Book: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

 

★★★½/★★★★★

“What could I become if I stopped worrying about death, about pain, about anything? If I stopped trying to belong? Instead of being afraid, I could become something to fear.”

I remember my first Holly Black book , The Darkest Part of the Forest, which I didn’t finish since I had a hard time getting into it, believe me I tried, and when I heard about her new book The Cruel Prince, I thought twice. But when I saw the cover and heard everyone raving over it, I knew I have to try again. So with a hope that I will fall in love with Holly Black’s writing this time, I decided to read it.
The book as a whole is compelling and with its beautiful cover, everyone would totally love it. With a promising plot line and faeries on the go, The Cruel Prince for me is a new world since I haven’t read many fantasy books like this one. It’s intriguing for me and this faerie world gave me a break from my usual YA read.
I actually don’t know how to write a review for this one. I’ve been trying but haven’t gotten anywhere. So, this time I’ll try harder.

“If you hurt me, I wouldn’t cry. I would hurt you back.”

First of all, I want to say that I did enjoy this book. There are strong characters though I can’t say I’m Jude’s biggest fan (or any of them). She’s headstrong but a bit annoying at times though I get where she’s coming from. She wants to be a faerie, more likely wants to prove those who belittles her that she can be better than them so she does everything to acquire power or position in Elfhame. Taryn, Jude’s twin sister, is a miss for me. I get her role in the book but she didn’t quite interest me. She’s a bit immature and I like Vivi more. Now, Cardan is a complex character for me. I didn’t get him and had a hard time figuring him out. I didn’t like him until the latter part of the book and that’s only because I finally understood why he’s such an ass. The others, Cardan’s friends, the other faeries and such, well, I think it’d be better if they were developed as well because I was confused as hell. I didn’t know which is which and that was hard given that I wasn’t familiar with them. The world building was okay, plot line was good, I enjoyed the twists and turns of events and I think the ending was the highlight for me.
Like I said, I haven’t read many books like this one and the idea of faerie world to me is quite exciting. I actually expected more from the world-building but I guess that’s all I’ll get.

“If I cannot be better than them, I will become so much worse.”

Overall it’s an okay read. I couldn’t get into it the first few pages and there were times I got bored but the middle part got me through it. For me, it’s not that world shattering or mind blowing like what others felt but it’s good enough that I want to read the next book. If anything, I think I’m more excited than what I want to admit since the ending left me wanting more. I want to see what happens next!

Book: The Witch Doesn’t Burn in this One by Amanda Lovelace

 

★★★★★/★★★★★

didn’t
you know
there
could be

shelves
upon
shelves
upon
shelves
of books

written
about
your
strength?

-as always, the women save themselves in this one

Amanda Lovelace has become my instant favorite the moment I read The Princess Saves Herself in this One and when I found out that there would be a second book to this beautiful poetry collection, I just knew I needed to read it! The first book made me feel all sort of feelings it being so powerful and honest and emotional that it went straight to my all time favorite books! I think I’m just such an emotional person that I feel everything the book wantede to feel even though I didn’t go through all those experiences myself.

Like the first book, the second book is divided into parts, each telling us different messages, some hurt, some encouraging and some just plain honest.

say it
with me
now:
“i am a woman
i am a human
& i matter with
no conditions
attached.
you may not
see my worth,
but i do.
i do.”
-dear women

Overall, I LOVED this book as much as the first! Highly recommended if you’re looking for a relatable and encouraging words, especially if you’re a woman.

Book: Worlds of You by Beau Taplin

★★★★★/★★★★★

My Demons

You deserve everything there is to give.
Breakfast in bed.
Diamonds on your doorstep.
Little notes hidden everywhere.
I want you to have all of my secrets
and all of my demons,
because you especially deserve
all the parts of me
I’m usually too afraid to share.

This. Is. Beautiful. This poetry collection by Beau Taplin will surely capture your heart from the very first page. It’s simply wonderful that I can not stop myself from reading. I knew right from the beginning that this will be a special book for me and I was right. Because until now I’m still in love with it. The words, the emotion and everything is perfect!

Fallback
My heart does not
have a fall back,
no plan B
or fail-safe,
it’s you
or no one else.

I’ve read several poetry books before but aside from The Princess Saves Herself In This One by Amanda Lovelace, this one is by far my favorite!! The book is divided into two sections, Heart and Spirit. The first part is all about matters of the heart, for when you’re in love, heartbroken, need encouraging or facing challenges. The latter is more on self-love, healing and understanding. Taplin’s words are inspiring and beautiful thay they all touched me! I loved it! I adore his work!

Overall, it’s highly recommended! Like, everyone should read this one!

