Six Scorched Roses is a novella after The Serpent & the Wings of Night, by Carissa Broadbent. This novella offers a complete, fully fleshed out story,Six Scorched Roses is a novella after The Serpent & the Wings of Night, by Carissa Broadbent. This novella offers a complete, fully fleshed out story, and though it doesn’t contain any characters from the first book in the previous book, it does offer vital background information for the next book in the series. This story follows Vale and Lilith, how and why they met, their romance, and their journey.
Lilith has been plagued by a disease from birth that she knows is destined to take her life. Each day is a gift and each new year is a surprise. As such, she hasn’t entered into any romantic relationships, and is hesitant to invest in any current relationship of any kind knowing how little she can offer.
When a curse from the gods places a fatal illness on her village and even ravages her own sister, Lilith cannot stand sit by and watch her waste away. Since science is her gift, Lilith bravely heads to the home of the local, feared vampire and boldly asks for his blood as a potential cure for her people. As she spends time with him, collecting and analyzing his blood, the two form a bond of sorts that develops into something more. When the townspeople get wind of her actions, they disregard her motivations and angrily head out to thwart her wayward plans and kill off the beast. This is a vampiric Beauty and the Beast retelling of sorts and has an unusual twist at the end that opens up a whole new narrative for the story to continue.
Though not related to the first book in this series, other than being a part of the same world, this is an engaging and entertaining short fantasy. I wasn’t quite sure why Lilith believed that vampire blood would help cure the disease that plagued the town, and that would have been interesting to know, but regardless, I enjoyed the quest. I’m eager to see where their story goes and hope to see more from them in The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King.
4.75 stars The Serpent and the Wings of Night has taken the book world by storm and I now understand why. This gripping story is atmospheric, intensely4.75 stars The Serpent and the Wings of Night has taken the book world by storm and I now understand why. This gripping story is atmospheric, intensely emotional and suspenseful, and utterly compelling. This vampire-based story takes place on the eve of the Kejari, a major competitive tournament that will cost all but one their lives. The victor gets one wish granted by the goddess, as well as the power and esteem of such a title, but it’s a ruthless, near impossible battle to get there.
Oraya is the human, adopted daughter of the ruling Vampire King, and the only way to ultimately keep her safe is to raise her to compete in and win the bloodthirsty games so she will no longer be prey. As the games begin, she finds herself reluctantly teaming up with Raihn, an unusual, but intimidating, powerful vampire who has taken an interest in “Vincent’s pet”. The two unlikely competitors cautiously train with one another and pair-up until the final challenge, if they make it that far, when they will be forced to fight each other to the death.
As they work together, and as Oraya begins to learn her own powers, they also learn more about one another and slowly begin to build trust. They share personal aspects of their lives and find a connection neither was expecting. Oraya is a strong, brave, focused female figure, but also realistically human. Their relationship, and the tenuous journey they are on, is fraught with terror, brutality, loss and secrets, and it’s utterly gripping.
This story is fast paced, heart-wrenching and “unputdownable”. The conclusion wasn’t at all what I was expecting and I am admittedly a bit confused as to some of the motivations and intentions, but I’m sure I will find the answers I crave with the next installment. Serpent and the Wings of Night is a compulsive read and absolutely lived up to the hype. ...more
4.5 stars I finally read the uber popular Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and I’m so glad I did! Fourth Wing is the first book in the Empyrean series.
Th4.5 stars I finally read the uber popular Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and I’m so glad I did! Fourth Wing is the first book in the Empyrean series.
This epic Romantacy tale has a brutal boarding school setting, warrior training, dragons, danger, romance, friendship and camaraderie. It’s easy to get swept-up into the gripping narrative with its vivid descriptions and thrumming tension that make you feel as though you’ve been dropped right into this unique world.
This story is graphic at times and highly suspenseful, but also emotionally impactful. There is a good amount of steam and passion, so be forewarned if that’s not your thing, but there is a lot more to this story than romance, and you will find yourself falling in love with not only the characters, but also the dragons.
I wasn’t necessarily a huge fan of the third act conflict between the two main characters, it felt blown out of proportion to me, and the conclusion wasn’t quite what I had hoped for, but it does lead nicely into book two, compelling the reader to pick up Iron Flame as soon as possible.
