"He thought of Lucian of the Monts and how he would warn him that what was taking place in the Citavita would bring danger to the valley and Lucian"He thought of Lucian of the Monts and how he would warn him that what was taking place in the Citavita would bring danger to the valley and Lucian's mountain. He thought of Finnikin and Isaboe and the priest-king and he thought of Tesadora with her Seker eyes. Which made him think of Lirah, and Lirah made him think of Gargarin, and Gargarin made him think of Arjuro. And then all he could think of was her. Princess Indignant. Quintana the ice maiden. Quintana the savage. The abomination. The curse maker. The whore. The last born. The girl who could make rabbits appear on walls. And before Froi could change his mind, he turned and walked back up to the Citavita, sensing in his deepest core that he would not be returning to Lumatere for some time."
This book, guys. This book. I can't help but quote Emily May. Froi of the Exiles to Finnikin of the Rock is what The Queen of Attolia is to The Thief. A perfect, perfect comparison. However, the first Lumatere book was amazing, so imagine how great this one is. Yes. It's that good.
Let's talk Froi. Froi's a character more complex than Finnikin. Period. He's got depth to his personality. He has a dark past, a hot temper and a sharp tongue. He's been a fucking ragged thief, for fuck's sake. He gets his hands dirty. He's a man of action. AND HE'S A SWEET CINNAMON ROLL I LOVE HIM. But I hate the fact that he can't acknowledge his feelings?? He's sooo bad at it.
"I don't mean to give offense, Froi," Olivier said, "But she's not an easy person to like. One doesn't always warm to her." "There's more to her," Froi said, not denying either of them. He wanted to explain it, hoping they'd understand. "Until three years ago, I couldn't read and write, I couldn't ride a horse or shoot an arrow and didn't know the difference between a turnip seed and grain. The men who have taught me everything back home, they often say to me, "Froi, what if all your talents were left undiscovered? He looked up at them. "It's the same with her. Imagine who she would be if we unleashed her onto the world. I think she would rip the breath from all of us."
While the first book was centered around the city of Lumatere, the second instalment is mostly set in Charyn, the city of drama, stone and blood. A curse, suspicious parentage, an oracle, war, conspirations, lies and secrets. Just like Finnikin of the Rock :D. I love how Melina Marchetta can place layers and layers of secrets and then graciously uncover everything she's built. The plot is so thick (and sometimes confusing, to be honest) that you don't really get to understand anything until the last half of the book or so, and I'm really happy about it.
"Arjuro was your lover, but you had a wife who bore you a son?" Froi accused. "No," the provinicaro said. "I've not had a wife. It's far more complicated and tragic than you'd imagine." "Everything in Charyn seems far more complicate and tragic."
And now, the i-only-have-one-more-book-in-the-series depression settled in. I'm going to die after I finish Quintana of Charyn. Wish me luck. ...more
"The princesses were always going to be sacrificed for the kingdom."
*clears throat* *sobs* So, uh, I never heard of this se-series. I never heard "The princesses were always going to be sacrificed for the kingdom."
*clears throat* *sobs* So, uh, I never heard of this se-series. I never heard of Melina Marchetta. Lit-literally never. Then a friend recommended me to give this book a go, after I told her I wanted books similar to Captive Prince. The title didn't seem promising, and it actually was the last on my recently made to-read list. But then I read the synopsis. And then I fell in love with the book. And then I read the book. And then I fell in love with the book again.
The members of the royal family of Lumatere were slaughtered in a gruesome act of treason, and the freshly appointed king banished all supporters of the previous queen from the realm. Friend of Balthazar, the heir to the throne, Finnikin of the Rock is summoned to meet a woman with a bold claim. At first, no one believes her when she says that Balthazar is alive, but then, her admittedly genuine words start making sense. Now, Finnikin and his group start their journey of finding the heir and regaining their honour and lands.
