The Sun is Also s Star by Nicola Yoon: Review

RATING: 4/5 stars!

Author: Nicola Yoon

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Source: ARC from publisher

Publication date: November 1, 2016

Find it on goodreads here!

SUMMARY (from goodreads)

Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.

Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.

The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

REVIEW:

THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR was such an interesting read. For one, the cover is totally beautiful. But the story inside was good enough to live up to the amazing cover. 

This story was so beautifully written, and even though there were two points of views, you could tell which character was who without having to constantly flip back to the beginning of the chapter. Daniel, the male lead, is a poet, and you could definitely tell when you were reading from his point of view. There were many passages that were so lyrical, and you couldn't help but be sucked in. Natasha, on the other hand, was so sassy and so blunt. Definitely a great female lead. 

The only criticism I had of the book was the way it ended. I do not want to give anything away, but it did not seem to make much sense to me. I could not wrap my head around why the things played out the way they did, and I was rather confused for most of it. 

Overall, THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR is a great read. I highly recommend it!

Waiting on Wednesday (35): Shadowcaster by Cinda Williams Chima

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

Today's "waiting on" is...

Shadowcaster

by Cinda Williams Chima

Expected publication date: April 4th, 2017
Publisher: HarperTeen

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

Alyssa ana'Raisa is the reluctant princess heir to the Gray Wolf throne of Fells, a queendom embroiled in a seemingly endless war. Hardened by too many losses, Lyss is more comfortable striking with a sword than maneuvering at court. After a brush with death, she goes on the offensive, meaning to end the war that has raged her whole life. If her gamble doesn't pay off, she could lose her queendom before she even ascends to the throne.

Across enemy lines in Arden, young rising star Captain Halston Matelon has been fighting for his king since he was a lýtling. Lately, though, he finds himself sent on ever more dangerous assignments. Between the terrifying rumors of witches and wolfish warriors to the north and his cruel king at home, Hal is caught in an impossible game of life and death.

Set in the world of the acclaimed Seven Realms series, this is a thrilling story of the unfathomable costs of war, the allure of dark magic, and two principled and conflicted characters, drawn together despite everything they stand to lose.

SO. EXCITED.

What is your "waiting on"?

Waiting on Wednesday (34): Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week's "waiting on" is...

Gemina

by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff!

Expected Publication: October 18th, 2016

Publisher: Knopf books for young readers

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

The highly anticipated sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller that critics are calling “out-of-this-world awesome.”

Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed.

The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault.

Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy’s most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.

When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station’s wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands.

But relax. They’ve totally got this. They hope.

Once again told through a compelling dossier of emails, IMs, classified files, transcripts, and schematics, Gemina raises the stakes of the Illuminae Files, hurling readers into an enthralling new story that will leave them breathless.

Even though I still have not read ILLUMINAE, this series still looks so cool. 

What is your "waiting on"?

Waiting on Wednesday (33): Frost Like Night by Sara Raasch

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week's waiting on is...

Frost Like Night

by Sara Raasch!

Expected publication date: September 20th, 2016

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

Angra is alive, his Decay is spreading—and no one is safe.

Meira will do anything to save her world. With Angra trying to break through her mental defenses, she desperately needs to learn to control her own magic—so when the leader of a mysterious Order from Paisly offers to teach her, she jumps at the chance. But the true solution to stopping the Decay lies in a labyrinth deep beneath the Season Kingdoms. To defeat Angra, Meira will have to enter the labyrinth, destroy the very magic she’s learning to control—and make the biggest sacrifice of all.

Mather will do anything to save his queen. He needs to rally the Children of the Thaw, find Meira—and finally tell her how he really feels. But with a plan of attack that leaves no kingdom unscathed and a major betrayal within their ranks, winning the war—and protecting Meira—slips farther and farther out of reach.

Ceridwen will do anything to save her people. Angra had her brother killed, stole her kingdom, and made her a prisoner. But when she’s freed by an unexpected ally who reveals a shocking truth behind Summer’s slave trade, Ceridwen must take action to save her true love and her kingdom, even if it costs her what little she has left.

As Angra unleashes the Decay on the world, Meira, Mather, and Ceridwen must bring the kingdoms of Primoria together…or lose everything. 

 SO PUMPED!

What is your waiting on?

