait for the handsome prince!*

*See Linh Cinder

Cinder is far more than a pretty face, she is a hero! She saves the entire world plus the moon. So think I’ll keep this idol, thank you very much!

I just love Cinder. I cannot help it. Every time she does something cool with her mechanics or uses her cyborg resources to defeat the bad guys you can find me in the background crying and rooting for the girl who embodies everything I wish I could be.

Brave. Smart. Kind.

A leader.

“Soon, the whole world would be searching for her–Linh Cinder.
A deformed cyborg with a missing foot.
A Lunar with a stolen identity.
A mechanic with no one to run to, nowhere to go.
But they will be looking for a ghost.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cinder

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Alright let’s move on to Iko.

IF YOU DON’T LIKE IKO PLEASE REMOVE YOURSELF RIGHT NOW.

WHO CANNOT ADORE IKO?

SHE IS LITERALLY EVERY HARDCORE FANGIRL AT HEART!

“Prince Kai! Check my fan, I think I’m overheating.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cinder

I love Iko for many reaosns and the primary one being that she is literally a chip, but so much more. Her entire self is held withing a scrap of metal and yet she causes the biggest smiles to cross my face. She has a big heart (imaginary or not) She has the confidence of a runway model because she is F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S.

via giphy.com

For the most part she is a little android in this book, but she acts just like any other person would. She thinks, she feels and she fangirls. The three most common things to come to a human being. I honestly wish she was my best friend. She’s the kind of friend that would never leave you, always nag you but inevitably steal your heart and never let go!

“We all have our weaknesses.”
“I know,” said Iko. “Mine is shoes.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cinder

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*INITIATE IKO-LIKE SQUEALS*

KKKKKKKKAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“Steadying herself with both hands on the table, she managed an awkward bow….
‘Your Highness,’ she stammered, head lowered…
The prince flinched and cast a glance over his shoulder before hunching toward her. ‘Maybe, um…’ – he pulled his fingers across his lips – ‘on the Highness stuff?”
― Marissa Meyer, Cinder

*swoon after swoon after swoon*

My poor, precious, handsome emperor.

Kai clearly struggles tremendously in this entire series in the fact that he has so little power for someone who should have all the power. Being forced to marry and comply with a tyrant is not exactly easy, now is it? There is no denying the hardships that he faces in this book with his father dying, Lunar-tyrant rampaging and his thoughts about this mechanic that just won’t leave his brain!

But above everything, he is still sweet, generous, loyal and also very, very sassy!!!!!

“That you prefer to rule through fear rather than justice? So sorry, Your Majesty, I’m afraid I already knew that about you.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cinder

Just look at all that sass!

He’s just trying to protect his country guys. Give the boy some love.

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The. Ship.

via giphy.com

“He was the fantasy of every girl in the country. He was so far out of realm, her world, that she should have stopped thinking about him the second the door had closed. Should stop thinking about him immediately. Should never think about him again, except maybe as a client–and her prince.
And yet, the memory of his fingers against her skin refused to fade.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cinder

via giphy.com

*More squealing*

The. Ship. THE. SHIP.

I can’t even form words. They are just so darn cute together. KAIDER forever and ever. To infinity and beyond. I ship it so hard. SO. SO. Very. Hard.

From the moment they first met. Gosh. It was too cute. Even rereading it a second time I just couldn’t contain my smile while reading heir scenes! The just….ugh. So cute!

“Kai cleared his throat. Stood straighter. “I assume you are going to the ball?”
“I-I don’t know. I mean, no. No, I’m sorry, I’m not going to the ball.”
Kai drew back, confused. “Oh well… but… maybe you would change your mind? Because I am, you know.”
“The prince.”
“Not bragging,” he said quickly. “Just a fact.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cinder

Kai, you sly dog, you.

“Before she knew what she was doing, she was storming after Kai. She grabbed his elbow and spun him back around to face her. Without hesitating, Cinder wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.”
― Marissa Meyer, Cinder

*swoons/faints/squeals/doesallthethingsonedoeswhencompletelyobssesedwiththeship*

via giphy.com

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Now this book does not come without it’s sad moments. This is Cinderella’s story after all so you gotta have the oppressive adoptive family, plus Cinder is a cyborg a not-so favoured thing in the futuristic society she lives in!

So let’s take some time to address the sad bits.

Peony.

via giphy.com

Peony, sweet little Peony she is also the epitome of fangirl (along with Iko). My heart broke for her every step of the way and I totally forgot how early on in the book tragedy strikes her!

When Cinder goes to see her in her final moments, I can’t help but get so sad and heartbroken!!!!

Fangirl on, Peony. Fangirl on.

Now let’s take some time to hate on Pearl and Adri. Total witches and I hate them soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much. ARgh. Just thinking about them makes me stir with anger and sympathy for Cinder. In other words they were the epitome of evil step-mother and step-sister.

via giphy.com

Of course there is always some light at the end of the tunnel and we meet our lovely fairy-godmother!

Dr. Erland!

A very special snow-flake with lots and lots of secrets!

via giphy.com

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As for the actual story itself.

SUPERB. FANTASTIC. ABSOLUTELY STUNNING.

