Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2) by Rebecca Yarros Narrated by Rebecca Soler & Teddy Hamilton

Synopsis (via Goodreads): “The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity.” —Xaden Riorson

Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.

Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.

Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.

But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.

Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.

I still haven't reviewed Fourth Wing, but decided to go ahead and write this one while the story was still fresh on my mind. I was already late to the game with this series, but I put myself on the waiting list for an audiobook at my library as soon as I was able to after falling in love with these characters during Fourth Wing. Additionally, Rebecca Soler is one of my absolute favorite narrators and she does an amazing job with this series. 

Yarros not only makes me fall in love with Violet and Xaden, but every secondary character is beloved as well. Losing any of them would be devasting to my heart, so that final battle in Iron Flame had my pulse racing right along with Violet's. I was already worried about finishing the book since everyone said they literally stared at a wall for 20 minutes afterwards, but I still wasn't expecting the cliffhanger we're left with. Haven't we been through enough by now?

I will say that I didn't like how long it took Violent and Xaden to work through their issues. A lack of communication between characters is a huge turn off for me in books, especially when they're romantically involved. Violet knew who he was before she fell in love with him, yet she made demands and put expectations on him that were a bit unfair. She didn't completely trust him because he wouldn't tell her everything, but everyone in this series has secrets, including her. She kept demanding total honesty and full disclosure despite other lives being at risk if she knew. Yarros managed to address these issues in a way that wasn't cringeworthy, so at least that aspect of the book was tolerable and didn't ruin everything else for me. 

The dragons are still my favorite part of these books. I love their sarcasm and menacing attitudes, especially when directed towards their own riders. Their personalities are perfection. Adolescent Adarna is an absolute delight to read about, and her getting on Tairn's nerves never fails to make me smile. I'm really happy we learned more about them in Iron Flame because so much is still a mystery. 

Love, betrayal, unexpected plot twists, new friends and frenemies, dragons and gryphons, riders and flyers, war, loss - Iron Flame has all that and more. I highly recommend this series if you enjoy fantasy and fast-paced adventure stories. (★★★★★)

DNF&Y [34]

 

DNF&Y is used to explain why I gave up on certain books, and what about them just didn't work for me. What I disliked about a book might be something you love, so it helps to share your thoughts even when they're negative! If you would like additional information, please click on the DNF&Y tab at the top. If you want to join, you can link up at the bottom!

Tarnsman of Gor (Gor, #1) by John Norman

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Tarl Cabot has always believed himself to be a citizen of Earth. He has no inkling that his destiny is far greater than the small planet he has inhabited for the first twenty-odd years of his life. One frosty winter night in the New England woods, he finds himself transported to the planet of Gor, also known as Counter-Earth, where everything is dramatically different from anything he has ever experienced. It emerges that Tarl is to be trained as a Tarnsman, one of the most honored positions in the rigid, caste-bound Gorean society. He is disciplined by the best teachers and warriors that Gor has to offer…but to what end?

This is the first book of John Norman's popular and controversial Gorean Saga, a series of novels the author began in 1967 with Tarnsman of Gor and are now considered cult classics.

DNF at 56%

I was interested in reading this one since it's considered a cult classic, but the story was unbelievably boring. Like, it was could-not-keep-my-eyes-open dull. The writing style, the story, the characters - all of it was snooze-worthy. I was somewhat interested in the world building, but based on how the "less intelligent" people were treated - not to mention the women in this book - it's clear the author has unrealistic expectations and offensive opinions. 

Now, before you come at me with spears and pitchforks; yes, I know this is fiction. HOWEVER, I do think authors write a little bit of themselves - or at least their experiences - into their stories, and I also believe how a main character reacts to classism, racism, sexism (and all of the other isms), says a lot about the writer's personal views. The "hero" in this story quickly accepted aspects of Gor that he initially questioned (mentally and only on the surface), and I think he should have tried to help others instead of simply joining the ranks of the "elite". (★★☆☆☆)

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To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

Narrated by Jennifer Hale

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Kira Navárez dreamed of life on new worlds. Now she's awakened a nightmare. During a routine survey mission on an uncolonized planet, Kira finds an alien relic. At first she's delighted, but elation turns to terror when the ancient dust around her begins to move.

As war erupts among the stars, Kira is launched into a galaxy-spanning odyssey of discovery and transformation. First contact isn't at all what she imagined, and events push her to the very limits of what it means to be human.

While Kira faces her own horrors, Earth and its colonies stand upon the brink of annihilation. Now, Kira might be humanity's greatest and final hope...

DNF at 25% 

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product. 

First of all, I listened to 8 hours and 20 minutes of this book - it's a BEAST. I believe it's like 32 hours and 29 minutes total, which is simply too much for this story. I think Paolini wanted to be descriptive and really explain the world he's created (an amazingly complex universe), but I also think certain aspects of the book could have been condensed. I also wasn't 100% sold on certain parts of the story, and wish character development had been more of a priority (especially at the start), rather than extensive descriptions of planets and alien life. 

