Review: Skyhunter

 Title: Skyhnunter

Author: Marie Lu

Narrator: Natalie Naudus

Page Count: 371

Audio Length: 11hr 58min

Rating: 4.5/5

Thank you Edweiss+ for the chance to review this copy prior to release. This in no way influences my opinion of the book.

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

The Karensa Federation has conquered a dozen countries, leaving Mara as one of the last free nations in the world. Refugees flee to its borders to escape a fate worse than death—transformation into mutant war beasts known as Ghosts, creatures the Federation then sends to attack Mara.

Thoughts:

Once i was able to sit down and switch to the ebook I couldn't put it down. I love the representation of the sign language community. We need more books in the YA world that uses Sign Language. Each character is unique and I look forward to more of their stories.

Senators seem to be those preppy rich kids that I`ve grown to truly dislike. Red is an interesting character and I love how he and Talin are connected. The mouse is just a bonus adorable that adds a needed softness to the tragic plot.

The plot is intriguing and I enjoyed how laid out the pacing was. There are lulls in the story that give the carters a true sense of human versus robot warriors fighting for a country. 

Overall I can't wait to see where book two takes us and how each character storyline plays out.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: We Are Not Free

 Title: We Are Not Free

Author: Traci Chee

Narrator: Scott Keiji Takeda, Dan Woren, Ryan Potter Ali Fumiko, Sophie Oda, Andrew Kishino, Christopher Naoki Lee , Grace Rolek, Erika Aishii, Brittany Ishibashi, Kurt Sanchez Kanazawa, Terry Kitagawa

Audio Length: 10hr 26min

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

A collective account of a tight-knit group of young Nisei, second-generation Japanese American citizens, whose lives are irrevocably changed by the mass U.S. incarcerations of World War II.

Thoughts:

A full cast of narrators only lends a positive voice to this heartbreaking raw story. Each character is truly real in the viewpoints they share. This is not a history we teach in schools  and it's wrong. In school we are taught of the Holocaust and the wrong doings of others countires but heaven forbid we learn of our nations history of imprisonment. It's disappointing to keep repeating our past atrocities. This novel would be an amazing teaching tool in school to help show what we have done wrong in the past and how we can do better for our future.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

 Title: Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Author: V.E. Schwab

Narrator: Julia Whelan

Audio Length: 17hr 10min

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.

Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents

Thoughts:

To not be able to leave your mark using your own hand would be terrifying. I have no clue how Addie lasted so long in her life. Addie tries to hide her feelings and act like not being remembered every day isn't hard but her pain is real and raw.

When Schawb said how this book was a long time in the making you can truly feel her passion for this story. 

Finding work around to be remembered was such an interesting story. I enjoyed the portrayal of Death and how he makes his deals. There will always be a twist when you call to the winds at night.

What reader does not want to fall for a guy in a bookstore, especially when he remembers who you are the next day. After 300yrs Addie can find love but at what price? Henry is a bookworm and has his own depressive struggles. He is paying for his own choices and by not telling Addie outright it does cause issues.

This is a book that will be reread and listened to because you find new bits to latch onto

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Igniting Darkness

 Title: Igniting Darkness

Author:Robin LaFevers

Page Count:496

Rating: 5/5

Spoilers Ahead

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

When you count Death as a friend, who can stand as your enemy?

Sybella, novitiate of the convent of Saint Mortain and Death’s vengeance on earth, is still reeling from her God’s own passing, and along with him a guiding hand in her bloody work.

Thoughts:

As always a page turner. Strong character development and we even get past series ladies. I love the plot and even though the ending means the close of an amazing series it was well written.

I love the plot and the liberties that were taken with real history. There is always room for more in the world of the Saints and The Nine. Our assassin nuns we have come to love must now be at peace.

Closing the book that started eight years ago is bittersweet. I have grown with the characters and my heart hurts for those that are gone. There is a sisterhood that is so raw between Sybella and Gen. All of the ladies are bonded not just because of Mortain but the collective knowledge that what they are fighting to protect is worth all the powers in the world.

TTFN,

Ashley