Book Review: Broken Throne by Victoria Aveyard

Title: Broken Throne

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Series/Standalone: Red Queen Series (Book #4.5)

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Pages: 468

Publisher: Orion

Year Published: 2019

Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)

"Return once more to the deadly and dazzling world of Red Queen in Broken Throne, a beautifully designed must-have companion to the chart-topping series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Aveyard.

The perfect addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Red Queen series, this gorgeously designed package features three brand-new novellas, two previously published novellas, Steal Scars and Queen Song, and never-before-seen maps, flags, bonus scenes, journal entries and much more exclusive content.

Fans will be delighted to catch up with beloved characters after the drama of War Storm and be excited to hear from brand-new voices as well. This stunning collection is not to be missed!"

My Rating: 4.75/5

I feel like this book really brought me back to what I love about the series. While it took me a long time to read through the separate novellas and bonus scenes it was exactly what I wanted from it. 

I had already read Steel Scars and Queen song as they were in a separate wrap up Cruel Crown. These two stories give great context to the world and characters we see/hear about in passing during through the first two books in the series. 

I thought that the novella World Behind didn't do anything for me other than mention sepearte characters that I wanted to hear more about in the future. I just wish that we had gotten Jon's backstory rather than this one. 

Iron Heart was a great novella and gave the insight that I wanted into Evangaline's mind and helped me understand the relationship she has with Elane. 

Fire Light is what I freaking needed at the end of the series.It brought back so many great memories of reading the series for the first time. The relationships between characters is just so fantastic to read. I loved the swoon worthy moments and the humour that was brought in by familiar characters.

The last section had me crying. I can't wait to read more from this author, even in a separate world than this one. 

Would recommend for fans of Red Queen Series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: War Storm by Victoria Aveyard

Title: War Storm

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Series/Standalone: Red Queen Series (Book #4)

Genre: Fantasy, Dystopian, Young Adult

Pages: 662

Publisher: HarperTeen

Year Published: 2018

Format: Hardcover Copy (Own it)

First Line: "We drown in silence for a long moment."

"Victory comes at a price.

Mare Barrow learned this all too well when Cal's betrayal nearly destroyed her. now determined to protect her heart- and secure freedom for Reds and newbloods like her- Mare resolves to overthrow the kingdom of Norta once and for all... starting with the crown on Maven's head.

But no battle is won alone, and before the Reds may rise as one, Mare must side with the boy who broke her heart in order to defeat the boy who almost broke her. Cal's powerful Silver allies, alongside Mare and the Scarlet Guard, prove a formidable force. But Maven is driven by an obsession so deep, he will stop at nothing to have Mare as his own again, even if it means demolishing everything- and everyone- in his path.

War is coming, and Mare has fought for hangs in the balance. Will victory be enough to topple the Silver kingdoms? Or will the little lightning girl be forever silenced?

In the epic conclusion to Victoria Aveyard's stunning series, Mare must embrace her fate and summon all her power... for all will be tested, but not all will survive."

My Rating: 3.5/5

Anyone who has followed any of my bookish information knows that this series is one of my personal favourites and I stand by that. This one wasn't my favourite, and I know a lot of the fans felt similarly about it. This final book was by far the longest, and most drawn out. I felt like the pacing was just off, it wasn't what I expected (and I don't mean that in a good way). There were points that just felt like they lasted forever, but the end just seemed to wrap to quickly, and didn't feel complete.

That being said, I love the characters and the idea of the world. I think that it's a unique dystopian/fantasy mix. I am looking forward to reading the following novella bind up. I can't wait to see what they focus on and who. I hope that we get more of an epilogue through one of these short stories. I also loved the fighting sequences, they are amazing to visualize. The change in perspectives was interesting, but I felt like they chose too many perspectives. I'm curious to see how the novellas add to everything but overall not a strong finale for the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Spoiler: War Storm by Victoria Aveyard

This series was a favourite for the past few years. At least since the first one came out, I've been keeping up with them. Unfortunately, I didn't get to this one when it first came out and now I'm stuck here thinking that it just didn't end how I wanted it to this. This series has followed Mare Barrow, a girl who unbeknownst to her had immense power and stumbles into a lion's den. Beginning with betrayal, politics, and intense battles. I loved the series overall, but the ending wasn't strong enough for the series.

