en-US Thu, 20 Jul 2023 23:13:20 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg 62820594


Written in prose and poetry, Anupama Raju’s remarkable debut novel takes readers on multiple journeys with the protagonist through time and the winding streets of the cities she is in thrall to. And as we journey with her we are given profound and memorable insights into love, pain, loss, regret, history, joy, hope, and possibility.]]> 246 Anupama Raju 9391047203 Kinjal 0 currently-reading 4.00
author: Anupama Raju
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/07/20
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 53642699 250 Brianna Wiest Kinjal 0 currently-reading 4.08 2020
author: Brianna Wiest
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/01/07
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 32620332
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ��80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story nears its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.]]> 389 Taylor Jenkins Reid 1501139231 Kinjal 0 4.39 2017
author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/01/03
shelves: bipoc, coming-of-age, gay, lgbtqa, queer, historical-fiction, 2023
review:

]]> 63525658 Sometimes even fire-breathing apex predators need a helping hand.

Whether it’s rescuing strays or feeding a furry friend in need, Bean knows animals deserve friendship just as much as humans. (Possibly more.) So when a troop of visiting soldiers plans to use a baby dragon as bait to kill its mother, Bean knows it's up to her to stop them.

But facing a squad of fighters and the mage leading them is bigger than Bean’s usual rescues. Good thing she has a squad of her own: her fierce and practical older sister Rae, and Niya, her middle sister with a secret magical talent up her sleeve. A totally mighty team - so long as her big sisters understand this is Bean’s mission, one she won't give up even if it's dangerous. Even if the plan goes wrong.

And if she actually frees the hatchling? Maybe her siblings will finally notice what Bean's been trying to show them for ages: their little sister isn't so little anymore.

This short story in the Dauntless Path world takes place between The Bone Knife (#1.5) and The Theft of Sunlight (Book 2), but can be read out of order, whenever makes your heart happy! ]]> 44 Intisar Khanani 1958051160 Kinjal 0 to-read 4.25 2023
author: Intisar Khanani
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/01/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 57951331 Fonda Lee returns to the world of the Green Bone Saga with a new standalone novella.

The rapidly changing city of Janloon is ruled by jade, the rare and ancient substance that enhances the abilities and status of the trained Green Bone warriors who run the island’s powerful clans.

Pulo Oritono is not one of those warriors. He’s simply an apprentice jade setter with dreams of securing clan patronage and establishing a successful business. His hopes are dashed, however, when a priceless jade weapon is stolen from the shop where he works.

Now, Pulo has three days to hunt down the thief, find the jade, and return it to its rightful owner if he wants to save his future prospects, the people he cares about, and his very life. The desperate mission will lead Pulo to old vendettas, vast corruption, and questions about everything and everyone he thought he knew.]]> 144 Fonda Lee 1645240622 Kinjal 5
I was SO looking forward to go back to Janloon. So when I got to know there was a short story set in same universe, I knew I wanted to just dive right into it. But things kept on happening and this book kept on getting pushed back. hey, adulting sucks big time okay?

The Jade setter of Janloon is a short story of Pulo Ori, an apprentice of the most renowned Jade setter of Janloon, about how he navigates when a very precious and one of it's kind custom Da Tanori moonblade goes missing from the shop. More than the suspense, it's the writing of Fonda Lee that keeps you moving through the story till you reach the very end.

It is commendable how well Fonda Lee writes raw scenes, be it human trafficking, violence, self harm, gore and murders. Yes, this book that is just some 100 pages long, has it ALL. And add a lot of emotional turmoils, the differences between common people and the green bones and the world that sees you beneath them because of the said prejudices. Praises for the author, simply Praises.

The best personally for me was,
(THESE ARE NO SPOILERS but in case you didn't read Author's stories and posts and how the book was promoted, maybe just stop reading from here? Thank you)

- I got to be in Janloon again. The same clan affairs but this time we see Janloon from the eyes of a neutral clan. And the police department, the lowest of all law enforcement since green bones handle their affair internally.

- KAUL HILO ( we see the trio, Hilo/ Maik/ Tar again and IN ACTION, yes, my heart did a lil dance there. Lol) but before you expect TOO much am gonna say, these are the days when they are just fists with bubbling wild energies and a whole lot of tantrums. And before you ask, yes, Duchesse did make a comeback.

- KAUL LAN ( did my heart somersaulted? And did it all over again? Yes)
It was so good to see Lan again too. Especially as a newly appointed Pillar when everyone still didn't know what to make of him. Seeing him in action, making important decisions but also trying to be wise and considerable, seeing the world beyond just bloodshed and clans, I think he won my heart all over again.

Overall, a very fulfilling short story, set in the world I know deep down my bones I won't survive a day in but still love it too ardently to miss it so much already.]]> 4.27 2022
author: Fonda Lee
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/08/24
shelves: bipoc, asia, found-family, poc, standalone, asian-countries, novella, fiction, urban-fantasy, short-stories
review:
And once again Fonda Lee made my heart burst with emotions I didn't know I was capable of feeling within a span of an hour and a half!

I was SO looking forward to go back to Janloon. So when I got to know there was a short story set in same universe, I knew I wanted to just dive right into it. But things kept on happening and this book kept on getting pushed back. hey, adulting sucks big time okay?

The Jade setter of Janloon is a short story of Pulo Ori, an apprentice of the most renowned Jade setter of Janloon, about how he navigates when a very precious and one of it's kind custom Da Tanori moonblade goes missing from the shop. More than the suspense, it's the writing of Fonda Lee that keeps you moving through the story till you reach the very end.

It is commendable how well Fonda Lee writes raw scenes, be it human trafficking, violence, self harm, gore and murders. Yes, this book that is just some 100 pages long, has it ALL. And add a lot of emotional turmoils, the differences between common people and the green bones and the world that sees you beneath them because of the said prejudices. Praises for the author, simply Praises.

The best personally for me was,
(THESE ARE NO SPOILERS but in case you didn't read Author's stories and posts and how the book was promoted, maybe just stop reading from here? Thank you)

- I got to be in Janloon again. The same clan affairs but this time we see Janloon from the eyes of a neutral clan. And the police department, the lowest of all law enforcement since green bones handle their affair internally.

- KAUL HILO ( we see the trio, Hilo/ Maik/ Tar again and IN ACTION, yes, my heart did a lil dance there. Lol) but before you expect TOO much am gonna say, these are the days when they are just fists with bubbling wild energies and a whole lot of tantrums. And before you ask, yes, Duchesse did make a comeback.

- KAUL LAN ( did my heart somersaulted? And did it all over again? Yes)
It was so good to see Lan again too. Especially as a newly appointed Pillar when everyone still didn't know what to make of him. Seeing him in action, making important decisions but also trying to be wise and considerable, seeing the world beyond just bloodshed and clans, I think he won my heart all over again.

Overall, a very fulfilling short story, set in the world I know deep down my bones I won't survive a day in but still love it too ardently to miss it so much already.
]]> 61793852
Exactly why Winter cannot fathom how he failed to see how he could go from walking shoulder to shoulder with his best friend �� scratch that, his ex-best friend �� on the busy streets of Seoul while playfully burlesquing their mentor to running away from said best friend in the span of a single day. Or, how on the same day, he ended up moving in with three other kids who were as confused as him in a dorm that was whipped out by the mentor he had just burlesqued.

Fast forward two years and Winter has made countless decisions in the span of it, some good and some equally bad. Bad being: completely erasing Liu Xuejun, his ex-best friend and everything that had to do with him from his life.

So when Xuejun, now a rising star, slips back into his messy life from the shadows of busking crowds and in old sauna rooms, Winter has no choice but to go with the slippery flow. Even when his own debut is right around the corner. Even when his heart beats the wrong way for Xuejun every single time. Even when he knows none of this is a good idea.

Listen, dreams are tricky things. But you know what, so are friendships.]]> 283 Mistalee Kinjal 5
Winter dreams of being a K-pop idol, infact wishes, wishes some more, grinds his ass, fails some tests, spends some sleepless nights, tolerates a living statue for a mentor all while keeping certain fallen out friendship and grudges enclosed in the pits of his heart for last two years. So when his debut is right around the corner and his ex best friend shows up back in his life, Winter is baffled and wants to run away again. But running away is not an option this time.

The time we get to spend inside Winter's head and his dilemma over his early 'joined at the hips' memories with Xuejun and the two years of radio silence he chose for himself, is handled remarkably well. Nowhere throughout the story you feel it was too overwhelming for a seventeen year old. The hurt was evident on both sides and the way they react to it and navigate as the story progresses was quite incredible. There's a child's innocence, sure but also a teen's impatience and frustration while trying to understand the world with a different lens, attached to their interactions, making the story full of feels.


[ JunJun ]: I don't know.
�� sent 2:47 AM

[ JunJun ]: You can't just describe things like that, Winter.
�� sent 3:28 AM

[ JunJun ]: I guess . . . heartbroken in a way
that didn't make sense.
�� sent 4:34 AM

[ JunJun ]: In a way that you were all I
thought about for the last two years.
�� sent 5:20 AM

In addition to Winter- Jun bond, I personally enjoyed the friendship of aXle members and their daily struggles, keeping up with school and practices and the uncertainty with their career choices while working for their debute, too much. Look they are teens doing teen stuff. Naeun remains one of my most favourite side characters besides ofcourse the living statue of a mentor aka Park Tae Joo nim! It would have been incredible if the author had added an extra chapter from his point of view? No? Just me wishing for it, fine.

