Book Review | The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

image via outofthebex on instagram 

 The Wrath and the Dawn (The Wrath and the Dawn #1)
By: Renée Ahdieh (@rahdieh)
Published By: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers on May 12, 2015
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 388
Goodreads // Book Depository

One Life to One Dawn.

In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all.

Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected begins to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she'd imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It's an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid's life as retribution for the many lives he's stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets?

Inspired by A Thousand and One Nights, The Wrath and the Dawn is a sumptuous and enthralling read from beginning to end.

"You are not weak. You are not indecisive. You are strong. Fierce. Capable beyond measure. "

I'm not a huge kicker for romances. Usually, it's an insta-love or a love triangle, and I spend my entire review complaining about that. HOWEVER, Shazi and Khalid broke my heart and mended it in every way possible. Having read this after most people had, there was tons of hype and my interest was piqued. I still went into this book only knowing one thing...that it was a retelling of A Thousand and One Nights. I had no knowledge about this story until after reading The Wrath and the Dawn, and was pleasantly surprised. One thing I loved about this book was the diversity. Shazi and Khalid are of color, as well as Muslim. Overall, The Wrath and the Dawn is a wonderfully romantic, exciting story, but not without its flaws. 

The basic premise is intriguing from the beginning. Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to have her killed at sunrise. When Shahrzad (I'll call her Shazi in this review)'s best friend gets killed, Shazi is determined to take revenge. 

Shazi was a strong lead, who sort of reminded me of Annabeth? Shazi is confident, and a tiny bit reckless, but brave nevertheless. Sometimes her recklessness frustrated me, because she missed moments that she could have gotten revenge, and basically forgot her mission to avenge her friend with the end came, but that could be overlooked.

The romance part of this novel was spectacular. It was a love triangle, but the other dude (Tariq) is stupid and useless and conceited. Honestly, there's only one real contender. The romance part was really interesting, but frusterating at times where they wouldn't trust each other. URGH. 

Ahdieh's writing style is flawless. It's awfully descriptive, but not to the point where's it's overly descriptive. Shazi resides in a place for most of the novel, so of course the palace is exquisite, and Ahdieh describes that SO WELL. 

I had two issues with the book. The first The MAGIC wasn't developed enough. This could develop in the second book, of course, but I thought the magic part was sort of skimmed over and not that engrossing. The other issue I had was Shazi reading Khalid the story each night (to keep her alive) was a bit boring. I was hoping that Ahdieh could weave it in more smoothly. The parts with the story was a bit long and dull.

Overall, I highly enjoyed The Wrath and the Dawn. I'm sold for the second books. I'm excited to see where this romance is going, as well as the magic getting more details.

Thanks for reading this, guys. It made my day <3

Final Rating: 

❄❄❄❄

~Beatrice ♡

Waiting on Wednesday | Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

  Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely Jill at Breaking the Spine. Waiting on Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that I'm eagerly anticipating.

Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

Publication Date: February 2, 2016

  

The enchantment continues....

The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories—and secrets—that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies?

With nine stories—five of which have never before been published—and an exclusive never-before-seen excerpt from Marissa Meyer’s upcoming novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

--
The Little Android: A retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” set in the world of The Lunar Chronicles.
Glitches: In this prequel to Cinder, we see the results of the plague play out, and the emotional toll it takes on Cinder. Something that may, or may not, be a glitch….
The Queen’s Army: In this prequel to Scarlet, we’re introduced to the army Queen Levana is building, and one soldier in particular who will do anything to keep from becoming the monster they want him to be.
Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky: Thirteen-year-old Carswell Thorne has big plans involving a Rampion spaceship and a no-return trip out of Los Angeles.
The Keeper: A prequel to the Lunar Chronicles, showing a young Scarlet and how Princess Selene came into the care of Michelle Benoit.
After Sunshine Passes By: In this prequel to Cress, we see how a nine-year-old Cress ended up alone on a satellite, spying on Earth for Luna.
The Princess and the Guard: In this prequel to Winter, we see a game called The Princess
The Mechanic: In this prequel to Cinder, we see Kai and Cinder’s first meeting from Kai’s perspective.
Something Old, Something New: In this epilogue to Winter, friends gather for the wedding of the century... 

I AM SO EXCITED! I will buy whatever Marissa Meyer releases, because her books are literally magic. Ever since I finished the last book of the series, Winter, I just want more. I'm especially interested in the epilogue.

What upcoming release are you anticipating?

Best,

~Beatrice♡

Book Review | Winter by Marissa Meyer

*image from perpetualpages on instagram

Winter (Lunar Chronicles #4)
By: Marissa Meyer (@marissa_meyer)
Published By: Feiwel and Friends on November 10, 2015
Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Pages: 827 
Goodreads // Book Depository

Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won't approve of her feelings for her childhood friend—the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn't as weak as Levana believes her to be and she's been undermining her stepmother's wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that's been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters? 