"The captain will not let any harm come to his son." "Sometimes fathers can't protect their children, Evanjalin. Did yours save you from harm?" Sir Topher asked, knowing the question was cruel. "No," she responded fiercely. "But my father would warn, 'Be prepared for the worst, my love, for it lives next door to the best.' And for that I thank him each day of my life."
However, what truly made this book great is the complexity of the characters. Finnikin wasn't born to rule, he always makes that clear to his friends. He was going to let Balthazar be king, and be Captain of the Royal Guard himself. He used to envy his friend, that's true, but he was not made for power. The man may have a thing for young girls, and he might also have some self sufficiency problems, but that's what makes him real. Heroes have issues the world won't remember them by. What they are is less important than what they do with the power, authority and influence they posses.
"Never underestimate the value of knowing another's language. It can be far more powerful than swords and arrows, Captain. I've listened to them long enough to understand a little."
Evanjalin, on the other hand, is a mystery. A novice with supernatural powers, a woman with ridiculous claims, a scarred person filled with angst and anger. She faked her death, wounding herself with an arrow in order to not get stabbed by invaders. She walks in Lumaterans' dreams, she feels their sorrow and their agony, and she won't turn away from her purpose for anything in the world. She is by far my favourite character.
"Most nights she is restless. There are too many people to worry about, and she wonders how she will be able to make things right. How can she be someone other than Beatriss the Beautiful or Beatriss the Beloved? But then, just when she's about to lose hope, she remembers what you would whisper to her, Captain Trevanion. That she was Beatriss the Bold. Beatriss the Brave. To all other she was a fragile flower, but you would not let her be."
The writing style is unique, that's all there is to be said about it. It felt like the author puts the reader in a desert and tells him stories of her past. The words seem... quiet, or as quiet as words can get. Simple, yet intricate. Beautiful, in the end.
Tears of joy still flow on my cheeks as I'm writing this, because that ending was so beautifully written, graciouslly put together, so fulfilling and even relieving. I can't gather my thought any further. Finnikin of the Rock is now in my top 10 favourite books. You should read it, then spread the hype and make everyone you know read it. You should. ...more
This means I'm done, I guess. How enchanting. I'll go and cry in a corner.
She shook her head. "I didn't think I was being cruel *sigh* x 1000000000
This means I'm done, I guess. How enchanting. I'll go and cry in a corner.
She shook her head. "I didn't think I was being cruel when I pulled that woman back from the ledge." Jacin lowered his eyes. "It has to be this way," said Winter. "I will accept this side effect. I will accept any amount of monsters my mind wants to give me, but I will not become a monster myself."
I hope 'Heartless' will be just as good as 'The Lunar Chronicles', otherwise I will be tremendously upset....more
Thanks, Kiera Cass, for writing an amazing book for the end of the series. I won't even bother to read the sequels(?) in the near future, because I doThanks, Kiera Cass, for writing an amazing book for the end of the series. I won't even bother to read the sequels(?) in the near future, because I don't want them to ruin everything for me. (I'm looking at you, The Heir)
I started loving all the remaining Elites, especially Celeste and Elise. It looks like Celeste isn't a big bad bitch anymore, and Elise has always been one of my favourites. I'm so happy for America and Maxon, and it seems that Aspen will have a bright future with (view spoiler)[Lucy (hide spoiler)]. Yay!...more
OH MY GOD THIS NOVELLA HAS SPOILERS FROM 'THE ONE' DON'T READ IT BEFORE THAT OMG OMG
I love Marlee. I've loved her since she had her first conversationOH MY GOD THIS NOVELLA HAS SPOILERS FROM 'THE ONE' DON'T READ IT BEFORE THAT OMG OMG