P.S. I loved the tid and bits I got to learn about K-pop culture too. Infact, this is my first kpop based book. But the story is too moving, with so much emotional depths added to it that it is physically not possible to stop reading it. In my opinion, you'll breeze through it quite literally but feel all the feels too.

P.P.S- thanks a ton to the author for sending me an ebook in exchange for an honest review.]]> 4.78 2022
author: Mistalee
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.78
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/08/23
shelves: lgbtqa, m-m, gay, found-family, friends-to-lovers, asian-countries, k-pop, korean-books, poc, contemporary, coming-of-age, teenage-lovestory
review:
Me reading rom-coms is quite a rare sight. Rarer yet to see me RAVE about one. But have you ever been entrapped in a feeling of needing a comfort but an emotional read that will break your heart but also soothe your soul? Stardom for dummies made me feel exactly that. (Edit- it's not exactly a rom-com but more of a coming of age contemporary story of a 17 year old.)

Winter dreams of being a K-pop idol, infact wishes, wishes some more, grinds his ass, fails some tests, spends some sleepless nights, tolerates a living statue for a mentor all while keeping certain fallen out friendship and grudges enclosed in the pits of his heart for last two years. So when his debut is right around the corner and his ex best friend shows up back in his life, Winter is baffled and wants to run away again. But running away is not an option this time.

The time we get to spend inside Winter's head and his dilemma over his early 'joined at the hips' memories with Xuejun and the two years of radio silence he chose for himself, is handled remarkably well. Nowhere throughout the story you feel it was too overwhelming for a seventeen year old. The hurt was evident on both sides and the way they react to it and navigate as the story progresses was quite incredible. There's a child's innocence, sure but also a teen's impatience and frustration while trying to understand the world with a different lens, attached to their interactions, making the story full of feels.


[ JunJun ]: I don't know.
�� sent 2:47 AM

[ JunJun ]: You can't just describe things like that, Winter.
�� sent 3:28 AM

[ JunJun ]: I guess . . . heartbroken in a way
that didn't make sense.
�� sent 4:34 AM

[ JunJun ]: In a way that you were all I
thought about for the last two years.
�� sent 5:20 AM

In addition to Winter- Jun bond, I personally enjoyed the friendship of aXle members and their daily struggles, keeping up with school and practices and the uncertainty with their career choices while working for their debute, too much. Look they are teens doing teen stuff. Naeun remains one of my most favourite side characters besides ofcourse the living statue of a mentor aka Park Tae Joo nim! It would have been incredible if the author had added an extra chapter from his point of view? No? Just me wishing for it, fine.

P.S. I loved the tid and bits I got to learn about K-pop culture too. Infact, this is my first kpop based book. But the story is too moving, with so much emotional depths added to it that it is physically not possible to stop reading it. In my opinion, you'll breeze through it quite literally but feel all the feels too.

P.P.S- thanks a ton to the author for sending me an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
]]> 54017820 Once upon a time, there was a horrible girl...

Vanja Schmidt knows that no gift is freely given, not even a mother’s love―and she’s on the hook for one hell of a debt. Vanja, the adopted goddaughter of Death and Fortune, was Princess Gisele's dutiful servant up until a year ago. That was when Vanja’s otherworldly mothers demanded a terrible price for their care, and Vanja decided to steal her future back�� by stealing Gisele’s life for herself.

The real Gisele is left a penniless nobody while Vanja uses an enchanted string of pearls to take her place. Now, Vanja leads a lonely but lucrative double life as princess and jewel thief, charming nobility while emptying their coffers to fund her great escape. Then, one heist away from freedom, Vanja crosses the wrong god and is cursed to an untimely end: turning into jewels, stone by stone, for her greed.

Vanja has just two weeks to figure out how to break her curse and make her getaway. And with a feral guardian half-god, Gisele’s sinister fiancé, and an overeager junior detective on Vanja’s tail, she’ll have to pull the biggest grift yet to save her own life.]]> 512 Margaret Owen 1250191904 Kinjal 0 4.24 2021
author: Margaret Owen
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at: 2022/08/23
date added: 2022/08/23
shelves:
review:

]]> 58724801 Hannah Brooks looks more like a kindergarten teacher than somebody who could kill you with her bare hands. But the truth is, she's an elite bodyguard and she's just been hired to protect a superstar actor from his stalker.

Jack Stapleton's a Hollywood heartthrob - captured by paparazzi on beaches the world over, rising out of the waves in clingy board shorts and glistening like a Roman deity.

When Jack's mom gets sick, he comes home to the family's Texas ranch to help out. Only one catch: He doesn't want his family to know about his stalker. Or the bodyguard thing. And so Hannah - against her will and her better judgment - finds herself pretending to be Jack's girlfriend as a cover.

Protecting Jack should be easy. But protecting her own heart? That's the hardest thing she's ever done...]]> 302 Katherine Center 1250219396 Kinjal 0 to-read 3.94 2022
author: Katherine Center
name: Kinjal
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/08/23
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 61131639 I've been cursed, betrayed, and sold into slavery �� but the truth I carry can't be allowed to die.

Only Rae knows the extent of the corruption at the heart of the kingdom of Menaiya, from the noble lord who betrayed her, to the Circle of Mages whose wards protect the slavers from discovery. Injured and imprisoned on a slave ship, Rae's options are quickly running out. When a desperate escape attempt goes terribly wrong, she finds herself indebted to a terrifying Fae sorceress.

Now Rae will not rest until she has rescued her fellow prisoners and freed her land from the darkness that has taken hold. To succeed, she'll need every ally she can find—including Bren, the thief who may have stolen her heart. But Bren is hiding his own bloody secrets, and the curses that encircle Rae have sunk their claws into her mind. With her debts coming due and time running short, all the truths in the world may not be enough to save her kingdom, or herself.

A Kirkus Reviews pick for Best Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year (2022). ]]> 486 Intisar Khanani 1952667801 Kinjal 2 4.51 2022
author: Intisar Khanani
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.51
book published: 2022
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2022/07/16
shelves:
review:

]]> 56978100
Many believe that Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the village—and the beloved of Mina’s older brother Joon—may be the legendary true bride. But on the night Cheong is to be sacrificed, Joon follows Cheong out to sea, even knowing that to interfere is a death sentence. To save her brother, Mina throws herself into the water in Cheong’s stead.

Swept away to the Spirit Realm, a magical city of lesser gods and mythical beasts, Mina seeks out the Sea God, only to find him caught in an enchanted sleep. With the help of a mysterious young man named Shin—as well as a motley crew of demons, gods and spirits—Mina sets out to wake the Sea God and bring an end to the killer storms once and for all.

But she doesn’t have much time: A human cannot live long in the land of the spirits. And there are those who would do anything to keep the Sea God from waking…]]> 325 Axie Oh 1250780861 Kinjal 4
- FIERCELY loveable female protagonist who believes in the strength of stories.
- the Spirited away vibes fused with Korean mythology, giving us the perfect whimsy atmosphere and the lively world building.
- unparalleled Family love and bonding.
- stirring romance and delightful friendships.
- and dragons & Imugi!

P.S. i loved Mina's love for her brother, but more than that I love her bond with her grandma the most. It was surreal!]]> 4.10 2022
author: Axie Oh
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/04/28
shelves:
review:
5 reasons to Love the book!

- FIERCELY loveable female protagonist who believes in the strength of stories.
- the Spirited away vibes fused with Korean mythology, giving us the perfect whimsy atmosphere and the lively world building.
- unparalleled Family love and bonding.
- stirring romance and delightful friendships.
- and dragons & Imugi!

P.S. i loved Mina's love for her brother, but more than that I love her bond with her grandma the most. It was surreal!
]]> 50520939
Enter the latest round of six: Libby Rhodes and Nico de Varona, unwilling halves of an unfathomable whole, who exert uncanny control over every element of physicality. Reina Mori, a naturalist, who can intuit the language of life itself. Parisa Kamali, a telepath who can traverse the depths of the subconscious, navigating worlds inside the human mind. Callum Nova, an empath easily mistaken for a manipulative illusionist, who can influence the intimate workings of a person’s inner self. Finally, there is Tristan Caine, who can see through illusions to a new structure of reality—an ability so rare that neither he nor his peers can fully grasp its implications.

When the candidates are recruited by the mysterious Atlas Blakely, they are told they will have one year to qualify for initiation, during which time they will be permitted preliminary access to the Society’s archives and judged based on their contributions to various subjects of impossibility: time and space, luck and thought, life and death. Five, they are told, will be initiated. One will be eliminated. The six potential initiates will fight to survive the next year of their lives, and if they can prove themselves to be the best among their rivals, most of them will.

Most of them.]]> 376 Olivie Blake Kinjal 0 to-read 3.56 2020
author: Olivie Blake
name: Kinjal
average rating: 3.56
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/04/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 43834489
Turns out they have a good reason for that. My guild is strictly hellion-free, because who wants to risk life and limb to control the biggest bullies on the mythic playground?

Well, some people do, and now a demon has been loosed in the city. My three best friends are determined to slay it, but even badass combat mages are critically out-magicked. And that's not all. The monster they're tracking—it's not hiding. It's not fleeing. It's not leaving a trail of corpses everywhere it goes.

The demon is hunting too. And in a city full of mythics, it's searching for deadlier prey.

If we can’t unravel the demon’s sinister motivations, more innocent people will die, but finding the answers means digging into dark secrets �� and learning truths I never wanted to know.]]> 314 Annette Marie 1988153298 Kinjal 4 4.33 2019
author: Annette Marie
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/04/16
shelves:
review:

]]> 42759245 guild. Yeah, the magic kind.

I'm not a badass mage like my three smokin' hot best friends. I'm not a sorcerer or an alchemist, or even a wussy witch. I'm just a human, slinging drinks like a pro and keeping my non-magical nose out of mythic business. Seriously, I know my limits.

So why am I currently standing in a black-magic ritual circle across from a fae lord?

Somewhere behind me, my three mage friends are battling for their lives. Somewhere near my feet is the rogue witch I just knocked out with a stolen spell. And I have about five seconds to convince this very angry sea god not to shmoosh me like a bug.

I'm pretty sure this wasn't part of the job description.]]> 281 Annette Marie Kinjal 3 4.35 2019
author: Annette Marie
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/04/16
shelves:
review:

]]> 41741286 daring him to abduct me, I had to wonder exactly how I ended up here.

It all started when I accidentally landed a job as a bartender--but not at a bar. At a guild, populated by mages, sorcerers, alchemists, witches, and psychics. Good thing this lame-o human is adaptable, right?

Then my favorite guild members--three sexy, powerful, and intermittently charming mages--asked for my help. Did they want access to my encyclopedic knowledge of cocktails? Oh no. They wanted to wrap me up in a pretty ribbon and plunk me in the crosshairs of a murderous rogue to lure him out of hiding.

So that's what we did. And that's why I'm here. About to be kidnapped. Oh, and our grand plan for safely capturing said murderous rogue? Yeah, that completely fell apart about two minutes ago.

Why did I agree to this again?

--
Note: The three mages are definitely sexy, but this series isn't a reverse harem. It's 100% fun, sassy, fast-paced urban fantasy.

--
THE GUILD CODEX: SPELLBOUND
Three Mages and a Margarita (#1)
Dark Arts and a Daiquiri (#2)
Two Witches and a Whiskey (#3)]]> 308 Annette Marie Kinjal 3 4.30 2018
author: Annette Marie
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/04/16
shelves:
review:

]]> 39676313
It went downhill the moment they asked me to do a trial shift instead of an interview - to see if I'd mesh with their "special" clientele. I think that part went great. Their customers were complete dickheads, and I was an asshole right back. That's the definition of fitting in, right?

I expected to get thrown out on my ass. Instead, they...offered me the job?

It turns out this place isn't a bar. It's a guild. And the three cocky guys I drenched with a margarita during my trial? Yeah, they were mages. Either I'm exactly the kind of takes-no-sh*t bartender this guild needs, or there's a good reason no one else wants to work here.

So what's a broke girl to do? Take the job, of course - with a pay raise.]]> 312 Annette Marie 1988153220 Kinjal 3 4.04 2018
author: Annette Marie
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/04/16
shelves:
review:

]]> 43543690
Delve into the three mages' pasts in this exclusive Guild Codex short story, available as a free download for subscribers of the author's newsletter.]]> 26 NOT A BOOK Kinjal 4 to-read 4.20 2019
author: NOT A BOOK
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/04/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 43900448
But when a beautiful thief crashes his security gig, claiming she's trying to protect the valuable artifact he's guarding, all his careful plans go up in flames. He doesn't believe a word she says—until the item is stolen right out from under them.

Recovering the artifact before the real thief can unleash its ancient magic requires insider knowledge—information the mysterious trespasser possesses. Teaming up with a stranger isn't Kai's idea of smart, but he'll need all the help he can get to take on a notorious rogue and arcane power from the time of the gods.

Originally published in the limited-time charity anthology, Love Potion.]]> 103 Annette Marie Kinjal 3 to-read 3.96 2019
author: Annette Marie
name: Kinjal
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/04/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 57789637
“Epic, romantic, and enthralling from start to finish.”—Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series

“An all-consuming work of literary fantasy that is breathtaking both for its beauty and its suspense."—BookPage, starred review

A captivating and romantic debut epic fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.

Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.

Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor’s son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince.

To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess begins an enchanting duology which weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic, of loss and sacrifice—where love vies with honor, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant.]]> 503 Sue Lynn Tan 0063031302 Kinjal 3
The moment I saw the blurb of the book, I knew I had to pick it up. With this gorgeous cover art and Chinese mythology and folklores twisted into a new perspective, I was, ofcourse going to join the bandwagon.

Sadly, it didn't work for me. It had all the elements that makes a book 'top-read' for me but still it fell flat in more than one aspect, more than once.

The pacing is SO uneven. At one point you are literally living the mundane life with daughter of the moon goddess, Xingyin and just next you take a leap of years, change decisions, change paths and you're fighting demons. This happens throughout the book. While the world is soooo beautiful and the aesthetics are *chef's kiss* marvelous, I wish the narrative was equally looked into.

My next biggest issue with the book is- CHARACTERS.
Single POV hurts me for real in such books, because it limits the story to only one character and their development and perception, in general. But here, even with just one POV, i.e. Xingyin's, her character remains thoroughly one dimensional. It's commendable how she held herself high with honor and respect, in every situation, but I would have cherished her more had she been little bit more realistic? I couldn't understand her rapid change of decisions at all. It wasn't as if she was in some grave danger where decisions could be a matter of life or death. She just leaves one thing as soon as the door for another pops open. No logical explanation except Xingyin FEELS the previous one doesn't serve the purpose and the new way is the only way out.

I liked Liwei in the beginning then lost interest somewhere in between but he gains it back in the last third of the book. And I would choose him over Xingyin as my fav character from the book.

Wenzhi was a pure cliche for me. From the beginning to the end. Period.

Romance was way too much for me. I didn't understand Xingyin's dilemmas and the fickle emotional turmoils. The love triangle was really unnecessary. And frankly speaking, I would have appreciated it far more, had she been a best friend to both of them, instead of being a love interest.

Overall, though it seemed promising, it felt amateurish to me.

P.S. altough it's gonna have a sequel, it can be read as a standalone. The book doesn't end on a cliffhanger.]]> 4.08 2022
author: Sue Lynn Tan
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/01/30
shelves:
review:
Actual ratings 2.75.

The moment I saw the blurb of the book, I knew I had to pick it up. With this gorgeous cover art and Chinese mythology and folklores twisted into a new perspective, I was, ofcourse going to join the bandwagon.

Sadly, it didn't work for me. It had all the elements that makes a book 'top-read' for me but still it fell flat in more than one aspect, more than once.

The pacing is SO uneven. At one point you are literally living the mundane life with daughter of the moon goddess, Xingyin and just next you take a leap of years, change decisions, change paths and you're fighting demons. This happens throughout the book. While the world is soooo beautiful and the aesthetics are *chef's kiss* marvelous, I wish the narrative was equally looked into.

My next biggest issue with the book is- CHARACTERS.
Single POV hurts me for real in such books, because it limits the story to only one character and their development and perception, in general. But here, even with just one POV, i.e. Xingyin's, her character remains thoroughly one dimensional. It's commendable how she held herself high with honor and respect, in every situation, but I would have cherished her more had she been little bit more realistic? I couldn't understand her rapid change of decisions at all. It wasn't as if she was in some grave danger where decisions could be a matter of life or death. She just leaves one thing as soon as the door for another pops open. No logical explanation except Xingyin FEELS the previous one doesn't serve the purpose and the new way is the only way out.

I liked Liwei in the beginning then lost interest somewhere in between but he gains it back in the last third of the book. And I would choose him over Xingyin as my fav character from the book.

Wenzhi was a pure cliche for me. From the beginning to the end. Period.

Romance was way too much for me. I didn't understand Xingyin's dilemmas and the fickle emotional turmoils. The love triangle was really unnecessary. And frankly speaking, I would have appreciated it far more, had she been a best friend to both of them, instead of being a love interest.

Overall, though it seemed promising, it felt amateurish to me.

P.S. altough it's gonna have a sequel, it can be read as a standalone. The book doesn't end on a cliffhanger.
]]> 52459864
When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a concubine-pilot, it's to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister's death. But she gets her vengeance in a way nobody expected—she kills him through the psychic link between pilots and emerges from the cockpit unscathed. She is labeled an Iron Widow, a much-feared and much-silenced kind of female pilot who can sacrifice boys to power up Chrysalises instead.��

To tame her unnerving yet invaluable mental strength, she is paired up with Li Shimin, the strongest and most controversial male pilot in Huaxia��. But now that Zetian has had a taste of power, she will not cower so easily. She will miss no opportunity to leverage their combined might and infamy to survive attempt after attempt on her life, until she can figure out exactly why the pilot system works in its misogynist way—and stop more girls from being sacrificed.]]> 394 Xiran Jay Zhao 0735269939 Kinjal 0 to-read 4.03 2021
author: Xiran Jay Zhao
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/01/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 25558608
Laia is determined to break into Kauf—the Empire’s most secure and dangerous prison—to save her brother, who is the key to the Scholars�� survival. And Elias is determined to help Laia succeed, even if it means giving up his last chance at freedom.

But dark forces, human and otherworldly, work against Laia and Elias. The pair must fight every step of the way to outsmart their enemies: the bloodthirsty Emperor Marcus, the merciless Commandant, the sadistic Warden of Kauf, and, most heartbreaking of all, Helene—Elias’s former friend and the Empire’s newest Blood Shrike.

Bound to Marcus’s will, Helene faces a torturous mission of her own—one that might destroy her: find the traitor Elias Veturius and the Scholar slave who helped him escape…and kill them both.]]> 452 Sabaa Tahir Kinjal 0 4.23 2016
author: Sabaa Tahir
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at: 2022/01/23
date added: 2022/01/23
shelves:
review:

]]> 32768520
But when adventure comes for Amani, it is not what she expects: she is kidnapped by the regime and taken in secret to the royal palace, where she discovers that she is nearly identical to the cruel half-Vathek Princess Maram. The princess is so hated by her conquered people that she requires a body double, someone to appear in public as Maram, ready to die in her place.

As Amani is forced into her new role, she can’t help but enjoy the palace’s beauty—and her time with the princess�� fiancé, Idris. But the glitter of the royal court belies a world of violence and fear. If Amani ever wishes to see her family again, she must play the princess to perfection...because one wrong move could lead to her death.]]> 320 Somaiya Daud 1250126428 Kinjal 4
Daud beautifully weaves the tale with just right amount of magic and rich myths borrowed from Northwest African mythology and folklores, taking us on an enchanted journey through Andalan and it's two moon. Altough, major chunk of the story takes place inside the palace, author doesn't shy away from giving us visuals of the lush architecture and landscapes through her vivid descriptions. Besides, it also taps onto the topics of injustice, colonialism, cultural erasure, physical abuse and some more, drawing the similarities with our world.

Amani is one of the MC i would forever be in love with, simply for how she holds herself high even in the face of adversity. Even with her life at stake, her defiance to High Vath and Maram's cruelties, is something that made me love her instantly.

Not only that, she even went ahead and risk some more, with keeping her FAITH alive. Her belief in her religion and the sentiments attached to certain practices, now banned or labelled barbaric by Vatheks, makes me respect her soooo much!

HAPPINESS IS A REBELLION.

While the story unfurls from Amani's PoV, we get enough to understand Maram too. The complexity of Maram's character and how Amani deals with her moods were one of my fav parts. I love their relationship go from master- servant to reluctant allies to sisters. Special mention of Furat and Tala cause I really love them too much to let them go unmentioned.

Coming to the romance, I zoned out. It was super insta lovey for my liking but I would surely overlook this small flaw over the delicious writing and the marvelous story!


P.S. one more reason to love Amani, she loves and recites POEMS!! (How romantic, I know)]]> 3.73 2018
author: Somaiya Daud
name: Kinjal
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/01/23
shelves: ownvoice, african, new-adult, lgbtqa, queer, fantasy, poc, scifi, science-fiction
review:
Mirage is a story of a Cadiz girl, Amani whose life turns upside down when she is pulled from her village to serve as a body double for the much hated half Kushaila- half Vathek princess, Maram because they share the SAME FACE!

Daud beautifully weaves the tale with just right amount of magic and rich myths borrowed from Northwest African mythology and folklores, taking us on an enchanted journey through Andalan and it's two moon. Altough, major chunk of the story takes place inside the palace, author doesn't shy away from giving us visuals of the lush architecture and landscapes through her vivid descriptions. Besides, it also taps onto the topics of injustice, colonialism, cultural erasure, physical abuse and some more, drawing the similarities with our world.

Amani is one of the MC i would forever be in love with, simply for how she holds herself high even in the face of adversity. Even with her life at stake, her defiance to High Vath and Maram's cruelties, is something that made me love her instantly.

Not only that, she even went ahead and risk some more, with keeping her FAITH alive. Her belief in her religion and the sentiments attached to certain practices, now banned or labelled barbaric by Vatheks, makes me respect her soooo much!

HAPPINESS IS A REBELLION.

While the story unfurls from Amani's PoV, we get enough to understand Maram too. The complexity of Maram's character and how Amani deals with her moods were one of my fav parts. I love their relationship go from master- servant to reluctant allies to sisters. Special mention of Furat and Tala cause I really love them too much to let them go unmentioned.

Coming to the romance, I zoned out. It was super insta lovey for my liking but I would surely overlook this small flaw over the delicious writing and the marvelous story!


P.S. one more reason to love Amani, she loves and recites POEMS!! (How romantic, I know)
]]> 45166076
A bandit walks into a coffeehouse, and it all goes downhill from there. Guet Imm, a young votary of the Order of the Pure Moon, joins up with an eclectic group of thieves (whether they like it or not) in order to protect a sacred object, and finds herself in a far more complicated situation than she could have ever imagined.]]> 176 Zen Cho 1250269245 Kinjal 4
I know am not the first to scream this for this novella, but trust me how does one leave a story when one knows it could have delivered more?

The story of Pure Moon focuses on Guet Imm, a votary, who lost her job when a fight broke at the coffee house she worked in. She then finds the bandits responsible for half of the fight and joins them. Altough we get strong past and much air around Tet Sang as well, it's Guet Imm who in my opinion was the heart of the story somehow.

It's a light and heartfelt wuxia with a queer touch. ( Wuxia- genre of Chinese fiction or cinema featuring itinerant warriors of ancient China, often depicted as capable of superhuman feats of artial arts) but trust me the story is far more about spirituality and identity, and found family. The sweet banter and sheer aesthetics of the world, altough everything, the fight, the era and everything else remains vague, made me like the book even more.

I highly recommend it if you want to breeze through a light story on a Sunday afternoon.

And yes, the cover art is the culprit that drew me into this story!]]> 3.60 2020
author: Zen Cho
name: Kinjal
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/01/18
shelves: asia, asian-countries, bipoc, lgbtqa, queer, novella, ownvoice
review:
But I NEED MORE!

I know am not the first to scream this for this novella, but trust me how does one leave a story when one knows it could have delivered more?

The story of Pure Moon focuses on Guet Imm, a votary, who lost her job when a fight broke at the coffee house she worked in. She then finds the bandits responsible for half of the fight and joins them. Altough we get strong past and much air around Tet Sang as well, it's Guet Imm who in my opinion was the heart of the story somehow.

It's a light and heartfelt wuxia with a queer touch. ( Wuxia- genre of Chinese fiction or cinema featuring itinerant warriors of ancient China, often depicted as capable of superhuman feats of artial arts) but trust me the story is far more about spirituality and identity, and found family. The sweet banter and sheer aesthetics of the world, altough everything, the fight, the era and everything else remains vague, made me like the book even more.

I highly recommend it if you want to breeze through a light story on a Sunday afternoon.

And yes, the cover art is the culprit that drew me into this story!
]]> 50892338
A flying demon feeding on human energies.

A secret society of so called “Legendborn�� students that hunt the creatures down.

And a mysterious teenage mage who calls himself a “Merlin�� and who attempts—and fails—to wipe Bree’s memory of everything she saw.

The mage’s failure unlocks Bree’s own unique magic and a buried memory with a hidden connection: the night her mother died, another Merlin was at the hospital. Now that Bree knows there’s more to her mother’s death than what’s on the police report, she’ll do whatever it takes to find out the truth, even if that means infiltrating the Legendborn as one of their initiates.

She recruits Nick, a self-exiled Legendborn with his own grudge against the group, and their reluctant partnership pulls them deeper into the society’s secrets—and closer to each other. But when the Legendborn reveal themselves as the descendants of King Arthur’s knights and explain that a magical war is coming, Bree has to decide how far she’ll go for the truth and whether she should use her magic to take the society down—or join the fight.]]> 502 Tracy Deonn 1534441603 Kinjal 3

I would start first with the stuff, I absolutely adored about the book,

- Retelling with a Magic System with mages and demons.

Arthurian tale but make it diverse and add a pot of magic with demons opening portals to enter the world, feeding on energies to get corporeal.
(This witch has got a knack for good magic systems and retellings, what can I say)

- The characters ( this is gonna be long)

I really appreciate the entire arc of Bree. She started as a real bratty female only to become one of the most developed character of the book, badass and fierce. Ngl, it took me sometime to warm up to her but I did.

Altough the page time for both, Alice and William, is very less, I cared a lot about them than all the other characters combined. Tough Nick fits goofy- all charming male and Sel fits mysterious male with a tragic past, both did win my heart too, each in their own way.

I even loved Bree and her father's relationship and how B took her time to understand but ended up seeing his genuine love for his daughter. Being a person of color myself, i can say this, our parents don't always end up saying/ showing the emotions they really want to, esp when it comes to their children. So ya, it was very touching personally for me.

- Lastly, how trauma cause of loss of a mother and trauma and generational neglect and racism faced by Black Americans have been addressed in the book.


But the reasons why I had to deduct two stars, are

I plunged into the story with a very high expectation, but sad to say, it didn't meet even half of it. While the story had a very strong start, it started falling down the curve somewhere in between. I would rather say the entire suspense built around B's mum couldn't hold my attention for long. Second thing that made the book fall a lil more was how it could have concentrated on the Arthurian tale and built the story around it from the start, rather than being an info dump. You constantly struggle to keep up with the information and trust me, even at the end, the hierarchy and how exactly the society works remains uncertain. But maybe, second installment might change my opinion here. Moving on, ROMANCE wasn't my cup of tea. Now, am not a fan of insta romance. And even though I love Nick (trust me I do), the entire romance was SO unnecessary. (Bit spoiler-y here... the end, where B starts thinking her feelings for Nick was all cause of her BOND annoyed me even more.)

Also, this is entirely my own choice when it comes to such books, I hate single POV. Makes my vision narrowed down to a single character and how they feel for others/ for certain situations. I would rather prefer a broad view about the characters and the story. But that's that.

It's still a good book and I can only hope second installment turns out better than this!]]> 4.31 2020
author: Tracy Deonn
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/01/17
shelves:
review:
Legendborn is an urban fantasy, a story of a girl named Bree, who lost her mother to a car accident some months ago, but Bree feels there's more to this. And there starts a journey of a girl who is set to search the entire truth behind the incident, while being lost in grief, adjusting to a new life in a new city, and a secret society, whose secrets she got entangled into.


I would start first with the stuff, I absolutely adored about the book,

- Retelling with a Magic System with mages and demons.

Arthurian tale but make it diverse and add a pot of magic with demons opening portals to enter the world, feeding on energies to get corporeal.
(This witch has got a knack for good magic systems and retellings, what can I say)

- The characters ( this is gonna be long)

I really appreciate the entire arc of Bree. She started as a real bratty female only to become one of the most developed character of the book, badass and fierce. Ngl, it took me sometime to warm up to her but I did.

Altough the page time for both, Alice and William, is very less, I cared a lot about them than all the other characters combined. Tough Nick fits goofy- all charming male and Sel fits mysterious male with a tragic past, both did win my heart too, each in their own way.

I even loved Bree and her father's relationship and how B took her time to understand but ended up seeing his genuine love for his daughter. Being a person of color myself, i can say this, our parents don't always end up saying/ showing the emotions they really want to, esp when it comes to their children. So ya, it was very touching personally for me.

- Lastly, how trauma cause of loss of a mother and trauma and generational neglect and racism faced by Black Americans have been addressed in the book.


But the reasons why I had to deduct two stars, are

I plunged into the story with a very high expectation, but sad to say, it didn't meet even half of it. While the story had a very strong start, it started falling down the curve somewhere in between. I would rather say the entire suspense built around B's mum couldn't hold my attention for long. Second thing that made the book fall a lil more was how it could have concentrated on the Arthurian tale and built the story around it from the start, rather than being an info dump. You constantly struggle to keep up with the information and trust me, even at the end, the hierarchy and how exactly the society works remains uncertain. But maybe, second installment might change my opinion here. Moving on, ROMANCE wasn't my cup of tea. Now, am not a fan of insta romance. And even though I love Nick (trust me I do), the entire romance was SO unnecessary. (Bit spoiler-y here... the end, where B starts thinking her feelings for Nick was all cause of her BOND annoyed me even more.)

Also, this is entirely my own choice when it comes to such books, I hate single POV. Makes my vision narrowed down to a single character and how they feel for others/ for certain situations. I would rather prefer a broad view about the characters and the story. But that's that.

It's still a good book and I can only hope second installment turns out better than this!
]]> 44084762 Shanghai is under siege in this captivating and searingly romantic sequel to These Violent Delights, which New York Times bestselling author Natasha Ngan calls “deliciously dark.��

The year is 1927, and Shanghai teeters on the edge of revolution.

After sacrificing her relationship with Roma to protect him from the blood feud, Juliette has been a girl on the warpath. One wrong move, and her cousin will step in to usurp her place as the Scarlet Gang’s heir. The only way to save the boy she loves from the wrath of the Scarlets is to have him want her dead for murdering his best friend in cold blood. If Juliette were actually guilty of the crime Roma believes she committed, his rejection might sting less.

Roma is still reeling from Marshall’s death, and his cousin Benedikt will barely speak to him. Roma knows it’s his fault for letting the ruthless Juliette back into his life, and he’s determined to set things right—even if that means killing the girl he hates and loves with equal measure.

Then a new monstrous danger emerges in the city, and though secrets keep them apart, Juliette must secure Roma’s cooperation if they are to end this threat once and for all. Shanghai is already at a boiling point: The Nationalists are marching in, whispers of civil war brew louder every day, and gangster rule faces complete annihilation. Roma and Juliette must put aside their differences to combat monsters and politics, but they aren’t prepared for the biggest threat of all: protecting their hearts from each other.]]> 494 Chloe Gong 1529344565 Kinjal 0 to-read 4.29 2021
author: Chloe Gong
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/12/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 56597885 356 Sally Rooney 0374602603 Kinjal 0 to-read 3.53 2021
author: Sally Rooney
name: Kinjal
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/12/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 20764879
Now, restless after having given up his smuggling habit, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks as she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games--an extravagant international competition of magic meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries--a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.

And while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night will reappear in the morning. But the balance of magic is ever perilous, and for one city to flourish, another London must fall.]]> 512 Victoria E. Schwab 0765376474 Kinjal 0 to-read 4.20 2016
author: Victoria E. Schwab
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 22055262
Kell was raised in Arnes—Red London—and officially serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling between the frequent bloody regime changes in White London and the court of George III in the dullest of Londons, the one without any magic left to see.

Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand.

After an exchange goes awry, Kell escapes to Grey London and runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.

Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive.]]> 400 Victoria E. Schwab 0765376458 Kinjal 0 to-read 4.04 2015
author: Victoria E. Schwab
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 58312487
Ever since the Devil donned a powerful amulet that allows him to walk the Earth, he has grown weaker—and so has his authority. As a result, mutiny is rising in Hell, and the Devil must fight to remain the king of the underworld. Little does he know, there is much more at stake than his title.

After the death of the nun who raised him and his best friend, Jordan Conway cannot think of anything but finding Sophia and keeping her safe. Luckily, he has a team of archangels on his side, and with their help, the two lifelong friends are reunited. But Jordan didn’t expect the reunion to include another of Sister Helen’s charges—the boy he’d loved like a brother but who had pushed him away, Dane. The three orphans never thought their lives would amount to much, but finding their way back to each other is leading them to finding out who they truly are.

All paths converge when the fourteenth sphere, a celestial object with a power like no other, appears at the Met. The angels must keep it from falling into the wrong hands, and soon, the lines between good and evil blur as they find themselves fighting alongside Satan to prevent the unleashing of a dark and dangerous force hell-bent on taking them all down. But in this world, nothing is as it seems, and the mysterious sphere is possibly the least of their concerns��

Get ready for another adventure as the three friends, and the angels they now consider family, travel the globe in search of a way to save each other—and the world.]]> 498 Sara M. Schaller 1732516235 Kinjal 0 to-read 4.23
author: Sara M. Schaller
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.23
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/10/30
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 53445659
When Jordan is entrusted by the head nun of his orphanage to deliver a mysterious backpack to a New York City address, he comes unexpectedly face-to-face with Archangel Gabriel. Their acquaintance fast uncovers a labyrinth of secrets that connect Jordan’s once-normal life to an ancient heavenly prophecy. Now, he must help Gabriel to reunite the archangels before evil forces grow too strong.

Soon, Jordan and Gabriel find themselves on a divine quest across the globe, while deep in the pits of Hell, Satan plots his return to earth. To gain control, however, Satan needs the powerful prophetic objects locked safe inside Jordan’s backpack—and the devil will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

With that notion threatening his only family and the safety of his newfound friends, Jordan must do whatever it takes to protect the ones he loves and help the archangels succeed. If that means sacrificing all he thought he knew to go to war with the devil himself? Bring it on.]]> 368 Sara M. Schaller Kinjal 4 4.09
author: Sara M. Schaller
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.09
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2021/10/25
shelves:
review:

]]> 53457092
Shiori'anma, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted. But it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother.

A sorceress in her own right, Raikama banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes. She warns Shiori that she must speak of it to no one for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die.

Penniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and uncovers a dark conspiracy to seize the throne. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in a paper bird, a mercurial dragon, and the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she's been taught all her life to forswear--no matter what the cost.

Weaving together elements of The Wild Swans, Cinderella, the legend of Chang E, and the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.]]> 454 Elizabeth Lim 0593300939 Kinjal 4
�ˡ♡�ˡ♡���

When Six Crimson Crane was announced, a story of Kiatan Princess, set in the same world as Blood of the Stars duology, I knew I had to pick it up right away!! BUT THIS USER IS LAZY WITH HER REVIEWS * pardon me*

Kingdom of Kiata is a land where magic is frowned upon but Shiori has some abilities she keeps well hidden from the world and use it for her personal amusements only..... until one mistake....and Princess Shiori along with her six brothers pay the price for that! Her brothers turn into cranes and for every word uttered by Shiori, one of her brother would drop dead!!

With a fresh retake on THE WILD SWANS, Lim takes us on yet another fairytale-esque story combined with lush mythology and a beautiful world]]> 4.19 2021
author: Elizabeth Lim
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2021/09/21
shelves:
review:
If fate is a bunch of strings, then I'll carry scissors. My choices are my own. I'll make them as I please.

�ˡ♡�ˡ♡���

When Six Crimson Crane was announced, a story of Kiatan Princess, set in the same world as Blood of the Stars duology, I knew I had to pick it up right away!! BUT THIS USER IS LAZY WITH HER REVIEWS * pardon me*

Kingdom of Kiata is a land where magic is frowned upon but Shiori has some abilities she keeps well hidden from the world and use it for her personal amusements only..... until one mistake....and Princess Shiori along with her six brothers pay the price for that! Her brothers turn into cranes and for every word uttered by Shiori, one of her brother would drop dead!!

With a fresh retake on THE WILD SWANS, Lim takes us on yet another fairytale-esque story combined with lush mythology and a beautiful world
]]> 40874032 A masterful tale of ambition, jealousy, desire, and superpowers.

Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong.

Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?

In Vicious, V. E. Schwab brings to life a gritty comic-book-style world in vivid prose: a world where gaining superpowers doesn't automatically lead to heroism, and a time when allegiances are called into question.]]> 402 Victoria E. Schwab Kinjal 0 currently-reading 4.17 2013
author: Victoria E. Schwab
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/08/04
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 39988431 Return to Daevabad in the spellbinding sequel to THE CITY OF BRASS.

Nahri’s life changed forever the moment she accidentally summoned Dara, a formidable, mysterious djinn, during one of her schemes. Whisked from her home in Cairo, she was thrust into the dazzling royal court of Daevabad and quickly discovered she would need all her grifter instincts to survive there.

Now, with Daevabad entrenched in the dark aftermath of the battle that saw Dara slain at Prince Ali’s hand, Nahri must forge a new path for herself, without the protection of the guardian who stole her heart or the counsel of the prince she considered a friend. But even as she embraces her heritage and the power it holds, she knows she’s been trapped in a gilded cage, watched by a king who rules from the throne that once belonged to her familyand one misstep will doom her tribe.

Meanwhile, Ali has been exiled for daring to defy his father. Hunted by assassins, adrift on the unforgiving copper sands of his ancestral land, he is forced to rely on the frightening abilities the marid, the unpredictable water spirits, have gifted him. But in doing so, he threatens to unearth a terrible secret his family has long kept buried.

And as a new century approaches and the djinn gather within Daevabad's towering brass walls for celebrations, a threat brews unseen in the desolate north. It’s a force that would bring a storm of fire straight to the city’s gates . . . and one that seeks the aid of a warrior trapped between worlds, torn between a violent duty he can never escape and a peace he fears he will never deserve.]]> 625 S.A. Chakraborty 0008239444 Kinjal 0 currently-reading 4.37 2019
author: S.A. Chakraborty
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/08/03
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 48424478
To her surprise, however, the prank attracts the attention of the Mary Shelley Club, a secret club of students with one objective: come up with the scariest prank to orchestrate real fear. But as the pranks escalate, the competition turns cutthroat and takes on a life of its own.

When the tables are turned and someone targets the club itself, Rachel must track down the real-life monster in their midst . . . even if it means finally confronting the dark secrets from her past.]]> 468 Goldy Moldavsky 1250230101 Kinjal 4 3.91 2021
author: Goldy Moldavsky
name: Kinjal
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/08/03
date added: 2021/08/03
shelves:
review:

]]> 27774758 Alternative Cover Edition #1

Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free.
��
Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.
��
It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.
��
But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.
��
There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.

From the Hardcover edition.]]> 446 Sabaa Tahir Kinjal 3 4.23 2015
author: Sabaa Tahir
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2021/08/03
date added: 2021/08/03
shelves:
review:

]]> 32718027
But when Nahri accidentally summons an equally sly, darkly mysterious djinn warrior to her side during one of her cons, she’s forced to accept that the magical world she thought only existed in childhood stories is real. For the warrior tells her a new tale: across hot, windswept sands teeming with creatures of fire, and rivers where the mythical marid sleep; past ruins of once-magnificent human metropolises, and mountains where the circling hawks are not what they seem, lies Daevabad, the legendary city of brass, a city to which Nahri is irrevocably bound.

In that city, behind gilded brass walls laced with enchantments, behind the six gates of the six djinn tribes, old resentments are simmering. And when Nahri decides to enter this world, she learns that true power is fierce and brutal. That magic cannot shield her from the dangerous web of court politics. That even the cleverest of schemes can have deadly consequences.

After all, there is a reason they say be careful what you wish for...]]> 532 S.A. Chakraborty 0062678108 Kinjal 4 4.12 2017
author: S.A. Chakraborty
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2021/08/03
date added: 2021/08/03
shelves:
review:

]]> 9305362 From global phenomenon C. S. Pacat comes the first in her critically acclaimed trilogy—with a bonus story.

Damen is a warrior hero to his people, and the rightful heir to the throne of Akielos. But when his half brother seizes power, Damen is captured, stripped of his identity, and sent to serve the prince of an enemy nation as a pleasure slave.

Beautiful, manipulative, and deadly, his new master, Prince Laurent, epitomizes the worst of the court at Vere. But in the lethal political web of the Veretian court, nothing is as it seems, and when Damen finds himself caught up in a play for the throne, he must work together with Laurent to survive and save his country.

For Damen, there is just one rule: never, ever reveal his true identity. Because the one man Damen needs is the one man who has more reason to hate him than anyone else��

Includes an exclusive extra story!]]> 240 C.S. Pacat Kinjal 0 currently-reading 3.83 2013
author: C.S. Pacat
name: Kinjal
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/07/05
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 52166786 The final chapter in the Daevabad Trilogy, in which a con-woman and an idealistic djinn prince join forces to save a magical kingdom from a devastating civil war.

Daevabad has fallen.

After a brutal conquest stripped the city of its magic, Nahid leader Banu Manizheh and her resurrected commander, Dara, must try to repair their fraying alliance and stabilize a fractious, warring people.

But the bloodletting and loss of his beloved Nahri have unleashed the worst demons of Dara’s dark past. To vanquish them, he must face some ugly truths about his history and put himself at the mercy of those he once considered enemies.

Having narrowly escaped their murderous families and Daevabad’s deadly politics, Nahri and Ali, now safe in Cairo, face difficult choices of their own. While Nahri finds peace in the old rhythms and familiar comforts of her human home, she is haunted by the knowledge that the loved ones she left behind and the people who considered her a savior are at the mercy of a new tyrant. Ali, too, cannot help but look back, and is determined to return to rescue his city and the family that remains. Seeking support in his mother’s homeland, he discovers that his connection to the marid goes far deeper than expected and threatens not only his relationship with Nahri, but his very faith.

As peace grows more elusive and old players return, Nahri, Ali, and Dara come to understand that in order to remake the world, they may need to fight those they once loved . . . and take a stand for those they once hurt.]]> 766 S.A. Chakraborty 0062678167 Kinjal 0 to-read 4.47 2020
author: S.A. Chakraborty
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.47
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/07/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 31520883 Prepare for the jaw-dropping finale of Sabaa Tahir's beloved New York Times bestselling An Ember in the Ashes fantasy series, and discover: Who will survive the storm?

Picking up just a few months after A Reaper at the Gates left off...

The long-imprisoned jinn are on the attack, wreaking bloody havoc in villages and cities alike. But for the Nightbringer, vengeance on his human foes is just the beginning.

At his side, Commandant Keris Veturia declares herself Empress, and calls for the heads of any and all who defy her rule. At the top of the list? The Blood Shrike and her remaining family.

Laia of Serra, now allied with the Blood Shrike, struggles to recover from the loss of the two people most important to her. Determined to stop the approaching apocalypse, she throws herself into the destruction of the Nightbringer. In the process, she awakens an ancient power that could lead her to victory--or to an unimaginable doom.

And deep in the Waiting Place, the Soul Catcher seeks only to forget the life--and love--he left behind. Yet doing so means ignoring the trail of murder left by the Nightbringer and his jinn. To uphold his oath and protect the human world from the supernatural, the Soul Catcher must look beyond the borders of his own land. He must take on a mission that could save--or destroy--all that he knows.]]> 516 Sabaa Tahir 000828881X Kinjal 0 to-read 4.29 2020
author: Sabaa Tahir
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/07/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 30809786 Beyond the Martial Empire and within it, the threat of war looms ever larger.

Helene Aquilla, the Blood Shrike, is desperate to protect her sister's life and the lives of everyone in the Empire. Yet danger lurks on all sides. Emperor Marcus, haunted by his past, grows increasingly unstable and violent, while Keris Veturia, the ruthless Commandant, capitalizes on the Emperor's volatility to grow her own power—regardless of the carnage she leaves in her path.

Far to the east, Laia of Serra knows that the fate of the world lies not in the machinations of the Martial court, but in stopping the Nightbringer. During the hunt to bring him down, Laia faces unexpected threats from those she hoped would help her, and is drawn into a battle she never thought she'd have to fight.

And in the land between the living and the dead, Elias Veturius has given up his freedom to serve as Soul Catcher. However, in doing so, he has vowed himself to an ancient power that demands his complete surrender—even if that means abandoning the woman he loves.]]> 458 Sabaa Tahir 0448494507 Kinjal 0 to-read 4.15 2018
author: Sabaa Tahir
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/07/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 51265989 A princess with two futures. A destiny all her own.

Between her cruel family and the contempt she faces at court, Princess Alyrra has always longed to escape the confines of her royal life. But when she’s betrothed to the powerful prince Kestrin, Alyrra embarks on a journey to his land with little hope for a better future.

When a mysterious and terrifying sorceress robs Alyrra of both her identity and her role as princess, Alyrra seizes the opportunity to start a new life for herself as a goose girl.

But Alyrra soon finds that Kestrin is not what she expected. The more Alyrra learns of this new kingdom, the pain and suffering its people endure, as well as the danger facing Kestrin from the sorceress herself, the more she knows she can’t remain the goose girl forever.

With the fate of the kingdom at stake, Alyrra is caught between two worlds and ultimately must decide who she is, and what she stands for.

Includes The Bone Knife, a bonus short story set in the world of Thorn.]]> 512 Intisar Khanani 0062835734 Kinjal 4
Thorn by Intisar Khanani is a refreshing take on Goose Girl! I say this not only 'cause it's a coming of the age retelling but also 'cause it provides a very fresh and a very different sort of Heroine to Fantasy. ( take notes,my friends)

Princess Alyrra doesn't want any titles. Despite of being a princess and soon to be wed off to a Prince from very powerful kingdom, she doesn't want that life. So, when magic happens and she is stripped off everything, even her face, she doesn't fight back!! Now that might be really frustrating for many of the readers but let's be honest, when faced with challenges back to back in life, don't we all tend to dream of a cabin in woods far from all the dramas?? That's exactly why the protagonist is so damn relatable and adorable. She has had her share of royalty, with all good and bads that come with the title, also a lifetime of torture from her mother and abuse from her own brother. It's like girl just needs her life to be peaceful. (not much demanding ya) And we can't blame her for that.!! So even as a goose girl, she is all happy and chirpy in her own way. She learns a new language in a faraway land, makes her own friends, earns her own bread, works hard and is loyal.

But the best is, her ARC ! From her struggle to understand the injustices around, her being submissive and quite, she blooms into a character who starts fighting it in her own small way and very reluctantly comes to the terms of accepting her title when she understands she has to be one who needs to save Prince Kestrin. ( now that's my jam!! Princesses saving Prince's ass and calling the day) lol!! Don't mind me. But yes, indeed selfless!!

And the ending- OMG!! it's one of the best endings I have read so far. Some readers might find it a slow burn romance but I personally feel, the entire relationship of Alyrra and Kestrin was built slowly from doubts to mutual understanding to mutual trust. It wasn't exactly like they started loving each other just cause they had to which makes it interesting again! It ended on high note where the characters could further evolve and grow into something more.


Coming to the writing part of the book, the prose just flows. It's very beautifully written with so much thought on how every character talks too. ( if you are into that sort of thing, you will definitely note the subtle changes in the tones of character's words too) and that's exactly what I call BEAUTIFUL.

The BONUS- we have talking horses and magic that can make you go AWWW to NOOOOOO pretty much in 30 seconds?! Robin hood type of side character!!

Ya that's pretty much it.

I would happily recommend it to anyone who is willing to give it a try!]]> 4.01 2012
author: Intisar Khanani
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2021/06/30
date added: 2021/06/30
shelves:
review:
“We all need our quiet, I think. We all have our unspoken wishes, hopes we cannot mention, choices we may yet regret."

Thorn by Intisar Khanani is a refreshing take on Goose Girl! I say this not only 'cause it's a coming of the age retelling but also 'cause it provides a very fresh and a very different sort of Heroine to Fantasy. ( take notes,my friends)

Princess Alyrra doesn't want any titles. Despite of being a princess and soon to be wed off to a Prince from very powerful kingdom, she doesn't want that life. So, when magic happens and she is stripped off everything, even her face, she doesn't fight back!! Now that might be really frustrating for many of the readers but let's be honest, when faced with challenges back to back in life, don't we all tend to dream of a cabin in woods far from all the dramas?? That's exactly why the protagonist is so damn relatable and adorable. She has had her share of royalty, with all good and bads that come with the title, also a lifetime of torture from her mother and abuse from her own brother. It's like girl just needs her life to be peaceful. (not much demanding ya) And we can't blame her for that.!! So even as a goose girl, she is all happy and chirpy in her own way. She learns a new language in a faraway land, makes her own friends, earns her own bread, works hard and is loyal.

But the best is, her ARC ! From her struggle to understand the injustices around, her being submissive and quite, she blooms into a character who starts fighting it in her own small way and very reluctantly comes to the terms of accepting her title when she understands she has to be one who needs to save Prince Kestrin. ( now that's my jam!! Princesses saving Prince's ass and calling the day) lol!! Don't mind me. But yes, indeed selfless!!

And the ending- OMG!! it's one of the best endings I have read so far. Some readers might find it a slow burn romance but I personally feel, the entire relationship of Alyrra and Kestrin was built slowly from doubts to mutual understanding to mutual trust. It wasn't exactly like they started loving each other just cause they had to which makes it interesting again! It ended on high note where the characters could further evolve and grow into something more.


Coming to the writing part of the book, the prose just flows. It's very beautifully written with so much thought on how every character talks too. ( if you are into that sort of thing, you will definitely note the subtle changes in the tones of character's words too) and that's exactly what I call BEAUTIFUL.

The BONUS- we have talking horses and magic that can make you go AWWW to NOOOOOO pretty much in 30 seconds?! Robin hood type of side character!!

Ya that's pretty much it.

I would happily recommend it to anyone who is willing to give it a try!
]]> 52346471
After Daunis witnesses a shocking murder that thrusts her into a criminal investigation, she agrees to go undercover. But the deceptions—and deaths—keep piling up and soon the threat strikes too close to home. How far will she go to protect her community if it means tearing apart the only world she’s ever known?]]> 496 Angeline Boulley Kinjal 0 currently-reading 4.32 2021
author: Angeline Boulley
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/06/05
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 33643994 There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I've gotten what I came for.

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map―the key to a legendary treasure trove―seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.

In Daughter of the Pirate King, author Tricia Levenseller blends action, adventure, romance, and a little bit of magic into a thrilling pirate tale.]]> 308 Tricia Levenseller 1250095964 Kinjal 0 to-read 3.95 2017
author: Tricia Levenseller
name: Kinjal
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/05/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 35702241
1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.

No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.

But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?]]> 326 Tricia Levenseller 1250189969 Kinjal 0 to-read 3.82 2020
author: Tricia Levenseller
name: Kinjal
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/05/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 18798983 One Life to One Dawn.

In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all.

Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected begins to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she'd imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It's an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid's life as retribution for the many lives he's stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets?]]> 416 Renée Ahdieh 0399171614 Kinjal 0 currently-reading 4.05 2015
author: Renée Ahdieh
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/05/06
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 36307634 Face your demons... or feed them.

The dashing young king, Nikolai Lantsov, has always had a gift for the impossible. No one knows what he endured in his country's bloody civil war--and he intends to keep it that way. Now, as enemies gather at his weakened borders, Nikolai must find a way to refill Ravka's coffers, forge new alliances, and stop a rising threat to the once-great Grisha Army.

Yet with every day a dark magic within him grows stronger, threatening to destroy all he has built. With the help of a young monk and a legendary Grisha general, Nikolai will journey to the places in Ravka where the deepest magic survives to vanquish the terrible legacy inside him. He will risk everything to save his country and himself. But some secrets aren't meant to stay buried--and some wounds aren't meant to heal.]]> 511 Leigh Bardugo 125014227X Kinjal 5
But after my reread this year, I take that back. Because I wholeheartedly believe, Bardugo wanted him to plunge into this hopelessness so that we could see him evolve. He was introduced as that character who has all the answers or has the confidence to find them all. But we forget even the strongest can break and even the wisest of all can have their dilemmas. I think the emotions were beautifully expressed although there's nothing much going on with the storyline.

Apart from the fact that Nikolai Lantsov will forever be the golden character of grishaverse but Zoya Nazyalensky stole my heart here. She got the bestest character arc and OMG i was so intrigued to know more about Stormwitch and the Demon king in next installment.]]> 4.16 2019
author: Leigh Bardugo
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2021/04/12
date added: 2021/04/12
shelves:
review:
It was a reread for me. 'Cause ofcourse I wanted to brush up my memories with the events of KoS before diving into RoW. I read KoS for the first time 2 years back and I had this huge complaint that Nikolai Lantsov became a watered down version of The Charming Prince we were introduced in Siege and Storms.

But after my reread this year, I take that back. Because I wholeheartedly believe, Bardugo wanted him to plunge into this hopelessness so that we could see him evolve. He was introduced as that character who has all the answers or has the confidence to find them all. But we forget even the strongest can break and even the wisest of all can have their dilemmas. I think the emotions were beautifully expressed although there's nothing much going on with the storyline.

Apart from the fact that Nikolai Lantsov will forever be the golden character of grishaverse but Zoya Nazyalensky stole my heart here. She got the bestest character arc and OMG i was so intrigued to know more about Stormwitch and the Demon king in next installment.
]]> 36307674
The wolves are circling and a young king will face his greatest challenge in the explosive finale of the instant #1 New York Times-bestselling King of Scars Duology.

The Demon King. As Fjerda's massive army prepares to invade, Nikolai Lantsov will summon every bit of his ingenuity and charm—and even the monster within—to win this fight. But a dark threat looms that cannot be defeated by a young king's gift for the impossible.

The Stormwitch. Zoya Nazyalensky has lost too much to war. She saw her mentor die and her worst enemy resurrected, and she refuses to bury another friend. Now duty demands she embrace her powers to become the weapon her country needs. No matter the cost.

The Queen of Mourning. Deep undercover, Nina Zenik risks discovery and death as she wages war on Fjerda from inside its capital. But her desire for revenge may cost her country its chance at freedom and Nina the chance to heal her grieving heart.

King. General. Spy. Together they must find a way to forge a future in the darkness. Or watch a nation fall.]]> 592 Leigh Bardugo 1510109188 Kinjal 5 4.34 2021
author: Leigh Bardugo
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2021/04/12
date added: 2021/04/12
shelves:
review:

]]> 50892212
A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal.

But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns—and grudges—aside and work together, for if they can’t stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule.

Perfect for fans of The Last Magician and Descendant of the Crane, this heart-stopping debut is an imaginative Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, with rival gangs and a monster in the depths of the Huangpu River.]]> 449 Chloe Gong 1534457690 Kinjal 4

A story of ruthless gangs and their age old rivalry, facing cutthroat politics involving some foreign entities, all trying to gain power over Shanghai. Two rivals coming together to find answers to a madness that promises to take the city down and defeat the monster that awakens from the sea.

A little gruesome Romeo Juliet retelling set in 1920's Shanghai. While the iconic scenes from original tale can be seen scattered throughout the book, the fresh aspect perfectly encapsulates various issues starting from Western imperialism, colonialism to racism too, making the story every bit more fascinating and thought provoking. (TW- murder/gore/violence/ transphobia/ racism)

The writing is so descriptive and the entire atmosphere created makes you feel like you are walking down the lanes of Shanghai with Juliette Cai]]> 3.82 2020
author: Chloe Gong
name: Kinjal
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2021/04/11
date added: 2021/04/11
shelves:
review:
"Don’t start believing that skill is all it takes to stay at the top. Loyalty plays its dirty hand too, and it is a fickle, ever-changing thing."


A story of ruthless gangs and their age old rivalry, facing cutthroat politics involving some foreign entities, all trying to gain power over Shanghai. Two rivals coming together to find answers to a madness that promises to take the city down and defeat the monster that awakens from the sea.

A little gruesome Romeo Juliet retelling set in 1920's Shanghai. While the iconic scenes from original tale can be seen scattered throughout the book, the fresh aspect perfectly encapsulates various issues starting from Western imperialism, colonialism to racism too, making the story every bit more fascinating and thought provoking. (TW- murder/gore/violence/ transphobia/ racism)

The writing is so descriptive and the entire atmosphere created makes you feel like you are walking down the lanes of Shanghai with Juliette Cai
]]> 22544764 “Our Dragon doesn’t eat the girls he takes, no matter what stories they tell outside our valley. We hear them sometimes, from travelers passing through. They talk as though we were doing human sacrifice, and he were a real dragon. Of course that’s not true: he may be a wizard and immortal, but he’s still a man, and our fathers would band together and kill him if he wanted to eat one of us every ten years. He protects us against the Wood, and we’re grateful, but not that grateful.��

Agnieszka loves her valley home, her quiet village, the forests and the bright shining river. But the corrupted Wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life.

Her people rely on the cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep its powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as falling to the Wood.

The next choosing is fast approaching, and Agnieszka is afraid. She knows��everyone knows—that the Dragon will take Kasia: beautiful, graceful, brave Kasia, all the things Agnieszka isn’t, and her dearest friend in the world. And there is no way to save her.

But Agnieszka fears the wrong things. For when the Dragon comes, it is not Kasia he will choose.]]> 438 Naomi Novik 0804179034 Kinjal 4
I had been really excited to try some new authors and that's how I decided to dive into all of the Novik's books. That's how I ended up reading Uprooted. There were times when i kept on procrastinating the book ( reading like 2 chapters a day or something) because Dragon ( not a literal dragon tbh) kept on calling anything and everything that pleased him, to Agniezska and I kinda didn't like it?! Like calling someone ugly isn't cool. She didn't owe him anything. Dude!!

And then I felt Dragon, the greatest immortal sorcerer will fall in love with not so special valley girl, Agniezska who would turn into some amazing sorcerer too. Cause that's how most of the stories are. And also the fact that characters were all over the places initially.. yes......but was that the case?? NO absolutely NOT.

As the story progressed, I was genuinely indulged cause everything started making sense, be it Dragon's taking girls from valley, Agniezska's role in discovering the deepest secrets, the ever expanding WOOD, or the kingdom stuck in between the mess. I won't go as far as to say the MC of this story is one of my favs, but she definitely made a place in my heart for being unapologetically herself]]> 4.02 2015
author: Naomi Novik
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2021/04/11
shelves:
review:
Disclaimer- the actual rating is 3.5 stars.

I had been really excited to try some new authors and that's how I decided to dive into all of the Novik's books. That's how I ended up reading Uprooted. There were times when i kept on procrastinating the book ( reading like 2 chapters a day or something) because Dragon ( not a literal dragon tbh) kept on calling anything and everything that pleased him, to Agniezska and I kinda didn't like it?! Like calling someone ugly isn't cool. She didn't owe him anything. Dude!!

And then I felt Dragon, the greatest immortal sorcerer will fall in love with not so special valley girl, Agniezska who would turn into some amazing sorcerer too. Cause that's how most of the stories are. And also the fact that characters were all over the places initially.. yes......but was that the case?? NO absolutely NOT.

As the story progressed, I was genuinely indulged cause everything started making sense, be it Dragon's taking girls from valley, Agniezska's role in discovering the deepest secrets, the ever expanding WOOD, or the kingdom stuck in between the mess. I won't go as far as to say the MC of this story is one of my favs, but she definitely made a place in my heart for being unapologetically herself
]]> 30724132 Cinderella goes to the con in this fandom-fueled twist on the classic fairy tale.

Part romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom. Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball, and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck (and her dad’s old costume), Elle’s determined to win…unless her stepsisters get there first.

Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons—before he was famous. Now they’re nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but the Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake—until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise.]]> 320 Ashley Poston 1594749477 Kinjal 0 to-read 3.88 2017
author: Ashley Poston
name: Kinjal
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/04/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 52038346 From the author of The Queen’s Rising comes a thrilling YA stand-alone fantasy about the unbreakable bond between sisters. Perfect for fans of Ember in the Ashes, Sky in the Deep, and Court of Fives.

After eight long years, Evadne will finally be reunited with her older sister, Halcyon, who has been proudly serving in the queen’s army. But when Halcyon appears earlier than expected, Eva knows something has gone terribly wrong. Halcyon is on the run, hunted by her commander and charged with murder.

Though Halcyon’s life is spared during her trial, the punishment is heavy. And when Eva volunteers to serve part of Halcyon’s sentence, she’s determined to find out exactly what happened. But as Eva begins her sentence, she quickly learns that there are fates much worse than death.]]> 462 Rebecca Ross 0062471414 Kinjal 5
At some points, literally the line between this sis duo blurred & I saw bits and pieces of me and my sis in them. And that's how it ended up being one of the best reads of 2020.
I was brimming with all shades of emotions by the time I completed the book.

The peculiarity of this book is,

♡♡THE PROTAGONISTS♡♡

~HALCYON, a fierce warrior, found guilty of murdering a fellow hoplite with whom she was assigned a very special mission. Once so strong and brave, now broken and unsure, she needs to get going for this is a WAR they can't afford to loose.

There is steel within me.
I will not bend.
I will not break.

~EVADNE is nothing like a badass fighter or swoonworthy damsel waiting for prince charming. She is a simple farm girl, who limps more frequently than she wants to believe; who chose to fight the world for her sister and would gracefully condone all the hate if that meant her sister is safe and unbroken.

~DAMON- a mage who is not great, not bad but just somewhere in the middle. AVERAGE. He is kind but wants to prove himself to his father because he feels he falls short in front of his brother.

♡♡THE MAGIC SYSTEM♡♡
The mages make their own magic! Like literally they gotta compose songs and magic pours out when they sing! It's in their very blood and it's more like a cup that needs refilling ever so often.

It's a book about alternate ancient Greek world with Gods & Goddesses, Myths & legends, Relics & Magic, mages & scribes brought together to fight the darkness that descends the Kingdom of Isaura.

It's a heart wrenching tale of this sis duo, separated and reunited after 8 years only to be separated again! But with all the odds against them, the powerful mage rising and enemies eager to strangle them for the information they withhold, both of them manages to be the HERO of the quest they never signed up for]]> 4.06 2020
author: Rebecca Ross
name: Kinjal
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/04/11
shelves:
review:
This is no review or a sort, this is me being extremely grateful to Ross ( @beccajross ) for weaving exceptionally beautifully tale with so much poise. I dived into this super enchanting tale simply cause of the title & I kid you not, THIS BOOK TOTALLY LIVED UPTO IT'S TITLE & more.

At some points, literally the line between this sis duo blurred & I saw bits and pieces of me and my sis in them. And that's how it ended up being one of the best reads of 2020.
I was brimming with all shades of emotions by the time I completed the book.

The peculiarity of this book is,

♡♡THE PROTAGONISTS♡♡

~HALCYON, a fierce warrior, found guilty of murdering a fellow hoplite with whom she was assigned a very special mission. Once so strong and brave, now broken and unsure, she needs to get going for this is a WAR they can't afford to loose.

There is steel within me.
I will not bend.
I will not break.

~EVADNE is nothing like a badass fighter or swoonworthy damsel waiting for prince charming. She is a simple farm girl, who limps more frequently than she wants to believe; who chose to fight the world for her sister and would gracefully condone all the hate if that meant her sister is safe and unbroken.

~DAMON- a mage who is not great, not bad but just somewhere in the middle. AVERAGE. He is kind but wants to prove himself to his father because he feels he falls short in front of his brother.

♡♡THE MAGIC SYSTEM♡♡
The mages make their own magic! Like literally they gotta compose songs and magic pours out when they sing! It's in their very blood and it's more like a cup that needs refilling ever so often.

It's a book about alternate ancient Greek world with Gods & Goddesses, Myths & legends, Relics & Magic, mages & scribes brought together to fight the darkness that descends the Kingdom of Isaura.

It's a heart wrenching tale of this sis duo, separated and reunited after 8 years only to be separated again! But with all the odds against them, the powerful mage rising and enemies eager to strangle them for the information they withhold, both of them manages to be the HERO of the quest they never signed up for
]]>