Unfortunately, that's not what ruined this book for me. Oh, it's much worse than that... the main character, Kira, vomited into her alien spacesuit - where it had nowhere to go - so she basically ate and then choked on her puke. The author follows that by going into GREAT detail about how her barf then goes up her nose when she inhales (basically suffocating AND drowning on her own upchuck), and I just could not anymore with this book. That was too much, Paolini. Too. Much. 🤢

I also thought the author based a lot of the "alien" on Venom and the other Klyntar from Marvel. There were SO MANY similarities. How the alien attaches to her skin, how the alien can feel the pieces of itself that are no longer connected, how it functions to protect its host, how it communicates - the backstories were too alike to be coincidental. I wish Paolini's alien had been unique and something unrecognizable. I'm actually really curious if anyone else has made this connection, so let me know if you had similar thoughts while reading this one. Additionally, Kira called the alien "Soft Blade," but I always heard "Soft GLADE," which lessened the appeal for me. Neither name worked, to be honest.

Audiobook review: The narrator was PHENOMENAL. There are a ton of characters in this book, and she had a different voice for everyone. It was easy to keep the characters separate in my head, and I'm looking forward to listening to more books read by her in the future. (★★☆☆☆)

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Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Chronic overachiever Prudence Daniels is always quick to cast judgment on the lazy, rude, and arrogant residents of her coastal town. Her dreams of karmic justice are fulfilled when, during a night out with her friends, she slips on a spilled drink and hits her head, only to wake up with the sudden ability to cast instant karma on those around her. Pru giddily makes use of the power, punishing everyone from public vandals to karaoke hecklers, but there is one person on whom her powers consistently backfire — Quint Erickson, her slacker of a lab partner and all-around mortal enemy.

Over the course of a summer, Pru begins to uncover truths about Quint, her peers, and even herself that reveal how thin the line is between virtue and vanity, generosity and greed... love and hate.

In this young adult contemporary romance, a girl is suddenly gifted with the ability to cast instant karma on those around her—both good and bad.

DNF at 46%

I really wanted to like this one - especially since it's narrated by Rebecca Soler - but Prudence was the worst. I have a hard time enjoying books with unlikable main characters, which is why I think I struggled so much with Instant Karma. Pru is unbelievably selfish and self-absorbed, and she really only cares about herself and her twin (Jude). She's super judgmental, thinks she can do no wrong, and even when she's doing something nice there's an ulterior motive.

I stopped reading this one when she refused to play with her younger sister, and actually considered "using her powers" against her family because they were annoying her. We've all been driven insane by family members, but Pru knew her powers could've had serious consequences. I can't believe she entertained the idea even for a second. I understand that she's a focused and determined person, but I read nearly half of this book without seeing much character growth.

The Lunar Chronicles is one of my all-time favorite series, so I hate that this one didn't work for me. I honestly think Prudence was just too angsty, too self-righteous, and too UGH. She wasn't someone I wanted to root for, and I never felt compelled to continue reading her story. I wish she'd had some major epiphanies early on, or at least had something happen to make her question how she treated others. (★★☆☆☆)

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They Threw Us Away (The Teddies Saga, #1) by Daniel Kraus, Rovina Cai (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Welcome to The Teddies Saga, a gripping new middle grade trilogy from New York Times-bestselling author Daniel Kraus.

When Buddy wakes up in the middle of a garbage dump, filled with a certain awareness: he’s a teddy bear; he spent time at a Store waiting for his future to begin; and he is meant for the loving arms of a child. Now he knows one more thing: Something has gone terribly wrong.

Soon he finds other discarded teddies―Horace, Sugar, Sunny, and Reginald. Though they aren’t sure how their luck soured, they all agree that they need to get back to the Store if they’re ever to fulfill their destinies. So, they embark on a perilous trek across the dump and into the outer world. With ravenous rats, screeching gulls, and a menacing world in front of them, the teddies will need to overcome insurmountable challenges to find their way home.

Equal parts Toy Story and Lord of the Flies, They Threw Us Away is the unforgettable start of a captivating series.

DNF at 49%

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product. 

I was really intrigued by the concept for They Threw Us Away, and thought it would be an interesting book to read with my son, but I was WRONG. This book is morbid. It's not just creepy and disturbing, but seriously screwed up. I honestly don't think anyone should read this to their child, or let their child read it on their own. Maybe once they're older... MAYBE. If an author wants to address mental health in a book, I support that 100%. Unfortunately, it felt like the author was going for shock value instead of representing a character's mental illness in a way that children would understand. 

If you've read this book, you know I'm talking about Sugar. Her box was damaged somehow which resulted in her head being dented on one side. The damage wasn't just physical, but also mental. She very clearly struggled during conversations, and the other bears had to prevent her from getting hurt, and occasionally stop her from hurting herself (which she does in a VERY disturbing way). My husband and I try to be honest with our kids about everything (even when we have to simplify it for their ages), but there was no good way for me to explain to my son why she *highlight to view spoiler* ripped her fucking eyes out. Sugar's self-harm may have been the worst part of this book, but there were a lot of other scenarios that required lengthy explanations on my part. It simply wasn't worth the effort, so we moved on to something else. 

