It's not every day that I read a book that destroys me so much that I go from laughing at the insanely dark humor to gasping to tearing up and then prIt's not every day that I read a book that destroys me so much that I go from laughing at the insanely dark humor to gasping to tearing up and then promptly calling up a friend to rant about the entire thing because I'm in such dire emotional distress, all within the span of 2 hours. But this book did all those things and more.
From a writer perspective, I'm obsessed with how Torrefranca pulled this off. My little reader heart, on the other hand, is absolutely crushed.
The shining point of this series is its characters. Don't get me wrong, the worldbuilding is unique enough without the usage of magic, and this book in particular highlights the Underground rebel group in a way that serves to build on the overarching stakes. But even more so, this new perspective this book offers—both in new POVs & settings—builds tension between the characters themselves. In a time of war, where violence is rampant, their relationships, loyalties, and values are put to the test in so many ways. The friendships & relationships they’ve forged in both the first book and the start of this one make the matter so much more complicated, especially when Yahshi & Vell find themselves on opposite sides of the war from their fellow Academy graduates.
This book also brought romance into the series—and some pretty tough situations to go with it. To what extent do you go to protect the person you love when your very livelihood, and all you’ve ever known, is on the line? Mel doesn’t just touch on this, but delves into the mixed emotions of a couple facing the costs of their romance. It added a layer of depth to a trope that’s somewhat overdone, and I appreciated that. The characters were never one-dimensional, but fully fleshed out beings with values and traumas of their own, and seeing yourself in every single one of them makes every scene hit all the more harder emotionally.
Overall, I went into this book with high expectations, and I was not disappointed. It’s one of those books that’s insanely complex and completely takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, diverting from anything you’d ever expect, but still manages to be deep and thought-provoking. Would recommend!
(Special thanks to Lost Island Press for a digital advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own)...more
Kara writes from a place of deep understanding of loss and pain, but also hope for the beauty that can be found in gentle, gradual healing. This was eKara writes from a place of deep understanding of loss and pain, but also hope for the beauty that can be found in gentle, gradual healing. This was evident in Dust and Shadow, but it's even more obvious in this book.
Despite knowing the general plot of Ignite, I hadn't expected how emotional the stakes were. In many ways, yes, it's about a phoenix girl discovering her capacity to bring warmth and healing into a frozen world, but in others, it's about a girl learning to occupy her own mind and fight the lies that have made her a prisoner of those she's always believed to be trustworthy.
There are so many threads interwoven into Mara's journey, written with complexity and grace in a way that can offer hope to those dealing with similar struggles. It's clear from the very first page that this is a message Kara means to convey, beyond simply a fast-paced and adventurous YA novel in an unfamiliar but intriguing world. And despite the fact that I didn't love the YA staples (like the sudden appearance of the male love interest, quick loyalty/attraction, and some more telling parts of the writing), I loved seeing those themes shine through so clearly.
And that ENDING. It gave me whiplash, but I'm invested. I can't wait to read the next one!
(Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review from the author/publisher. All thoughts are honest and 100% my own)...more
A thrilling, atmospheric adventure set in a rich, distinct world. While it was a bit difficult for me to get into the book—I technically started it baA thrilling, atmospheric adventure set in a rich, distinct world. While it was a bit difficult for me to get into the book—I technically started it back in October ...more
With a beautiful, heartfelt message, THE EDGE OF IN BETWEEN pains a picture of healing from great loss, of choosing hope from a place of deep pain.
ReWith a beautiful, heartfelt message, THE EDGE OF IN BETWEEN pains a picture of healing from great loss, of choosing hope from a place of deep pain.
Reading this story felt like meeting an old friend. Since this book borrows veins from THE SECRET GARDEN—one of my childhood favorites—the whole aesthetic was very nostalgic and gently beautiful to me. I love how the author was able to weave a heartfelt theme into this book without dumbing it down, making it a book readers of all ages can enjoy.
While there were a couple of discrepancies that jarred me, as a writer, out of the story—the pacing felt stilted at times, a few characters weren't extremely relatable, and some twists seemed a bit out of the blue, among others—the reader part of me was so happy with the aesthetic of this book and the lovely writing style.
In all, I'd recommend this book for readers looking to escape into a short, magical middle-grade read.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Special thanks to the author and publisher! ...more
Okay, confession time. I read this book purely because of the gorgeous cover.
(Not exactly true, though. I also read it because I love fairytale retelOkay, confession time. I read this book purely because of the gorgeous cover.
(Not exactly true, though. I also read it because I love fairytale retellings. Don't tell anyone, though. I'm supposed to be that girl who never touches fantasy with a 64-foot pole. ...more
First thoughts after finishing: WOW, was that good.
