Book Review: Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Tower of Dawn

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series/Standalone: Throne of Glass Series (Book #6)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, 

Pages: 663

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Year Published: 2017

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shining city of Antica to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, whose vast armies are Erilea's last hope. but they have also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the famed Torre Cesme for the wounds Chaol received in Rifthold.

After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child, Yrene Towers has no desire to help the young lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need- and will honor it. But Lord Westerfall carries shadows from his own past, and Yrene soon comes to realize they could engulf them both.

In this sweeping parallel novel to the New York Times bestselling Empire of Storms, Chaol, Nesryn, and Yrene will have to draw on every scrap of their resilience if they wish to save their friends. But while they become entangled in the political webs of the khaganate, deep in the shadows of mighty mountains where warriors soar on legendary ruks, long-awaited answers slumber. Answer that might offer their world a chance at survival- or doom them all...."

My Rating: 5/5

While reading these, if you had told me I would rate this one higher than Empire of Storms, I would have told you there was no way. But the twists and turns at the end of this hit me in my feelings. I was surprised, I was worried, I felt deeply about the plot line and how the changes were made. While the end felt a little cheesy, I am extremely worried about the characters in the next book, but I look forward to seeing how the plot plays out in Kingdom of Ash. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Empire of Storms

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series/Standalone: Throne of Glass Series (Book #5)

Genre: Fantasy, Adult Fiction,

Pages: 693

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Year Published: 2023

Format: Paperback (Own It)

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

With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was extremely interesting because I began reading this with Tower of Dawn as a tandem read. I ended it by reading the last 100 pages on my own. While I loved reading them interchangeably, it was taking a while. It gave important context, and I'm sure it helped me get through Tower of Dawn quicker than I would have; it slowed down my reading of Empire of Storms. I think the plot of this is excellent. The ever-changing point of view kept me intrigued while reading and had me feeling like there was always someone to root for. I look forward to finishing this series, although I'm ready to sob.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Queen of Shadows

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series/Standalone: Throne of Glass Series (Book #4)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 648

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"Everyone Calaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire- for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past...

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galanthynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena's epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world."

My Rating: 4/5

This was such an interesting instalment in this series. It started out really strong for me and the action near the end was well-paced as well. As a part of the series, I was surprised at the turns that the author chose to make and even more surprised that some plot lines were not pushed to go longer in the series. I am curious to see what happens next in the series. I do love the characters and that's what really keeps me going in this series. I look forward to tangent reading the next two, wish me luck.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Heir of Fire

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series/Standalone: Throne of Glass (Book #3)

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Pages: 576

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Year Published: 2014

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "God, it was boiling in this useless excuse for a kingdom."

"Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak- but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth... a truth about her heritage that could change her life-and her future- forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons, but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed?"

My Rating: 4.75/5

This book really upped the ante from the last two. After taking a break from the novella, I was able to dive back into the world. I found that this book was able to bridge the gap between very YA vs. only a bit of YA. I loved the different plotlines we were following, I also found that some of the plot twists were able to surprise me which hadn't happened much if at all in previous books. I loved the new characters we met and I look forward to continuing the series soon. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

Title: The Assassin's Blade

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series/Standalone: Throne of Glass Series (Book #.5)

Genre: Novella Collection, Fantasy, Young Adult

Pages: 448

Publisher: Bloomsbury 

Year Published: 2014

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

"Contains all five novellas.

Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trust only her fellow killer-for-hire Same. In these action-packed novellas- together in one edition for the first time- Celaena embarks on the five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn's orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out."

My Rating: 4/5

I think that this novella bound up did exactly what it set out to do. It helps readers further understand our main characters' past. It helps to see how the events in the first novel take place and I'm glad I read it after the second book in the series due to the twists that take place in the second book. It was exactly what it set out to be and my only complaint was that the main character started to be annoying in this prequel situation. I know a lot of people find her annoying throughout the series, but I've never thought that until this one. Fun, intriguing and plot-driven. I look forward to continuing the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah. J. Maas

Title: A Court of Silver Flames

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series/Standalone: A Court of Thorns and Roses Series (Book #4)

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 757

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Year Published: 2021

Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)

First Line: "The black water nipping at her thrashing heels was freezing."

"Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key is halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared with war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance- and healing- in each other's arms."