The story also wasn't believable. The bears could smell and see, but they couldn't feel when they were being devoured by ants? Why were they sentient? What were the rules? Where were the explanations? There were too many questions and not enough answers. You would really have to suspend your disbelief to get through most of this book, and just ignore all of the inconsistencies and contradictions. I wish the author had developed the story more, so the bears being alive made sense. Side note: the concept of "forever sleep" was disturbing, and I have no idea why the bears wanted it to happen. (★★☆☆☆)

⏭

Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Budding photographer Josie Saint-Martin has spent half her life with her single mother, moving from city to city. When they return to her historical New England hometown years later to run the family bookstore, Josie knows it’s not forever. Her dreams are on the opposite coast, and she has a plan to get there.

What she doesn’t plan for is a run-in with the town bad boy, Lucky Karras. Outsider, rebel…and her former childhood best friend. Lucky makes it clear he wants nothing to do with the newly returned Josie. But everything changes after a disastrous pool party, and a poorly executed act of revenge lands Josie in some big-time trouble—with Lucky unexpectedly taking the blame.

Determined to understand why Lucky was so quick to cover for her, Josie discovers that both of them have changed, and that the good boy she once knew now has a dark sense of humor and a smile that makes her heart race. And maybe, just maybe, he’s not quite the brooding bad boy everyone thinks he is…

DNF at 57%

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

I tried so hard and got so far

But in the end it doesn't even matter

Linkin Park sums up my experience with this book perfectly. Jenn Bennett is normally my jam, but I just could not get into Chasing Lucky. I disliked Josie from the start, which made it hard for me to really enjoy this book. I have to like the main character or a book just won't work for me. Her general attitude was sour and uncaring, but her cowardice was the worst. I don't know why Lucky did what he did for Josie, but regardless of his reasons, she shouldn't have let him take the fall for something stupid she did. I'm sure it worked itself out later on, but the longer she stayed quiet, the more I started to resent her. It made me not want to pick up the book, because I couldn't stand to see Lucky care about Josie when she only cared about herself. 

I've kept this book on my bedside table for months, and I've probably picked it up a handful of times without making much progress. I think I was trying to force myself to like a book because I like the author, but liking someone isn't a reason to make myself continue reading a story I'm not enjoying. (★★☆☆☆)

A lot of these books are ones I told myself I'd "get back to" eventually, but I don't want to start the New Year with book baggage. 

*Share your DNF&Y post! Please leave the direct link to your DNF&Y post and not just your blog's URL. Thank you for participating and happy reading!

DNF&Y [19]

DNF&Y is used to explain why I gave up on certain books, and what about them just didn't work for me. What I disliked about a book might be something you love, so it helps to share your thoughts even when they're negative! If you would like additional information, please click on the DNF&Y tab at the top. If you want to join, you can link up at the bottom!

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

by Erika L. Sanchez

Narrated by Kyla Garcia

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Perfect Mexican daughters do not go away to college. And they do not move out of their parents’ house after high school graduation. Perfect Mexican daughters never abandon their family.

But Julia is not your perfect Mexican daughter. That was Olga’s role.

Then a tragic accident on the busiest street in Chicago leaves Olga dead and Julia left behind to reassemble the shattered pieces of her family. And no one seems to acknowledge that Julia is broken, too. Instead, her mother seems to channel her grief into pointing out every possible way Julia has failed.

But it’s not long before Julia discovers that Olga might not have been as perfect as everyone thought. With the help of her best friend Lorena, and her first kiss, first love, first everything boyfriend Connor, Julia is determined to find out. Was Olga really what she seemed? Or was there more to her sister’s story? And either way, how can Julia even attempt to live up to a seemingly impossible ideal?

DNF at 19%

I decided to try I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter when it was one of the few audiobooks available at my library (my library is small, and I have to request most of what I want). I didn't know much about the book going into it, and that's my fault, but I could not connect with the main character. She's so negative about everything, and while that might be a realistic portrayal of some teenagers, it wasn't for me. She comments on a friend's makeup, and how a dress looks bad on that same friend's mom, and it just felt unnecessary. Additionally, the story starts off really slow, and I tend to prefer books with a quicker pace.

⳼

Ever Alice by H.J. Ramsay 

Expected publication: August 1st 2019

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Alice’s stories of Wonderland did more than raise a few eyebrows—it landed her in an asylum. Now at 15 years of age, she’s willing to do anything to leave, which includes agreeing to an experimental procedure. When Alice decides at the last minute not to go through with it, she escapes with the White Rabbit to Wonderland and trades one mad house for another: the court of the Queen of Hearts. Only this time, she is under orders to take out the Queen. When love, scandal, and intrigue begin to muddle her mission, Alice finds herself on the wrong side of the chopping block.

DNF at 5%

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Ever Alice made my head hurt. The language was confusing, and the content didn't always make sense. I know that Wonderland is a magical place, and not everything is supposed to be logical, but readers still need some backstory and context to understand what's going on. Rosalind (I believe that's the queen's name) is bananas, and I think she's supposed to be, but her perspective only made things more difficult to follow. The phrasing and wording were weird, which also made the story a challenge to read. “'Only the most unimportant news,' he said with his tongue sticking out of his mouth." After awhile I stopped reading, because I didn't want to force myself to stick with something I couldn't get into.

⳼

Finale (Caraval, #3) by Stephanie Garber

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A love worth fighting for. A dream worth dying for. An ending worth waiting for.

It’s been two months since the Fates were freed from a deck of cards, two months since Legend claimed the throne for his own, and two months since Tella discovered the boy she fell in love with doesn’t really exist.

With lives, empires, and hearts hanging in the balance, Tella must decide if she’s going to trust Legend or a former enemy. After uncovering a secret that upends her life, Scarlett will need to do the impossible. And Legend has a choice to make that will forever change and define him.

Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun. There are no spectators this time—only those who will win, and those who will lose everything.

Welcome, welcome to Finale. All games must come to an end…

DNF at 7%

I tried and failed to get through this one. I was hesitant to start it at all, because I didn't love the first two. However, I was curious about the Fates, Jacks, and their mother, which is why I decided to give it a go. Tella is still obnoxious and always playing games. Why?? Who makes the rules?? She and Legend are dancing around each other, and it's so frustrating. I prefer characters that are more direct and less childish. Also, why is Scarlett still wearing that dress? She never takes it off, and I know it changes to reflect her emotions, but doesn't she bathe?? Magical dress or no, a person still needs to get naked and soapy every once in awhile. 

*Share your DNF&Y post! Please leave the direct link to your DNF&Y post and not just your blog's URL. Thank you for participating and happy reading!

Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles, #3.5) by Marissa Meyer

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): In this stunning bridge book between Cress and Winter in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles, Queen Levana’s story is finally told.

Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who is the fairest of them all?

Fans of The Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story – a story that has never been told . . . until now.

Marissa Meyer spins yet another unforgettable tale about love and war, deceit and death. This extraordinary book includes full-color art and an excerpt from Winter, the next book in the Lunar Chronicles series.

𑁋

Warning! Potential spoilers for this book and other books in this series.

After reading the other books in The Lunar Chronicles, it was obvious Levana was unhinged. Fairest shows us what she's like as a child, and what likely caused her break from reality. I feel bad for the little girl Levana used to be, and I hate that her parents were so neglectful. If they had been more involved in their daughter's lives, they might have noticed Channery's cruelty and done something about it. However, it's hard to feel sympathy for the person Levana is today, because she likes to kill people for seemingly no reason (a perceived threat or just someone voicing a concern). It's obvious now that she just wanted someone to love her, which did fracture my heart a little. When her parents failed at showing compassion and understanding, she focused on Evret, and eventually the people of Luna.

Levana's obsession with Evret Hale was disturbing on many levels. She was a child chasing after a much older man, a man that clearly loved his very pregnant wife, and actually felt hatred towards a woman that had done nothing wrong . Evret offered friendship on his wife's behalf, because Solstice thought Levana was lonely and needed a friend, and that backfired in a big way. Levana took every smile and kind gesture, and warped them into something that fit the story in her head. No on stepped in to save Evret, or even to tell Levana that she was doing something wrong. She was a princess, and essentially left to her own devices. Even her sister hadn't been able to stop Levana's plan once she'd put everything in motion. Levana tortured Evret in the worst possible way, by using what he loved against him. She broke him from the inside, and made him do unthinkable things that he never would have agreed to on his own. She raped his mind and his body, because she thought their love was real. It didn't occur to her that forcing him made it something ugly and damaged.

Channery is definitely the cause of Levana's mental issues (at least at the beginning), but Levana's downward spiral continues even when Channery is no longer there to give her nightmares. When she takes over the responsibilities of the Queen, she makes a lot of bad decisions, although I truly believe she thought they were for the right reasons (except when she was killing people on Earth for the benefit of Luna). She seemed to really care about her country and its well-being, but she also wanted her people to love her unconditionally, which isn't something you can force people to do. Levana wanted perfection, and nothing is perfect.

Also, Levana criticized Channery for being unconcerned with the politics of Luna, but Levana's active involvement resulted in a lot of pain and death. Her paranoia and hatred, mixed with her skewed perception of reality, were a toxic combination.

I think Marissa Meyer wrote another excellent book, and she was able to make me understand a character that I love to hate. I believe this story is a wonderful addition the series, and wish I had read it before reading Winter. We get to see what makes Levana tick, and all of the ugliness that surrounds her life. Also, Rebecca Soler narrates this book as well, and she's amazing.

Seafire (Seafire, #1) by Natalie C. Parker

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): After her family is killed by corrupt warlord Aric Athair and his bloodthirsty army of Bullets, Caledonia Styx is left to chart her own course on the dangerous and deadly seas. She captains her ship, the Mors Navis, with a crew of girls and women just like her, who have lost their families and homes because of Aric and his men. The crew has one mission: stay alive, and take down Aric's armed and armored fleet.

But when Caledonia's best friend and second-in-command barely survives an attack thanks to help from a Bullet looking to defect, Caledonia finds herself questioning whether to let him join their crew. Is this boy the key to taking down Aric Athair once and for all . . . or will he threaten everything the women of the Mors Navis have worked for.

“Remember when they call you girl, they're trying to tell you something. They're trying to tell you that they're more than you, that the body you're in makes you less. But you know, and I know, that you're exactly what you need to be.”

I'm really glad I listened to the audiobook for this one, because it's narrated by Rebecca Soler! She's one of my favorite narrators (The Lunar Chronicles, Caraval), and she always delivers an amazing story. It helped that Seafire was a wonderful read all on its own!

Girl power! I really enjoyed reading about an all-female crew! They're not pirates per se, but they did act like them every once in a while. There were some pretty epic battles that included cannons, sword fights, and hand-to-hand combat. The girls are young, but they've already learned how to fight for their lives. The world they live in is cruel and unforgiving, and Cala is determined to keep her girls free while also taking out as many enemy ships as possible. They're smart, calculating, and work well together as a team. It was so much fun to read about!

Cala and crew found themselves in more than one precarious situation, because more often than not, there were no good options available. They had to make do with what they had. I wish I could remember what Redtooth and Cala would say to each other when things were at their worst, but it's been awhile since I listened to the audiobook, and I didn't write it down. I plan on buying a physical copy in the future, so I guess it's a good excuse for a re-read with a pen!

I didn't love or hate the romance, but I wish there had been more or less of it. I think the story would have thrived without it, since it seems to focus on what woman are able to accomplish on their own. Now Caledonia's decisions are being impacted by the Bullet on her ship, and her feelings toward him start to shift over the course of the book. “When I want a kiss, I will be the one to take it.” If his circumstances had been different, I think trusting him would have been easier, and then there would have been a greater potential for romance. As it is, I feel very take-it-or-leave-it about the whole thing.

Pisces, Caledonia's second and sister in every way that matters, felt like a shadow of the person she could be. I understand her relationship with Cala was forged from circumstance and tragedy, but they have known each other for a very long time. However, Pi seemed to be constantly surprised by Cala's decisions, and I was a little annoyed with how protective she was of a Bullet. Yes, she owed him her life, but that's all she knew about him. Cala was being cautious, because she had an entire crew to think about. Pi's blatant disregard for Cala's wishes, and the rules of the ship, made me dislike her a little. She's also a very prominent member of the crew, but she prefers solitude and fighting beneath the waves. I feel like we missed opportunities to get to know her better.

There was another romance between two of the female crew members, or at least I think there was, and I wish that had been explored. Maybe they will have a larger role in the next book, but we were left with our own assumptions for this one. Also, Redtooth was probably my favorite character. I loved her personality, her snark, and her fierce fighting. She cared about the other members of the crew, and she's willing to risk everything to keep them safe.

I really liked the setting for this book, and the story Parker created. All of the characters have distinct voices and personalities, and I enjoyed learning about each of them. Everyone has a role to play, and I cannot wait to see what happens next! “Hoist your eyes!"

Winter (The Lunar Chronicles, #4) by Marissa Meyer

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mark 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.

“Right now, a kiss is the going rate for near-death experiences. It's kind of a point system.”

Warning: review may contain spoilers for other books in this series. 

When I first started listening to Winter, I thought there was a glitch on my phone, because Libby (my library app) said it would take twenty-four hours to listen to the entire book. After doing a little research, I discovered the physical copy has 827 pages, so it made more sense.

Despite the length of the book, it never felt like the story lagged. It kept a nice pace, and there was always something new happening to one of the characters. They were constantly splitting up, so the perspective and the place would often change. I think it gave a broader view of the world and the different issues the characters were dealing with.

I adored Winter and Jacin! He has loved her since they were children, and not once did he think she was broken. He didn't chastise her for refusing to use her gift, and he was always trying to be there for her when it mattered. Even when he's away, he's thinking of her and trying to return to her side. I really enjoyed their relationship, and how selfless they both tried to be for one another.

I also liked Winter's interactions with Scarlet. I thought the two of them shared a special relationship, even if Scarlet was locked in a cage for most of it. Winter did everything she could to ease Scarlet's suffering, and she thought of her as a friend long before Scarlet felt the same way. When Scarlet called Winter crazy, or referred to her delusions, it was an endearment and said with affection.

I thought Meyer did a wonderful job adding new characters every book. Each new book would focus on someone new, but characters from previous books still played a large role. It made the story more complex and interesting. I loved viewing the story from multiple perspectives, and not always knowing what everyone was thinking. I felt like it added a little more mystery and suspense to the overall story.

I liked the fairy tale connections, and was relieved when they didn't overwhelm the story. Meyer has created something that's entirely her own, while still dipping her toes in the stories we've heard our entire lives. I loved the twists she added, like the spin on Snow White's apple, and how they applied to her books.

Thorne was a little unlikable when he was initially introduced, but he quickly grew on me. Especially after he met Cress! I really liked that Cinder, Cress, Scarlet, Winter, and even Iko, were strong female characters that depended on themselves. They knew when to ask for help, but they didn't wait around for someone to save them. They fought for their friends and the people they loved, they were smart and innovative, and they took the initiative to improve the lives of others.

I thought Winter was the perfect culmination of the other books, and really enjoyed how the final book in the series played out. I was curious how the author would end things, and if everyone would survive, and I'm pretty satisfied with the ending. I was left feeling hopeful and imagining new lives for the characters. They may be on separate paths now, but they've forged friendships that will last a lifetime. I think everyone got the ending they deserved, while still leaving things open for the future.

I'm looking forward to reading Fairest next. I know some people recommended reading it before Winter, but I decided to wait before learning about Levana's history. I'm sure it would have helped me to understand why she was the way she was, but now I still have something to look forward to!

I highly recommend this series to everyone. Rebecca Soler is one of my favorite narrators, and I thought she did a marvelous job with these books! The Lunar Chronicles was such an enjoyable series, and one that I cannot wait to read again. The characters were fantastic, the world was incredible, and the delivery of the story was perfection.

Renegades (Renegades, #1) by Marissa Meyer

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Secret Identities. Extraordinary Powers. She wants vengeance. He wants justice.

The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies — humans with extraordinary abilities — who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone... except the villains they once overthrew.

Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice — and in Nova. But Nova's allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both.

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I didn't think a 17-18 hour audiobook would be that long, but I was very, very wrong. It wouldn't have been too bad on its own, but the audiobook I listened to before this one was equally as daunting. (It was Cress by Marissa Meyer, so maybe this author just likes to write big books!) I'll start spacing out the lengthy audiobooks from now on so my brain/ears don't feel so overwhelmed. It didn't help that I borrowed this from my library and wasn't able to finish it before it expired. I had to go back on the Wait List for a few weeks.

I am a huge fan of Marissa Meyer and all of her other books! However, Renegades was a tiny step down for me. While I enjoyed the story and the world-building, I never felt really connected to the characters. I thought they were interesting with unique powers, but there wasn't a connection on a personal level. It doesn't take away from the story at all, and wanting to feel tied to the characters is a personal preference.

Renegades is told from varying POVs, though I do think we see more from Nova's perspective. I love that we're sort of rooting for both the villains and the superheroes in this story, and Meyer does a wonderful job of showing how there can be good and bad on both sides. Not all of the Renegades are kind and want to help people, but instead enjoy showing off their powers and bullying others into doing what they want them to. The same can be said for the villains. The Age of Anarchy was started with the best of intentions, but other villain gangs came to power and started doing villainous things. It's hard to see everything as black and white, because a person's intentions should matter.

I will say that there are a lot of surprises throughout Renegades. Meyer kept me on my toes and threw some really crazy stuff at me when I wasn't expecting it. I hate that it ended when it did, or where it did, because I'm left with a ton of questions that I know won't be answered until the next book. A switch seems to have clicked in Nova, and I'm curious what this means for her going forward. Everyone has secrets, and it's only a matter of time before they're all exposed.

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, #3) by Marissa Meyer

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): In this third book in the Lunar Chronicles, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, now with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they're plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, a girl imprisoned on a satellite since childhood who's only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she's just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue of Cress goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a higher price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has.

“It always came back to love. More than freedom, more than acceptance—love. True love, like they sang about in the second era. The kind that filled up a person's soul. The kind that lent itself to dramatic gestures and sacrifices. The kind that was irresistible and all-encompassing.” 

The audiobook for Cress is almost twice as long as the others, but I'm not complaining! I've enjoyed everyone's adventures and really liked the newest character, Cress. She's crazy smart, tech-savvy, and can hack into anything, spy on anyone, and daydream like no other. Her opera singing, line-dancing, and unfamiliarity with the outside world made her an endearing character that I instantly wanted to protect. She's been through a lot, but somehow comes across as sweetly naïve and innocent. 

Initially, I didn't think I would like Thorne. He's arrogant and rarely says the right thing. He's like an attractive pirate... in love with his ship, in love with himself, thinks everyone else should immediately be charmed by him, and he's always looking for booty. However, my opinions about him changed drastically while reading this book. We learn more about his history and see what he's willing to do for his friends. Thorne also doesn't think like everyone else, so he's able to bring a unique perspective to the table. His words may come across as cocky, but I believe he speaks from the heart. 

Queen Levana needs to die... or be stripped of her powers and thrown into a jail cell. Personally, I hope someone destroys her. She's unbelievably cruel, and it makes me angry to think about all the pain she's caused. The lives of others mean nothing, and she's willing to maim or kill anyone that disagrees with her or gets in the way.

This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites! Marissa Meyer is an incredible storyteller and I look forward to reading anything else she writes. I believe Winter is next in this series, but I don't know how I feel about her just yet. She's only in Cress briefly, but a lot was said with very little.

Let's get this revolution started!

Caraval (Caraval, #1) by Stephanie Garber

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Remember, it’s only a game…

Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval—the faraway, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show—are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic. And whether Caraval is real or not, Scarlett must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over or a dangerous domino effect of consequences will be set off, and her beloved sister will disappear forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval…beware of getting swept too far away. 

“She imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars came out.”

Okay, so I feel like this needs to be addressed: Why didn't anyone bathe?? Hear me out... Scarlett and Julian are staying in a really nice place with a fancy bed, roaring fireplace, and all that jazz. However, it never mentions them brushing their teeth, showering, or even changing clothes. I understand Scarlett's dress transformed into whatever she needed it to be (or was based on her mood... it was unclear), but that also means she never took it off.

I know bathroom breaks aren't always discussed in books, but sometimes characters need to be concerned with hygiene. They were caught in the rain more than once, traversed underground tunnels, and fell into the ocean. Were they magically cleaned? Did their clothes rub them down while they slept so they woke up refreshed? *highlight to view spoiler» They were both dead for 24 hours and neither of them were worried about corpse-breath or smelling like decay.

Next on the list: everything had a color or a smell. Why was Scarlett able to see colors and smells around certain objects, places and people? It never made sense to me, and it wasn't explained. She smelled anise and rotting plums around her father, but then something else would have a hue of periwinkle blue. She does mention being the only one that can do that, or only being able to see them in relation to herself, but nothing about what it actually means. If you know why this happened, please let me know! Maybe I missed something?

There were also a lot of similarities between this book and Marissa Meyer's The Lunar Chronicles and Heartless. 

1. Rebecca Soler is the narrator (love her!)
2. Caraval has a Scarlett and The Lunar Chronicles has a Scarlet
3. There is an Iko (unsure about the spelling since they were both audiobooks) in The Lunar Chronicles and Caraval 
4. Caraval and Heartless each contain a gentlemen with a black heart tattooed on their person
5. There is a haberdashery in both Caraval and Heartless

Those are just a few of the major things that stood out, and I believe there were others I had written down. I seriously doubt the similarities were intentional, but they popped out at me since Cinder and Scarlet were two of my recent reads. Heartless is just unforgettable. ♥

I know this book had a lot of hype surrounding it, but I ended up feeling underwhelmed. The characters were unlikable (especially Scarlett), and they made bad decision after bad decision. It was an endless loop of, "Why the flark would you do that??" 

The mystery surrounding Caraval is what saved it for me. I was actually incredibly invested in the game they were playing, so I wanted to see if my assumptions were correct. I never expected the various twists and turns that fill the pages of this book, and I enjoyed how nothing was what it appeared to be. 

In the end, this wasn't a good fit for me. I didn't like the characters (con), the setting was terrifically trippy (pro), but the overall story was missing the magic that makes me want to never stop reading. I do plan on reading Legendary, because I believe it's from her sister's perspective, and the world was interesting. 

Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, #2) by Marissa Meyer

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner. 

“I knew they would kill me when they found out, but…” He struggled for words, releasing a sharp breath. “I think I realized that I would rather die because I betrayed them, than live because I betrayed you.”

I am really enjoying this series! I love the world, the writing, the characters--everything. Marissa Meyer is very good at what she does. I'm not usually a fan of retellings, but these are amazing! The subtle references don't overpower the story, and you can see how Meyer took a thread from an old fairy tale and made it something new and entirely her own.

Also, the narrator! I know I've said this about her before, but Rebecca Soler is WONDERFUL.

Cinder was about Cinder, and Scarlet was about both Scarlet and Cinder. We see everything unfold from various perspectives, so we know what is happening in multiple places at once. There are so many different layers to these books; hidden nooks and crannies that are not fully realized until all of the pieces fall into place. I cannot stop listening once I start (which isn't good for getting things done).

I loved Scarlet and her no-nonsense personality. She was straightforward and determined in her efforts to find her grandmother. I admired her capabilities (she had no issues pointing a gun at someone's face), but thought she was a tad too eager to throw herself into dangerous situations.

Wolf was an interesting character, and I would love to know more of his history. I think I might get my wish in the next book, if how it ended is any indication.

I loathe Levana. She's vile, vain, and virtually untouchable.

I feel like everything is building toward something catastrophic, and I cannot wait to find out what that is! I'm so happy there are still more books in this series to read!

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1) by Marissa Meyer

Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Sixteen-year-old Cinder is considered a technological mistake by most of society and a burden by her stepmother. Being cyborg does have its benefits, though: Cinder's brain interference has given her an uncanny ability to fix things (robots, hovers, her own malfunctioning parts), making her the best mechanic in New Beijing. This reputation brings Prince Kai himself to her weekly market booth, needing her to repair a broken android before the annual ball. He jokingly calls it "a matter of national security," but Cinder suspects it's more serious than he's letting on.

Although eager to impress the prince, Cinder's intentions are derailed when her younger stepsister, and only human friend, is infected with the fatal plague that's been devastating Earth for a decade. Blaming Cinder for her daughter's illness, Cinder's stepmother volunteers her body for plague research, an "honor" that no one has survived.

But it doesn't take long for the scientists to discover something unusual about their new guinea pig. Something others would kill for. 

“Vanity is a factor, but it is more a question of control. It is easier to trick others into perceiving you as beautiful if you can convince yourself you are beautiful. But mirrors have an uncanny way of telling the truth.”

I want Rebecca Soler to narrate my life. I thought she did an amazing job when I listened to the audiobook for Heartless, so I didn't think twice about requesting the audiobook for Cinder from my library. She has such a wonderful range of voices, and I'm never confused by who is speaking. She. Is. Incredible. The story is fabulous on it's own, but her voice really awakens the characters in my head.

I loved Cinder. I should have read it ages ago when it first came out, but now I get to read the entire series without a wait! I guess silver linings and all that jazz, but... it was a wonderful read regardless of when I read it, and it's sure to be one that I read again. The writing was phenomenal, and Marissa Meyer's twist on Cinderella was breathtaking and beautiful. Cyborgs! There were cyborgs and robots, a futuristic world with new rules, and a plague. Meyer really went above and beyond with the creativity of her world and characters. I never felt like I was somewhere unfamiliar, it was just someplace I hadn't been before, but knew all about.

Cinder made me feel so much. There were times when I was horrified and so very angry, and other moments my heart broke for these characters. My emotions were all over the place with this one, and I felt compelled to give hugs to some and stab others repeatedly.

I seriously will forever read anything this author ever writes. She's an auto-buy for me now! "Oh, my stars!" The story is fabulous, too. (Yes, I know I said this earlier, but it's worth repeating.) I was so invested in the characters and engaged in their struggles and triumphs. I thought something might be something while I was reading it (vague, I know), but the reveal was nicely done. I cannot wait to see where the story goes from here! I have so many questions, but more importantly, I want to immerse myself in this world again.

Should you read this? Yes! Absolutely! Are you free right now? 😁

Heartless by Marissa Meyer🎧 Narrated by Rebecca Soler

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland and a favorite of the unmarried King, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, she wants to open a shop and create delectable pastries. But for her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for a woman who could be a queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the King’s marriage proposal, she meets handsome and mysterious Jest. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into a secret courtship.

Cath is determined to choose her own destiny. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans. 

“Perhaps we know each other in the future and you’re only remembering backward.”

Well, that was unexpected. 😒

I liked Catherine well enough in the beginning, but I was extremely irritated with her behavior. She knows exactly what she wants, and yet she allows her parents and society to dictate who/what she is going to be. She was perfectly capable of making her own decisions, and did on occasion, but never when it seemed to really matter.

Cath makes it clear that she wants to open a bakery, not become the Queen of Hearts. However, she makes choices that bring her closer and closer to the outcome she doesn't want. All of her efforts to open a bakery seem to fall short, and it seems everything (and everyone) is pushing her to an ending she never would have chosen for herself. I just wish she had stood up to her parents, not caring about whether or not she would be disowned, and said fuck you. It's her life, she needed to worry about making herself happy, and not everyone else around her. Her mother forced her into too-tight corsets, and dresses she couldn't breathe in. Her father stood idly by while simultaneously crushing her dreams by not being supportive. They both thought they knew best, when really it was only what they wanted for themselves. No one ever asked Catherine what she wanted (until it no longer mattered).

The king, while obtuse and small-minded, had good intentions. He never knew how Cath felt, but that's only because she never told him. All of her actions, everything she said to him, only led him to believe she shared his feelings. I understand he's the king, so turning him down wouldn't have been easy, but leading him on only made things worse. Her parents were happy, the king was delighted, but she was miserable. No one should have to live their life in misery.

Then there is Jest. Jovial, mysterious, and adoring Jest. While he may not have had the best intentions at the start, he never wavered in his affections for Cath. He was so torn between loyalty and love, which only added to the complexities of this story. Everyone seemed to have ulterior motives, instead of just following their hearts. If people did more things out of love, I think a lot of problems would be resolved.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, despite the aggravating characters, because I assume they were meant to be written that way. The world-building was incredible, and Marissa Meyer was so descriptive of everything.

I always go into a book expecting a happy, resolved ending. This was not the case with Heartless. *highlight to view spoiler» Cath suffered enough throughout the book, she shouldn't have to suffer for the rest of her life. The ending was a cruel, horrible twist to her broken story. I hadn't read any reviews before starting this book, but I might have been better prepared if I did. I didn't realize this was an origin story (hah) for the Queen of Hearts. Everything she loved was ripped away from her, and she was forced into the life she never wanted. I would be very, "Off with his head!," too.

I also hate how abruptly Jest was killed. He was there, and then he wasn't. There were no last words or declarations of love. He just ceased to exist. The best character in the book was gone in the time it took a crazed man to swing his ax. I wish he'd been able to say something to Cath before he died. What was he thinking when it happened? My chest aches over the loss, so I can't imagine how Catherine must feel. Her reaction may seem extreme, but I wish she had just gone to Chess and left Mary Ann to her fate. Four lives were ruined instead of one.

They all knew what would happen if they went through a door. They were told and shown in great detail. 

Side note: Rebecca Soler narrates the audiobook and she's marvelous! Her various voices are remarkable. 😲