Deep Blue | Review

The book had a charming first half. I was quite interested and intrigued. The Characters didnt bug me which is what I was initially nervous of with this being a book about Mermaids and a YA area.

The third quarter started to drag it down. I was ready for it to be over and just some choices made by the author for the story werent quite compelling.

The last quarter, for the most part, saved it for a sold three star book. It has some interesting story elements and it DOES leave you wanting to know how it continues. Im just not sure if I want to continue.

Thats my basic review, continue if you want to know more specifics and nitpicks for the book.

Serafina, before the book blatantly tells you, is basically supposed to be the leader. She doesnt seem to have an power or fighting ability. But she doesnt seem to be much of the leader until the very end. I dont think it was well crafted how it came about.
The book makes it seem like Serafina is going to go out and scour the 6 seas for the mergirls, but they sorta just show up directly in her path on her way to their goal. She didnt have to do much of anything to bring them together.
I feel like she didnt do much to bond them together besides just...suggest it? Again I beleive there could have been more compelling way to write this.

Ive seen people praise for its world building. But honestly I dont see it. The main place they expanded on is the main city Miramara, which is (spoilers) destroyed in the beginning making her leave. After that the world doesnt even sound that great.

I feel like shes pushing a message (which honestly shes wrong about said message for the most part) about how awful humans are. Im very thankful she added a human that is sympathetic to the oceans (though he doesn't last long) but still felt like I was being hit over the head with the message.

The three initial mermaids are unique and compelling. I liked how Serafina wasnt some love sick useless character. (She wasnt particularly useful, but her journey was believable and she wasnt a hindrance for the most part)
After the 3rd mermaid though they kinda just throw in two more and they all just act like new best friends. Its a bit sudden and not at all compelling.
(Spoilers)Interesting that they are descendants. Though now its odd they just HAPPEN to be all female. Especially since Neela has a brother so he could have the same power as her.


Most characters after that werent great. It was certainly diverse in language and looks, but gender diversity/ equality is a bit lacking. Most of the men were probably evil, jerks, or literally generic. (Im referring to the group of mermen that are magically transformed to resemble colors, blue green and gray)
I'm assuming (spoilers) That Blu is actually the Prince. Since he was talked about being in the same area and he was naturally blue before the magic. I like the idea that I assumed this until the author made it so obvious in a scene that I decided it would just be bad writing if Blu and the Prince weren't the same person.

Spoiler about toward the end about Serafina and a Mermaid.
Similar to "plot twists" i guess you could call them, is whats going on between the two kingdoms and Serafina/ Astrid. It seems quite obvious they being set up, especially when the author is just throwing the proof in your face.
"Well YOUR kingdom uses this poison, and we found it. "
"Oh yeah? Well the assassins were wearing YOUR symbol and using YOUR poison."
Like hm..i wonder what this could mean. And then Serafina literally thinks
"Why doesnt this merlbitch use magic?" But then continues to not understand what Astrid is hiding when they discuss why she cant be the descendant of the most magical person/ why didnt she do such and such w/e plot about switching kingdoms. (I dont remember the specific thing she was supposed to do) But it seems quite obvious she cant use magic.

I dont think Im all that smart so if others are as smart or more than I than the author is doing a bad job of keeping plot elements in suspense. Also I hate the dialogue of two people not communicating when you KNOW what it is going to be but they are just too stubborn. Its irritating.

It wasnt terrible, probably also just wasn't for me. I thought itd be interesting, as a male reader to find a series like this and enjoy it for the whole series. But I think its one and done for me, I doubt Ill finish this series.

Mid Year Freak Out

1. Best book you've read so far?
I would definitely say the Mistborn trilogy (yeah its not one) but they were amazing together once everything falls into place and what was foreshadowed clicks, you're just left mind-blown. For arguments sake I would say The Final Empire would be my favorite. I loved the star wars rag tag team plot.

2.The Best Sequel you've read so far?
Oh look its Mistborn again. Specifically The Hero of Ages, it was breathtaking. Literally I was a tearing up in the end. (So you know you'll this will be here later.)

