Book Review: Gild by Raven Kennedy

Title: Gild

Author: Raven Kennedy

Series/Standalone: The Plated Prisoner Series (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Adult 

Pages: 393

Publisher: Raven Kennedy

Year Published: 2020

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line:  "I lift the gold goblet to my lips as I watch the show of naked flesh through the space between my bars."

"The fae abandoned this world to us. And the ones with power rule.

Gold.

Gold floors, gold walls, gold furniture, gold clothes. In Highbell, in the castle built into the frozen mountains, everything is made of gold.

Even me.

King Midas rescued me. Dug me out of the slums and placed me on a pedestal. I'm called his precious. His favored. I'm the woman he Gold-Touched to show everyone that I belong to him. To show how powerful he is. he gave me protection, and I gave him my heart. And even though I don't leave the confines of the palace, I'm safe.

Until war comes to the kingdom and a deal is struck.

Suddenly, my trust is broken. My love is challenged. And I realize that everything I thought I knew about Midas might be wrong.

Because these bars I'm kept in, no matter how gilded, are still just a cage. But the monsters on the other side might make me wish I'd never left."

My Rating: 5/5

I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this. This book is more a high fantasy to me than a romance although it does have sex scenes and scenes that include rape, so if that is something that is triggering for you, I wouldn't suggest reading this book. I think that the author does a great job of laying out what can happen in the book with the first chapter. The first chapter starts in an orgy, so if you can make it through that you'll maybe be okay for the rest of the book. I thought that the fantasy aspect of the book and the plot were super interesting, and all the characters had their own unique voice. The one concern I have is whether the main love interest is who I think it is. There is one person I very much don't want it to be, so here's hoping that we get some clarification in book 2.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardguo

Title: Ruin and Rising

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Series/Standalone: The Shadow and Bone Trilogy

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 417

Publisher: 2017

Year Published: Square Fish

Format: Paperback Copy

First Line: "The monster's name was Izumrud, the great worm, and there were those who claimed he had made the tunnels that ran beneath Ravka." 

"The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.

Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a tweaked Alina must submit the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.

Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction- and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she's fighting for."

My Rating: 4/5

This happens a lot for me in a series. The final book just isn't what I expected and while I liked this one, and thought that it made some really great plot choices, the final conflict resolution just wasn't what I wanted from the series. The characters were dynamic and interesting. I am so excited to continue reading Leigh Bardugo's backlist and I'm glad I started with this series. It was such a fun ride, and a great YA read without being too much of a throwback.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Bleed by Kieron Gillen

Title: Bleed

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Stephanie Hans

Series/Standalone: Die Vol. 4

Genre: Adult, Graphic Novel, Fantasy

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2021

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"We've had dragons. The award-winning bleak deconstruction couldn't end without turning its unblinking eye upon a dungeon. There's no escape. There's only down."

My Rating: 2/5

This volume was really a love letter to tabletop RPG and what they offer their communities. That being said, I feel like through most of this series I was just confused. And that's ok. It doesn't always have to make sense but for graphic novels, I like to have a good time and not have to think too terribly hard (that could be a me problem). I look forward to getting my fiancee to read these as he is an avid DnD player and I'm curious to see his thoughts.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Imperial Phase, Part 1 by Kieron Gillen

Title: Imperial Phase, Part 1

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Jamie McKelvie, Matt Wilson, Kevin Wada

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Vol. 5) 

Genre: Graphic Novels, Adult

Pages: 200

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2017

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The gods are free to do whatever they want. Inevitably, they do. Collects issues 23- 28 of the series, including the critically lauded Kevin Wada magazine issue."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I thought that after the last volume it would be so quick and easy to jump into this one, but the story in this one just didn't grab my attention the way I wanted it to. And while there were a few twists, they weren't unexpected. I still enjoy the art style and the plot, just hoping the next one is a bit faster-paced.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Split the Party by Kieron Gillen

Title: Split the Party

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Stephanie Hans, Clayton Cowles

Series/Standalone: Die (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"No one can escape DIE until everyone agrees to go home. Or rather, no one can escape DIE until everyone who is alive agrees to go home. The second arc of the commercial and critical hit of bleakly romantic fantasy fiction starts to reveal the secrets of the world and our heroes' past. Yes, they can't escape DIE. They also can't escape themselves."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This is just such so bleak, dark fantasy. If you love to play Dnd, or other role-playing games this is a great graphic novel for you to pick up. If you enjoy high-stakes scenarios and an interesting world. This is for you. If you want weird magical abilities, this is for you. If you can't handle blood or gore, DO NOT pick this up. The art style is stunning, the story is amazing, I can't wait to continue on with the series.