Characters:

Cal: I really loved his character, but the fact that he chose the crown, time and time again annoyed the shit out of me. I understand that he was trained to rule, and was tutored to believe that the nation would fall without a strong king, but he had been travelling with the new-bloods for some time. He had to understand that they could overthrow him in the same way the original silvers overthrew the reds. And maybe he was set in his ways, but he flipped pretty quick when the only other option was another set of royals trying to take over the nation. It seemed like a last resort move, not a change of heart. I do wonder how he works through these changes in the novella.

Maven: Here I thought he would be dealt with in the end. And in some ways he was. He was left to be killed off until the very end. I was hoping for a more epic battle as we saw throughout the rest of the series and instead it turned more into political warfare. Which is also great, when done well, this wasn't done the best. I was happy to see that Mare was able to fight her demons and end this monster.

Mare: I think that we really saw her grow throughout this revolution. I just wish that we were able to watch her grow a little bit further than the epilogue. I was glad that she was able to find peace and a group of people who she could relate too (other newbloods with similar powers).

Farley: She is my favourite in the series! She is such a badass. Has a baby, has to leave her to go to war. Does it and continually leads groups into battles without powers, just a badass with a shit ton of weapons. I just wish that she had been able to kill Tolly. 

Kilorn: I loved his attitude towards being left out and how he fought his hardest to protect Mare from all different kinds of pain. I was also glad that we didn't focus on her turning down his feelings. She was straight forward and let him know that she didn't feel that way, and while he had a moment to deal with that he didn't hold that against her! I loved that!

Iris: Another badass. I hope that in the novella bindup we get to see what happens with her and how she was raised. Because she knew how to blend in and how to make connections. I liked her, definitely interested in learning more about her in general. 

Evangeline: I think that she generally took up too much time. I liked seeing her perspective and personal rebellion, but other than the battle in Harbour Bay I didn't think that the pov was all the necessary. I do hope to see more interactions between her and Mare. 

Julian: I was glad to see that in general he sided with the Reds and Silvers in the interest of the kingdoms for a while I thought that he was denying their cause and I was pissed. I wish that we had gotten his perspective instead of Mavens to be completely honest.

Moments to Remember:

Pg. 7

"'Did you hear me, lighting girl?' She sniffs and forces a smile, turning back around to reveal a now very red and splotchy face. 'I said I'm proud of you. Write that down. Commit it to memory. You probably won't hear it again.'"

Pg. 58

"'Are you offering yourself for the job, Iris?' he clips, looking down his nose at me.

I tighten at such a foolish thought. 'I am a queen and princess, not a dog playing fetch.'

'Of course, you aren't a dog, my dear.' Maven offers a sneer, never breaking his stride. 'Dogs obey.'"

Pg. 326

"Somewhere, a few of our storms break off. Their job is to call up thunder. Cultivate lightning. Shock and awe the garrison, send them running. Make them think Barrow is here."

Pg. 428

"Farley doesn't rise to the bait this time.She keeps still, and Davidson slowly claps his hands, inclining his head toward the false king. 'I have to applaud you, Maven,' he says. The blank calm of the premier is a welcome respite from so much bile. 'I admit, I didn't expect such deft manipulations from someone so young. But I assume that's how your mother built you, didn't she?' he adds, looking to me."

Final Line: "I will go back."

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Reread Thoughts: King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard

Title: King's Cage
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Series/Standalone: Red Queen Series (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Dystopian
Pages: 528
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2017
Format: Hardcover (Own it)
First Line: "I rise to my feet when he let me."

"In this breathless third installment to Victoria Aveyard's bestselling Red Queen series, allegiances are tested on every side. And when the Lightning Girl's spark is gone, who will light the way for the rebellion?