I love Marlee. I've loved her since she had her first conversation with America. And right now I respect her even more. May she and Carter be eternally happy together.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. I looked up at him, and even with his bleeding lip and messy hair, all I saw was the boy who insisted on taking me to the hospital wing, the boy who brought me flowers. "I'm not," I replied as forcefully as I could. In an instant, every stolen moment we'd shared flashed through my mind. I saw all the times our eyes had met and quickly turned away; all the times I'd made a point to stand or sit somewhere in a room if I knew he was nearby; every wink he'd given me when I'd walked in for dinner; every quiet gigle I'd let out as I passed him in a hall."...more
So basically this book is about America coming to her senses and overcoming a love triangle. Also, some interesting backstory on Illéa & Prince Maxon.So basically this book is about America coming to her senses and overcoming a love triangle. Also, some interesting backstory on Illéa & Prince Maxon. But that's about it. I hope The One will make it up for this one....more
I couldn't enjoy this, mainly because I hate Aspen. #TeamMaxon forever :dI couldn't enjoy this, mainly because I hate Aspen. #TeamMaxon forever :d...more
It was nice meeting the main character(s) of the first book in the series. However, I don't think that I was supposed to know what went through PrinceIt was nice meeting the main character(s) of the first book in the series. However, I don't think that I was supposed to know what went through Prince Maxon's head until ... later. I hope I didn't screw things up right from the start....more
"America, I don't think you can change history." All the same, his expression looked hopeful. "Sure we can. Besides, who'd ever know about it but yo"America, I don't think you can change history." All the same, his expression looked hopeful. "Sure we can. Besides, who'd ever know about it but you and me?"
This is not the kind of book I usually read, but I loved it nevertheless. America is slowly growing on me, and Maxon has been a cutie pie since 'The Prince'. I hope this series won't go downhill, because I like the plot more than I thought I would.
"So you're choosing him over me?" he asked miserably. "No, I'm not choosing him or you. I'm choosing me."...more
Intriguing. I think I'm going to love this series, as this is just a novella and I liked it more than most of the novels I've read lately.
"I am theIntriguing. I think I'm going to love this series, as this is just a novella and I liked it more than most of the novels I've read lately.
"I am the queen. And I am beloved. If you want to marry my son and live in my home, you will be everything I tell you to be. Obedient. Tasteful. And silent." She wove her way through the tables and stopped in front of Bianca, Madeline, and me. "From now on your only job is to show up, be a lady, sit there, and smile."...more
He leaned forward in his chair. "May I give you some advice? If you are truly his friend, you will help him leave this soft heart behind. He's goinHe leaned forward in his chair. "May I give you some advice? If you are truly his friend, you will help him leave this soft heart behind. He's going to Troy to kill men, not rescue them." His dark eyes held me like swift-running current. "He is a weapon, a killer. Do not forget it. You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that will not change its nature." The words drove breath from me, left me stuttering. "He is not-" "But he is. The best the gods have ever made. And it is time he knew it, and you did too. If you hear nothing else I say, hear that. I do not say it in malice." I was no match for him and his words that lodged like quills and would not be shaken loose. "You are wrong," I said. He did not answer me, only watched me turn and flee from him in silence."
Damn. Damn damn damn damn damn. *sniff* For me, this started like some history-related nonfiction, but then slowly began to turn into LOTS OF GREATNESS AND PAIN yay. Yes, I am still crying. Yes, this tore my soul apart. No, I will never get over it. I can't put into words how this book made me feel, nor can I explain Achilles and Patroclus' relationship. It's just way too much to say.
Read this book.
5/5 stars.
"IN THE DARKNESS, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun."
Is it weird that my favourite character is Tom's mother? Did this happen to anyone else? 4.5/5Is it weird that my favourite character is Tom's mother? Did this happen to anyone else? 4.5/5...more
So... This one is THE ONE. It made me cry, it made me laugh hysterically, it made me spontaneously scream.
"Ice and fire. Frost and embers. LockedSo... This one is THE ONE. It made me cry, it made me laugh hysterically, it made me spontaneously scream.