3.New release you haven't read yet, but want to?
Peace and Turmoil by Elliot Brooks. Its a chonker and I haven't had the time to invest into it yet.

4.Most anticipated release second half of the year?
Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell, the sequel to Carry On. I cant believe this is getting a sequel and Im ready for it. Also Red Skies Falling by Alex London, sequel to Black Wings Beating (which you'll see later)

5.Biggest Disappointment?
Zodiac by Romina Russell. I decided to pick this one because I had no expectation coming into this book. (Usually that's why people put books on Disappointing lists because of what they expect to have received) She could have written anything with this cover and Zodiac plot idea, but she didnt write a good story. It's actually what sparked me into starting audiobooks because I couldn't bare to waste more of my timing trying to read this physically.

6.Biggest Surprise?
So instead of picking Mistborn again and saying "wow! i was so surprised I loved this!" Im going to say something different (and controversial) My biggest surprise after reading the first two Lord of the Rings novels is how they managed to make such good movies out of them. The books were so slow and it didn't feel like much was happening, I have to really give it to the film creators that they were able to make a mega motion picture franchise from the material.

7.Favorite New Author?
Easy. Brandon Sanderson. His Mistborn trilogy impressed me so much. Im already going to be starting second era, Way of Kings, and I still need to get to Skyward. Im ready!

8.Newest fictional crush?
Alex Claremont-Diaz from Red White and Royal Blue. He was so fun, and smart and I definitely loved following his journey.

9. Favorite new character?
Ben from What If It's Us. I had to stare at my "books read" this year for a while, trying to decide between Vin of Mistborn or Alex again from Red White and Royal Blue. Then I really thought about it and decided on Ben. Probably because he was most relatable to me. He does a lot of the same stuff I do. Hes a writer, plays the Sims. He was just so real and I really liked him, wish I could be his friend in real life.

10. Book that makes you cry?
Refer to number two. The end of The Hero of Ages had me stopping to just think about what happened, teared up, smiled. It was bitter-sweet for sure.


11.A book that made you happy?
A toss up between Running with Lions by Julien Winters and Red White and Royal Blue(again). I think RW&RB made me smile and laugh more but Running with Lions took me back to simple high school years. It was just fun and feel good.

12. Prettiest book 
you've bought?
Im going to go with one of the ones I've read because Ive bought alot of books this year with pretty covers. Black Wings Beating hands down has to win. Its how it even drew me in initially. I saw the title on the spine in the store, picked it and loved the cover! Read inside flap and was sold.

13.Books you need to read by the end of the year?
Ha! So many! The second Era mistborn trilogy and The Stormlight Archive if I can. I had a whole Summer TBR that just ins't happening at this point.
Like most readers you always make a dedicated reading list for the beginning of the year and then NEVER follow it. But Ill post mine for all the books I added in January but still haven't finished.

Keeper of the Lost Cities - Shannon Messenger
Evermore - Sara Holland (I did NOT like the first one and at this point I just want to read it to get it off my bookshelf)
The Return of the King (Im buddy reading this with a friend so Ill definitely finish this.)
The Storm Runner - J.C Cervantes
Skyward - Brandon Sanderson (funny enough I put this on my list before I even read Mistborn, I was planning this to be my first Sanderson book.)
Children of Blood and Bone - Tomi Adeyemi (I bought this with store credit and because it was so hyped but honestly its so far down my list I could probably remove it entirely)
Seafire - Natalie Parker (Also bought on sale at the store, probably not going to happen this year.)
WarBreaker - Another Sanderson book.
Clockwork Prince - Cassandra Clare. (I was more interested in this late last year and is now low on my list to finish this series)
The Song of Achilles Madeline Miller
The Tiger's Daughter Rivera Arsenault
Love and Gelato - Jenna Welch (Really wanna read this summer because its such a season book)
An Unkindness of Magicians Kat Howard
The Lies of Locke Lamora - Scott Lynch (SO HIGH ON MY LIST)
Girls of Paper and Fire - Natasha Ngan (its a pretty big Meh, would probably take this off my list as well)
The Last Wish Andrzej Sapkowski (I would like to get into the Witcher series)
Cinder - Marissa Meyer