Mare Barrow is a prisoner, powerless without her lightning, tormented by her lethal mistakes. She lives at the mercy of a boy she once loved, a boy made of lies and betrayal. Now a king, Maven Calore continues weaving his dead mother's web in an attempt to maintain control over his country- and his prisoner.

As Mare bears the weights of Silent Stone in the palace, her once ragtag band of newbloods and Reds continue organizing, training and expanding. They prepare for war, no longer able to linger in the shadows. And Cal, the exiled prince with his own claim on Mare's heart, will stop at nothing to bring her back.

When blood turns on blood, and ability on ability, there may be no one left to put out the fire- leaving Norta as Mare knows it to burn all the way down."

My Rating: 5/5

Every time I reread this series, I'm worried that the only reason I love it so much is for nostalgia. It turns out I just freaking love the characters. They're interesting, complex and fleshed out in a way that I only first experienced when starting the series for the first time so many years ago. I think that Victoria Aveyard does a wonderful job of writing the setting and writing battle. Overall I love her work and am so excited to finally be continuing on with War Storm. It will be my first time reading the 4th instalment and while I'm excited I'm also nervous. Again would recommend to anyone interested in either Fantasy or Dystopian. I would say that this series is more character-based (while there are plot points you have to really care about the character in order to continue on). Overall love this series and its twists and turns!

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Reread Thoughts: Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard

Title: Cruel Crown
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Series/Standalone: Red Queen Series (Book # 0.1- 0.2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Dystopian
Pages: 208
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2016
Format: Physical Copy (Own it)
First Line: 

"Two women on either side of the Silver and Red divide tell the stories no one else knows.

Discover the truth of Norta's bloody past in these two revealing prequels to #1 NEW YORK TIME bestseller RED QUEEN.

Queen Song
Queen Coriane, first wife of King Tiberias, keeps a secret diary- how else can she ensure that no one at the palace will use her thoughts against her? Coriane recounts her heady courtship with the crown prince, the birth of a new prince, Cal, and the potentially deadly challenges that lie ahead for her in royal life.

Steel Scars
Captain Farley was raised to be strong, but being tasked with planting the seeds of rebellion in Norta is a tougher job than expected. As she travels the land recruiting black market traders, smugglers, and extremists for the first attempt at an attack on the capital, she stumbles upon a connection that may prove to be the key to the entire operation- Mare Barrow."

My Rating: 5/5

This is my third or fourth time rereading this novella collection and every time that I start it I think it can't be as good as I remember. But it always is. Aveyard is able to conjure such enormous feelings for characters who appear briefly in the series itself. I think that this novella collection does an amazing job of bringing different perspectives to the series. It helps us understand why certain groups of people act the way they do.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Reread Thoughts: Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

Title: Glass Sword
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Series/Standalone: Red Queen Series (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 444
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2016
Format: Hardcover (Own it)
First Line: "I flinch."

"If there's one thing Mare Barrow knows, it's that she's different.

Mare Barrow's blood is red- the color of the common folk- but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control.

The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but she makes her escape from Maven, the prince- the friend- who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling: she is not the only one of her kind.

Pursued by Maven, now vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors.

But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, a risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat.

Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?

The electrifying next installment in the Red Queen series escalates the struggle between the growing rebel army and the blood-segregated world they've always known- pits Mare against the darkness that has grown in her soul."

My New Rating: 4.5/5

This is kind of a surprise for me. We all know that this is one of my favourite series of all time. And I know it's not the most original but find any YA book that is 100% original and I'll be surprised. I had to change my rating due to the fact that it took me so long to finish this, that being said this is my 3rd reread of this book and I still found the ending emotional and so gripping. I can't wait to continue my reread and finish the series.I love the characters, setting and the idea of questioning good vs. evil. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Reread Thoughts: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Title: Red Queen
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Series/Standalone: Red Queen Series (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Dystopian
Pages: 383
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2015
Format: Own it (Hardcover and Collectors)
First Line: "I hate First Friday."

"This is a world divided by blood- red or silver. The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change. That is until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power. Fearful of Mare's potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her the long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime. But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance- Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart."