Fourth Wing is an easy-to-read, engrossing story that is captivating, poignant, atmospheric, and easy to lose yourself in. I eagerly look forward to the next installment, though admittedly with a bit of trepidation of what’s to come....more
3.5 stars The end of an epic, beloved fantasy series…I think… ⚔️
Potential unpopular-ish opinion: A Court of Silver Flames, by Sarah J. Maas, is the fou3.5 stars The end of an epic, beloved fantasy series…I think… ⚔️
Potential unpopular-ish opinion: A Court of Silver Flames, by Sarah J. Maas, is the fourth full length book in the ACOTAR series, and was unfortunately not quite as brilliant for me as her previous books, though I did enjoy it. As many know, this is Nesta’s story, and she and Cassian’s love story. Though I found it intriguing to learn what made her such a difficult, hard-hearted character, and savored a chance to crawl into her mind and understand her thinking, it wasn’t always easy.
I did miss the other main characters, who only made minor appearances in this story, but appreciated the appearance of the two new female friends and warriors with their depth of character, strength and interesting backstories. The bond between Gwen, Emerie and Nesta was enviable and inspirational.
ACOSF is an awfully long novel, which can be fine when warranted, but didn’t feel necessary in this case. It was also much more graphic in nature than the previous stories and the explicit content felt more gratuitous, than meaningful. In fact, I felt that not a lot took place, plot-wise, until the last third, which was much more in tune with her previous stories.
The latter half was magical and emotional, tense and almost full circle feeling. The story seems to beg for a sequel, so I’m hoping one will be forthcoming at some point, otherwise it feels a bit unfinished. A Court of Silver Flames was impactful, but I would have enjoyed it a lot more if it had contained less graphic sexual content and more suspenseful, creatively crafted, epic plot that Sarah J. Maas is known for....more
The Prison Healer, by Lynette Noni, is the first book in the Prison Healer trilogy. This book is an engaging YA fantasy story about Kiva, a 17 year olThe Prison Healer, by Lynette Noni, is the first book in the Prison Healer trilogy. This book is an engaging YA fantasy story about Kiva, a 17 year old healer, who has been imprisoned in the brutal death prison, Zalindov, for 10 years, having been sent there with her father, who was accused of treason. Tragically, he has since died and Kiva carries on, on her own, vowing to get close to no one else she will most likely lose.
Kiva is committed to her craft and to healing all as best she can, harming no one. So when the rebel leader is brought in, she vows to do her best to heal her and keep her safe, despite the fact that the woman is destined to endure the four trials once she is fit enough. Kiva keeps hearing the whispers of her family in her mind, sent through secret messages snuck into the prison, that she must keep this woman alive and safe, alongside the promise that they are coming for her. In fact, this mantra is repeated with tremendous frequency. So when the rebel queen is too sick to stand trial, Kiva steps in and offers to take her place. In doing so, her life, the life of the rebel leader, and her young friend, Tipp, who has been threatened by secret rebel leaders in the prison, hang in the balance. The problem is, no one has ever survived the trials before.
The Prison Healer offers romance, though it’s somewhat insta-lovey, unlikely friendships, compelling side characters and an intriguing plot. It does get a bit slow at times and is rather longer than necessary, but overall I enjoyed it and found it to be an entertaining tale. The conclusion of the story is suspenseful, as well as quite shocking! I look forward to the next in this series and seeing where the story goes from here....more
4.25 stars This book is out of my normal reading comfort zone, or at least not one of the genres I usually reach for, but I am so glad that I branched 4.25 stars This book is out of my normal reading comfort zone, or at least not one of the genres I usually reach for, but I am so glad that I branched out.
One for My Enemy, by Olivie Blake, is a young adult, modern-day, witchy Romeo and Juliet retelling. It’s quite unique and complex with it’s layers, alliances, rivalries and plots.
The story takes place in Manhattan and showcases the rivalry between two powerful families who have made themselves prominent in the community. One a family of female witches, and one a family of male witches, both maneuvering for control of their city. It’s a war of power, control and loyalties, while combatting the lure of true love.