The Lunar Chronicles is officially one of my top five favorite series ever. And Winter didn't disappoint. 
Winter looks about 500 pages, max, but it's actually 800 pages. Did I care? Not really. Did it feel like 800 pages? NO. FREAKING. WAY. Winter legit got me turning that page faster than I can eat a hot dog (which is pretty fast, btw). You know those books that you literally cannot put down? I was reading this at dinner. I will never risk eating with a book. Winter was an exception. So many things were happening at once, and you're just like ALSD;FALKS;FALSKJF;.

Hands down, you have to go read Winter. The characters were amazing (especially Winter and Jacin), and the fairy tale retellings that are intertwined in the books are incredible. Especially this one. If you haven't started The Lunar Chronicles, please do. And if you've read Cress, JUST PICK THIS ONE UP. This review will probably just be me fangirling, but seriously, it's SO good. There's not much else I can say. 

Winter was a satisfying read. Now PLEASE go read this series before I explode. 

spoiler section: please read winter before continuing. or continue anyways. be a rebel. i don't care. :P

characters and relationships~

Winter, as saw in Cress was a slight bit insane, but I still loved her anyways. My favorite part is when SHE MANIPULATED AIMERY AND KILLED HIM. I was SO freaking proud of her, and I was just like, YES GIRL YOU GO! She's so sneaky and clever, especially when Jacin tells her that he can't go in and watch her paint, she just goes outside and does it.

My little shipper heart was complete. Kaider was adorable as usual, but I think my heart still goes out to Cress and Thorne. The speech he gave at the end was just... 
"One should never save cake for later when it can be eaten now." ~Princess Winter Hayle-Blackburn of Luna  

plot recap~
So we start out with Kai on board the Rampion, and Scarlet is still a prisoner. (and Kai + Cinder shipping. The kissing counts. um YES.) So Kai and Cinder create a plan to host the wedding between Levana + Kai on Luna, so Kai goes back to Earth (and when Thorne takes him back they talk about Cress and KAI SHIPS IT TOO GUYS) and convinces the queen, who thinks it's a brilliant idea to do this (that made me really suspicious). So Cinder and Captain and the Rampion crew glamour themselves onto Luna, except Levana gets suspicious and finds them out, and they have a big thingy. Everyone escapes except Cress, which makes Thorne go crazy (SHIP) The crew then arrive at Wolf's mom's house, and they're safe. For now.  

Winter goes and finds Cress (somehow??) and helps her hide in Jacin's room. AND THEN JACIN IS SUMMONED TO THE QUEEN. And she's all like, "bro, i know you like winter so i want you to kill her cuz like you like her and stuff and also she's a danger to my throne." MY HEART WAS BREAKING HERE OKAY? He then fakes Winter's death and they kiss and it's just adorable. <3 
He helps Scarlet and Winter get on the RM-9, but Cress's still at the palace (!!)

The crew sends out a speech that Kai wrote for Cinder (it's perfect <3), and THE REVOLUTION OFFICIALLY BEGINS. And then that idiot, Aimery, he comes and TORTURES MAHA. And then she kills herself, but she was strong 'til the end. #MOTHERGOALS AF 
 

Cinder tries to fight back for Maha, but sorta fails, so they all get captured. Jacin and Cress manage to escape and find Thorne and Iko, who were on their way to save Cinder, who is captured with Wolf. Kai and Levana are getting married (barfs) and they drag Cinder in, who's being rebellious as always. She manages to scare Levana and jump off the balcony? and survive!!! Levana makes a video saying that the"imposter" was dead, but actually, Jacin, Iko, Thorne, and Cress find her in a lake, and they find out her internal computer is dead. Scarlet and Winter stumble upon the wolf-mutant soldiers and Winter uses her kindness and beauty to convince them to join us. 

So Levana finds out Winter isn't actually dead, and is furious. She disguises herself as an old lady and gives Winter sour apple petites (!! I know!!!), which turn out to be the "sour apples", and Winter gets letomosis! PANIC!!! (at the disco!) I loved how she incorporated the Snow White fairy tale. Meanwhile, Scarlet finds her sick and tells Jacin, and happens to get the disease in the process. Iko, Cinder, and Jacin sneak into the lab to try and find the cure for Winter. Jacin and Iko and Cinder make it in time (yes!) and they save Winter and Scarlet. Meanwhile, Cress and Thorne have a plan to attend Kai and Levana's coronation so that Cress can sneak in, do her fancy hacking skills, and release the video. They sneak in, (it's a costume party), and THORNE AND CRESS CONFESS LOVE (YES) But a guard finds Thorne and Cress, and Cress hides but Thorne gets captured (!!!)