Book: Frostblood (Frostblood Sage #1) by Elly Blake

 ★★★/★★★★★

“Those who can't control themselves will find themselves under the control of others.”

Well, it's not like I didn't enjoy this book but there are some things that didn't quite sit well with me. You may say there's nothing special about this book because you've read something like this before, I have, but there were surprisingly some elements that I did enjoy. The book itself felt unoriginal with all its Fire vs Ice and "the girl" saving the world tropes so in short, this book is your typical YA fantasy. 

The book tells the story of Ruby Otrera, a Fireblood living in a world of Frostbloods. She's probably the last of her kind since the Frost King orders the death of any Fireblood in their kingdom. When she is found by the soldiers, Ruby witnesses the death of her mother and village in their hands. She is then kept in prison for months until two hooded figures visit and offer her freedom. Soon, Ruby is training with Arcus and living in an abbey with the monks with a mission to kill the Frost King.

“Frostbloods are fully capable of feeling in every way. The danger is that those emotions, while powerful and deep, may be covered with a layer of ice that prevents the natural expression of them.”

I didn't instantly liked the characters but Ruby was a so-so. In the beginning she's weak, scarred and the typical heroine who questions the world why she's the chosen one. She doesn't make wise decisions and sometimes too stubborn for her own good. Arcus, I liked less especially when his character shifted from being all too mean to somehow bearable! I mean, one second he's mad at Ruby but the next he's all sweetheart. Argh! I loved the monks so I think there's that. The pacing was sloooow up until the middle of the book where everything started to get intense. There was actually a point when the whole book felt just like a long premise/introduction to the real book!

The world-building is okay since you already know what to expect. The romance, yes there is, felt forced. I think it would've been okay if there was none but there just have to be one! Then there's the division between the Firebloods and Frostbloods, with the former as dominant. Worlds with this kind of divisions always end up in war so we also know what to expect with this kind of trope. And like I said, I did like some things in this book. For starter, I liked the cover! And that counts. Another thing is the myth on how the Frostbloods and Firebloods were created, it wasn't new but I think that was interesting. There's also a bit of the twist I admit I didn't see coming. Aside from those, all the others we just okay for me.

Overall, Frostblood is an okay book. I'll probably read the next book at some point but not soon.

Book: Without Merit by Coolen Hoover

 ★★★★/★★★★★    

“Not every mistake deserves a consequence. Sometimes the only thing it deserves is forgiveness.”

So, I’ve probably said this a thousand times before that Colleen Hoover is a brilliant writer because yes, she is! I love all her books (even the ones I haven’t read, Lol) and now I can’t help but love her even more. Without Merit is my latest read from Hoover and I still can’t get over it until now. It’s one of the last books I finished last year.

Honestly, for me, it’s not Hoover’s best but it’s just as brilliant as her other books! There are relatable characters, exciting storyline and some unpredictable twists and turns. Also, I dove into the story without really reading the plot so I’d no idea what to expect but I trusted Hoover. Fortunately, Hoover never disappoints! I love every part of the book and yes, I’m in love with Sagan, as I am with Hoover’s other Male leads. Hahaha.

Without Merit deals with issues around a family who’s like any other. A family with divorced parents, sibling rivalries and a wicked step mom. It stars Merit Voss, a girl who feels left out because she doesn’t know a thing about her family, or rather she knows everything about the member of her family. There’s Barnaby Voss, her father who cheated on his wife with his wife’s nurse. Victoria Voss, her mother who never leaves the basement because she’s sick. Utah Voss, the older brother with a secret that hurt Merit. Then there’s Honor Voss, Merit’s exact opposite though they’re identical twins. The other Victoria, Victoria’s (the first) nurse, the one Barnaby cheated with. And of course, there’s Luck which I came to really love at first but ended up hating a lot! Sagan, well, he’s the only normal character in the story, I guess, and oh, the sweet innocent Moby too,, of course! Butspite having complicated characters, they are all well-developed and I love how the story unfolds. I can say I related much with the story and if anything, it gives us a good message: it’ll surprise you how much communicating with your family will strengthen your relationship with them!

“I like you enough to kiss you. Believe me. But I just wish you could like yourself as much as I like you.”

Merit and Sagan hit it off the first time they met and I’ll be honest, it was a bit predictable but I didn’t care. I love how the story went and every turn of the page was like “can’t you just get together now please?!” because I was rooting for them from the very first page. Anyway, I know I’m not really giving you an informative review but there’s only one thing you need to know about this book: it’s crazy but not far from the reality of some family out there.

Book: Making Faces by Amy Harmon

★★★★★/★★★★★

“Maybe everyone represents a piece of the puzzle. We all fit together to create this experience we call life. None of us can see the part we play or the way we see are just the tip of the iceberg. And maybe we just don't recognize the blessings that come as a result of terrible things.”

