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