Review: Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles

 Title: Where Dreams Descend

Author: Janella Angeles

Page Count:

Rating:

Thank you Edelweiss+ and Wednesday Books for the review copy. This in no way reflects my opinion.

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

In a city covered in ice and ruin, a group of magicians face off in a daring game of magical feats to find the next headliner of the Conquering Circus, only to find themselves under the threat of an unseen danger striking behind the scenes.

Thoughts:

I DNFed at 23% which is really unfortunate because this was one of my most anticipated novels of 2020. I think i need to step away from reading books that are compared to things I like. Be it books or movies because why don't seem to live up to the hype sadly.

The characters felt very plain but maybe later in the novel they develop nicely. I was excited for more diversity of characters but with the juvenile antics I just wasn't feeling it.

Some of the writing is very lyrical but in the long run I dont think this mash-up Moulin Rouge, Phantom of the Opera was for me. 

Who knows I might be missing gout on something if I stick with it but for now I'm setting it aside and picking up something new. 

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Court of Lions by Somaiya Druid

 Title: Court of Lions

Author: Somaiya Druid

Narrator: Rasha Zamaairi

Audio Length: 9hr 46min

Rating: 4/5

Spoilers ahead this is Book Two

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

After being swept up into the brutal Vathek court, Amani, the ordinary girl forced to

serve as the half-Vathek princess's body double, has been forced into complete isolation.

Thoughts:

I didn't think Mirage ended on a very happy note so I'm glad we got more as readers.

Amani has gotten better in her deception as Princess Maram. I enjoyed the bonding

and friendships that grew. I was worried there would be loose ends but everything

was answered and wrapped up well. The descriptions of outfits were incredible and

really gave great visuals. 

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: The Faithless Hawk by Margaret Owen

 Title: The Faithless Hawk

Author: Margaret Owen

Page Count:400

Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

As the new chieftain of the Crows, Fie knows better than to expect a royal to keep

his word. Still she’s hopeful that Prince Jasimir will fulfill his oath to

protect her fellow Crows.

Thoughts:

Fie is the new chieftain and with that comes new responsibilities. on top of that she still

has an oath to fulfill. I really enjoyed her relationship with her Pa as well as how

supportive the others Crows were. The queen is evil and to be honest she always had

what was coming for her. 

This was a super quick read (aka i stayed up till 2am to finish this cover to cover)

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: The Crow Rider by Kalyn Josephson

 Title: The Crow Rider

Author: Kalyn Josephson

Page Count:368

Rating: 4/5

Spoiler Ahead this is book 2

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Thia, her allies, and her crow, Res, are planning a rebellion to defeat Queen Razel

and Illucia once and for all. Thia must convince the neighboring kingdoms to come to

her aid, and Res' show of strength is the only thing that can help her.

Thoughts:

Let's be real Res is my obsession of a pet I really want but will never own. Thia can't

seem to catch a break and has hard choices to make. She is not her sister and when

it comes to politics it shows. She tries her best though. With a little faith and trust she

can come out the other end even if there are some bruises along the way. 

This was an emotional roller coaster with a slow build up but I really enjoyed the

journey. I can`t wait to read what Kalyn is working on next.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Fable by Adrienne Young

 Title: Fable

Author:Adrienne Young

Page Count:368

Rating:4.5/5

Thank you Edelweiss+ and Wednesday Books for the chance to review an early copy.

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

As the daughter of the most powerful trader in the Narrows, the sea is the only home 

seventeen-year-old Fable has ever known.

Thoughts:

Hard to put down. Fable is fierce and comes out fighting for what she wants in life. 

Her father is an ass and she deserves a chosen family to truly love her. I look forward 

to reading Namesake to see where her growth goes. 

Adrienne has a way with playing on reader's emotions. Although not very plot driven 

I enjoyed the quotable moments.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: The Damned by Renee Ahdieh

Title: The Damned

Author:Renee Ahdieh

Page Count:456

Rating:4/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Following the events of The Beautiful, Sébastien Saint Germain is now cursed and

forever changed. The treaty between the Fallen and the Brotherhood has been broken,

and war between the immortals seems imminent.

Spoilers ahead this is book 2

Thoughts:

The doulogy may be over but this version of NOLA has so much potential. Celine

paid a price for Sebastien yet she doesn't remember it. With her memories slowly

returning the pain is too hard for her to handle. She learns more of her past with

the help of several Lion members. Took a little but to adapt to the new knowledge

but I enjoyed how it was written. It was also nice getting the backstory on other

characters from The Beautiful. 

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: A Peculiar Peril by Jeff VanderMeer

 Title: A Peculiar Peril

Author: Jeff VanderMeer

Page Count: 304

Rating: 2/5 DNF at 23%

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Jonathan Lambshead stands to inherit his deceased grandfather’s overstuffed

mansion—a veritable cabinet of curiosities—once he and two schoolmates

catalog its contents. But the three soon discover that the house is filled with

far more than just oddities

Thoughts:

I did DNF at 23%

 Portal fantasy sounded so exciting, it made me think of Narnia. With multiple POVs

and timelines I found myself confused from the start. The attempt to be funny felt off

and outdated. I really couldn't follow what the overall plot was besides organizing a

deceased man`s collection of "junk."

I hope to find a better book to dive into that is similar to A Series of Unfortunate

Events/Narnia this book however was not it.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Splinters of Scarlet by Emily Bain Murphy

Title: Splinters of Scarlet

Author: Emily Bain Murphy

Narrator: Kate Rose-Martin

Audio Length: 10hr 43min

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

A YA historical fantasy set in nineteenth-century Denmark, where secrets can kill

and magic is a deadly gift.

Thoughts:

After the initial orphan scene I was in love with the magic style. The sisterhood

relationship was great and really showcased how family doesn't always mean blood.

Marit has lost a lot due to the Vestergaards. Helping Eve get adopted and then being

hired on as a seamstress seems to be good to be true. Will Merit get justice for the

loss of her father and sister or will she move forward with the family she has created?

The cover drew me in but the writing made me stay. 

TTFN,

Ashley 

Review: Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar

Title: Star Daughter

Author: Shveta Thakrar

Page Count:

Rating:

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

The daughter of a star and a mortal, Sheetal is used to keeping secrets.

Pretending to be "normal." But when an accidental flare of her starfire puts her human father in the hospital, Sheetal needs a full star's help to heal him.

Thoughts:

Sheetal`s story hits hard and fast with teenage angst and the process of

being half human. Although this did read a little on the younger side on the YA

spectrum.I enjoyed that with the fantasy mixed in true human teenage drama of

school. Sheetal grew quite a bit throughout this standalone.