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

Review: The Silvered Serpents

 Title: The Silvered Serpents

Author:Roshani Chokshi

Narrator: Laurie Catherine Winkel, P.J. Ochlan

Page Count: 416

Audio Length: 12hr 19min

Rating: 4/5

Spoilers Ahead!!

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

They are each other’s fiercest love, greatest danger, and only hope.

Séverin and his team members might have successfully thwarted the Fallen House, but victory came at a terrible cost — one that still haunts all of them. Desperate to make amends, Séverin pursues a dangerous lead to find a long lost artifact rumored to grant its possessor the power of God.

Thoughts:

This dives in with action and I love how broody everyone is. There is so much at stake yet somehow the human fault of emotion creates extra challenges.

Enrique is so smart and deserves more credit then the others give him.

Chokshi proves yet again how beautiful her writing is and paints a chilling story.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: The Burning Kingdoms

 Title: The Burning Kingdoms

Author: Sally Green

Narrator: Charlie Anson, Kristin Atherton, Daniel Weyman, Finlay Robertson, Roy McMillan, Jodhi May

Audio Length: 12hr 47min

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Spoilers Ahead

In this conclusion to the epic Smoke Thieves trilogy, the world has erupted into all-out war. King Aloysius is mining powerful demon smoke and using it to fuel an unstoppable army of children. March, now banished for treason, has joined up with this boy army. Forbidden from ever seeing Edyon again, and overwhelmed by his own betrayal, March no longer cares if he lives or dies.

Thoughts:

Narrators being recast probably played a part in me not connecting with some of the characters. The world building tends to be the strong suit throughout this entire series. 

To be honest the ending just felt too “tied up with a bow.” there was no huge scene of ending just a wisp of disappearance. There was so much build up only for the last hour or so to end with a snap of the fingers. 

We already had the main characters separated once before and it made sense. This time around however it felt too forced and Ambrose being the focal point to tie things together just felt wrong. 

Overall not the strongest conclusion to a trilogy but it could have been worse. The world is interesting with smoke and demons and has potential to be reborn again.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Cemetery Boys by Aidan Thomas

 Title: Cemetery Boys

Author:Aiden Thomas

Narrator: Avi Roque

Audio Length: 13hr 47min

Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can't get rid of him.

When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his true gender,

Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his

cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out

to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free.

Thoughts:

August and September were books filled with family and learning to accept yourself

even when others refuse to accept you. Yadriel is a fighter and he deserves so

much in the world. My heart hurt when his own father used his deadname. The

narrator added so much emotion in each character than Aiden`s writing really

pushed through.

Maritza is the friend we all need. She is supportive but doesn't let Yads get

away with any bullshit. She calls him out when needed but is the first to

jump in to support him.

When the ghost of Julian bargained for Yadriel`s help, what was expected

was the growing romance between them.

There are amazing twists in this beautiful diverse debut novel. Aiden has so

much potential and I can't wait to see what they write next.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Lobizona by Romina Garber

 Title: Lobizona

Author: Romina Garber

Narrator: Sol Madariaga

Audio Length: 12hr 34min5

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Some people ARE illegal.

Lobizonas do NOT exist.

Both of these statements are false.

Manuela Azul has been crammed into an existence that feels too small for her.

As an undocumented immigrant who's on the run from her father's Argentine crime-family,

Manu is confined to a small apartment and a small life in Miami, Florida.

Until Manu's protective bubble is shattered.

Thoughts:

Absolutely incredible. I can`t wait to reread this in physical form. I found it to be a

very original tale with cultural stories woven in. The magic was amazing but what

really hit hard was the family bond. Manu has kept her head down for long

enough and it is her time to spread her wings. The bubble her mother has

raised her in is shattered in a way that no one saw coming.

Romina is amazing at talking about issues of race, immigration and cultural

differences in a way that opens readers eyes and ears to what is happening

in society today. The quote i have seen on social media during the lead up to

release was “‘It’s hard to define your identity when you lack the language.” this is

so true. When you aren't raised to know your heritage how can you be expected to

identify within your culture.

I appreciate books like this that can help give me as a white adult a perspective into

a culture I will never be a part of. I'm hoping to get my boyfriend to pick this one up

so we can have a larger discussion on what it's like to be a transplant in a society

that isn`t always accepting of your skin tone or culture. 

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Traitor

 Title: Traitor

Author: Amanda McCrina

Page Count: 368

Rating: 3.5/5

Thank you Edelweiss+ and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the review copy.

This in no way changes my opinion on the novel.

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Poland, 1944. After the Soviet liberation of Lwów from Germany, 

the city remains a battleground between resistance fighters and insurgent armies,

its loyalties torn between Poland and Ukraine.

Thoughts:

A different talking point of WW2 that we don't normally hear about. An accidental

murder is what starts of this slower paced novel. There is a lack of character development

and I think the reason behind that is the author was more focused on putting out accurate

facts than creating a character we could feel for. Tolya has to hide his identity in the

Red Army because he is half-Polish, half-Ukrainian. That identity issue becomes his

soul focus.

The setting being Eastern Europe and not Nazi Germany made the story more unique.

It did feel like I was reading a textbook non-fiction book rather than a YA historical novel.

The information is detailed with setting and the fight for survival. I only wish we could

have learned more about Tolya a person not just as a struggling ethnics issue.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Unbirthday

 Title: Unbirthday: A Twisted Tale

Author: Liz Braswell

Page Count:512

Rating: 2.5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

What if Wonderland was in peril and Alice was very, very late?

Alice is different than other eighteen-year-old ladies in Kexford,

which is perfectly fine with her. She'd rather spend golden afternoons with

her trusty camera or in her aunt Vivian's lively salon, ignoring her sister's

wishes that she stop all that "nonsense" and become a "respectable" member of society.

Thoughts:

The take of Alice with a camera and being more modern was pretty interesting.

I guess I was hoping for more differences in characters, not just a photocopy

of the original Lewis Caroll.

I wasn't very impressed with the pacing and felt like this wasn't one of

Braswell's best stories.

What it lacks in pacing it does make up for in adventure. The side

characters and stories seem to be the focal point while the main story of

Alice saving Wonderland was on the back burner.

Overall I think this was my least favorite out of the Twisted Tales books. 

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: The Other Side of the Sky

 Title: The Other Side of the Sky

Author:Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Page Count: 432

Rating: 4.5/5

Thank you Netgalley and HarperTeen for the opportunity to review this novel.

This in no way changes my opinion of the book.

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads)

North’s and Nimh’s lives are entwined—though their hearts can never be.

Linked by a terrifying prophecy and caught between duty and fate,

they must choose between saving their people or succumbing to the bond

that is forbidden between them.

Thoughts:

A well written and developed world. I enjoy YA books set with dividing humans be it in

the sky or on land. I really enjoyed the twists the story has.

Character wise I didn`t feel a huge connection with North being so stand offish and

Nimh being so reluctant to share her story and thoughts. 

I look forward to seeing where their story goes in book two. This is plot driven but

the world is what held my attention.

Magic vs science and how they can be used simultaneously. 

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: The Circus Rose

 Title: The Circus Rose

Author: Betsy Cornwell

Narrator: Nicol Zanzarella

Audio Length: 5hr 21min

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Twins Rosie and Ivory have grown up at their ringmaster mother’s knee, and after years on the road, they’re returning to Port End, the closest place to home they know. Yet something has changed in the bustling city: fundamentalist flyers paper the walls and preachers fill the squares, warning of shadows falling over the land.

Thoughts:

I pre-ordered this on impulse and finally got around to reading it. This was a fast listen and I really enjoyed a retelling of Snow White and Rose Red. There is magic but the rawness comes from that of a circus family dealing with abuse from a church like entity. I really enjoyed the take on magical folke being non gendered. It gave a realness feeling to the book which Betsy does in her other novel Mechanica.

There are some strange bits in the book and I`m sure its not without its issues but I overall enjoyed the pacing and plot.

TTFN,

Ashley

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