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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

Review: When You Were Everything

Title: When You Were Everything

Author: Ashley Woodfolk

Narrator: Imani Parks

Audio Length: 10hr 17min

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

You can't rewrite the past, but you can always choose to start again.

It’s been twenty-seven days since Cleo and Layla’s friendship imploded.

Nearly a month since Cleo realized they’ll never be besties again.

Thoughts:

Friendship is messy and this novel shows all the sides of the story. Losing friends

is different than outgrowing them but when you`re in the moment it's hard to tell the

difference.

Looking back at my high school years it seemed filled with real friends but now

I know I was seeing it from a different view. When you grow apart as friends it

doesn't have to be abrupt sometimes the most painful losses happen over time.

Ending a friendship over hateful thoughts and words is not healthy and it shows

how big of a person you are by speaking up and admitting when you`ve done

something hurtful. Cleo and Layla show readers what not to do and how to grow.

Overall a great contemporary read that teaches a life lesson even as adults we

can learn from.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Ghost Wood Song

Title: Ghost Wood Song

Author: Erica Waters

Page Count: 368

Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

If I could have a fiddle made of Daddy’s bones, I’d play it. I’d learn all the

secrets he kept.

Shady Grove inherited her father’s ability to call ghosts from the grave with his fiddle, but

she also knows the fiddle’s tunes bring nothing but trouble and darkness.

Thoughts:

This novel hits hard and fast. The overall creepiness is perfect and allows an open

discussion of dealing with grief. This is a well written novel that add a supernatural

feel. Shady might have an odd name but her talent with a fiddle is incredible. Her

sadness was raw as was her passion for solving the case.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Forest of Souls

Title: Forest of Souls

Author: Lori M. Lee

Narrator: Cindy Kay

Audio Length: 10hr 43min

Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Sirscha Ashwyn comes from nothing, but she's intent on becoming something.

After years of training to become the queen's next royal spy, her plans are derailed

when shamans attack and kill her best friend, Saengo. 

And then Sirscha, somehow, restores Saengo to life.

Thoughts:

Awesome idea of a soul guide and the novel has high energy. However Sirscha went

from no knowledge to knowing her powers with no training. This is a perfect example of

tell don't show. I wish we learned more of the powers through the story. The plot is great

but the characters are flat. The growth wasn't shown on the page. 

Overall the story had potential but the characters really drew the reader away from

the page.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: My Calamity Jane

Title: My Calamity Jane

Author: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows

Narrator: Sophie Amoss

Audio Length: 13hr 28min

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Welcome ​to 1876 and a rootin’-tootin’ America bursting with gunslingers,

outlaws, and garou.

JANE (a genuine hero-eene)

Calamity’s her name, and garou hunting’s her game—when she’s not starring in

Wild Bill’s Traveling Show, that is. She reckons that if a girl wants to be a legend,

she should just go ahead and be one.

Thoughts:

My favorite Jane, Western with a mix of werewolves. I enjoyed this alternate historical setting.

A healthy mix of drama with family dynamics. There were so many familiar faces; Annie Oakley,

Wild Bill and Frank Butler. I think that's what made the thirteen hours go by so fast. Enjoyed all

the corny jokes and sometimes out of era knowledge.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: The Glamourist

Title: The Glamourist

Author: Luanna G. Smith

Narrator: Susannah Jones

Page Count: 285

Audio Length: 9hr 28min

Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

Abandoned as a child in turn-of-the-century Paris, Yvette Lenoir has longed to

uncover the secrets of her magical heritage and tap her suppressed powers.

But what brave and resourceful Yvette has done to survive the streets has

made her a fugitive.

Thoughts:

Diving back into the world of Vine Witch was something I didn't know I wanted.

A world of Wine and Witches. This was a quick read switching back and forth

between my review copy and the audio book. This was very character driven

and I wasn`t invested in Yvette like I was with Elena. This suffers a bit of book

two syndrome which makes it a bit rough.

Overall I enjoyed the book but nothing stood out to be as memorable as book one. 

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: House of Dragons

Title: House of Dragons

Author: Jessica Cluess

Page Count: 448

Rating:

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

When the Emperor dies, the five royal houses of Etrusia attend the Call, where one of

their own will be selected to compete for the throne. It is always the oldest child, the one

who has been preparing for years to compete in the Trial. But this year is different.

Thoughts:

The beginning was predictable but I do enjoy a good dragon book. This helped put me back

into a fantasy mood and out of my sci-fi kick. Each household has a weak point as well as a

strength, the biggest mistake is picking a favorite too early. Has a lot og Game of Thrones

vibes so my expectations of murder adn subterfuge was pretty high. I'm curious where book

two will lead us.

The stakes get higher in the second half of the book and some twists I didn't see coming.

Emelia is my favorite contender but Jessica writes a good villain in Hyperia. Ajax is the

most personable character and I look forward to seeing him change. Five POVs is

a lot to manage yet somehow this works for the linear story line.

Overall I recommend this if you`re wanting a little dragon in your life.

TTFN,

Ashley

Review: Seven Endless Forests

Title: Seven Endless Forests

Author: April Genevieve Tuchoke

Narrator: Sophie Amoss

Page Count: 330

Audio Length:8hr 43min

Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis (Found on Goodreads):

On the heels of a devastating plague, Torvi’s sister, Morgunn is stolen from the family

farm by Uther, a flame-loving Fremish wolf-priest who leads a pack of ragged,

starving girls. Torvi leaves the only home she’s ever known, and joins a

shaven-skulled druid and a band of roaming Elsh artists known as the Butcher Bards.

They set out on a quest to rescue Torvi’s sister, and find a mythical sword.

I received an ARC via Netgalley this in no way affects my thoughts in any way.

Thoughts:

There has to be more to this story so much left even after the epilogue. Having the

Boneless Mercies be a historical tale that Torvi talks about was a pretty interesting

take. The novel though short is fast paced and full of friendships that can last a lifetime.

Sacrifices are made for the greater good even if the good doesn't seem worth it. 

TTFN,

Ashley