Red Queen (Red Queen #1) by Victoria Aveyard: Review

RATING: 4/5 stars!

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: bought

Publication date: February 10th, 2015

Find it on Goodreads here!

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

This is a world divided by blood – red or silver.

The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.

That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.

Fearful of Mare’s potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime.

But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance – Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart.

REVIEW:

Going into RED QUEEN, I had heard nothing but amazing things. I always enjoy a good dystopia story, and RED QUEEN definitely delivered. But, like every book, it still had its flaws. Even though I found it enjoyable, there were still some things that I was disappointed in. 

While the concept was extremely original (people separated by the color of their blood? How freaking cool is that!), I found the story line to be somewhat lacking and predictable. It reminded me of so many other YA dystopias; it felt like I had read everything before. Because of this, I could clearly see where the story was going, and it definitely took away from the enjoyment of the novel. 

The book was extremely well written. The writing flowed nicely, and it gave the book a very fast pace. This made up for the predictability of the story. I knew what was going to happen, but because it was written so nicely, I wanted to keep reading. It was definitely the saving grace of the novel. 

Overall, I very much enjoyed RED QUEEN. If you are a fan of dystopia, I suggest you give it a try!

Waiting on Wednesday (32): A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week's waiting on is...

A Shadow Bright and Burning 

by Jessica Cluess!

Expected publication: September 20th, 2016

Publisher: Random House BFYR

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

Henrietta Howel can burst into flames.

Forced to reveal her power to save a friend, she's shocked when instead of being executed, she's invited to train as one of Her Majesty's royal sorcerers.

Thrust into the glamour of Victorian London, Henrietta is declared the chosen one, the girl who will defeat the Ancients, bloodthirsty demons terrorizing humanity. She also meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, handsome young men eager to test her power and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her.

But Henrietta Howel is not the chosen one.

As she plays a dangerous game of deception, she discovers that the sorcerers have their own secrets to protect. With battle looming, what does it mean to not be the one? And how much will she risk to save the city--and the one she loves?

Exhilarating and gripping, Jessica Cluess's spellbinding fantasy introduces Henrietta Howel, a powerful, unforgettable heroine, and an entertaining world filled with magic, monsters, and mayhem.

Definitely will buy this one just because the cover is gorgeous.

What is your waiting on?

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Harry Potter #8)by J.K. Rowling: Review

RATING: 3/5 stars!

Author: J.K. Rowling

 Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Source: Bought

Publication date: July 31st, 2016

Find it on Goodreads here!

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

The Eighth Story. Nineteen Years Later.

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

REVIEW:

Alas, the first Harry Potter book that has gotten less than 5 stars. I will not lie, I was very disappointed when I found out that this story was going to be a play. I love plays...but I love books more. I tried to go into it with an open mind, and I did not think it was bad; but I was definitely disappointed in many ways. 

I feel like this book would have been better if it was an actual book. The thing I loved the most about the Harry Potter series was getting inside Harry's head; because this book was a play, you totally miss that aspect of the story. It did not feel complete. If I had seen this onstage instead of reading it, I may have felt differently; but when I finished it, I did not feel satisfied. It felt like something was missing, and I think it was all of the characters thoughts. 

I do not want to go into many details so I can avoid spoilers, but there was one twist in the story that I could not wrap my head around. For one, the timeline did not make sense; and second, it seemed extremely out of character. It did not make any sense to me whatsoever. It seemed more like a fan fiction than a story from J.K. Rowling.  

But, even with its faults, I still enjoyed being back in the Harry Potter world. If you are a fan of the series, I suggest you give it a try!

Inheritance (The Inheritance Cycle #4) by Christopher Paolini: Review

RATING: 5/5 stars!

Author: Christopher Paolini

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Source: Bought

Publication date: November 8th, 2011

Find it on Goodreads here!

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

It began with Eragon... It ends with Inheritance.

Not so very long ago, Eragon — Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider — was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chance.

The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?

This is the spellbinding conclusion to Christopher Paolini's worldwide bestselling Inheritance cycle.

REVIEW:

Oh, what a series. I am so glad that I finally chose to read it this summer. An epic, absolute thrill ride of a series. 

But what exactly makes this series so good? 

The story line is very basic. Boy is a nobody, finds a mysterious object in the woods, turns out to be a dragon egg, becomes a dragon rider, finds out he's the last of the dragon riders and must defeat a bad guy. You've probably heard of a story similar to this before. But it is the language that Paolini uses that gives this series its character.