I have added so many more books to my shelves since this year has started I should probably remake my 2019 TBR. (Im also mad because I was taking books off my TBR as I read but I wish I kept them so I could compare what I said Id read to what I actually read)

The Hero Of Ages | Review

"The Life of a person is more than the Chaos of its passing. Emotion, Ruin. This is your defeat."

To reference something topical of the time I am reviewing this I will say Hero of Ages is like Marvels End Game.
You cant believe how they took everything they created, and ended it how it is, masterfully, beautifully.

I have to say the beginning is quite a bit slow, in fact it almost feels like the first half and second half are two different books.
I think its amazing how questions I have forgotten about (because some just seemed too insignificant to think about) were answers. More startling are questions I didn't even know I should have were answered. Some just made me put the book down and stair up in awe, mind blown.

I have had people tell me that the foreshadowing in this series is masterful, and honestly, I now see why and completely agree. The connections that are made from some of the smallest details since the very beginning are astonishing and I am quite in love.

There's so much more I could say, characters, moments, revelations, endings...beginnings. But I will leave this review here, and hope that I can go forth in my life finding people I can truly talk to and connect with about the majesty of this book.

Spoilers:
The Epilogue:
It was really everything. I had to stop every other paragraph to shed tears. Just living in the moment, briefly feeling that these people were real and what they did was real. Sazed, and the rest of the crew essentially in a heaven like state. Him mentioning Elend and Vin and how they were ok with where they were. It just hit me with the impact of what they did, what they went through, all they sacrificed and fought for. Rest indeed is what they deserved.
What hit me even harder is the line about Kelsier and his gift to Spook. Im not too sure why, its kind of like Kelsier was never able to leave our mind he was brought up so much. So this was just a reminder of how much he loved them, and humanity.
This epilogue was quite beautiful.

Red, White and Royal Blue | Review

"He takes the chain off his neck and slides the ring on next to the old house key. They clink together gently as he tucks them both under his shirt, two homes side by side."

I didn't expect to get this amazing journey when I first bought this book. When I started buying way too many books I started to make myself at the very least read the first chapter before I put it on my book shelf. Thank goodness I started this because if not it probably would have sat on my bookshelf without being read for who knows how long!!

My point, the first chapter absolutely enraptured me! This book is hilarious, witty , fun, Alex is such a joy to read from!

"He wants to set himself on fire, but he cant afford for anyone to see him burn."

Only  part i don't like is their desperate need not to not just be with each other but to be all over each other. Couples can go out and like look like couples, they dont have to slam each other into hidden rooms to have sex or rub all over each other in public. So some of that drama feels unnecessary, they should just act like bros in public and then in privacy they can be all over each other.

But besides that, that's really it. Everything else was perfect. Every side character was wonderful and unique. There were tears of joy, tears of sadness. Chapter 10 is....everything.

Have you seen those memes or stories of something cute and beautiful in the world and most of the comments are just: "Wholesome." Well...that my initial reaction after this book.

Wholesome.


"Meet you in every dream...Keep most of your heart in Washington...Miss you like a home...We two longing loves...My young King."

The Dark Phoenix Novelization | Review

I got this book and wanted to read it before the Movie releases June 7th 2019. Even though the movie property has never stuck to the original comic book story , Jean Grey and the Phoenix Force is one of my favorite characters/ stories from my favorite Comic book property: The XMen.

So how does this book hold up?
I would have to say the beginning is fairly slow and drags. Unless you're really familiar with what happens before the book you don't have much of a reason to care or understand Jeans connection to her team mates.

Its later in the story as you get more point of views and more background you really feel for what's is happening and begin to understand and relate to their struggle.