My first book of Amy Harmon surely left a mark on me. Making Faces is a beautifully written story of scarred people, both emotionally and physically, that will definitely melt your heart. It's such an emotional book with a brilliant storyline and characters you will surely love.

Making Faces tells the story of Fern Taylor, Ambrose Young and Bailey Sheen, three people who share their passion in wrestling. The lives of these three are connected in such a way they live to support, care and love each other. Fern is one of those characters you will immediately love. She's kind-hearted, loving and she cares so much for her cousin, Bailey, who has a muscular dystrophy. She doesn't see herself as pretty but plain and she has the biggest crush on the handsome Ambrose Young who doesn't see her. Ambrose is a wrestler in high school. It's his sport, the one thing he lives for. Same for Bailey who loves wrestling, but because of his disease he can't even lift his arm without Fern's help.

“I want to be a hero.” Bailey looked at Fern gravely, as if he was disclosing highly classified information. “I don't know what kind yet. Maybe like Hercules or Bruce Baumgartner. And if I can't be a hero like that, then maybe I could just save someone.”

My heart broke for Bailey everytime. He's a sweet guy, full of charms and his love for life made me want to hug him! He knew eventually he's going to die but that doesn't scare him, if anything it makes him want to live more, do more and enjoy everything to the fullest. He and Fern are so close they are practically brother and sister. He is also friends with Ambrose and the rest of the wrestling team since his father is their coach. He's watched every camp his father had with them and with it formed a dream of becoming a great wrestler like Ambrose.

As the story unfolds, we see how Ambrose decided to join the military together with his friends. Fern and Bailey continue to care for each other, left in their little town. Life continues until people in Fern's town receive a bad news. It's a tragedy that will stay in them for a long time.

I've cried a lot of times because of this book. It hurt and my heart ached for everyone. Honestly, I know what will happen next but it still broke my heart. It's deeply moving and it relays a beautiful message about beauty not only being physical. My first Amy Harmon book and I totally loved it!

“If God made all our faces, did he laugh when he made me?
Does he make the legs that cannot walk and eyes that cannot see?
Does he curl the hair upon my head 'til it rebels in wild defiance?
Does he close the ears of a deaf man to make him more reliant?
Is the way I look a coincidence or just a twist of fate?
If he made me this way, is it okay, to blame him for the things I hate?
For the flaws that seem to worsen every time I see a mirror,
For the ugliness I see in me, for the loathing and the fear.
Does he sculpt us for sure, for a reason I can't see?
If God makes all our faces, did he laugh when he made me?”

Overall, Making Faces is a highly recommended book! An emotional book with brilliant storyline and beautiful characters.

Book: A Stolen Kiss (Stolen Royals #1) by Kelsey Keating

 ★★★½ /★★★★★

Before she could protest, he leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers in a gentle caress. As he pulled away, he whispered here release. "Maria, I set you free."

What made me read A Stolen Kiss:
1. The cover. Who wouldn't fall for a cover like this? Really?
2. I always ALWAYS love fairy tales (and retelling)!
3. The reviews are mostly positive.
4. Magic.

It's the first book of the Stolen Royals series by Kelsey Keating and I had high expectations when I first started reading it. It's lighthearted and magical and it somehow reminded me of the series Once Upon A Time where they also retell the stories of fairy tales. The premise was good and it started out right but as the story continued, I found it quite juvenile and the pacing slow. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it and the characters were lovely but sometimes they were shallow and I didn't get enough emotion from them. That, being said, it was still a fun read filled with magic, likeable characters and an exciting adventure where they meet magical creatures and new friends. And the plot twists, oh, the plot twists!

It tells the story of Maria, Princess of Ophea, who was cursed by a sorceress named Gilda when she was young. Her curse: she turns into a swan by sun down (or so she says) and it somehow forbids her on saying yes to the proposal of her betrothed Prince Humphrey. Seeing it's a problem because Maria must marry Humphrey, Sarah, a lady's maid to Maria, suggests they seek help from Derric, her brother, who knows something about magic. Derric tells them that the only way to remove the curse is to find the sorceress who casted it and make her undo the curse. And so begin the lies, the friendship, the feelings and their adventure to find Gilda so Maria can marry Humphrey though they don't really love each other.

Stories with magic always appeal to me because I enjoy reading about spells, curses, flying carpets, invisible cloaks, enchanted forests, magical creatures and of course sorcerer/sorceress. Because how exciting are those?! Anyway, this book will entertain you if you love fairy tales like me.

"I can't be king. I can't rule for you. You can't keep hiding from your responsibilities. You're strong enough to be the queen of Ophea without any help."