I launched fantasy month (for me, at least) with this read, and while I was skeptical, it turned First thoughts after finishing: WOW, was that good.
I launched fantasy month (for me, at least) with this read, and while I was skeptical, it turned out to be so beautiful. Guys, I think I literally just found a new favorite fantasy author. ...more
I was pleasantly surprised with HUSH in some ways and thoroughly confused in others.
Let me explain.
HUSH has an intriguing premise. It's half dystopiI was pleasantly surprised with HUSH in some ways and thoroughly confused in others.
Let me explain.
HUSH has an intriguing premise. It's half dystopian, half fantasy, with intriguing surrounding-manipulation powers and a unique plague from ink. The main character is strong without being unrealistically tough and her pursuit of the truth is quite admirable.
Knowing this to be published by a secular publishing company (Wednesday Books), I was expecting it to be filled with content that I, as a Christian, don't prefer. However, I found this book very clean—language, content, and romance-wise.
The author's writing style flows smoothly, pulling the reader in with her selective wordplay without being forced or confusing.
I also really liked how the author set up Mads and Shae's relationship ... how they both had feelings for each other, but they remained still friends (for the most part) and didn't want to move too quickly with their relationship. It's really clean, which is rare in most YAs, so I really appreciated this. :)
Now. For what I didn't like so much.
Maybe it's just me and my overall confusion with most fantasy novels, but this book seemed very ... confusing in terms of the magic system. It was never fully explained, and neither was the plague and its effects. So I would have loved to have more time spent explaining the magic system and the worldbuilding. Also, the world came across as a bit ... unoriginal in some aspects? Feel-wise, it seemed to be faintly reminiscent of Shannon Hale's THE GOOSE GIRL and Princess Academy books or Gail Carson Levine's ELLA ENCHANTED. So if you like those types of worlds, you'll probably like this book.
That was the biggest thing. Along with some of the characters doing a complete 360 and changing their ways, as well as reconciling their friendships at the end. The twists also weren't incredibly twisty and didn't seem to connect very well to me. Maybe that's just me, though, because after the middle mark or so I started to lose interest because of all the fantasy elements and quite possibly could've missed something.
But in all, I do want to say, this book held such potential and there were a lot of aspects that were well done. My rating is purely a preference thing, though. So if you like mysterious plagues, clean romance, and a twisty tale, this book is for you.
� � � �
RECOMMENDED TO: Ages 11+
CONTENT WARNINGS: A few not-described kisses, mild violence, potentially creepy scenes involving the MC finding a dead body
While the worldbuilding wasn't exactly unique or compelling, and the writing style was mediocre in my opinion, I really loved the author's way of weavWhile the worldbuilding wasn't exactly unique or compelling, and the writing style was mediocre in my opinion, I really loved the author's way of weaving a main character who's pretty much a complete opposite of the stereotypical "tough female MC" into this story. Hale does it in a beautiful and compelling way that made me root for Ani (despite being more of an Enna, personality-wise AND hair-color-wise).
So in all, if you enjoyed the fairytale of The Goose Girl, you'll probably enjoy this read. It's clean and the romance isn't overdone, which I really appreciated.
An intriguing historical fantasy read with a hint of mystery and memorable characters.
Personally, I wasn't as big a fan of the first 1/3 of the storyAn intriguing historical fantasy read with a hint of mystery and memorable characters.
Personally, I wasn't as big a fan of the first 1/3 of the story, but around the middle of it did things really start to happen. ;) The themes of friendship, courage, and the truth all shone beautifully in this novel, and while I didn't like it as much as THE DISAPPEARANCES, the author delivers yet again with her remarkable style and unique twist on stories.
THINGS I LOVED - The appearance of Hans Christian Andersen and references to THE SNOW QUEEN. - Characters whom you just can't quite figure out (like Helene ;)). - Relatable villains ... WHO ACTUALLY HAVE MOTIVES!! xD - Liljan and her love of gruesome trivia. - The amazing magical abilities that are unique to each character (am I the only person who thinks Brock having plant-growing powers considering he's so tough is ... kind of ironic, but also insanely cool!?) - The historical-y feel to it. - IVYYY ...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. While CORAL is definitely a lot to handle, especially with the mental-health-related topics it tackles, Sara Ella manaI thoroughly enjoyed this read. While CORAL is definitely a lot to handle, especially with the mental-health-related topics it tackles, Sara Ella manages to pull it off in a way that's genuine, heartfelt, and hopeful, with love for the characters and those dealing with the same mental illnesses.
