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: 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: 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

Guest Review: Queen of Volts

 Queen of Volts 

Amanda Foody

September 1, 2020

416 Pages

Rating: ⅘ stars

Synopsis:(from Goodreads)

Return to the City of Sin, where the final game is about to begin…and winning will 

demand the ultimate sacrifice.

Only days after a corrupt election and brutal street war, one last bloodthirsty 

game has begun. The players? The twenty-two most powerful, notorious 

people in New Reynes.

After realizing they have no choice but to play, Enne Scordata and Levi 

Glaisyer are desperate to forge new alliances and 

bargain for their safety. 

Thoughts:

I was so excited to read this final installment of The Shadow Game trilogy. At the end of the shadow game in book two King of Fools; Enne and Levi aren’t even on speaking terms, and I was curious on how their relationship was going to evolve in book three. One of my favorite things about this trilogy is the writing style, I am a big fan of  how the point of views change. In QoV we get to see not only some of the original characters but also a few of the side characters come into the limelight.  

Something I was hoping to see change was how quickly time passes in the story line. In book two I felt that time passed a little too quickly and got a little lost reading it. I did not have that issue reading Queen of Volts. 

I really enjoyed that in Queen of  Volts we get to see a bit more backstory on all of the characters, and the history of New Reigns. We also get to see how each of the characters handle the death of their friend, Jac and how much it affects their everyday lives. Enne and Levi are trying to earn themselves a pardon from the crimes they have committed, using the omerta that they were under by Vianca Augustine to blame. The chancellor requests a meeting with Enne, Levi, and Bryce, at which Bryce and Levi are pardoned, but Enne does not receive a pardon immediately simply because she is a Mizer. Levi is able to pull some strings, and with some reluctance from Enne, to secure her a pardon as well. 

Overall I enjoyed book three, and as always I hate to see a series end, but am looking forward to binging them all back to back. 

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: 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 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: 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 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: 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: 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: Girl Serpent Thorn

Title: Girl Serpent Thorn

Author: Melissa Bashardoust

Narrator:Nikki Massoud

Page Count: 325

Audio Length: 10hr 6min

Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch.

But for Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away,

apart from her family,

safe only in her gardens,

it’s not just a story.

Thoughts:

Intense and unputdownable. I really enjoyed the plot as well as Soraya`s tale. The dehumanizing

of Soraya was heart wrenching. I appreciated how real the characters felt and how much they

learned throughout the story. The plot was well paced. 

A princess as a monster but she has the power to save herself.

Death by touch isn`t new in the YA world but this original tale adds it in with a twist.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: You Should See Me in a Crown

Title: You Should See Me in a Crown

Author: Leah Johnson

Narrator: Alaska Jackson

Audio Length: 7hr 18min

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Liz Lighty has always believed she's too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small,

rich, prom-obsessed midwestern town. But it's okay -- Liz has a plan that will get her out of Campbell, Indiana, forever

Thoughts:

Prim in a rich conservative white town seems complicated enough to maneuver. Add in our musically

talented main character Liz who is lower class and Black, that just adds to the complications. 

I`m not much of a contemporary reader but the discussion of LGBTQ+ struggles in a small town

community was eye-opening. I appreciated the rawness of Liz.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Song of Blood & Stone

Title: Song of Blood and Stone

Author: L. Penelope

Narrator: Allyson Johnson

Audio Length: 9hr 33min

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Orphaned and alone, Jasminda lives in a land where cold whispers of invasion and

war linger on the wind. Jasminda herself is an outcast in her homeland of Elsira,

where her gift of Earthsong is feared. When ruthless soldiers seek refuge in her

isolated cabin, they bring with them a captive - an injured spy who threatens to

steal her heart.

Thoughts:

I can`t believe I have never heard of this series until it was recommended during

#Blackoutbestsellerslist  I`m so glad I picked this up and devoured the audio.

I plan on getting the rest of the series so I can follow Jasminda`s story.

The mantle was such a great idea and added a plot device that thickens not

draws away the main story. Jasmina and her growth of Earthsong was an incredible read.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Crier`s War

Title: Crier`s War

Author: Nina Varela

Narrator: Kim Mai Guest

Audio Length: 13hr 38min

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

After the War of Kinds ravaged the kingdom of Rabu, the Automae, Designed

to be the playthings of royals, took over the estates of their owners and bent the

human race to their will.

Thoughts:

I`m glad this wasn`t just about the romance once the plot picked up. It did feel

similar to The Kingdom but once I stopped comparing it there was a better pace.

AI rule while humans have become enslaved. I would say about eight hours are

very thought provoking in regards to how we treat other humans. This is a perfect

read for the time we are in.

I`m looking forward to listening to book two. I`ve always been interested in AI

and this science fantasy novel fulfilled that interest.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Forged in Fire and Stars

Title: Forged in Fire and Stars

Author: Andrea Robertson

Narrator: Amy Shiels

Audio Length: 11hr 29min

Rating: 2.5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Ara has always known about the legend of the Loresmith: the blacksmith who served alongside the

kings and queens of every generation to protect the kingdom. It was her fate to inherit the title–though

she never truly believed it would come to pass since the monarchy’s downfall years before.

Thoughts:

 A slow build with very little payoff. I loved the idea of a loresmith but I don't believe this was

executed well. While it is the start of a series to have no connection to characters made it hard

to push to the end of the novel.

I did buy this based on IG posts but i think there was hype surrounding it based on the

comparisons to bigger named titles. 

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Court of Miracles

Title: Court of Miracles

Author: Kester Grant

Narrator: Ajjaz Awad , John Lee 

Page Count: 464pgs

Audio Length:10hr 5min

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

In the violent urban jungle of an alternate 1828 Paris, the French Revolution has

failed and the city is divided between merciless royalty and nine underworld criminal

guilds, known as the Court of Miracles.

Thoughts:

The Court of Miracles is a mix of underground politics and choosing true family over

blood. I adored the setting of an alternate Paris if the revolution failed. My connection

with Nina was a slow build but I appreciated her passion. A hard part for me was the

timeline, it seemed only days had passed for some events but others time jumped

ahead a year. That part was the most difficult part to follow.

Overall the story line of a new revolution and destroying a corrupt society was right up my alley.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Ashlords

Title: Ashlords

Author: Scott Reintgen

Narrator: Rebecca Soler, Andrew Eiden, Lauren Fortgang, Neil Hellegers

Audio Length: 10hr 5min 

Rating: 1.5/5 (DNF @ 22%)

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Every year since the Ashlords were gifted phoenix horses by their gods,

they've raced them. First into battle, then on great hunts, and finally for the pure

sport of seeing who rode the fastest. Centuries of blood and fire carved their

competition into a more modern spectacle: The Races.

Thoughts:

This is a prime example of judging a book by its cover and short synopsis.

I was excited about a YA book comparable to Scorpio Races. This felt so flat for

me that I couldn`t push through. No fault of the narrators since I've listened to other

books narrated by them.

Maybe I missed the hype train on this one and others will like it but it just wasn't for me.

Felt like very little character development even 20% in. I had no connection to the race

or racers. In fact the race itself didn't seem to matter. No one seemed to care what was

being raced, horses, bikes, birds who knew.

TTFN,

Ashley