"Then don't be king. Come back and just be mine." she hated how desperate she sounded, but she couldn't let him go.

*I received a copy of this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Book: The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

★★★/★★★★★

While it was gripping and intriguing, The Girl On The Train was complex and somehow depressing. I liked that it kept me on edge at first but at some point I just felt frustrated with everything that was happening.

I haven't read a lot of thrillers and as I've mentioned before, I prefer watching than reading them. But since there's been a fuss going around about this book, I gave it a go. 

The book is centered on the narration of three women; Rachel, Megan and Anna, their lives got intertwined when a murder occurred and Rachel just happened to decide she had to get herself involved because she thought she knew and saw something she wasn't quite sure about that might help the police solve the mystery around it.

Rachel is the girl on the train who likes to watch people especially Jess and Jason, the ideal couple she wishes she and her ex-husband could be. When the train stops at the same red signal everyday, she would just look outside the train window and she would see them, two happy couple having coffee on their terrace. She has this image of Jess and Jason inside her head, a perfect couple who love each other very much. Until one day when her train stops at the red signal and she sees Jess on their terrace with another man.

Megan is Jess. She's the woman Rachel sees on her terrace with her husband, Scott (Jason). She and Scott are not really the perfect couple Rachel thinks they are but they're not unhappy either. They are just normal couple who fight until it gets too much. Megan also has a dark past which she hasn't talked about with Scott.

Anna is Rachel's ex husband's new wife. She hates Rachel for bugging them and she hates that they live in the house her husband (Tom) used to live in with Rachel. 

 What I liked most about this book was the thrill of guessing who did it. While Rachel gave me blurry details from her blurry memories, I worked my mind and tried to weave everything she'd given me so far. And when I was almost sure of who my bet was, something else would happen that would completely point to another suspect. It was kinda infuriating but it was what kept me reading until the end.

As for the characters, honestly, I didn't like any of them and Rachel frustrated me so much. I knew she just wanted to help but the lying and drinking and the regrets, everything just made things more complicated. And while she wanted to make things right, her actions and decisions failed to support her. 

Overall, it was a good thriller with twisted plots and depressing characters. It was interesting enough to get my attention but I'm afraid I didn't like the ending. Argh. I love a good omg-I-didn't-see-that-coming feeling when reading the ending of a book but this one failed to give me that feeling. But still, it was engrossing and I think I would've given it a 4-star if only Rachel's character became less annoying and frustrating.

“I have lost control over everything, even the places in my head.”

Book: The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan

★★★★/★★★★★

Well, I’m pretty sure my life would’ve been different if I’d just read this when I was 12!

Percy Jackson is a bad-ass demigod, son of Poseidon. Of course, he doesn’t know this at first until monsters start terrorizing him. He then learns about his true identity when he arrives at Camp Half-Blood where his quests begin.

I really enjoyed the first book and I can’t believe I’m only reading the series now that I’m 23! Ugh! And I can’t believe I loved the movie.

“The real world is where the monsters are.”

Book: The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore

★★★★★/★★★★★

 Beautiful. Whimsical. Lovely. Magical.

There are so many words to describe this book but I think PERFECT is the best word to describe it.

Anna-Marie McLemore really did a good job with this book. I love love love it and I can say that it's one of my favorites now. There are so many things I loved about this book and let me start with the cover. Isn't it beautiful? Looking at it already made me fall in love and knowing Lace and Cluck ruined me even more. In a good way, of course. I mean, I ached when they did, I cried when they did, I flew when they did, and at some point I just wanted to tell both their families to back off so that they could live happily ever after! I also liked how it has a touch of both Spanish and French languages that I had to stop once in while thinking if I knew the words or not. Most times, I didn't. 

The magical realism in it, the Corbeaus growing feathers at the back of their hair and the Palomas with their scale-like birthmarks, didn't sink in to me at first but when I finally realized they're really there, I just had to love it even more. And the romance between Cluck and Lace, it was lovely and perfect. I liked that they needed to be sure first before they do something with each other. I liked how Cluck taught Lace how to climb a tree, always making sure to tell her that he got her and he'd never let her fall. I liked how Lace always pulled Cluck to the river even though he didn't like to swim. I liked how Cluck is beautiful and kind and how Lace is fierce and strong. I liked that even though their families are enemies, even though the Corbeaus fly and the Palomas swim, Cluck still taught Lace to fly and Lace taught Cluck to swim. I liked that they made each other's wings lighter by loving each other.

"She was there to pull Cluck to his feet and keep him there if he couldn't stand. To make sure none of the pieces of him got lost if he broke."

"Cluck had brought her so high she thought she could brush her fingers against the moon."