As someone who regularly deals with anxiety and depression, I didn't feel that the portrayal of these sensitive topics was triggering or overly descriptive, because the author was very careful with using the darkness to portray the light.
However, as this book was more contemporary than fantasy, I would have liked to see a bit more of God in the picture, even a few subtle mentions. I didn't expect preaching, but I did feel like there was an overwhelming focus on appreciating those in your life and letting them guide you toward better days (reinforcing the aspect of "you are not alone"), but what about God Himself?
But in all, CORAL was very well done. The world needs more books like this.
(ALSO. I literally was THIS CLOSE to figuring out the twist a 1/4 of the way through the story and I couldn't be happier.)...more
I just finished it not too long ago, and I have no words.
(okay, apparently I do have words, from the looks of the review below XD)
This book Wow.
Wow.
I just finished it not too long ago, and I have no words.
(okay, apparently I do have words, from the looks of the review below XD)
This book is stunning. Written in simplistic prose, SOME KIND OF HAPPINESS is woven of the brokenness of the world and hope, glimmering like golden threads, shines through all the way to the end.
It didn’t make me cry, but goodness� I came very, very close. Especially near the end. Okay, okay, since I just read this, let me take the opportunity to fangirl over that ending. It was so timely to me and hit straight to my heart. I love how realistic it was—not everything ended up all right. And that was okay. It was perfect, actually.
There is so much brokenness in this book, portrayed in such an honest way. Lies, secrets, broken relationships, divorce, depression, anxiety, division—it’s all here. And poor Finley had to deal with it all. But in spite of it, she learns so much about herself. About others. About life.
And those interwoven bits from her stories were beautifully written. So whimsical without being too heavy, but also not sacrificing its mysteriousness.
The only thing I didn’t like was the use of God’s name in vain. It was really unnecessary and honestly annoying to me. But it was mainly done by younger characters, so yeah. :P
There’s not really much more I can say. This book is gorgeous. Even if you’re not a fan of middle-grade, you should read this book. I’m a YA author and this book is probably my favorite middle-grade read, so if I enjoyed it, you probably will too. ;)
~
EXPECTATION CHECK
- Foresty creatures � - Prose � - Understanding family members//forming close bonds � - Magic—kings and queens and forests (Maybe? There was magic in her stories, but not in real life :P) - This book MIGHT make me tear up? Maybe? ( Not yet, maybe when I give it a re-read ;) )...more
Despite the fact that this isn't my favorite book by Nadine Brandes—largely because my tiny brain refuses to comprehend the complexities of magical faDespite the fact that this isn't my favorite book by Nadine Brandes—largely because my tiny brain refuses to comprehend the complexities of magical fantasy—the fast pace, vivid worldbuilding, and cast of unique characters almost immediately pulled me in. Ultimately, I'm glad I stuck around to the end to witness the seeming chaos come together, resulting in a beautiful story arc of restoration and sacrifice. 3.5 stars.
Original pre-review:
A new book by Nadine Brandes? Sign me up. ;)...more
For one, I loved the cover. And trust me on this, guys, it's even MORE gorgeous in person. I may or may not have taI have mixed thoughts on this book.
For one, I loved the cover. And trust me on this, guys, it's even MORE gorgeous in person. I may or may not have taken a bunch of photoshoots trying to capture the sheer beauty of it. #noregrets
The story pulled me in from the very start, along with the enthralling beauty of Sara Ella's prose. I hurt and was confuzzled along with Eliyana. I sympathized with her self-doubt because of her face. The beginning set up a story—a story brimming with hope, self-acceptance, and confidence. At least, that's what I thought. And in some ways, it was the story I wanted. The story I needed.
But at the same time, as the story progressed, I just got more and more confused. Maybe it was just my night brain, but as hard as I tried to fit all the pieces together—it didn't click to me. Some parts I got, but the story seemed to speed up more and more and completely lost me along the ride. And the more I read, I found myself disliking Eliyana. And her love interests—she seemed to be simultaneously falling in love with both of them, and then unsure of herself, again and again. There was also some content I wasn't especially comfortable with—nothing inappropriate, but a bit suggestive. There was a bit too much romance for my taste. :P
As for the themes—there was a positive character arc, but it definitely wasn't what I expected. I felt like Eliyana brushed off the main thing that seemed to be such a big deal to her far too quickly.
However, even my confusion didn't stop me from enjoying the pretty prose and intriguing world. And that ending ... wow. Sara Ella is a really talented author in the way she spins mystery and intrigue into these pages. :)
Content warnings: Multiple kisses (one described), stabbing, blood, violence, mention of nude characters, suggestive content, mention of one character having multiple mistresses, mention of affairs, abuse ...more
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