This story is a bit confusing at times with it’s constantly changing alliances and various, interacting characters, but it’s ultimately a surprising, moving, poignant story. One For My Enemy is an engrossing read, and a creative twist on a classic, and I’m so glad I gave this story, and this author, a try!...more
I’m late to the bookish bandwagon, but I am so glad I finally got to Renegades by Marissa Meyer. I loved the Lunar Chronicle series, and Renegades, thI’m late to the bookish bandwagon, but I am so glad I finally got to Renegades by Marissa Meyer. I loved the Lunar Chronicle series, and Renegades, the beginning of a new series, is just as captivating.
This story is so much fun! I didn’t know if I would be a fan of the super hero trope, but the author flipped it on it’s head and gave it a unique twist. This story absolutely drew me into the narrative and was so compelling.
I loved the characters, their personalities and abilities, their backstories and interactions. I also appreciated the message shared and found it important and impactful. Renegades was a joy to read, thoroughly entertaining, engaging and easy to read despite the length. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next in the series....more
4.5 stars The Ballad of Never After, by Stephanie Garber, is the second book in the Once Upon a Broken Heart trilogy and it was magically amazing! I tr4.5 stars The Ballad of Never After, by Stephanie Garber, is the second book in the Once Upon a Broken Heart trilogy and it was magically amazing! I truly enjoyed this enchanting tale even more than the first as it takes time to get to know the characters, the world and become more invested in the overall plot. Since the first book left on a cliff-hanger, I had to pick up the next book right away…and now I must await book three for half a year!
This story takes place immediately after the events of Once Upon a Broken Heart and is the continuation of Evangeline’s quest to restore Apollo to his right frame of mind and make her own happily ever after come true. She’s also determined to keep her distance from Jacks, the King of Hearts and his conniving ways and seemingly self-centered, secretive plans. Unfortunately, a curse arises binding Apollo as hunter to Evangeline as the fox fatefully together and she and Jacks must work closely with one another to break the curse. But can she trust him? And why are her feelings growing for this trickster?
This captivating tale has romance, scheming, magic and mystery, friends and anti-friends, twists and turns all set within an extraordinary, bewitching world. Evangeline has no idea whom she can trust and she’s weary from the never-ending challenges, but she perseveres and the result is a surprisingly moving and delightfully engaging tale. I cannot wait for the final installment!...more
3.75 stars Once Upon a Broken Heart, by Stephanie Garber, is the first in a YA fantasy, fairytale-esque trilogy. The story takes place in the world of 3.75 stars Once Upon a Broken Heart, by Stephanie Garber, is the first in a YA fantasy, fairytale-esque trilogy. The story takes place in the world of Caraval, features some of the same characters, and essentially takes place right after the events of Finale, the final book in that trilogy. However, you can read the story as a standalone without having read the Caraval series first.
Once Upon a Broken Heart is focused on Jacks, the crafty, cunning Prince of Hearts, and Evangeline Fox, an orphaned girl who is given the chance to journey north to the land of the Fates. Evangeline grew up hearing about fairytales, fates, curses and magic from her mother, but she always believed they were fanciful tales. Jacks is up to his old tricks, but clearly has a hidden agenda and Evangeline is the key component.
This story is atmospheric and other-worldly. The plot is twisty, and filled with red herrings, surprises and secrets at every turn. You never know who to trust or what to expect. It’s also a bit difficult to follow at times.
I enjoyed this imaginative story, though at times I was a bit confused and therefore lost interest. It’s not my typical genre and I think if I’d read the previous books right before reading this one, I would have been a bit more invested. That said, this is a fun, creative story and I will definitely continue on, it didn’t absolutely captivate me like I’d hoped....more
First Read: January 2021 2.75 stars The cover of this novella, A Court of Frost and Starlight, by Sarah J. Maas is stunning. Unfortunately, the content First Read: January 2021 2.75 stars The cover of this novella, A Court of Frost and Starlight, by Sarah J. Maas is stunning. Unfortunately, the content was less spectacular than I’d hoped.
The plot focuses on the winter solstice and serves as an update on how all of the characters are doing post the last apocalyptic event. I did enjoy the festivities and wintery theme and the conclusion was sweet, but overall the story felt a bit disjointed and lacked a great deal of substance and forward motion. Ultimately, it just wasn’t all that interesting to me and I couldn’t get myself to care about the events it was describing.
