Book review: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Wings and Ruin

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A Court of Wings and Ruin 〰️

I mentioned in my review of the second book in this series that it outshined the first one. And while I still stand by that statement, I would also now like to say the third book is even better than the first two. This book had me going through all the emotions, and I'm here for it. Loved it right from the start and was gripping the pages right until the end.

It was interesting to see Ferye back with Tamlin in the Spring Court again. Tamlin is now kinda the villain (as well as others), but he's so resentful of what Fyere did to him that I understand his motives. He made lots of bad decisions thought the series so far, but I can see he tried to redeem himself in the end. Was it enough? No, but it's a start. He was hurt and desperate, and while his choices that lead him down the path to siding with Hybern were clouded, I can see how he made those decisions. I can also see him growing from this and trying to regain his good standing with his court and with the rest of Prythian as the books go on.

Also, I never thought we'd see Feyre's sisters or family again after she turned High Fae in the first book, but they not only came back in the second book but played major roles in the third book. At first, I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy their characters, but the more I read about them, the more interesting they are. I really want to know the extent of Nesta's powers, and it's cool that Elain is a seer now. It's interesting to see what the Cauldron did to them and how they still remained the same characters as they were when they were human, yet also different from High Fae.

I loved that we got to know more about the other characters in Rhysand's court. We learned a lot last book, but it was expanded even more. And it was great learning about the other courts as well. I loved watching them all come together, in the end, to fight what seemed like a losing battle against Hybern.

I also enjoyed the military stuff in this book. It normally goes over my head, but Maas managed to write it in simpler terms and in a fun enough way that I enjoyed all the military talk. Also, Fyere learning to fly was information I never thought about before when it comes to using wings. I never thought about how someone would probably use terrain and different parts of their bodies to get to fly. I'm sure it's obvious to some people, but I felt like I was learning to fly right alongside Fyere, and that was cool.

Not sure how I feel about Rhys dying and then immediately coming back. Like, it hit me hard when he died. And I would have hated to see him gone from the story for good. But having him get revived almost immediately kind of cheapened his death. It's the one part of the story I don't think needed to be there.

There were flaws, yes, but all in all, this book captivated me from start to finish, and I can't wait to see how the rest of the series progresses.

Book Review: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Mist and Fury

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A Court of Mist and Fury 〰️

I loved the first book. The first book was great. But it was nothing compared to this book. This second book completely upped the stakes and expanded on world-building, characters, and spicy romance, and I am all here for it.

I was hooked from the beginning. And I love that Feyre had major PTSD and suffered for her actions in the first book. Characters who go through something as major as she did and come out fine aren't believable, and I love it when authors give consequences for their character's actions. (I mean, I hated seeing her suffer, but at least we understood why). And I love that we see her healing journey through this book. Is she ever going to be 100% truly? Probably not. But that's okay. She's learned, slowly through the book, to deal with what happened to her in the first book. And we know that the events of the first book will be long-lasting. So kudos to Maas on that part.

I also loved how we see Feyre realize she was in an abusive relationship with Tamlin and watch her slowly fall in love with (her mate!) Rhys. I will admit, though, that I don't blame Tamlin for what he did. Was it right to lock her in when he knew it triggered her? Absolutely not. But he also went through some horrible stuff Under the Mountain, and I can see his side and need to protect her. He just didn't go about it the right way.

Also, as the story went on, I fell more in love with Rhys myself. He's such a deep and complex character, and I loved learning about his past and seeing him with his friends. Everything he did was to protect and help the ones he loved, even if it hurt him.

As the second book in this series, I think it outshines the first. I cannot wait to dive into the third book. Will the rest live up to the awesomeness of A Court of Mist and Fury? Guess I'll just have to read and find out.

Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses

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A Court of Thorns and Roses 〰️

There was so much talk about this book (and series), and while some didn't like it (as with any book), most talk I've heard was not only positive but bragging about its praise. And I gotta say, after all, my friends (mostly my best friend in particular) raving about this book series, I finally got myself the box set, and I was not disappointed.

It's been a while since I delved back into fantasy books, and this was a great start. I was hooked from the first chapter, and it was hard to put the book down. I'm enchanted by this world and its characters. I love the world-building in this book. Every bit of info we needed was delivered at the right time. The pacing was well done, and Feyre's character was believable.

I will admit, I both saw the ending coming and not all at the same time. When Feyre died (didn't see it coming because we all know there are more books), I instantly knew they would revive her. What I didn't foresee, however, was that they'd turn her Fae. But it makes sense since she's going to be around the fae for a while, and growing old would take away from the spiciness I'm told is coming in later books. I love how not once throughout the book, despite later falling in love with Tamlin, it never once crosses Feyre's mind that she'd want to be fae in order to stay with Tamlin. She knew she was human and was fine with that. Even without knowing she could become fae, she never once wished, "Oh, I wish there was a way to become immortal." I love that about her. Looking at you, Twilight, lol. (I still enjoyed reading Twilight, however).

The only thing I could see an issue with is the age gap. Cause ho, boy, if people thought the age gap in Twilight was bad, that has nothing on Tamlin and friends. But they look young, and their story is great, and it's fantasy, so I can suspend my disbelief that someone who is many centuries old can fall in love with a nineteen-year-old human (which is still young by human standards). Feyre must be like a seconds-old newborn baby to Tamlin.

Aside from that, I'm hooked and can't wait to dive into the rest of the books.

Book Review: The Prom by Saundra Mitchell

The Prom

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The Prom 〰️

What a cute, sad, emotional, funny, and heartwarming story. This short book was packed with all the feels.

It's sad to know that homophobia exists as strongly as it does in this book. It's sad to know that Emma's story is a reality for most queer kids with parents kicking them out after they come out. Or the constant bullying that usually follows. I'm very fortunate and blessed to have not experienced any homophobia despite being openly out for years. But sadly this can't be the case for everyone. But I love how this story explores that reality that a lot of people have to go through. (With some comedy to lighten the mood).

I'm very happy to see such a cute and happy ending. Would this happen in real life? Maybe. Maybe not. All depends on the bigots and how fast they can learn. I can see how the MCs peers came around to acceptance and admiring their wrong after learning what did they about the Bible from Barry. But I don't believe the whole school (and basically town) would turn a new leaf basically overnight, especially after Emma released her song. I mean I do think it would happen, just not as fast as the book suggest. But for the sake of the story and pacing, I'll allow a bit of suspension of my believe this one time. Plus it's just really nice to see everyone come together and realize that love is love in the end.

It's a very YA book with a heavy emphasis on homophobia done with some humor along the way. And because of how the book deals with such a hard subject for it's younger audiences, I applaud it and highly recommend this read.

Now excuse me as I go watch the Netflix musical that I just learned excited.

Book review: Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa

Ander and Santi Were Here

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Ander and Santi Were Here 〰️

Not to be dramatic, but I would die/kill for Anger and Santi. Their love was so pure from the start you can just tell they were meant for each other. You could feel the static between them. And as a queer artist myself, I could totally relate to Ander.

Also, that cover for the book? Absolutely stunning.

This was the first novel I've read with a non binary MC and I'm all here for it. Ander was a wonder narrator for this story and I love their personality. I also loved their passion for art. Though I will say, I don't know why they needed to go to art school. They were already doing so well for themselves, making money and getting lots of commissions. Why go into debt to learn stuff that would help you get a job when you're already basically doing what you want not? Not they they go in the end, but still.

I loved how the author shows the rich Mexican culture in this book. (And with all the talk of delicious Mexican food, I was hungry reading the book the whole time, haha). I also applaud Villa for showing the harsh reality that a lot of illegal immigrants have to go through. While the author mentioned they haven't experienced it themselves, they've done their research well enough that to me, (having not experienced it either), sounds legit.

This book gave me so many emotions. From happiness and calmness, to straight out fear and sadness. It was a whirlwind of emotions and I love that from a book. I also love how Ander's family is soooo supportive of them in literally everything. They are wonderful parents. And very kind people. I'm glad this book had such good LGBTQ+ representation, and no mentions of homophobia at all. It wasn't that kind of story. It was extremely LGBTQ+ friendly and I will always fully support that.

The only negative (and it's not even a negative, at least not for me) is that I worry that non-Spanish speaking people might not understand a lot of the Spanish phrases, and there is a lot. I thankfully speak Spanish because it was my major in uni, but I hope that people who don't speak Spanish can still enjoy reading this book even if they don't understand the random words and phrases in Spanish. (I'm still glad it was included as it helps show real life for Mexican-Americans).

I'm glad to have read this book, not only for entertainment purposes, but as a bit of a insiders life of a Mexican-American and learning about Mexican culture. (As well as what illegal immigrants have to go through). This book was an excellent read and I fully recommend it.

Book Review: Husband Material by Alexis Hall

Husband Material

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Husband Material 〰️

I really enjoyed the first book. It wasn't my favourite read, but I still enjoyed it all the same. The second book held promise but failed to hold up. This book was clearly written as a cash grab. That's not always a bad thing if the story is good. But this book? Nope. It was boring, and the characters felt assassinated by the end of it. Any character growth Luc had in the first book was gone in this one. He was an ass to basically everyone and made every situation about himself, including but not limited to the death of his boyfriend's father.

Also, I mentioned this in my last review, but who thought it was a good idea two have TWO characters named James Royce-Royce. Yes, you can have two characters have the same name, but even the author doesn't differentiate between which one is which. And if you didn't pick up what one looks like or what he does in the first book, you'll 1000% be lost on who is talking in this book. For example:

I'd agreed to meet James Royce-Royce -- the other James Royce-Royce, during my lunch hour outside an embarrassingly middle-end jeweller in central London.

Like, that doesn't tell me with of the two James it is. (And to be honest, even if it did, I still wouldn't know because they both have the same personality, which is "husband to James and loving father to Baby J").

This book was divided into four parts, and none of them tied together. Each could have been its own stand-alone mini-book. It was all leading up to Luc and Oliver getting married, which, spoiler, doesn't even happen. Which is fine. But with the title and blurb of the book, it made it seem like that was the endgame. And it all ended super abruptly. They both decided right at the end that, nope marriage isn't for us; we work better as a couple; then said bye to the wedding guest and pissed off. Not a satisfying conclusion considering the length of this boo.

I had high hopes of enjoying this book and was let down. Other reviews state all the issues better than I could. All I can say for sure is that if you enjoyed the first book, don't read the second. It could ruin your view of book one.

Book Review: Firestarter by Stephen King

Firestarter

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Firestarter 〰️

Actual rating 4.5/5

So I actually saw the movie (remake) first before I read the book. I really enjoyed this book, but I may have enjoyed the movie a bit more because of the changes they made. I won't go into detail stating all the changes, changes between books and screenplays are necessary, but I think the remake improved upon the story. (With the exception that they added a scene where Charlie has to kill a cat she hurt, and that made me ugly cry on the plane. Thankfully, no cats were harmed in the book. Other animals were, but I'm very sensitive when it comes to cats).

The story was engaging and piqued my curiosity from the beginning. I did feel like it dragged a little in the middle once Charlie and Andy spent months locked in The Shop. But the first half of the book and the climax and ending were perfect.

Some of the stories didn't age well, and I wonder if King was a woman if he'd be cancelled for his thoughts on casual racism and homophobic slurs that he always uses. I know many writers (mostly female) who have been called out and cancelled for less, but because King is, well, a king of writing, he gets away with it. Granted, I haven't read much of his more recent works, so I don't know if he's changed. And if he has, great. But people love bringing up the past and cancelling them for it even if they did change. (Which, if they changed, shouldn't that count for something?)

Aside from that, King really knows his stuff. He's an excellent writer and storyteller, and there's a reason we love his books so much we turn almost all of them into movies and even later remake those same movies. This story is a classic, and I loved it. The characters were unique. The storytelling enthralling. The pacing, for the most part, is perfect. All in all, a really enjoyable read. A great addition to anyone's Stephen King collection.

Book Review: Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli

Imogen, Obviously

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Imogen, Obviously 〰️

This book is near perfect, from the cover to the witty dialogue to the self-discovery story that I’m all here for, to great rep. It basically has it all, obviously. The only criticism I have, and it’s a minor nitpick, is that it may be trying a bit too hard to be super “woke,” but otherwise than that, it was awesome.

This book was such a good read. And not only that, I think this is an essential read. Imogen is straight. Or at least she thought she was until she met Tessa. And then there are people like Gretchen who basically believe that because they are part of the LGBTQ+ group, they can dictate someone’s sexuality and say they can or can’t come out later in life. (There are also non-LGBTQ+ people who think this way, but that’s beside the point). The message of this book is clear; no one can tell you when you have to come out. No one can label you. If you are a closeted bi, only liking 1% of girls, then you are still bi if that’s what you identify with, and no one can say otherwise. And if you don’t feel like it’s the right time to come out, then that is okay, too. This is your life, your body, and no one can tell you how and what you feel, even if they are part of the same community as you.

That aside, I loved how all the characters integrated with each other. I found the flirty banter between Imogen and Tesse to be well-written. I laughed a few times. Their relationship, from the start of the book to the end, made me smile. It was never toxic. It was healthy, and I love that. And I love how Lili’s friends accepted Imogen into their lives like she was there all along. I love great friendships in stories. The only toxic person was Gretchen. Gretchen’s feelings were valid but misguided. She doesn’t speak for all queer people just because she is one, even if, in her mind, she can.

This was a cute fluffy read of self-discovery, and I loved it. Reminder, at no point in your life do you have to decide, welp, I thought I was one thing so I guess I have to stay this way. People and feelings change as Imogen learns. You can grow up thinking you’re straight but later learn that maybe you’d instead identify as non-binary or that you’re ace. There is no timeline, no race.

All in all, this is a must-read.