My Rating: 4.5/5

Wow, it took me long enough to get to this book. And overall, I enjoyed it. Could I have gone in right after I read ACOWAR the first time, maybe, but I'm glad I did an overall reread? I also found that the novella right before this one really helps put you in the headspace for this one, and things that happen in that book are referenced quite frequently, so don't miss it. I've taken up the CAWPILE method for rating books, and this one I added a range for rating, smut. The characters in this were as lovely as always, it was great to get a different perspective. The atmosphere and the writing were good for me. The plot is where I found this story really lacked. Yes, there was a plot, but it just wasn't at the forefront for me. Intrigue about the romance was there, the logic for the plot was just okay. BUT THE SMUT! It was next level for this series, and I was LIVING for it. I will be continuing the series, and Sarah J. Maas can just keep the spice coming.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson

Title: Piecing Me Together

Author: Renee Watson

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Pages: 277

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Year Published: 2017

Format: Audiobook

"A timely and powerful story about a teen girl from a poor neighborhood striving for success, from acclaimed author Renee Watson.

Jade believes she must get out of her neighborhood if she's ever going to succeed. Her mother says she has to take every opportunity. She has. She accepted a scholarship to a mostly-white private school and even Saturday morning test prep opportunities. But some opportunities feel more demeaning than helpful. Like an invitation to join Women to Women, a mentorship program for 'at-risk' girls. Except really, it's for black girls. From 'bad' neighborhoods.

But Jade doesn't need support. And just because her mentor is black doesn't mean she understands Jade. And maybe there are some things Jade could show these successful women about the real world and finding ways to make a real difference.

Friendships, race, privilege, identity- this compelling and thoughtful story explores the issues young women face."

My Rating: 3.75/5

I don't want to make this review confusing, but just because I rate something 3 stars doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it or find meaning in the work. I certainly did. I think this book says so many things about society, systemic racism, and the white gaze that is often put on BIPOC. That being said, I prefer a plot that has a little more flow in it than this book did. The real star of this novel was the characters, they were real, they were flawed, and they were DYNAMIC. I felt like I knew these characters. I plan on reading more work by the authors as soon as possible. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows

Author: JK Rowling

Series/Standalone: Harry Potter Series (Book #7)

Genre: Classic, Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 607

Publisher: Bloomsbury UK

Year Published: 2007

Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)

First Line: "The two men appeared out of nowhere, a few yards apart in the narrow, moonlit lane."

"Harry Potter faces a seemingly impossible task. He will not return to Hogwarts for his seventh year; instead, he will finish the quest started by Albus Dumbledor. He must hunt down and story Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes. Only then will he be able to rid the world of the Dark Lord's shadow once and for all.

This final battle is Harry's destiny, and destiny demands that he rise to meet his true fate without fear.

My Rating: 4.5/5

I do not agree with JK Rowling's views or support her views! We all know she is the devil in disguise. I will say that Harry Potter and the HP world is very important to me. It's gotten me through multiple dark times in my life. And completing a long reread, I was surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this final book even though it took about 2 months to complete. I think that the series wraps so well after the final battle and while it's heartbreaking it also inspiring in some ways. To see how the characters have grown, how they've changed and adapted to the war around them is such an amazing story. I know that I will always love Harry Potter, and I have no plans on giving away by book set, but I will not be buying anything that will profit She Who Must Not Be Named. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Harry Potter & the Hallf-Blood Prince by JK Rowling

Title: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince
Author: JK Rowling
Series/Standalone: Harry Potter (Book #6)
Genre: Modern Classic, Young Adult, Fiction
Pages: 607
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year Published: 2005
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "It was nearing midnight and the Prime Minister was sitting alone in his office, reading a long memo that was slipping through his brain without leaving the slightest trace of meaning behind."

"Suspicion and fear blow through the wizarding world as news of the Dark Lord's attack of the Ministry of Magic spreads. Harry has not told anyone about the future predicted by the prophecy in the Department of Mysteries, nor how deeply what happened to Sirius Black affected him. He's desperate for Professor Dumbledore to arrive and take him away from the Dursley's- but Hogwarts may not be the safe haven from Voldemort's Dark Forces that it once was. 

In his sixth year, the names Black, Malfoy, Lestrange and Snape will haunt Harry with shades of trust and treachery as he discovers the secret behind the mysterious Half-Blood Prince- and Dumbledore prepares him to face his own terrifying destiny."

My Rating: 4.5/5

Now might not have been the time to give this specific book a reread, but I was already reading it before COVID-19 changed the way we are living. And while some of us are struggling with our mental health watching tragedy happen before our eyes. It's just not a great time to read the most tragic Harry Potter book, in my oh so humble opinion. Also, unpopular opinion Harry is not my favourite character. In fact, he annoys me almost all the time so sometimes while reading I find him a painful character to read from. That being said the message that love is the most powerful magic is something we could all use right now. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review:Harry Potter and Order of the Phoenix by J.K Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and Order of the Phoenix
Author: J.K Rowling
Series/Standalone: Harry Potter (Book #5)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction
Pages: 766
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year Published: 2003
Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)
First Line: "The hottest day of the summer so far was drawing to a close and a drowsy silence lay over the large, square houses of Privet Drive."

"Harry is furious that he has been abandoned at the Dursleys' house for the summer, for he suspects that Voldemort is gathering an army, that he himself could be attacked and that his so-called friends are keeping him in the dark. Finally rescued by wizard bodyguards, he discovers that Dumbledore is regrouping the Order of the Phoenix- a secret society first formed years ago to fight Voldemort. But the Ministry of Magic is against the Order, lies are being spread by the wizards' tabloid, the Daily Prophet, and Harry fears that he may have to take on this epic battle against evil alone."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This is my first time rereading this 5th book in the series and if you've read my other thoughts on the rest of the series this might be surprising. I had attempted to read through the Harry Potter series many times when I was younger and found that after the 4th book I would get stuck and intimidated by the length of the 5th book. That being said, I did complete the whole series once in high school. So it's been a minute. And I have a lot of thoughts. Now when I first read this in high school I would have given it a four. You can tell that this is a point in the series where JK Rowling had deeper plans for the plotline and things start getting intense. Therefore there are some points of information being thrown at us that last for large chapters/ or paragraphs throughout. Now that I am older (and a have a bit more patience) I am able to better grasp the introductions made in this novel. The only reason it is not 5/5 is that at some points I did feel as though the story dragged. Overall excited to finish my reread of the series and see where it takes me.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Author: JK Rowling
Series/Standlone: Harry Potter Series (Book #4)
Genre: Fantasy, Classic, Magic
Pages: 636
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year Published: 2000
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "The villagers of Little Hangleton still called it 'the Riddle House,' even though it had been many years since the Riddle family had lived there."

"When Harry Potter wakes one morning with a searing pain in the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead, he is not sure what it means. All he knows is the last time it happened Lord Voldemort was close by. Three days later, the Quidditch World Cup ends in carnage at the hands of the Dark Lord's followers- and Harry steels himself for more trouble ahead.

Back at Hogwarts for his fourth year, Harry is astonished to be chosen by the Goblet of Fire to represent the school in the Triwizard Tournament. The competition is dangerous, the tasks terrifying, and true courage is no guarantee of survival= especially when the Darkest forces are on the rise..."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I'm really enjoying the reread of this series, but I have to say that I'm not the biggest fan of Harry as a character. And that's why I knocked down half of a star. I did really enjoy the setting and the expansion of the world that goes on in this book. I think that this book has a really great natural rhythm to it. I will say that I was annoyed with some of the other plot points a little bit, but I'm excited to continue rereading the series but I will be taking a month off from the reread, as my friend needs to finish this book this month (and she doesn't think she's gonna make it).

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkban by JK Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Author: JK Rowling
Series/Standalone: Harry Potter Series (Book #3)
Genre: Classic, Fantasy
Pages: 317
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year Published: 1999
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "Harry Potter was a highly unusual boy in many ways."

"On the morning of his thirteenth birthday, Harry Potter learns that mass-murderer Sirius Black has escaped the iron grasp of Azkaban fortress. harry has barely survived his first two years at Hogwarts; now it looks as though Sirius Black is determined to make sure Harry doesn't finish his third.

With Ron and Hermione at his side, Harry is forced to confront his new enemy- while the sinister Dementors of Azkaban Patrol the school ground threatening to suck the very soul from those who they encounter with a deadly kiss..."

My Rating: 5/5

This is by far my favourite Harry Potter book (As far as I remember) I love the growth in the world and getting to see how criminals are dealt with. i also appreciate seeing other magical creatures that we hadn't been introduced to before. Overall this book introduces my favourite characters and some of the best elements of the series (in my opinion). I'm so excited to rewatch the movies after we finish the series.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny