#Review - House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas #Fantasy #Urban

Series: Crescent City #1
Format: Hardcover, 816 pages
Release Date: March 3, 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Source: Library
Genre: Fiction / Fantasy / Urban

#1 NYT bestselling author Sarah J. Maas launches the CRESCENT CITY series: the tale of half-Fae Bryce Quinlan as she seeks revenge in a modern fantasy world of danger and romance.

Half-Fae, half-human Bryce Quinlan loves her life. By day, she works for an antiquities dealer, selling barely legal magical artifacts, and by night, she parties with her friends, savoring every pleasure known Crescent City has to offer. But it all comes crumbling down when a ruthless murder shakes the very foundations of the city—and Bryce’s world.

For two years, Bryce seeks blissful oblivion in the city’s most notorious nightclubs. But when the murderer attacks again, she finds herself dragged into the investigation and paired with an infamous Fallen angel whose own brutal past haunts his every step.

Hunt Athalar wants nothing to do with Bryce Quinlan, despite being ordered to protect her. She stands for everything he once rebelled against, but he soon realizes there’s far more to Bryce than meets the eye—and that he’s going to have to find a way to work with her if they want to solve this case.

As Bryce and Hunt race to untangle the mystery, they have no way of knowing the threads they tug ripple through the underbelly of the city, across warring continents, and down to the darkest levels of Hel, where things that have been sleeping for millennia are beginning to stir . . .

"My friends are behind me, and I will protect them."

House of Earth and Blood, by author Sarah J. Maas, is the first installment in the authors Crescent City series; which is the authors first foray into the adult genre. Crescent City is a place where all forms of magic (and technology) intersect into one, unforgettable town. Here you are likely to find shifters, witches, angels, fae, sprites, merfolk, wraiths, vampyrs, and humans who are lowest on the power index and are itching to rebel against their slave like conditions. If I actually caught the hint, this story takes place in the year 15035. The main characters; Bryce Quinlan, Hunt Athalar, and Ruhn Danaan. 

 

Bryce, who is 1/2 fae, 1/2 human, works for Griffin Antiquities by day, and is party girl at night. That means drugs, alcohol, and sex with whomever tickels her fancy. Her boss, Jesiba, is a sorceress who is almost always threatening Bryce with turning her into a variety of animals. Bryce is actually a rarity in that while she is a halfling, she's also born of two houses; House of Earth and Blood, and House of Sky and Breath. The Drop is the process that allows you to become fully immortal, but not without contingencies. The possibility of dying in the process is possible. Levels are also recorded to determine your rank in power.

Her best friend, Danika Fendyr, is leader of The Pack of Devils (A group consisting of several wolf shifters). Her co-worker, Lehabah, is a fire sprite who joined the fallen rebellion against the Asteri (Rulers of Midgard, control originates from the Eternal City—a continent of Pangera) 200 years ago and is now a slave of Jesiba's. Syrinx is Bryce's chimera who is adorable. Juniper Andromeda and Fury Axtar are two very curious characters, especially Fury who you should keep close eyes out for. Ruhn Danaan is Bryce's brother, although she's not allowed to reveal it to anyone since her fae father is a pure unadulterated douche canoe. Ruhn is also the alleged Chosen One as well as the bearer of the Starborn sword.

Ruhn and his friends Tristan Flynn and Declan are what's called Aux warriors. They, like Hunts 33rd Legion, are responsible for taking care of business when someone steps out of line. Ruhn and Bryce haven't exactly been close thanks to an incident that happened after she visited with the Oracle and ditched like garbage by her fae father. But, let's get to the crux of the story. Shortly after a priceless relic called Luna's Horn (Fae relic that belonged to the first fae and derived its name from this goddess) goes missing, Danika and her pack are massacred in the apartment she shared with Bryce. 

 

2 years later, after another demon attack in which Bryce saves an Angel, Bryce is forced to team up with Hunt Athalar. Hunt is a legendary fallen angel and assassin who is given a chance of earning his freedom if he can put a stop to the murders once and for all. Hunt joined the rebellion against the Asteri and is now trying to redeem himself for all of those he killed which number in the thousands. Hunt is pretty much a slave to the Governor of the city Micah. Micah can pretty much to do him anything he wants and nobody can lift a finger. 

 

This story has a complex mystery that begins to unravel the more you pay attention to the bread crumbs that the author lays out for you. Seriously, you knew there was a reason behind what happened to Danika and it was going to be something that goes nicely with the quote above. However, when the real true villain is revealed, you'll likely see it coming. I am not going to go off on a tangent and compare Aelion, Feyre and Bryce. I would say that there is a comparable level of sex in both Feyre & Bryces's stories perhaps with a bit more heat in this story.

 

There are (4) Houses that exist in this world: House of Earth and Blood (Shifters, humans, witches, ordinary animals, and many others to whom Cthona calls, as well as some chosen by Luna), House of Sky and Breath (Malakim(angels), fae, elementals, sprites, and those who are blessed by Solas, along with some favored by Luna), House of Many Waters, (River-spirits, mer, water beasts, nymphs, kelpies, nøkks, and others watched over by Ogenas) and House of Flame and Shadow (Daemonaki, reapers, wraiths, vampyrs, draki, dragons, necromancers, and many wicked and unnamed things that even Urd herself cannot see).  

There is quite a bit of suspense and intrigue as to the reasons of their involvement and the identity of the killer. There were also scenes that, yes, I reached for a Kleenex because it broke my heart into little pieces. I am going to nag about the length of this book for a very long time. There is no reason, none whatsoever for a book to be 800 pages long. The book legitimately could have been 300 pages less and probably gotten rid of a whole lot of emptiness for much of the first 2 parts of this book. The final book, especially from page 700 on, was the best parts of this book without any competition which is why I continue to suffer through reading one of Sarah J Maas's novels from hell.

“Through love, all is possible.”

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#Review - Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas #YALit #Fantasy

Series: Throne of Glass # 7
Format: Hardcover, 992 pages
Release Date: October 23, 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Source: Library
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy

The smash hit, New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series comes to an epic conclusion in this final book. 

Sarah J. Maas’s wildly popular, New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass saga comes to an epic conclusion in this final volume in the series. Fans who have read—or heard of—the shocking twist in Tower of Dawn won’t want to miss discovering how infamous assassin Aelin Galathynius’s story ends.
 

 

“Once upon a time, in a land long since burned to ash, there lived a young princess who loved her kingdom"

Kingdom of Ash is the Seventh and final installment in author Sarah J Maas's Throne of Glass series. Aelin Galathynius has risked everything to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. Aware that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, though her resolve begins to unravel with each passing day…

With Aelin captured, Aedion and Lysandra remain the last line of defense to protect Terrasen from utter destruction. Yet they soon realize that the many allies they’ve gathered to battle Erawan’s hordes might not be enough to save them. Scattered across the continent and racing against time, Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are forced to forge their own paths to meet their fates. Hanging in the balance is any hope of salvation―and a better world.

And across the sea, his companions unwavering beside him, Rowan hunts to find his captured wife and queen―before she is lost to him forever. As the threads of fate weave together at last, all must fight, if they are to have a chance at a future. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever in the explosive final chapter of the Throne of Glass series.

Aelin's story was quite literally the most emotional part of the book. Due to her 2 months being tortured and broken and rebuilt over and over again by Maeve and her psycho Cairn, she is not the same character that we've seen in other stories. Her very fiber is near the breaking point by the time Rowan finds her. Yes, she still has some pretty abilities, but it isn't until the final scenes where the pieces of the puzzle, and her role in what happens actually makes sense. Thankfully, she does have one ally, Fenrys, during this horrible time. I absolutely loved Fenrys and was glad that he wasn't just a blip in the story. 

I couldn't get over the nonsense between several of the couples including Elide & Lorcan, and Aedion & Lysandra. The author drove me absolutely silly with their constant bickering, angst and hurtful behavior towards the other. Especially Aedion who spends the entire story, well, most of it, being hurt because someone made a choice, and someone else backed her up 100% and didn't first ask him for his approval. Same for Elide & Lorcan. Yes, what he did sucked big time, but he's not a character who won't find a way to redeem himself for what he has done.

Dorian and Manon's story is probably the most interesting because of their dual missions. He wants to travel to Morath to find the final key, she wants to discover if any of her people, The Crochans, are alive and willing to stand alongside of her. He finds a new ability which he uses to his advantage along with some humorous scenes. I also loved the under tow of their relationship. You know they have feelings for the other, but they won't allow them to get in the way of their own missions.

 

If you are looking for real heroes, look to Lysandra who took the role that Aelin asked her knowing she would cause issues with others. She never once failed in her desire to save Terrasen or her promise to Aelin. Then there's Elide Lochan who was treated so badly by her own uncle, that she has spent most of the series on a bad foot never once complaining that it was too much, or that she couldn't keep going.

Then there's Yrene Westfall, yes that Westfall who has a pretty damn interesting ability. An ability that really shines when hopes are at their bleakest, and our heroes are at their final gasp. Also, I didn't really hate Chaol in this book. Could be that I actually found him likable after the previous installment where he traveled south looking for allies. Dorian really stands up and becomes the hero that I was looking forward to. His new powers were quite amazing as well as his time with Manon and the Thirteen. 

Two characters we met in Towers of Dawn, Nesryn and Sartaq, play roles in this book. I was happy with the way their story played out since their own futures depend on what happens in saving Terrasen. Getting back to Manon. Besides Aelin, she quite literally goes through more than one person should be forced to deal with. She is a strong leader, she loves her Thirteen as though they are family, and she finds that she can be someone else besides a piece of the puzzle to be used by the villains. I loved her connection to Abraxas as well. 

But, let's be real folks without any spoilers. This is war. If you honestly can look me in the eye and say that the author won't make calculated choices whether characters live or they die, you haven't read this series close enough. It quite honestly annoys me that someone says that everyone survives. Just ask Manon about that. Just ask Rowan's friends about how hard it is to survive this brutal world. Has anyone else compared this book to the Lord of the Rings? Because I definitely see the influences. 

One of the hardest scenes in this entire book is the final chapters when characters make their way back to their own homes, and their own broken Kingdoms. My favorites parts were the scenes with Aelin and Manon where never had to say a word. They just survived and saved the world, but with such great costs that you can't imagine. Finally, the last goodbye between Yrene, Aelin, Chaol, and Dorian, the last two who have been with Aelin since the beginning.

For me, the hardest part to overcome was the shear length of this book (992 pages)! I think we can all come to some agreement and say that had the author removed 300-400 pages from this story, there still would have been enough action, and adventure to go around for everyone. One could say that these 300-400 pages were filled with repetitive stuff and long pauses where the characters are traveling from one point to another.

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#Review - Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas #YALIT #Superheroes

Series: DC ICONS SERIES # 3
Format: Hardcover, 384 pages
Release Date: August 7, 2018
Publisher: Random House
Source: Library
Genre: Young Adult / Superheroes

Sizzling with action and suspense, #1 New York Times bestselling author SARAH J. MAAS delivers a coming-of-age Selina Kyle who will steal readers’ hearts in a new, highly anticipated YA blockbuster: CATWOMAN!
When the Bat’s away, the Cat will play. It’s time to see how many lives this cat really has.

Two years after escaping Gotham City’s slums, Selina Kyle returns as the mysterious and wealthy Holly Vanderhees. She quickly discovers that with Batman off on a vital mission, Gotham City looks ripe for the taking.

Meanwhile, Luke Fox wants to prove that as Batwing he has what it takes to help people. He targets a new thief on the prowl who has teamed up with Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn. Together, they are wreaking havoc. This Catwoman is clever—she may be Batwing’s undoing.

In this third DC Icons book, Selina is playing a desperate game of cat and mouse, forming unexpected friendships and entangling herself with Batwing by night and her devilishly handsome neighbor Luke Fox by day. But with a dangerous threat from the past on her tail, will she be able to pull off the heist that’s closest to her heart?
Story Locale: Gotham City

 

Sarah J. Maas' Catwoman: Soulstealer is the fourth installment in the DC Icons series. Each book in the series is a standalone, and you don't have to read the previous books in order to find out what happens next. Nice change of pace for me. In this story, Selina Kyle steps into the role of Catwoman. The story actually starts when she's 17 years of age, and struggling to take care of her sister Maggie who has cystic fibrosis. 

As a member of the Leopards, Selina is undefeated after dozens of fights. But, when the law catches up with Selina and her sister, Selina is forced into making a deal that will take her from Gotham City to Italy where she will train under Talia al Ghul and the League of Assassins. I am sure you've all heard of the League before, especially if you've watched Arrow on the CW. Anyway, after a few years away, Selina finds a way to return to Gotham City.

One can honestly say this is a story about a sisters love and how far she will go in order to say the one she loves from dying. As I am sure you are aware, there is no real cure for Cystic Fibrosis. But, in this world, there may be. Selina ends up uniting for a time with Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy. I, like others, really loved Poison Ivy and hope that one day soon she will get her own story, and not depend on being Harley's out since the Joker is an Asylum.

Luke Fox is the secondary main character. I call him a secondary character because the story really is Selina's to tell and Luke is just around because he happens to be part of Bruce Wayne's rehabilitation project called Batwing. Don't get me wrong, I kind of liked Luke, and I liked the fact that the author actually does someone with PTSD pretty well. But, let's me real as well. Luke takes a long time to figure out who Selina is, and the romance wasn't my cup of tea. Nope not because it's interracial. Because I am an originalist who remember when Catwoman and Batman were a thing.

I've been reading Maas since the very beginning. I've watched as people called her a racist because she didn't have any so called diversity in her books. There were too many white people. Too many brown or black skinned characters were killed off too quickly, even though the same number of white characters were also killed off. You get my point. Then, when the writer does offer a bit of diversity, it is to change a character who was otherwise a normal character, into something else. 

To top things off, Maas jumps into the all cops are racists and cruel and therefore we are going to write them as such in her books. Points deducted. I know 90% of LEO's are good people. I know of 60 who gave their lives attempting to save people in the Twin Towers. 381 have lost their lives in the past 2 years to hatred and mentally unstable lunatics. Are there exceptions? Of course, there are and you hear all about it in the media.

I am not a fan of diversity for the sake of diversity or because the author is receiving hate mail from fans of her books. Even though I am clearly not a fan of the romance between Selina and Luke, it had nothing to do with diversity, and everything to do with it being phony, or put together too quickly. I have nothing bad to say about the Harley/Poison Ivy Bi-lesbian romance. As I mentioned, the addition of Poison Ivy was a brilliant addiction to this story. I loved her intelligence, and the things that she has been able to do. I also liked the friendship that develops between Selina and Ivy, as well as the lengths that Selina goes through to save her sister even if it means walking into death itself to find answers. 

Recommendation: Overall, the story isn't all that bad. The author only uses Purrr maybe a dozen times in total, and doesn't over do it. This Selina Kyle is not Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman, nor is she Anne Hathaway's Catwoman. Her origin story is unique, especially with the addition of the League of Assassins, Nyssa, and Talia al Ghul. If you are a super fan of the authors, then buy the book. If not, borrow it from the library.

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#Review - A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas #YALIT #Fantasy

Series: A Court of Thorns & Roses # 3.1
Format: Hardcover, 272 pages
Release Date: May 1, 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Source: Library
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy 

A new, original novel in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series that picks up several months after the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin.

Months after the explosive events in A Court of Wings and Ruin, Feyre, Rhys, and their companions are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly-changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it, a hard-earned reprieve. Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, she finds that those dearest to her have more wounds than she anticipated—scars that will have far-reaching impact on the future of their Court.

Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Frost and Starlight takes place months after the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin. This is a book that really didn't necessarily have to be written. This is a book that is more or less a placemat in the next step in this series, which appears to be 3 more books, as well as something to keep loyal readers happy until Kingdom of Ash, the final installment in the Throne of Glass series is released in October. Oh, by the way, did anyone see where Kingdom of Ash is almost 1,000 pages long? ::head desk::

So, let me summarize this book for you. This is a book that alternates POV's between Feyre, the High Lady of the Night Court, who was blessed or cursed with gifts from all courts, as well as Cassian, Rhysand, & Morrigan. It has been 2 years since she killed a wolf and was dragged into the Spring Court. It is 1 year since Rhys called in his bargain which led to a major war and Feyre choosing Rhys over Tamlin. Oh, by the way, did anyone notice the switch from first POV, to third when the others were being featured?

Now, as the Fey are about ready to celebrate the Winter Solstice, things are still not settled to the point where Rhys allies are ready to stand down. Oh, no, there is a whole lot more coming and it's just a matter of time who feels like being froggy and jumping first. You have the Illyrians are are angry at Cass and Rhys and rumblings of a rebellion brew in the ranks. The Human Queens, who we never saw in the previous installment, are still hiding away. You have Fey courts who are eager to gobble of human lands.  

Let's not forget about the forgettable mate bond between Lucien and Elian. I am all in favor of having that mate bond destroyed, and let Elian and Azrael have their happy ending. Elian doesn't want anything to do with Lucian, and Lucien isn't the same character we met in previous books. Ah, let's not forget about the dark cloud hanging over Feyre's head. That dark clouds name just happens to be Nestra who is still pissed about being turned into a High Fae. 

But, if we are talking about Nestra, why not Tamlin? Tamlin is in a bad, bad place. It doesn't really do me any good to say he deserves the mess he is in. He made the wrong choices. He needs to find his way again, and soon. The best part of this book? The author gives readers a sneak peak into the next installment in this series, and the possibility of who is going to be featured characters. I don't think this book was necessary. I know readers that will gobble up any crumb that the author provides them, but this book doesn't do anything to push the series forward, or answer any unanswered questions about Cassian, or Azrael, or even Morrigan. 

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Saturday #Review - Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas #YALit #Fantasy

Series: Throne of Glass # 6
Format: Hardcover, 672 pages 
Release Date: September 5, 2017
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Source: Library
Genre: Young Adult \ Fantasy

In the next installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, follow Chaol on his sweeping journey to a distant empire.

Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the Captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken.

His only shot at recovery lies with the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme in Antica--the stronghold of the southern continent's mighty empire. And with war looming over Dorian and Aelin back home, their survival might lie with Chaol and Nesryn convincing its rulers to ally with them.

But what they discover in Antica will change them both--and be more vital to saving Erilea than they could have imagined.

Tower of Dawn, by author Sarah J. Maas, is the sixth installment in the Throne of Glass series. Before I wade into the what, why's, and how comes of my rating, let me say that Chaol Westfall has been a character who I have had a serious love/hate relationship with. When the series first started, I found the possibilities of him and Celaena together as something of a curiosity. Here is the Captain of the Royal Guard, who helped an 18-year old assassin escape from the salt mines of Endovier, and became one of her fiercest allies. 

Then the revelation of who Celaena really is came out and Chaol became one of those characters who just couldn't cut the tape, let alone let his manhood take a hit for the team. He became depressed, angry, a sad little man with anger issues, and let's just say it, pathetic. So, surprise, here we are into the 6th installment of the Throne of Glass series and readers are reintroduced to Chaol who is now the Hand to the King of Adarlan, who just happens to his best friend. But, this is a new Chaol. A Chaol who lost the use of his legs. 

A Chaol who stepped down as Captain of the Royal Guards, and lifted Nesryn Faliq into that position. A Chaol who is looking for redemption, and if at all possible, the use of his legs once again. A Chaol who finds himself with Nesryn traveling to the Southern Continent to appeal to the leaders and healers of Antica. Tower of Dawn actually takes place concurrently with Empire of Storms which the author makes a real attempt to remind readers why Chaol and Faliq have traveled so far, and what is at stake should they fail. 

One of the more curious aspects of this entire story is the secondary characters, especially those like Yrene Towers and Prince Sartaq. While Chaol is struggling in his wheelchair to come to terms with what his life has brought him to this point, Nesryn is growing up to become a real important cog to the series, and maybe the one thing to actually kick the next installment into high gear. But, it is Yrene Towers who reminds me that I must go back and read Assassin's Blade quickly so that I can understand how she and Aelin Galethynius actually met, and what the little note that Yrene keeps in her pocket really means. 

Yrene and Chaol's relationship is a curious sort, especially since they are so set in their ways. Yes, you can call it love/hate, since that is what it starts out and ends up. While Chaol has been fighting a war, and internal demons to find a way to man up, Yrene is a fantastic addition to the series because she doesn't take crap from anyone. Especially Chaol who she hates with a passion because of who he is. But, Yrene, who is a brilliant healer, also brings a huge skill and something we've needed for awhile. Fresh air and hope.

But, never fear my brave readers, you will also get the added connection between Nesryn and Sartaq. You will get warm moments when Nesryn meets with family she hasn't seen, and others who were caught in the crossfire back in Adarlan. You will love when Nesryn and Sartaq uncover a slew of secrets that will really have an impact once these characters meet up with Aelin's army. But, since this does take place in the Throne of Glass series, don't think that Maas won't let you forget that there is a war going on between good and evil, and evil has been very close to winning.

In the end, I really loved Yrene. I loved that we get introduced to a new badass female heroine who can walk the walk and give back as good as she gets. I am happy that Nesryn finds a bit of happiness knowing that the war is fast approaching, and there will be casualties along the way before all is said and done. As for Chaol, one could say that this story is a very long process of finding the ability to stop whining, and man up, and let's get the war started before I lose all my composure! By the way, the author teases us with a final chapter, and my God, she is brutal. See you in 2018 for the final installment! 

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Wednesday #Review - A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas #YALit #Fantasy

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses # 3
Format: Kindle, 707 pages
Release Date: May 2, 2017
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Source: Gifted 
Genre: Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy 


Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all. 

A Court of Wings and Ruin is the third installment in author Sarah J Maas' A Court of Thorn and Roses series. A series that does not end with this book, but will continue with other characters in this same universe. The story kicks off with a Rhysand moment which happens two years before the Wall went up, then jumps forward to where the previous story left off. Feyre has temporarily gone back to the Spring Court in order to destroy Tamlin and his ability to help the King who he is bound to. She made a promise to kill the Human Queens, King of Hybern, Jurian, and Ianthe, the High Priestess who betrayed her sisters. 

In many ways, A Court of Wings and Ruin is a slow building monstrosity that really doesn't go anywhere until almost half the book has already been read. Oh sure, there are interesting aspects of Feyre's time with Tamlin & the Spring Court, and how she deals with different characters. Sure, there were questions about Jurian and whether or not he was actually biding his time until something important happened, or just blowing smoke to seem that he was actually willing to help Feyre and her allies. Then there is the whole Lucien issue, and whether or not he made the right choice.

The most curious & boring aspects of this story took place between acts. There is a whole lot of talking, a whole lot of research, and a whole lot of attempting to put together a coalition to save the world, which means that Feyre gets to meet all of the Lords who saved her life but are more than weary of her. I loved Feyre and The Suriel, but that scene tore my heart into pieces. We know so little about Bryaxis, the creature who Feyre makes a bargain with. What we do know is that it is a good thing IT was on Feyre's side. Feyre and The Bone Crusher. The banter between the two sets things in motion for Feyre to move beyond her emotional baggage, which is a good thing. My other favorite scene is the arrival of Miryam, Drakon, and their army. Did I scream HELL YEAH! Why, yes, yes I did. 

There's not much I can say about the romance that hasn't already been written about hundreds of times before. I love Rhys. I love how he would hurt anyone who tries to hurt his mate. Oh, did you know that Rhys is a badass? Wow. On the other hand, Feyre has sex on her mind. She wants sex while having sex. She wants sex while battling to save her people. She wants sex while her sisters are struggling with being High Fae. She wants sex in the mud and blood while warriors are dying on the battlefield. But, I loved when Rhys and Feyre were reunited after she spent time away from him in the Spring Court. Yes, I did sigh just a little bit. 

I am not a huge fan of books that go over 500 pages, but I've never not finished one after I started it. If makes me feel as though I am a failure, or that I will miss something. Seriously, if you have DNF'd this book, go back and read it again. I am not a fan of triangles of any kind. There are plenty of conflicted emotions between characters. Who should be with whom and who can't be with whomever because the author totally decided to jump the shark and change course. 

I am also not a fan of characters who are diversified for the sake of diversities sake. It happened in The Hunger Games movie version, it happens so many times that I really am ready to scream. If you start out a series with character X being a gay or straight or black or Asian or Latino and finished the series that way, then I have zero complaints. But, the way character X is portrayed in this story, made me want to drink a bottle of antacid. I have zero respect for making excuses as to whom you will sleep with and why, and then claiming you are something else entirely. 

**Feyre & Rhysand - “Night Triumphant - and the Stars Eternal. If he was the sweet, terrifying darkness, I was the glittering light that only his shadows could make clear.” So, yes, I am totally a fan of this romance. I couldn't take much more of Tamlin, even though I am sure that he really did have love for Feyre. Abuse is abuse no matter how you look at things. Tying someone down against her will, is not the way to get to that persons heart. Was I moved by the ending? Eh

**Nesta & Cassian - “Nesta looked at the king with death twining around his hands, then down at Cassian. And covered Cassian’s body with her own. Cassian went still - then his hand slid over her back. Together. They’d go together.” I do hope that this romance gets off the ground in the next installments. Nesta wasn't one of my favorites in the beginning, but she makes some interesting growth spurts as a character who can more than hold her own.

**Elain & Lucien & Azriel - Elain's situation truly broke my heart. I hated how things happened to her, but I do hope that the author resolves the issue between her and Lucien being mates, or will it be Azriel when all is said and done? I do like the Elain was given an interesting ability that helps Feyre and her allies. I like that Elain finds her niche and actually comes out of her cocoon. 

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#Friday Review - Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas (YA, Fantasy) @SJMaas @bloomsburykids

Series: Throne of Glass # 5
Format: Hardcover, 704 pages
Release Date: September 6, 2016
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Source: Library
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

"Nameless is my price."

Empire of Storms is the fifth installment in author Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series. The story takes readers from Morath, to Rifthold, Adarlan, Terrasen, Ellywe, and Skull's Bay just to name a few places where action actually takes place. It features alternating perspectives from Aelin Ashryver Galathynius (formerly known as Celaena Sardothien), Rowan Whitethorn, Aedion Ashryver, Manon Blackbeak, Lysandra, Dorian Havilliard, Elide Lochan, and Lorcan Salvaterre. This story has the largest world building of any other book to this point as I have already pointed out.

As the story kicks off, we get our first look at Terrasen Princess Elena, who along with her love Gavin, fought against Erawan long before any of the current crop of characters was born. The same Erawan who has tossed away his disguise, and is once again attempting to conquer Erilea with his cadre of witches, wyvern's, and other assortment of dark beasts. Elena's choices, dare I say, have led to this point. In the end, it will be Aelin's choices and allies who will have to find a way to put the genie back in the bottle. 

Our next character who really matters is Elide Lochan. Elide left Manon and her Thirteen behind in order to head north to Terrasen. Elide searches for Celaena, not knowing who she really is, with something that she needs. But, she's also being tracked by our third character who matters, Lorcan Salvaterre, Yellowleg witches, and Erawan's dark creatures known as Ilken and Bloodhounds. Elide's story is fraught with danger, and twisted situations with Lorcan alongside. Elide is no pushover but you want to protect her because she has a good heart. She is a character who I have respected since she was introduced. She is a character who I hope will survive to see her own happy ending.

Meanwhile, Aelin, Rowan, Aedion, and Lysandra arrive in Terrasen where Aelin doesn't exactly get the warm welcome she was hoping for. In fact, it pretty much kicks Aelin in the teeth, and gets her blood boiling in anger. It forces her into calling in all debts from those who owe her and sends her on a journey that will end in the most shocking way possible. When this series first started, and even in the novellas that have been released, things had happened to Celaena that would eventually lead to this point in the series. She found friends in Dorian and Chaol (who doesn't not appear in this novel after being hurt in the last book). She found Rowan and encountered Maeve who has had her sights set on Aelin even before she was born. She made alliances with so many different groups, that when they are finally introduced in this book, you will be blown away by the

ingenuity of her thinking ahead.

"Aelin Galathynius had raised an army not just to challenge Morath, but to rattle the stars."

One of my favorite characters really has some interesting choices to make in this book and in the future. I am talking about Manon Blackbeak and her wyvern, of course. I love Manon and her Thirteen. I loved that Manon finally has had enough of her Grandmother, and fighting for an evil that doesn't care who he destroys. I love that Manon, along with Aelin, and Dorian, are key pieces to the puzzle for which I am eager to have revealed in the final installment. I am also curious about the relationship between her and Dorian. Dorian definitely needs someone to kick him into gear after losing so much.

This book is also filled with curious relationships. We already know about Aelin and Rowan, and Manon and Dorian, but there is a curious revelation at the most shocking point. I am, of course, speaking about Elide and Lorcan. Whether or not this relationship was a hit and see you later situation, or whether it ends up being something to talk about remains to be seen. The final relationship I'm going to speak about is Aedion and Lysandra. While this makes lots of sense, I can't help but saying that nothing appears as it is in this series. Can they survive? Will Aedion find another avenue? Or will it be just another twisted angle that Maas loves dumping on readers?

Have to say that was one helluva an ending. I guess that's one way to ensure readers will come back for the final novel in the series. Will absolutely admit I had a few tears in my eyes over those last chapters. 

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#Monday Review - A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas (Young Adult, Fantasy)

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses # 2
Format: Hardcover, 640 pages
Release Date: May 3, 2016
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Source: Library
Genre: Fantasy

“Tell me what you see.”“A world divided in two.”

Feyre survived Amarantha’s clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can’t forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin’s people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

A Court of Mist and Fury is the second installment in author Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses. As the story opens, it has been three months since 20-year old Feyre (Fay-Ruh) survived a brutal challenge thrown down by Amarantha in order to save those she cared about. In the process, several things happened to her. She was reborn, remade into a High Fey and given immortality by the seven lords of the realms (Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall, Day, Dawn, Night). 

She also has the markings on her left hand that indicate that she made a bargain with Rhysand, Lord of the Night Court, to spend one week a month with him. Feyre is also having issues in accepting what she had to do in order to survive. She believes that she is a murderer, and a deceiver for what she had to do. She believes that she is broken and can't be fixed by anyone. Yet, she has accepted a marriage proposal from Tamlin to be his Consort. Oh, yes. Not his wife, but his Consort because that's the way things have always been done in Tamlin's Court. 

I think that her actions up to and including her own wedding day, were signaling that a change will be coming soon. It was apparent that Maas had something else in store for Feyre. You have to admit that Feyre fell in love with Tamlin rather quickly after he showed her kindness, and helped her family. Now let's remember back to my review for the previous book and how I really didn't care for the romance between Tamlin and Feyre. That continues with this book. I was and have been a fan of Lucien's, but Lucien disappointed me this time around. Just one single act of kindness may have changed a whole lot of things. Even though Rhys was considered a tool to be used by Amarantha, he at least tried to help her through her ordeal under the mountain. 

One could say that this book is broken down into several acts. Act one is Feyre's inability to accept who she now is, and what she had to do in order to survive. She hates just sitting around and being pampered by Tamlin and especially Ianthe.  Feyre is a hunter. That is what got her into this situation in the first place. She promised to take care of her family and did as well as can be expected under the circumstances. Now, she finds herself with a man who I dare say does believe she can't take care of herself even though she has more strength, speed, and immortality.

The second act becomes Feyre's attempt at finding herself and her time spent with Rhys and his court at Velaris which includes Azriel, Morrigan, Amren, and Cassian. One could say that Feyre finally gets to understand her new abilities that she was given/borrowed from the Seven Lords of the Realm. Some of those powers are very, very useful and awesome. Feyre definitely belongs in the Night Court, and not any place else. Here she starts to feel like herself again, and believes that yes, she may have had issues before, but she can work through them now that she isn't being treated as a child. 

Act three to me was the best part of this book. I loved the danger. I loved that Feyre and Rhys court became a family who actually respected HER and didn't want to keep her in a bubble in order to keep her safe. I loved the search for a tool to be used against a rising enemy. I liked that she and her friends met King Hybern, and I liked that things became abundantly clear who I was rooting for and against. I am more than firm in my feelings for Tamlin after the third act, and am eager to see what happens with Lucien as well.

Some positives for me: Less sex scenes. Yep, I could care less about what is happening between the sheets or any place else. There were some pretty graphic scenes nonetheless, but that is easily taken care of by zipping past them quickly. Feyre's determination and choices in Act three. I really, really can't wait to see what happens now that she's become the fox looking for a way to save her friends. I really, really loved her new abilities and can't wait to see how she gets revenge on those that have become her new enemies.   

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