My Rating: 5/5

This took a surprisingly long time for me to reread this time around, not because I didn't enjoy it. No rather because I was a bit lazy to reread and needed something that would gather my full attention and for that reason, I listened to many audiobooks lately. I also found that I was more looking forward to some of the aspects that happen in the coming books. I look forward to continuing my reread. Just unsure if it will be immediate.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Spoiler: King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard

As always I am total Victoria Aveyard trash. So that's just my life now. I've already called my boyfriend and cried a bit. I'm sort of fine now. Good enough for me.
So this book i wasn't sure what the hell was going to happen. After the ending in Glass Sword I was dying to know which direction the author was going to take this book. And I loved it. I really thought that the characters were far more interesting to learn about the characters. We found out so much more about most of them. Not to mention the changing of perspectives which freaked me the f@ck out, because I thought we were pulling a Veronica Roth her and I wasn't ready for that! I also thought that the plot became very politically intriguing we found out so much more about the surrounding countries: Piedmont, Monfort, The Lakelands, etc. 
I really appreciated the way the author made sure the captivity was long, I was worried it would be a quick rescue and it being to easy but it was a long time. Enjoyed it, sorta.
Also the changes in some of the writing to make this appear more dystopian than fantasy. Adding water bottles, and origins to the silvers was an amazing touch!

Characters:
Mare: She really changed alot as a character, instead of pushing away she pulled in when she got her loved ones back. But it did break my heart to see her sort of open up again to Maven just to realize how truly twisted he was/is. He's a screwed up dude. But she also let Cal in only to get hurt. Which I mean like we'll get to that. My heart completely broke for her in the end of the book, but we all should have known things were going too fast.

Cal: I was on your team Cal when no one else was there. I was there. But then you pull this garbage. I can't believe you would work so hard just to run away. I was really loving your banter and how you were opening up to her and loving her. It was beautiful. I thought you made a choice, ya idiot. 

Maven: My heart broke when he told the story about Elara making him walk and taking away his memory. I thought that he might try and change, but that's just my wishful thinking. Anyone else thinking he dug his own grave though?

Cameron: Seeing her perspective was very valuable. I thought that the way she thought of her brother reminded me so much of Mare in the first book trying to get back to her family. I also thought meeting her brother was interesting, to see his reaction to the propaganda. Jeez 

Evangeline: Another interesting perspective. I mean I didn't know that she preferred female companions and that she wasn't interested in the crown for herself. But looking in to some things that makes sense. I was hoping right there with her when she was hoping that Cal would say no. 

Farley: Not surprised that she was pregnant, but that she chose to fight after giving birth so soon. Badass.

Kilorn: He's calmed down a lot which I can appreciate, but please find love. Please my little fictional baby.

Iris: I wonder about her reaction to losing her father and why she was so calm when she was pretty much given to a mad king losing power.


Moments to Remember:
Pg. 198
"'You think I would lie?'
I can't help but laugh darkly. In the back of my mind, I wish for a knife. I wonder if he could incinerate me before I slit his throat. 'You? Never.'"

Pg.359
"'A schedule,' I snort, stepping into the sunshine. 'You sound like a Silver lady.'
'Well, when you're as good-looking as I am...,' he sighs.


Final Line:
"We're going to let them kill each other."


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard

Title: Cruel Crown
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Series/Novel: Red Queen Series (Prequelish)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Dystopian
Pages: 142
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2015
First Line: "As usual, Julian gave her a book."

"Two women on either side of the silver and red divide tell the stories no one else knows. 
Queen Song:
Queen Coriane, first wife of King Tiberias, keeps a secret diary, how else can she ensure that no one at the palace will use her thoughts against her? Coriane recounts her heady courtship with the crown prince, the birth of a new prince, Cal, and the potentially deadly challenges that lie ahead for her in royal life.
Steel Scars:
Captain Farley was raised to be strong, but being tasked with planting the seeds of rebellion in Norta is a tougher job then expected. As she travels the land recruiting black market traders, smugglers, and extremists for her first attempt at an attack on the capital. , she stumbles upon a connection that may prove to be the key to the entire operation- Mare Barrow."

My Rating: 5/5

So to begin with, this book is two separate Novellas Queen Song and Steel Scars as mentioned above. Each other them shows different aspects of this futuristic world.
My only regret while reading this book is that I didn't savour it for long, because now I have no new Red Queen material to hold me over until the next book comes out. This book was very impressive. It really filled in the gaps of what happened before Mare entered the castle and how Cal's parent met. I thought that was very interesting to see how the Silvers interact with each other and how Elara worked her way into the whole scenario. 
The second novella really followed Farley's entrance into Norta and how she worked the Scarlet Guard into the country. I thought that that was an interesting way to look at Farley. I find myself sometimes forgetting that she's younger than I assume. 
I hope that the next Red Queen book is just as incredible and so far I have no doubts! I'm excited to see what will happen after the ending of Glass Sword. I also wonder if Victoria Aveyard has any other half novellas waiting for us in the future.
Tell me what you want to see and if you're enjoying this series so far.
THANK YOU VICTORIA AVEYARD FOR SHOWING US THE IN BETWEEN!

Thanks for reading,
Love
Sidny

Spoiler: Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard

Just in case you have not read this prequel, I will tell you that there is a book review above if that's what you'd be more interested in reading, because this will spoil aspects of Red Queen, Glass Sword and Cruel Crown for you. You've been warned in case the title was not enough.
Because of the size of this book I will not have a separate characters area either.

This book comes with two separate novellas: Queen Song and Steel Scars.
Queen Song follows Queen Coriane through her courtship, into her marriage and the birth of her son, up to her death. It does so sparsely which interests me but doesn't drag on so that's awesome. I thought it was interesting to see how she was living before she was courted. To know that her house really wasn't doing well and then to be picked out by a prince who refused the tradition of Queenstrial which must have been the greatest scandal EVER! And then to see that she really struggled with depression. Which is something that many can relate to. I think that was a very important aspect of this novella.

Steel Scars focuses on Captain Farley and how she infiltrates Norta and gains followers for her resistance. I thought it was interesting to see her communication with both her father, the Colonel, and Command. The way she does what she feels is right was important as well the way she feels so strongly about the Scarlet Guard. I hope to see something more about her past in the upcoming books, but I understand if that is kept in the dark for sometime. We all love a good mysterious past. Watching her fall in love with shade was incredible. To see how he interacted before he was a member of the Guard and how he was so easy to smile, and joke even in such a terrible position that he was in, it was impressive. I think that those moments were the saddest to read, because we really got to look at their relationship up close and remember, feeling the pain of them together.

Final Line: "RISE, RED AS THE DAWN."

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny

Book Review: Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

Title: Glass Sword
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Series/Novel: Red Queen (Book #2)
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Dystopia
Pages: 444
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2016
First Line: "I flinch."

"If there's one thing Mare Barrow knows, it's that she's different.
Mare Barrow. Mare Burrow's blood is red- the color is common folk- but her Silver ability, power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control.
The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but as she makes her escape from Maven, the prince- the friend- who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling. She is not only one of her kind.
Pursued by Maven, now a vindictive king. Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors.
But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the monster she is trying to defeat.
Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?
The electrifying next instalment in the Red Queen series escalates the struggle between the growing rebel army and blood-segregated world they've always known- and pits Mare against the darkness that has grown in her soul."

My Rating: 5/5

I am so happy I had the time this long weekend to finish this incredible book! I haven't finished one in what feels like forever and this book was the perfect to get me back into reading the way I want to. Throughout the weekend, I found myself carrying it with me to find moments when I could pick it up and find out what was happening and to who. 
I think that my friends were getting a little fed up with my constant reading habit everywhere we went. 
This second instalment really showcases how Mare has been effected by the past and in the present by actions surrounding her. I also think it truly shows you never know who you can trust in a time when you are an unusual individual. People fear what they don't know. I also think the exploration of the country was interesting as there is a distinct difference in the character we meet along the way. The idea of fighting is also large in this book and very well described, making a reader feel like they are in the heat of the battle. I think the additional characters really made a difference to how this was written. It showed different perspectives and gave different ideas about the future of the series. I think that the book also moved at a natural speed which is something that some books have trouble with, this one on the other hand had a perfect flow for me to read throughout the weekend. 
And that ending........ just saying. Read it!

THANK YOU VICTORIA AVEYARD FOR SHOWING A CHARACTER WHO IS SO UNREAL YET SO GENUINE!
Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny 

Spoiler: Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

I finally finished it!!!! I know what everyone in the Young Adult reading community has been talking about. And yes, it's everything they say it is. INCREDIBLE! 
I've been reading this book all weekend, whenever I have a minute. And woah, what a fantastic way to spend a weekend. It was awesome.
The change of setting throughout this book was incredible. It really showed different areas of the country and the changes that have been happening since the denouncement of Cal and how people are reacting to their new ruler. It also shows the change in the group known as newbloods. The ones everyone wants to dig their claws into. The additional characters in this book were incredible and really added to the story. Unfortunately I won't be able to get to them all in the character section, but let it be known that their is a constant changing "cast" in this book. Their is also alot of action style sequences so if that's what you enjoy reading you'll really love this. 

Characters:
Mare: Mare has changed throughout her time in the palace and several different prisons. She's learning that people fear what they don't understand and know. What they don't find normal in their day to day lives, and some may try to eradicate these things. After she is saved she is immediately in battle with those around her and on the run. After surviving one thing, it just seems that nothing can go her way. For example, the Colonel locking her up after she tries to assist him with his plans for war. I think that Mare is suffering trying to push her different roles in her life to different characters instead of letting her different personalities make up who she is. Which makes sense when she is constantly fearing for her life and those around her. I was very excited by the end of the book to see the Choke and then to be captured... I did not anticipate it, but that ending though, as much as I hated it. Perfect.

Cal: Cal is also lost without his role as a leader of a group. He doesn't fit in the new world in the new rebellion and he doesn't fit among his own kind. Especially as a king killer. I think that the death of his father really affects him as we see his nightmares during his sleep and the way he acts with those around him. The way he reacts in the prison surprises me the most and how he reacts when Mare kills his Silver counter parts. I can't blame her, but I also understand his feeling, these are people he's grown up with. He's known them all his life to harm them would be betraying his own, no matter what they have done. I do hope that he is safe though.

Shade: It's cool, I'll just bawl. I don't need to be happy that's fine! I was angry, but it was a perfect move for an author. A change for sure. I never thought he would be killed after he kinda came back from what we assumed was death in the start, and to be killed in an instant of trying to save his sister was crazy and horribly sad. The description was perfect and fit the shock I felt as it happened. I wish that he would have been around to see the revolution that his actions had caused.

Farley: She is a good person. As much as she is trying to push against bounds of others who are her superior, she becomes an equal with Mare. Some trust her and other's Mare. Together they work to find as many as they can. I am curious to read about her background in Cruel Crown. I think I know what she was asking when she first had questions about Jon. I also wonder how her life will turn out after the capture. I hope the best for her. Shade and her would have made a fantastic couple, just too good I suppose.

Kilorn: We all knew this confession was coming. I just hoped that Mare would be able to return it, but when she couldn't I felt for him. I hope that he is able to find someone who can love him as he needs. I also hope that he doesn't let the jealousy of not having abilities eat him up, and seeing that he is valuable as he is. 

Cameron: This fiesty little thing threw me for a loop, but she was also just what the group needed. She was angry and challenging I hope that she puts those characteristics and feelings to good rather than to sit back while Mare is butchered.

Maven: Still a crazy mother f**ker but at least that mother of his is dead. I'm curious if he'll actually kill Mare or just keep her as a pet. I'm also curious what's going on in his head while all this is happening. Madness.

Moments to Remember:
Pg. 315
"'I'm useless,' Farley chirps from her seat. A blade flicks back and forth in her hands, betraying exactly how wrong she is."

Pg. 378
"I'll just wait up here,' Cameron says, watching us from the openin doorway at the top level. Her legs dangle. She even has the gall to whistle, eyeing the last magnetron as he moans."

Final Line: "I kneel."

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny

Book Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Title: Red Queen

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Series/Novel: Red Queen (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Dystopia

Pages: 383

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Year Published: 2015

First Line: “I hate First Friday.”

“Mare Barrow’s world is divided by blood- those with red and those with silver. Mare and her family are lowly Reds, destined to serve the Silver elite whose supernatural abilities make them nearly gods. Mare steals what she can to help her family to survive, but when her best friend is conscripted into the army she gambles everything to win his freedom. A twist of fate leads her to the royal palace itself, where, in front of the king and all his nobles, she discovers a power of her own- an ability she didn’t know she had. Except… her blood is Red.

To hide this impossibility, the king forces her into the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of her own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks her new position to aid the Scarlet Guard- the leaders of a Red rebellion. Her actions put into motion a deadly and violent dance, pitting prince against prince- and Mare against her own heart.”

My Rating: 5/5

This book was one of the most popular books being read right now, and my lovely boyfriend picked it out for me. He’s a smart guy, because this book was incredible. Looking at the cover of the book you can tell this book is going to be something different. It looks important, like something we should all read, almost as though it’s a warning.

But that could all just be fluff. This book takes place in a different type of world, whether or not it is post apocalyptic whose to say. I believe it is. The way the country in this book is described painted an interesting picture of how one single difference could change so much. The characters were perfectly portrayed. Although some I may or may not have thought of as Game of Thrones characters (the colours, the noble men).

THANK YOU VICTORIA AVEYARD FOR SHOCKING ME AT EVERY TURN!

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny xoxo

Spoiler: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

This book has taken my breath away. It points out parts of our histories as humans, but other parts are so unreal it’s insane. The ideas of different blood types developing is a wild idea, but who am I to say it won’t happen. Maybe not like this. The painting of the Red villages, factories and slums is depressing. The idea that at some point people decided that other people were lower than others is despicable. Then the difference between how the Reds live vrs. Silvers in their fancy cities and palaces. It’s a bold transition that Victoria Aveyard made, but it works. It did it’s job of helping me fight for the Guard.

♥Characters♥

♥Mare: To be thrown into such a insane new world, taken away from your family and the only world you’ve ever known is a trial in itself, but then to sign yourself up for a rebellious group that is working from inside the palace you live is a lot of work. And likely terrifying. Mare is strong, and although we know there are times where she is scared, she doesn’t let it break her. She made her mistakes in who she trusted, but in the end how was she to know. She wanted someone to rely on, to understand her and she thought that she had that with Maven, but in reality she would have had that with Cal, if her brain hadn’t been ripped open. Hopefully things all work out in the Scarlett Guard, but it will not be easy.

♥Cal:  He must have loved her to take her from her conscription to the army, and then to try to help her through the hall and keep her safe. To take a chance and kiss her even though you are betrothed to another. He’ll likely die, and it will break my heart.  He’s sweet, really he is.

♥Maven: A despicable, evil genius. Maybe some of the things he had told Mare were true. He felt left behind by his father, living in Cal’s shadow and that could all be true. That being said the things he did were horrendous.  I can’t decide if I hate him or not yet though. I want to, I really do, but part of me believes he’ll turn this around.

♥The Queen: I referred to this character this way in my head. With ominous music, of course, because what would a villain be without horrible music to follow her. We all knew she would cause trouble, but I doubt we thought she’d manipulate her only child to get what she wanted. She’ll be very upset that Cal and Mare have escaped with the Guard.

♥Kilorn: So there is yet another love interest. From what I know he is sweet, but seriously you had all the time in the world to speak up.

♥Moments to Remember♥

♥Pg. 111

“‘You’re a lot like Maven,’ he says after a long moment that makes my heart race.

 ‘You mean engaged to a stranger? We do have that in common.’”

♥Pg. 306

“‘What do we do now?’

He laughs to himself, eyes glint mischievously.

‘That’s not what I meant.’ But I can’t help but smirk with him.”

♥Final Line: “I will kill him.”

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny xoxo