Id say you'll fly through the last 50% of the novel. Extra side note, Kitty happens to be one of my other favorite XMen and one of my all time favorite powers. I did NOT expect her to get as much time in the book as she did. So that was an extra bonus for me, loved it!

I originally bought this just as a collectible to put on my book shelf with my Phoenix collectibles/ statues but Im glad I read it. I recommend it to anyone a fan of X-Men whether you're hardcore or not its still a very good look at a beautifully tragic story.

The Well of Ascension | Review

This book had a similar attraction to Game Of Thrones. There was a lot of political intrigue in the foreground but a mysterious mystical element that played a more dangerous and foreboding role. I really enjoyed this aspect, Sanderson made the political fights engaging and you really rooted for Elend, and then the mystery of the Well of Ascension kept you latched on.

The politics were extremely compelling, I like how you dont know if what Elend is doing is for the best or not, you can be unbiased about it and form your own opinion. Its frustrating, yet refreshingly, realistic.

I never got tired of hearing about Kelsier. His loss felt so REAL! Not only emotionally but as a leader with competent abilities. You just keep thinking how much easier this would be if they didn't lose him, but also none of this would be happening if he didn't do what he did to lose him. AND if THAT was even for the best or not.

^^^^THAT is one of the most interesting thoughts to this book. Where as the first book is the Bad guy won and this is how world is. This book is the Good guys win but..is it even worst now? So...did the good guys ever really win?

That was most of the story and plot review, now to some characters:

Breeze had to have been one of my favorite characters after this book. He was so dynamic and we got so much out of him and his life. The scene with him soothing the refugees and pretending he didn't care was beautiful, and his fear about women and not knowing if they truly love him...so sad but it makes so much sense. I cant wait to see what happens with him in the third book!

Oresur (wink wink) is like the dog from Howls Moving castle. Thats what I pictured as he ran around. (although obviously he didnt need help getting around) He had to be one of my favorite characters next to Breeze. His development and his twist just...wow. I almost wanted to immediately reread the book to see if I could notice it!

Elend...just...dang. I cant believe I felt so emotionally connected to his plight. The RAGE I felt after a certain decision, I think i put by book down yelled. "Are you ***** kidding me " Hes great though, I completely understood him because he plays like those games where you can make moral choices. And I ALWAYS pick the good choice even though everyone stabs you in the back or doesn't respect you, you just want to do whats right. Thats Elend.

Last one is a spoiler ***
I could NOT figure out Zane  Is it a plot hole that Cett made it obvious that the assassins weren't his, yet Vin didnt then think Zane was lying to her...? I dont know but he was so devious and annoying, he also didnt realize all the privilege he had, fathers money, atium, kandra, and he still lost. It was so satisfying to see him die by Vin. EVERY advantage she had didn't work against him and she still beat him. so. satisfying!

Highly recommend to those who read the first book. Im so glad to have found this series! I dont think ive read a book this fast this large, 763 pages in 11 days!!

Black Wings Beating | REVIEW

My journey for this book started with its spine. I saw the name in the book store, "Black Wings Beating". Thought thats a pretty cool name. So I picked it up. Saw that cover, Hot DAMN! What a gorgeous cover. Read the flap, really interesting world/ plot idea, LGTB representation. Instant buy for me. And I definitely didnt regret it.

I really enjoyed this book! The two main characters were VERY compelling, I love the siblings bond and actions for each other. My heart ached for Brysen, SO. MUCH. This guy was so relatable and realistic, I think he was VERY well written and hope he comes back in a MAJOR way in the sequel and its not just completely focused on his sisters powers.
I really enjoyed how the book was broken up, switching between sibling perspective with a quick look at the enemy at the end of each perspective.
I also wanna say that I think the author did a good job of having ALOT of avian comparisons or analogies. similes w/e and they fit really well and didnt seem cliched for a book about birds.

My favorite part is the reason WHY the characters are going on this quest. And my hint about it will be in the final sentence of this book.
I LOVE this book, highly recommend!