Thanks for reading, 

Sidny

Book Review: Between the Spark and the Burn by April Genevieve Tucholke

Title: Between the Spark and the Burn

Author: April Genevieve Tucholke

Series/Standalone: Between Duology (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Horror, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 320

Publisher: Dial Books

Year Published: 2014

Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)

First Line: "My dead grandmother Freddie once told me that the Devil created all the fear in the world."

"The conclusion to Between the Devil and The Deep Blue Sea, this gothic thriller romance with shades of Stephen King and Daphne Maurier is a must-read for fans of Beautiful Creatures and Anna Dressed in Blood.

Freddie once told me that the Devil created all the fear in the world. But then, the Devil once told me that it's easier to forgive someone for scaring you than for making you cry. 

The problem with River West Redding was that he'd done both to me.

The crooked-smiling liar River West Redding, who drove into Violet's life one summer day and shook her world to pieces, is gone. Violet and Neely, River's other brother, are left to worry-- until they catch a two a.m. radio program about strange events in a distant mountain town. They take off in search of River but are always a step behind, finding instead frenzied towns, with hunts, and a wind-whipped island with the thrum of something strange and dangerous just under the surface. it isn't long before Violet begins to wonder if Neely, the one Redding brother she thought trustworthy, has been hiding a secret of his own..."

My Rating:  1.5/5

This book wasn't what I hoped it would be and I can't even say that I'm surprised because I knew that the second book was far less liked then the first. I guess what I'm surprised by is how nothing really seemed to happen or feel the same way as the first book. I was so intrigued on going on this road trip style hunt for a person, and then to watch as nothing seemed to truly have consequences... was just kind of boring. I am interested in reading other work by this author, and I'm hoping that her next instalment is a little better paced. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Five Dark Fates by Kendare Blake

Title: Five Dark Fates
Author: Kendare Blake
Series/Standalone: Three Dark Crowns Series (Book #4)
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 452
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2019
Format: Audiobook

"After the battle with Katharine, the rebellion lies in tatters. Juless legion curse has been unbound, leaving her out of her mind and unfit to rule. Arsinoe must find a cure, even as the responsibility of stoping the ravaging mist rests heavy on her shoulders, and her shoulders alone. Mirabella has disappeared.

Queen Katharine's rule over Fennbirn remains intact- for now. But her attack on the rebellion exacted a high price: her beloved Pietyr. Without him, who can she rely upon when Mirabella arrives, seemingly under a banner of truce? As oldest and youngest circle each other, and Katharine begins to yearn for the closeness that Mirabella and Arsinoe share, the dead queens hiss caution- Mirabella is not be trusted.

In the conclusion to the Three Dark Crowns series, three dark sisters will rise to fight as the secrets of Fennbirn's history are laid bare. Allegiance will shift. Bonds will be tested, and some broken forever.

The fate of the island lies in the hand of its queens."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I can't believe that this riveting series is actually over. And what an ending at that. I've been reading this series for a while now and have grown so attached to different characters as well as the island of Fennbirn itself, although sometimes growing fearful of the same characters and atmosphere. Kendare Blake's writing is truly transportive and it puts you at the heart of the story of this island, filled with magical abilities, warring politics and dynamic characters. The only reason that I ended up docking .5 stars is the ending wasn't all I hoped for. I just had envisioned it going a completely different direction and while it was good to be surprised, for myself personally it did fall al little flat. I hope to continue reading works by this author and hope to revisit this world often. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Spoiler: Three Dark Crowns Series by Kendare Blake

I haven't written one of these in a long time and this is kind of the space that I used to write my full feelings, spoilers included. It isn't my best writing work but its where I rant or gush about characters and scenes, etc. I just felt that after the conclusion of this series I need to write my feelings based on character dynamics that changed throughout the story.

Do I remember every tiny detail that went on in the series? Of course no because I read these over the course of a year and there was quite a gap for me between the third one and the finale in the series.

This series has such a great setting on the island, shrouded by mist and in more ways than one the mist starts to take on characteristics itself. It is interesting to explore the different realms on the island. It really gives a great impression of how each of our queens is raised and how different they are from each other. The idea of being on a magical, mysterious island is also so intriguing just in concept in all. 

I also think that the political aspect is just amazing in the series, the way these queens are thrown at each other to compete and win. Along with the families that come with this is just an amazing aspect. I hated the Aarons at the beginning of this series, but the more I heard about Natasha the more I started to respect her choices and how she raised Katharine. I only wish that she had helped her through the struggle with the dead queens, but I understand why her character had to be killed in order for other aspects to happen. I think that Mirabella had one of the most interesting childhoods. She was reckless with her abilities and also had a memory of her sibling so in order to understand her, you must understand that at the temple in some ways she was almost worshipped (or that's how I interpreted it).

Let's talk about some (not all ok, I'd be here forever) .... 