Cress and Kai meet up, and Kai helps her sneak in, and Cress does her epic hacking skillzz, and gets the video out *relief* We find out Wolf has been mutated again and is under control another idiotic Thaumaturage. *groan* Kai and Levana continue with their *epic* coronation and then CINDER POPS IN (yas), and Levana is SO PISSED. FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT. THEY FIGHT AND IT'S EPIC. Wolf comes around and Scarlet is almost about to wack an ax into his head, but then they realize it's each other and *SCORE* WOLF IS BACK! The video is released (!!) and Levana runs away. WINTER GOES SO INTENSE AND KILLS AIMERY USING MANIPULATION (yAS WINTER YOU GO GIRL)

Cinder finds Levana, and Thorne getting controlled by her. IT'S SO TENSE GUYS. THEY DO THEIR MIND MANIPULATION THINGY, and Cress appears and shoots Thorne's fingers (!!!), making him stab Cinder. Levana pretends to give up, which makes Cinder sympathetic, but then STABS HER IN THE CHEST (THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FOR BEING NICE, CINDER), and then everything goes back. But don't worry. Everything is great. 

and they all lived happily ever after. 

Thanks for reading this, guys. It made my day <3

Final Rating: 

❄❄❄❄❄

~Beatrice
 

Book Review | Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda 

Author: Becky Albertalli (@beckyalbertalli)

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Page Number: 303

Genre: Contemporary
Publication Date: April 7, 2015

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised.

With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.

Goodreads | Book Depository 

My Review:
I read this book, when, in JUNE!?!?!?!? Procrastination skills on POINT. Just kidding.

ANYWAYS, I could some up this entire review with just two words: SO. CUTE. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda has got. To be. The CUTEST freaking book ever.


"White shouldn’t be the default any more than straight should be the default. There shouldn’t even be a default."

Simon was a quick read; I flew threw it in a day or two. And although I talk mostly about it's adorableness, there are a few great moments that truly demonstrate the LGBTQ+ aspect of this book.
Simon is the best character ever, from his amazing fandom references, which got me screaming like no other, to the sweetest moments between him and Blue (ship. ship. SHIP.) Simon felt so relatable. I wanted to be his best friend. He's so freaking heartwarming, and his dialogue, his sarcastic tongue, and EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING was perfect.

Simon coming out was one of the best parts. High schools is difficult as it is, and knowing that you're gay, and people are going to tease you about that is a big toughie. What I loved most about Albertalli's writing is how she made is so realistic. I started crying when Simon came out to (you know who). Simon's group of amazing friends (#squad goals) were so sweet and supportive, and you just feel mush for him. YOU JUST LOVE HIM SO MUCH <3 <3 <3

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is a heartwarmer, adorable, and ever so relatable and will always be remembered. And to those still debating on whether or not to read it?

Read it. Love it. Repeat. 

Final Rating: 

❄❄❄❄❄

♡ Beatrice

Book Review | The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

The Sword of Summer
(Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1)

Author: Rick Riordan (@camphalfblood)
Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Page Number: 528

Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: October 6, 2015

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .

Goodreads | Book Depository 

My Review:
Words can't even express my excitement for The Sword of Summer. Riordan is, and will always be one of my favorite authors...but his two latest books fell flat-ish for me. Riordan's not losing his touch, by any means. It's just...time to get a-move on...

But that doesn't mean I hated The Sword of Summer. I enjoyed it nevertheless. The chapter titles were hilarious (especially the one with Jason Grace), and the characters were enjoyable as usual. The Annabeth cameos were by far the most anticipated, and probably my favorite parts. 

Magnus is snarky and sarcastic, and although his sarcasm far from Percy's level (Persassy FTW), but it's up there. And it makes everything 10x more hilarious. One thing Magnus lacks is character. Yes, he's sarcastic and snarky, but other than that, there's pretty much nothing going on for him. He's just...Percy.! Sam and some of his other buddies helped too. I especially loved Blitzen. 

I went into this knowing extremely little about the Norse gods, and although this did inform me a ton more, it info-dropped a lot. Not completely, but a lot. I found myself referring back to the back of the book, which explained which levels were which, as I got them confused a lot. 

The plot was standard Riordan, and I've come to peace with it. People might argue that it's predictable and simple and not original, but I've gotten so used to it, and it hurts to give Riordan's books less than a 3 star rating. They were my childhood. Besides, I like the classic Riordan plot. Ordinary boy/girl finds that they are special, then they come to this fabulous new place, find that they're destined for something great (or bad), and go on a quest, etc, etc. It's strangely warming. 

Final Rating: 

❄❄❄❄

♡ Beatrice

YA Summer Contemporaries: Saint Anything + Emmy and Oliver

Saint Anything

Author: Sarah Dessen
(@sarahdessen)
Publisher: Viking, published May 5, 2015

Page Number: 417

Genre: Contemporary

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Peyton, Sydney's charismatic older brother, has always been the star of the family, receiving the lion's share of their parents' attention and—lately—concern. When Peyton's increasingly reckless behavior culminates in an accident, a drunk driving conviction, and a jail sentence, Sydney is cast adrift, searching for her place in the family and the world. When everyone else is so worried about Peyton, is she the only one concerned about the victim of the accident?

Enter the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who run a pizza parlor, play bluegrass on weekends, and pitch in to care for their mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Here Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance. And here she meets Mac, gentle, watchful, and protective, who makes Sydney feel seen, really seen, for the first time.

The uber-popular Sarah Dessen explores her signature themes of family, self-discovery, and change in her twelfth novel, sure to delight her legions of fans.

Goodreads | Book Depository

My Review:

“I was used to being invisible. People rarely saw me, and if they did, they never looked close.”

Saint Anything was my first Dessen novel, and hearing that they have similar plots, I’m not sure if I’m going to pick up another one. The beginning started out interesting, and I found myself really enjoying the story, despite the dullness of Sydney’s characters. Insert the Chatham family, and I don’t know whether or not it’s a good thing that I like the secondary characters rather than the main character. There’s quirky Layla, who always falls for the wrong guy, Rosie, and Mac, who was a pain in the ass throughout the beginning of the book, with his strange diet and whatnot, but I grew to love him.

I just felt really bad for Sydney. Her mother was a pain the head, and Sydney had done NOTHING wrong. It was her brother, who I DESPISE, who was the drug addict and nearly killed someone. Sydney hadn’t even touched liquor! ERGH. NO, JUST NO.

Huge Dessen fan? Pick this up. Otherwise, go pick something else.

Final Rating: 

❄❄❄

Emmy & Oliver

Author: Robin Benway
(@robinbenway)

Publisher: HarperTeen on June 23, 2015

Page Number: 352

Genre: Contemporary

Synopsis from Goodreads:  

Emmy’s best friend, Oliver, reappears after being kidnapped by his father ten years ago. Emmy hopes to pick up their relationship right where it left off. Are they destined to be together? Or has fate irreparably driven them apart?

Emmy just wants to be in charge of her own life.

She wants to stay out late, surf her favorite beach—go anywhere without her parents’ relentless worrying. But Emmy’s parents can’t seem to let her grow up—not since the day Oliver disappeared.

Oliver needs a moment to figure out his heart.

He’d thought, all these years, that his dad was the good guy. He never knew that it was his father who kidnapped him and kept him on the run. Discovering it, and finding himself returned to his old hometown, all at once, has his heart racing and his thoughts swirling.

Emmy and Oliver were going to be best friends forever, or maybe even more, before their futures were ripped apart. In Emmy’s soul, despite the space and time between them, their connection has never been severed. But is their story still written in the stars? Or are their hearts like the pieces of two different puzzles—impossible to fit together?

Readers who love Sarah Dessen will tear through these pages with hearts in throats as Emmy and Oliver struggle to face the messy, confusing consequences of Oliver’s father’s crime. Full of romance, coming-of-age emotion, and heartache, these two equally compelling characters create an unforgettable story

Goodreads | Book Depository
  My Review:

“Love isn’t something you say, it’s something you do.”

Although Emmy & Oliver was compared to Dessen’s books, I found it a whole lot more enjoyable. You’d think this was a romance, but no, it isn’t. It’s that book, with family relationships, friendships, romantic relationships, growing up, and everything, and I loved it so much. It was SO CUTE.

In the beginning, Emmy and her group of friends are in second grade. Emmy, Caro, Drew, and Oliver. Oliver, Caro, Drew, and Emmy. Their friendship is genuine, and you know that, because they’re still friends to this day. Oliver then gets kidnapped by his father, and their little group hasn’t been the same since.

Unlike Sydney from my review above, Emmy was RELATABLE. And sarcastic, and embarrassingly awkward, but what’s not to love? She sees the her best friend from 10 years ago, and he’s hotter than before, but she doesn’t blush and look away (I HATE THAT), she pokes her tongue out and crosses her eyes. THE GUTS. And the guts of her to go out and surf every night for what, five years?

The dialogue is smooth and something teens these days actually would say. I feel like Caro and Drew are my BFFs. Hell, I want them to be my BFFs.

The only problem I had were Emmy’s parents. They were overprotective, just like Sydney’s parents. It frustrated me. *frustration dance*

Final Rating: 

❄❄❄❄

♡ Beatrice