"Ice and fire. Frost and embers. Locked in a battle, pushing and pulling. Beneath it, she could almost taste Rowan's steel will slamming against her magic-a will that refused to let the fire burn into nothing" [image]
I read the last half of the book in about 2 hours, I just couldn't put it down. I can't believe how much I dedicated myself to this series, but I love it. Lots.
"She would not let that light go out. She would fill the world with it, with her light-her gift. She would light up the darkness, so brightly that all who were lost or wounded or broken would find their way to it, a beacon for those who still dwelled in that abyss. It would not take a monster to destroy a monster-but light, light to drive out darkness. She was not afraid" [image]
I'm going to start with character development. Is it a thing? Yeah. Is it huge? Yes. Celaena is changing so much throughout this book that I can't even keep count of it, but she still stays true to herself. She finally faces her past, her mistakes and her... dead ones. She learns that expressing your feelings doesn't dilute them, but keeps them real.
"Three lines of text scrolled over her three largest scars, the story of her love and loss now written on her: one line for her parents and uncle; one line for Lady Marion; and one line for her court and her people On the smaller, shorter scars, were the stories of (view spoiler)[ Nehemia (hide spoiler)] and of Sam. Her beloved dead. No longer would they be locked away in her heart. No longer would she be ashamed."
Of course, the love triangle couldn't stay as a love triangle, our protagonist has to meet Rowan *sigh*. From all the reviews I've read for this book I gathered that absolutely everyone loves Rowan, but I can't find him any redeeming quality. Maybe that's because I still ship Celaena and Sam so God damn hard that I can't imagine her being with someone else (it had been really hard for me to accept Chaol in this equation), but I still can't stand this guy. [image]
"The heat spread from her, warming the stones so swiftly that Rowan's blood turned to red steam. His companions swore and near-invisible shields rippled around them and their sovereign. She knew the gold in her eyes had shifted to flame, because when she looked at Maeve, the queen's face had gone bone-white. And then Celaena set the world on fire."
Let's talk Manon. I didn't quite get why she's in the story and why she's got a PoV, but her chapters were quite enjoyable. I want more of the wyvern scenes, more of Manon confronting every single person related to her and more of Crochans. Nevertheless, she is almost as badass as Aelin, she's independent, reckless, cruel and she fucking loves her cutie pie dragon-pet, Abraxos. *awww*
[image]
One of the best parts of this book is the interaction between Chaol and Dorian while Celaena is away, because they finally show their true selves to us in my opinion. Sorcha gave me lots of hype because I thought (view spoiler)[ she is the healer from The Assassin and the Healer, but Sarah J. Maas decided to shatter my hopes and dreams. yay. (hide spoiler)].
"He looked at his friend, perhaps for the last time, and said what he had always known, from the moment they'd met, when he'd understood that the prince was his brother in soul. ¨I love you.¨ Dorian merely nodded, eyes still blazing, and lifted his hands again towards his father. Brother. Friend. King."
So yeah, this book was worth the long (by my standards) review. I still think that after every single Throne of Glass book I read I'm going to say it was the best one in the series, but who cares? Live the moment. 100/5
-Later Edit-
Even if I'd like to keep this at 5 stars, it does not deserve them. Aelin's getting softer and I didn't enjoy this, so this has to be around 3-3.5/5 stars....more
One of the best dystopian novels I've read so far. The character development is impressing and every chapter is action-packed.One of the best dystopian novels I've read so far. The character development is impressing and every chapter is action-packed....more
Absolutely amazing. The magic system is almost as intriguing and mysterious as Mistborn's. The plot twists were sooo unexpected. And there's no need tAbsolutely amazing. The magic system is almost as intriguing and mysterious as Mistborn's. The plot twists were sooo unexpected. And there's no need to talk about the characters, because Sanderson makes you love every single one of them. However, it's kinda 4.5/5. The first 15% of the book didn't impress me that much....more
Sorry, that person's shelf is private.
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