Characters:
Mirabella: Her ending wrecked me. I think that she was such a strong person physically as well as emotionally. She was the only one who was willing to put herself in such danger repeatedly to give love to siblings that didn't even remember her childhood. I think that watching her go from graceful Priestess pet to rebel and back to warrior was so interesting to watch. I just wish that she had met a different end, but I do understand why this hand to happen. 


Arsinoe: I'm just going to say it. I wish that she would have taken the throne. I'm under the opinion those who don't want to rule often do the best job. Because they are grateful and understanding to those who they rule over. I do wonder what will happen in her life. Would she end up birthing triplets in the long run?

Katharine: She was absolutely terrifying, but she was also the underdog, so it makes you wonder how she would have lived throughout the storyline without the dead queens. And how much of her personality in the last 3 books were based strictly on those inhabiting her? I think it started slow and built to be out of control. In some ways, I was grateful at how she ended, while in others I was sad.

Juless: I didn't like that she was the one who ended up being the leader. She just didn't seem to have the conviction for it. She didn't stand for what she believed in frequently enough it bothered me. I do like her as a character and Camden as well, I just wish she hadn't gotten the ending she had. I mean she was happy, but not what I wanted personally. 

Pietyr: Who would have thought at the end of this whole thing I would like this asshole? I thought from the start that he was a piece of junk up until the end of Book 3 and through until the tower scene. It was a true turning point for him.

Billy: I hoped for more for him, but throughout the series he had to become the "man" of his house back on the mainland. That being said he did fight beside Arsinoe through so many things that were certainly not his fight. 

Joseph: His death still hurts me. 

Overall this is a great damn series. If you've read it fully let me know your thoughts down below.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Two Dark Reigns by Kendare Blake

Title: Two Dark Reigns 
Author: Kendare Blake
Series/Standalone: Three Dark Crowns Series (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 464
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2018
Format: Audiobook

"Queen Katharine has waited her entire life to wear the crown. But now that she finally has it, the murmurs of dissent grow louder by the day. There's also the alarming issue of whether or not her sisters are actually dead- or if they're waiting in the wings to usurp the throne.

Mirabella and Arsinoe are alive, but in hiding on the mainland and dealing with a nightmare of their own: being visited repeatedly by a spectre they think might be the fabled Blue Queen. Though she says nothing, her rotting bony finger pointing out to sea is clear enough: return to Fennbirn.

Jules, too, is in a stranger place- in disguise. And her only confidants, a war-gifted girl named Emilia and her oracle friend Mathilde, are urging her to take on a role she can't imagine filling: a legion-cursed queen who will lead a rebel army to Katharine's doorstep.

There is an uprising that the mysterious Blue Queen may have more to do with than anyone could have guessed- or expected."

My Rating: 5/5

This was just another enthralling installment in the series. I love this series so much it's political, magical and dark. Everything I love from a fantasy. I especially would recommend the audiobooks the narration is beautiful and atmospheric without being over the top. I will say that upon starting out the series it is hard to keep track of the characters as each sister has their own group that comes with them. But please if anything about three sisters, a magical island and a throne that may belong to only one of them interests you I urge you to pick it up.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Queens of Fennbirn by Kendare Blake

Title: Queens of Fennbirn 
Author: Kendare Blake
Series/Standalone: Three Dark Crowns (Book 0.1- 0.2)
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Dark
Pages: 232
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2018
Format: Paperback (Library Copy)
First Line: "The day of the birth of the queens who would come to be known as Mirabella, Arsinoe, and Katherine was still, unremarkable, and without omens."


"Uncover the sisters' origins, dive deep into the catastrophic reign of the Oracle Queen and reveal layers of Fennbirn's past hidden until now.

THE YOUNG QUEENS
Get a glimpse of the triplet queens Mirabella, Arsinoe, and Katharine during a short period of time when they protected and loved one another. From birth until their claiming ceremonies, this is the story of the three sisters' lives... before they were at stake.

THE ORACLE QUEEN
Everyone knows the legend of Elsabet, the Oracle Queen. The one who went mad. The one who orchestrated a senseless, horrific slaying of three entire houses. But what really happened? Discover the true story behind the queen who could foresee the future... just not her own downfall."

My Rating:  5/5

I know that many people don't read the related novellas to a series and to them I say you are truly missing a part of the story. Kendare Blake does such a wonderful job of world-building and character development that even in a few 100 pages you are able to learn so much about the past. It also helps you to better understand some hints that are left throughout the main series itself. I particularly loved the second story, The Oracle Queen. We had heard mention that all seer queens were drowned at birth due to the Mad Queen. I can't wait to continue this series and hope to finish it very soon. To those looking into reading this series I strongly recommend the audiobooks.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny