Tag: Sarah J. Maas

Reviews, YA Fantasy

Book Review: A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas

Liz Brooks

A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3.1)

GoodReads Summary:

Months after the explosive events in A Court of Wings and Ruin, Feyre, Rhys, and their companions are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly-changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it, a hard-earned reprieve. Yet even the festive atmosphere can’t keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, she finds that those dearest to her have more wounds than she anticipated–scars that will have far-reaching impact on the future of their Court.

Liz’s Review:

I’ve always really loved Sarah J. Maas’ books. She’s a good writer, provides good backstory, gives characters depth and meaning. HOWEVER, A Court of Frost and Starlight fell short for me. It doesn’t surprise me that these characters are having a difficult time adjusting to life post-war. Its a very real thing, PTSD. And I felt like this “mini-novel”- because it isn’t a novella and it isn’t a novel either- didn’t take us anywhere, didn’t help the characters.

We, again, saw most of the events through Rhys and Feyre’s perspective, and we still learned nothing new. The others were there, but it didn’t build upon their story. Their chapters also didn’t bring us any closer to understanding their PTSD. I felt like this was fluff, but a fluff I didn’t need. A fluff that could have been inserted in the true 4th novel with flashbacks, or some other story driving force. Sadly, this just felt like a waste of my time.

On Goodreads, I gave it three stars, and that was generous.

Rating: 2 stars

Veronica’s Review:

This is what I wanted and what I did not want. Let me explain. My heart hurt to see them so… broken.

The book was told through four POV’s, Rhys & Feyre (not surprising) and Cass & Nesta (Interesting). I assume Sarah did it this way to start getting us familiarized with Cass and Nesta being the main POV’s from here on out. Now onto the good stuff.

I really thought the book would be more happy, but who am I kidding? I should have known how broken and sad the characters were going to be. I was surprised with Nesta’s actions. I always thought her rebellion would be manifested a different way, but alas I was wrong.

Overall, I expected more from this book, yet I was pleased with how she managed to wrap up Rhys & Feyre’s story in order for us to move onto Cass and Nesta’s. I wish we could have seen more of Az or the other characters of the inner circle and seen their struggle after the war, but I do understand that the focus was Rhys and Feyre. All the past books in the series had weight to them while this one was just a transition book which is why I am not being so hard on it.

My fangirl heart gave this book a 5 on Goodreads, but really…

Rating: 4 stars

NA Romance, Reviews

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

Liz Brooks

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3)

GoodReads Summary:

Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

My Review:

My expectations were too high.

I loved ACOTAR and ACOMAF… but I am only mildly happy with A Court of Wings and Ruin.

SJM said that we would get the story through multiple people, and while that is semi true, it wasn’t enough for me. I didn’t see enough of the other characters for my liking… and we really needed character development for the inner circle and more information about Elain and Nesta. Feyre grew so much in ACOMAF so I felt it was the side characters time to grow.

I will say the witter banter was still there, which is always fun to read. And what Feyre does in the Spring Court was badass to a whole new level for her. The introduction of the other High Lords of the Winter, Day, and Dawn courts was super fun.

So while ACOMAF wil always be my favorite SJM novel (so far), I think ACOWAR is tying with her Heir of Fire (TOG series) for my least favorite.

Author Signing Event:

By some MIRACLE, The Ivy Bookshop was able to secure a visit from SJM herself… first time I’ve see her in Baltimore ever. So it was incredibly exciting to go see her. The questions she answered were hilarious- the inner circle’s Hogwarts Houses and how she came to terms with being a Hufflepuff; what the 6th book of TOG looks like; how Rhysand came to be.

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The bestie and I waiting for SJM
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SJM talking about being a Hufflepuff
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SJM + Husband signing

Rating: 3 out of 5Blog Signature

Reviews, YA Fantasy, ya romance

Book Review: Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas

Liz Brooks

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass, #5)

Goodreads Summary:

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don’t.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin’s journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

My Review:

This series continues to get better and better. Mass’ writing has evolved over time and Empire of Storms is at the top.

As the second to last novel (that we know about because last year we received exciting news about novellas), Empire of Storms picks up right where Queen of Shadows finished. Between the first and the fourth book, Celaena Sardothian has evolved into her true self, Aelin Galathynius. She has used everything she went through to become the true Queen of Terrasen. And in EOS, Aelin must now gather her army and prove she is more than her enemy.

Old friends come back and new faces appear. EoS is a continuous adventure, switching perspectives of several different characters. We learn new back stories. Discover devious plots. Hearts change. Maas weaves secret after secret through the pages and when events happen, it usually blew my mind. And the end completely threw me for a loop. I didn’t see any of it coming.

I would put Sarah J Maas in the same story telling category as JK Rowling and JRR Tolkien. She is a story teller, a world builder.

Rating: 5 out 5Blog Signature

 

 

The Writers Column

This week!

Liz Brooks

Writers Corner

SO Veronica and I decided to start something new on the blog. The Writers Column is going to be an area for us to tell you all what’s going on with us. We aren’t always reading books, or like me, I am not always reading books that I will review, but I still want to talk to you all about it. This will be posted on a weekly basis, with Veronica and I switch  each week. You should see this on Mondays.

Let’s Talk Life!

My life recently has gotten crazy. My sister’s wedding is in two and a half weeks, meaning my weekends have been sucked up by wedding stuff. Not that I don’t enjoy it, but it gets to be exhausting. I am looking forward to having my weekends back after July 4th. And I am really looking forward to reading at a better pace. I did get to go zip lining and tackle a ropes course for my sister’s bachelorette party. It was challenging and so fun! Those harnesses are not human friendly… saw a lot of junk I didn’t want to see, hehe.

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Given that it’s summer, of course I have to talk about my summer vacations! At the end of June I will be in Dewy Beach celebrating a wonderful friend’s 30th birthday. It going to be so much fun, but it’s also scary- she’s the first of us to turn 30. But why is 30 so scary? I have no idea. I still have a year and a half before I hit the big 3-0. However, the scary 3-0 won’t stop me from enjoying the sun and sand and tan. I am also heading to Disney World in August. Most of you probably don’t know this, but my brother works for Disney at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. He’s their communications specialist for cast members. He moved away from MD (where I’m from) three years ago, so it’s a challenge but it also gives me more opportunities to go to Disney!

Let’s Talk Books!

APOLLYCONSo, Apollycon was recently announced and tickets went on sale June 3rd. I was able to buy a ticket so I will be there in March 2017! Super pumped! I was able to grab a Titan Pass too! If anyone else is going, please let me know! I am so down for a meet up! And given that it’s in Orlando, I’ll be going to Harry Potter too! I am all about the more the merrier so let me know!

I know there haven’t been a lot of reviews recently, but given my life above, hopefully that will change in July. I do have a few reviews schedules- The Problem With Forever, And I Darken, The Ending I Want, PLUS a few ARCs I was able to grab! Currently though, I am making my way through Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series. I have been putting this off for awhile because it’s so massive. I like comparing it to Game of Thrones. I am almost finished Heir of Fire and I am so ready for what happens next. A couple of things:

  1. My OTP will always be Chaol/Celaena. You won’t change my mind on this. However, I understand that people and circumstances change and not all relationships are meant to be. Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass, #3)
  2. I am still not over Sam Cortland and I, on a daily basis, punish myself by listening to The Assassin and The Underworld playlist Maas created. I can usually be found crying at my desk at some point in time during the day while A Life So Changed plays. It also doesn’t help that Titanic is my souls weakness and I will always cry.
  3. Sarah J. Maas is perfect and her playlists on Spotify are the best things ever. They really get me through my work days and tell a story of their own. So thank you for that.
  4. Dorian was a ninny… but my opinion of him may be changing, depending on what happens in Queen of Shadows. I really need him to step up.
  5. Speaking of stepping up- Ima need Chaol to stop waffling. Pick a side and stick with it.
  6. Aedion is a God and I can’t wait to see him and Celaena fighting together.
  7. Manon… I am not entirely sure of this witch…
  8. And finally- MEAVE GTFO. Thanks.

I hope you all like this column. If there is anything in particular you want to see from Veronica and myself, please, let us know! We are always looking for new, fun ways to entertain you all.

Much Love- Blog Signature

Adult Fantasy, Reviews, Special Review, ya romance

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

Liz Brooks

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #2)

Goodreads Summary:

Feyre survived Amarantha’s clutches to return to the Spring Court–but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can’t forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin’s people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms–and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future–and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas’s masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

My Review:

A Court of Mist and Fury is passionate, heart-breaking, breath-taking, deeply-emotional, illustrative, immortal.

A Court of Mist and Fury is Sarah J. Maas’ follow-up to her A Court of Thorns and Roses. I adored the first novel in this series and the second blew my mind to pieces. Maas’ world building is enchanting. Every aspect is so detailed. It makes settling into the story that much easier.

At the start of the novel Feyre is heart breaking; she has such a difficult time accepting her actions Under the Mountain- living with killing innocent fae. In this rescued world, Feyre has to now handle being Tamlin’s consort, planning a wedding, parties, holidays. But, having faced and defeated Amarantha, Feyre is not the same person. For one, she is an immortal now. For two, she wants to help rebuild the Spring Court and Prythian. But she wasn’t the only one to out broken and battered. Tamlin is having his own nightmares and they revolve around losing Feyre again. So when Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court, comes to claim the bargain he and Feyre made, Tamlin loses it.

But that bargain between Feyre and Rhysand may be the only thing to save Feyre.

I loved, loved, loved the Night Court. It is so well built and protected. Within the Night Court, there are two separate courts- The Court of Nightmares and the Court of Dreams. Each is spectacular in their own right. Each is very different from other courts. And I unquestionably savored getting to know Rhysand and his inner circle- Cassian, Amren, Mor, and Azriel. They are the complete opposite of Lucien- Tamlin’s lap dog.

The relationship between Feyre and Rhysand is one of passion and power, but also one of respect and equality. When Feyre visits the Night Court, Rhysand doesn’t hold her captive, like Tamlin tried to do. Rhysand understands what Feyre needs to heal her heart and soul. And he doesn’t hold back. When she wants to help, he allows her, trains her, shows her that she is not a pet or pawn to be used willfully.

“No one was my master- but I might master of everything, if I wished. If I dared.”

This story captured my heart and soul. I couldn’t have asked for anything better and there is nothing I would rewrite. RATING: 6 OUT OF 5.

P.S. If you haven’t been to Target to read the exclusive story, go and read. It makes the story that much more juicy… and explains some things between two characters I now ship so hard.

***SPOILERS***

I do want to talk in depth about somethings. So if you haven’t read the novel, please don’t read below this.

***SPOILERS***

I had no clue that Rhysand and Feyre were mates and it blew my mind when the Suriel stated so. I could feel the passion building between them, the teasing and taunting, and I waited for the dam to break. (And if I am being honest, which I am, I shipped them so hard from the moment Rhys saved Feyre during the wedding to Tamlin- who wouldn’t fall in love with him). It took 75% of the book to do this. And when it did- WHOA. I know this book is advertised as Young Adult, but it definitely boarders on New Adult with the descriptive sexual scenes.

I also came to hate Tamlin by the end of the novel. And for good reason. He did nothing to help her while Under the Mountain. Rhys is completely correct, when Tamlin had the chance to help Feyre, he just kissed her in the shadows; he sat and Amarantha’s side idel, while Rhys had been her whore for 50 years and was doing everything in his power to get Feyre out. Knowing that they are mates makes the bargain even better now, while he couldn’t tell Feyre he loved her, he showed her in helping her win. Maas did an unbelievable job making me hate Tamlin more than I already did before Feyre was rescued at the beginning.

And finally- the end. I was stunned. The revelation that Feyre is the High Lady of the Night Court was shocking. The fact that no one new, that Hybern only removed the left glove, she was able to pretend to break their bond and go back to the Spring Court to bring Tamlin and the King of Hybern down is marvelous. Also shocking, was Elain being Lucien’s mate; now he has a higher stake in the war. He knows Feyre is lying about the bond, but at this point, he isn’t willing to risk Elain’s life- even if she is immortal now. And the fact that Elain and Nesta are immortal now changes a lot. My Nesta-Cassian ship can sail, sail, sail.

I could really gush forever about this book, but I’ll stop here. If you want to chat about spoilery things, let me know in the comments and we can email- booksinmybed@gmail.com, or find and DM on twitter- Liz_Anne_B.

Predictions for the third book:

  1. My Nesta-Cassian ship will sail
  2. Lucien will betray Tamlin to save and be with Elain
  3. There will be a war
  4. While I didn’t talk about the priestess above, Ianthe will die
  5. Tamlin will either die or be put in the Prythian version of jail
  6. Hybern will die
  7. Amren will be released
  8. I am worried that Cassian, Mor, or Azriel will die
  9. Rhys and Feyre will have children (in an epilogue probably- hopefully)

Rating: 6 out of 5

Bookish Thoughts

Busy Bee Type of Week (1)

Veronica Porras (TTB)

thoughts

 

Hello! I know I’ve hardly posted anything this week, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been reading. This week I’ve been reading two books, The Museum of Intangible Things by Wendy Wunder, and Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas. I’m halfway through TMfIT and only a little over a third into COM. My  commute to work is about an hour each way so I’ve been listening to the COM audiobook and when I have time to physically read, I go with the other one. I need to finish it soon as it will be featured in the second week of March in Contemporary Conversations.

One of the reasons I haven’t been posting a lot of reviews is because I am getting ready for #ContempConvos and reading books that will be featured there. I keep changing the books I will read for the re-read week, but it’s all good.

I’ve decided to join Anjie and do bookish talks on Sunday’s as well. Click on the picture and check out her blog and see what she has been up to!

Books I’ve been reading:

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What have you been up to this past week?