DEFINITELY MY FAVOURITE CINDERELLA RETELLING OF ALL TIME!

THE ENDING JUST GUTS ME LIKE A FISH.

CINDER’S FINAL WORDS ARE EVERYTHING.

I WILL DO NOTHING BUT SING PRAISES AND GLORIES ABOUT THIS BOOK!

This is after all a fangirling post!

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(I realize now that I went on a little pattern with the Sailor Moon gifs!)

So time for you to fangirl/boy with me! If you love Cinder or anything TLC related like/comment/spread the word! I am here for you! 

Do expect similar posts for Scarlet, Cress, Winter and all other additions to the Lunar universe!

If you haven’t read this yet, I will always recommend it! Such a fun, adventurous and perfect twist on my beloved classic!

Please commence your fangirling in 3…2…1!

Happy reading!

~ Rendz

Quinsey Wolfe’s Glass Vault Review

Greetings readers!

I am slowly making my way through my NetGalley reads! I’ll get to them all, you’ll see! I decided to pick this book up over another one of my NG reads because I found out that it was released last week, so I wanted to get to it soon.

This book was actually written by a local blogger Candace Robinson over @ Literary Dust. If you are interested in learning more about her books visit her blog.

via Goodreads

Goodreads Summary

Some see it… Some don’t…

People in the town of Deer Park, Texas are vanishing. There is a strange museum, known as Quinsey Wolfe’s Glass Vault, that appears overnight. Perrie Madeline’s best friend and ex-boyfriend are among the missing. Perrie, along with her friend August, go on a pursuit to search for them in the mysterious museum. Could the elusive Quinsey Wolfe’s Glass Vault have anything to do with their disappearances?

A book that intertwines horror elements and retellings, with humor and darkness

*I was provided a free copy via NetGalley*

Hmmmm where do I begin. Ah, I know.

Retellings.

Retellings. BUT with a twist. A DARK twist. A really dark twist. This book was sold to me with the promise of horrorish-retellings with a bit of humour and darkness. I got exactly that. I really enjoyed this novel quite a bit. Going in I didn’t know exactly what to expect other then well, retellings and horror. Now I am not a huge horror fan (since I am a wimp), but this novel did the horror aspect in a very gruesome yet Rendz-readable way.

Perrie, Maisie, August and Neven went on a grand adventure in this book. Not every turn of events was good, in fact they were all actually bad! These poor characters suffered a lot in this book and they never got a break. Perrie was a great main character, she was brave despite the situations she was put in. Maisie was the best character. So fun, loving and adventurous. Perhaps a little too adventurous so it led to a lot of trouble! Neven, although he is not very developed or present in the story, he played an important role in Perrie’s life and was the cause for many of her decisions. Then there is August. August, August, August…sweet and innocent August. Oh August!

I really liked the missing persons element to the story, it kept me on my toes. Who would go missing next, why would they go missing and where are they? It added to the spookier elements of the story as more “important” people went missing. Then there was the mysterious Glass Vault that was so elusive until the characters entered it and all the craziness began to occur. Along the way there were different clues that I picked up on, but did I infer the grand revelation at the end? NOPE! Nothing prepared me for the ending. It was awesome.

via giphy.com

Now, I’d like to think that the horror aspects of this novel were in terms of how gruesome it could be at times. There is a lot of blood spilled, many lives lost. It was not scary-scary but it was difficult to read sometimes. It’s one of those books where you can feel the pain some of the characters are going through! It was gruesome, but fun! I enjoyed it. *I am not a blood thirsty maniac*

My absolute favourite part (which I failed to mention at the beginning of my review 😉 ) is the retelling aspect. There are retellings of fairy tales, nursery rhymes and legends! The first three retellings are based off of stories that are actually deemed scary, but the last two I would have never seen that horror aspect in them. Specifically the fourth one. Damn, that was gruesome.

via giphy.com

Despite all the goodness there was some room for improvement. The writing style was not my favourite. Perrie, like used like in like every sentence, like it got, like annoying. It even got like, even worse when she like started using even and like together. I’m sorry, teenagers don’t always talk like that. They do, just not all the time. It was very repetitive and took away from my reading experience.

Also, I was not a fan of Perrie’s consistent flash backs and backstories. There were more important things happening in the moment that she should not have been focusing on the time when Maisie and her played in the garden or when she went to prom. There were more important things to think about!

Other than those few setbacks, I really enjoyed this novel. It was entertaining, spooky and mysterious. I absolutely ADORED the ending because it was a slap in the face and I kept thinking about it days after I had finished the novel. Candace, if you read this and you are ever willing to write me a sequel or tell me what happens after that ending. I am here!

Rating: 4 / 5 stars (After giving it an initial 3.75, I bumped it up because the ending people. The ending.)

Recommend: For those looking for a spooky, mysterious and fast read!

I know what you are all thinking “This is not how Rendz typically formats her reviews, what is up?”. I decided to give this format a try. It’s not my favourite way of writing reviews, but it’s not bad. However, I think my next review will be formatted like how I usually do!

I hope you all consider picking up Candice’s book. She is also running a Goodreads giveaway if you want to check that out here!

Happy reading!

~ Rendz