I do think that part of the problem is that it’s been awhile since I read the last book and I couldn’t remember the details and nuances of each character’s story, so I was missing the emotional connection and cohesiveness that I might have once had, had I read them consecutively. I also think it has far too many steamy scenes than I’m personally comfortable with.
Whatever the reason, I found it to be a bit dull and I didn’t love the characters as I once did. Since I probably won’t take the time to go back and reread all three massive tomes, I’m not sure I want to carry on with this popular series.
Reread: November 2023 3.75 stars A Court of Frost and Starlight is a nice addition to the ACOTAR series to fill us in on the aftermath of the Court of Wings and Ruin War. We join this novella on the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, with Feyre now as High Lady.
Everyone has been rebuilding after the war and though things are far from perfect, much work still needs to be done, and threats still loom large in the distance. But it’s also a time to be grateful for those who have survived and sacrificed so much. The Winter Solstice is a rendition of Christmas, and it’s interesting to see their traditions, as well as touching to celebrate the bonds that tie them together. Its a rough season for everyone and bitter sweet, since Nesta is still distant and more hard-hearted than ever, Elaine is still aloof to Lucien, he is trying to find his place in this new world, and Tamlin is an utterly broken male. But it’s nice to see Feyre regaining some of the passions she had before all the turmoil began, and others digging deep and finding ways to give to others. It does move the overall story forward in small, but meaningful ways.
A Court of Frost and Starlight doesn’t hold the emotional impact of the longer stories, but it’s provides a nice segue between the two tomes and gives us a glimpse of an important holiday in Velaris. I read this in the lead up to Christmas, so that made it extra fun, and was a quick and easy read during this busy time of year.
A Court of Frost and Starlight is a nice addition to the ACOTAR series to fill us in on the aftermath of the Court of Wings and Ruin War. We join this novella on the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, with Feyre now as High Lady.
Everyone has been rebuilding after the war and though things are far from perfect, much work still needs to be done, and threats still loom large in the distance. But it’s also a time to be grateful for those who have survived and sacrificed so much. The Winter Solstice is a rendition of Christmas, and it’s interesting to see their traditions, as well as touching to celebrate the bonds that tie them together. Its a rough season for everyone and bitter sweet, since Nesta is still distant and more hard-hearted than ever, Elaine is still aloof to Lucien, he is trying to find his place in this new world, and Tamlin is an utterly broken male. But it’s nice to see Feyre regaining some of the passions she had before all the turmoil began, and others digging deep and finding ways to give to others. It does move the overall story forward in small, but meaningful ways.
A Court of Frost and Starlight doesn’t hold the emotional impact of the longer stories, but it’s provides a nice segue between the two tomes and gives us a glimpse of an important holiday in Velaris. I read this in the lead up to Christmas, so that made it extra fun, and was a quick and easy read during this busy time of year....more
First time Rating/Review: May 2017 3.75 stars Overall, I enjoyed the epic scale of the book and the magical, fantastical, and imaginative storytelling oFirst time Rating/Review: May 2017 3.75 stars Overall, I enjoyed the epic scale of the book and the magical, fantastical, and imaginative storytelling of Sarah J. Maas. I just didn't connect with this story as much as the previous two. I found it more convoluted and complicated, overly gory and graphic in parts, with strong sexual content in others, and somewhat confusing. It was an entertaining story, but I wasn't as connected to it, or engulfed in the world as I was with the others. I will definitely read the trilogy again at some point in the future to see if I grasp more content on a reread and change my opinion after reading all three books in a row, rather than waiting a year in between books 2 and 3.
Reread Rating/Review: November 2023 5 stars A Court of Wings and Ruin is the third book in the ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas. This epic tome is an emotionally impactful, devastating, but heroic story filled with fantastical elements, mesmerizing storytelling, unparalleled world-building and the ageless fight between good versus evil. It’s about self-sacrifice and doing what is right regardless of the cost. It showcases the undeniable strength of friendship, and the depths of a romance that is tethered and true. The premise is about fighting for freedom and goodness and persevering until the very end. This story is rather climactic and contains more political plans and intrigue, and warfare than the previous two. It’s a pivotal continuation of the series and is not only essential, but an evocative, impactful, all-consuming tale.
(I have been rereading the books in this series in close succession)...more
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