"Who is it who decides that one man should live and another should die? My life wasn't worth any more than his, but he's the one who's buried, while I get to enjoy at least a few more hours above the ground. Is it chance, random and cruel, or is there some purpose or pattern to all this, even if it lies beyond our ken?”

 He uses a style similar to Tolkien, but it is still his own. This series is so beautifully written. I found myself highlighting passages and sentences (which I never do) so I could come back and read them later. It's hard to believe that Paolini was 15 when he started to write this series. His writing shows a maturity that some authors never achieve. 

He also did an amazing job wrapping up the series. I felt so satisfied with the ending...but it left enough open that I'm still hoping there will be a spin-off series at this point. Do not know if it will ever happen...but I can still hope, right?

Overall, THE INHERITANCE CYCLE was an absolutely epic series. I highly recommend it!

Waiting on Wednesday (31): Crystal Storm by Morgan Rhodes

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week's waiting on is...

Crystal Storm

by Morgan Rhodes!

Expected publication: December 13th, 2016

Publisher: Razorbill

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

An epic clash between gods and mortals threatens to tear Mytica apart . . . and prove that not even the purest of love stands a chance against the strongest of magic.

MAGNUS and CLEO are forced to test the strength of their love when Gaius returns to Mytica claiming he's no longer the King of Blood but a changed man seeking redemption.

LUCIA, pregnant with the child of a Watcher, has escaped the clutches of the unhinged fire god. Her powers are dwindling as she goes forth to fulfill a prophecy that will keep her baby safe . . . but could mean her demise.

JONAS treks back to Mytica with a plan to overtake Amara, but fate takes hold when he runs into the beautiful Princess Lucia and joins her on her perilous journey.

AMARA has taken the Mytican throne, but with no way to unleash the water magic trapped within her stolen crystal, she'll never be able to seize glory and get sweet revenge.

And what kind of darkness will descend--and who will be safe--after Prince Ashur reveals the dangerous price he paid to cheat death?

I love this series so much.

What is your waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday (30): Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week's "waiting on" is...

Like a River Glorious

by Rae Carson

Expected publication: September 27th, 2016

Publisher: Greenwillow

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

After a harrowing journey across the country, Leah Westfall and her friends have finally arrived in California and are ready to make their fortunes in the Gold Rush. Lee has a special advantage over the other new arrivals in California—she has the ability to sense gold, a secret known only by her handsome best friend Jefferson and her murdering uncle Hiram.

Lee and her friends have the chance to be the most prosperous settlers in California, but Hiram hasn’t given up trying to control Lee and her power. Sabotage and kidnapping are the least of what he’ll do to make sure Lee is his own. His mine is the deepest and darkest in the territory, and there Lee learns the full extent of her magical gift, the worst of her uncle, and the true strength of her friendships. To save everyone, she vows to destroy her uncle and the empire he is building—even at the cost of her own freedom.

The second epic historical fantasy in the Gold Seer trilogy by Rae Carson, the acclaimed author of The Girl of Fire and Thorns.

So excited for this book.

What is your waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday (29): Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week's "waiting on" is...

Empire of Storms

by Sarah J. Maas!

Expected publication date: September 6th, 2016

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don't.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

AH. THIS BOOK NEEDS TO COME OUT. NOW.

What is your waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday (28): Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week's "waiting on" is...

Crooked Kingdom

by Leigh Bardugo!

Expected Publication date: September 27th, 2016

Publisher: Orion Children's Books\

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world.

 Six of Crows was absolutely amazing. Plus, I will buy anything Leigh Bardugo writes.

  

What is your "waiting on"?

Waiting on Wednesday (27): United by Melissa Landers

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week's "waiting on" is...

United

by Melissa Landers!

Expected publication date: August 2nd, 2016

Publisher: EverAfter

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

After thwarting a deadly coup and saving the alliance between their worlds, Cara and Aelyx have finally earned a break. Their tiny island colony is everything they dreamed it would be―days spent gathering shells on the beach and nights in each other’s arms.

But the vacation is short-lived.

The treaty between Earth and L’eihr has awakened an ancient force that threatens to destroy them all. The Aribol, mysterious guardians charged with maintaining interstellar peace, deem the alliance a threat to the galaxy. They order a separation of the races, decreeing humans and L’eihrs must return to their own planets within the month or face extinction. In fact, they already have agents in place on Earth, ready to begin.

With the clock ticking, Aelyx and Cara assemble a team of colonists and race back to Earth, where they unite with old friends to solve the mystery of who the Aribol are, what they want, and the real reason the alliance has provoked them. As tensions build to a full-scale war, Aelyx and Cara must fight harder than ever―not just for their future, but for the survival of both their worlds.

The first two books were such light and fun reads (My review of ALIENATED). I cannot wait for this one!

What is your waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday (26): P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week's "waiting on" is...

P.S. I Like You

by Kasie West!

Expected publication date: July 26th, 2016

Publisher: Point

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

What if the person you were falling for was a total mystery?

While Lily is spacing out in Chemistry one day, she picks up her pencil and scribbles a line from one of her favorite songs on the desk. The next day, someone else has written back to her on the desk! Soon enough Lily and the mystery student are exchanging notes, and lyrics, and even sharing secrets. When Lily finds out that her anonymous pen pal is a guy, she's flustered -- and kind of feels like she's falling for him. She and her best friend set out to unravel the identity of the letter writer -- but when the truth is revealed, the guy is the LAST person Lily could have ever imagined it to be. Now that Lily knows the truth, can she untangle her feelings and gather the courage to listen to her heart?

From beloved author Kasie West (The Distance Between Us) comes an utterly charming story about mixed messages, missed connections, and the magic of good old-fashioned secret admirer notes.

Kasie West's novels never disappoint. Such light and fun reads!

What is your waiting on?

Brisingr (The Inheritance Cycle #3) by Christopher Paolini: Review

RATING: 5/5 stars!

Author: Christopher Paolini

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Source: Bought

Publication date: September 20th, 2008

Find it on Goodreads here!

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

Oaths sworn... loyalties tested... forces collide.

It's been only months since Eragon first uttered "brisingr", an ancient language term for fire. Since then, he's not only learned to create magic with words — he's been challenged to his very core. Following the colossal battle against the Empires warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives. Still, there is more adventure at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep.

First is Eragon's oath to his cousin, Roran: to help rescue Roran's beloved from King Galbatorix's clutches. But Eragon owes his loyalty to others, too. The Varden are in desperate need of his talents and strength — as are the elves and dwarves. When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes from every corner, Eragon must make choices — choices that will take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.

Eragon is the greatest hope to rid the land of tyranny. Can this once simple farm boy unite the rebel forces and defeat the king?

REVIEW:

I have no words to express how much I love this book. So I will express my feelings in gifs.

In short, you should read this book. You will not regret it!

Waiting on Wednesday (25): Heartless by Marissa Meyer

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week's waiting on is...

Heartless 

by Marissa Meyer!

Expected publication date: November 8th, 2016

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland — the infamous Queen of Hearts — she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.

Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans. 

Another fairy tale retelling by Marissa Meyer? Yes, please!

What is your waiting on?

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: series review

SERIES RATING: 5/5 stars!

Author: C.S. Lewis

Publisher: Collier Books

Source: Bought

Find The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe on Goodreads here!

SUMMARY of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (from Goodreads):

The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, completed in the winter of 1949 & published in 1950, tells the story of four ordinary children: Peter, Susan, Edmund & Lucy Pevensie. They discover a wardrobe in Prof. Digory Kirke's house that leads to the magical land of Narnia, which is currently under the spell of a witch. The four children fulfill an ancient, mysterious prophecy while in Narnia. The Pevensie children help Aslan (the Turkish word for lion) & his army save Narnia from the evil White Witch, who's reigned over the Narnia in winter for 100 years.

REVIEW:

After 20 years of life, I finally read this series. And, needless to say, I was not disappointed. 

The way C.S. Lewis crafted the story was amazing. It was really very simple, and was told very simply; but there was an extremely complex aspect to it. I have gone to Catholic school my whole life: grade school, middle school, high school, and now college. In all of my years of Catholic school, I have had to take many theology classes, whether I wanted to or not. But in reading this series, I can definitely see the Catholic influence in these books. There were so many little references to the Catholic faith and theology, and it was so cool to be able to recognize them. I am glad that I waited until college to read them, because if I hadn't had that knowledge, I wouldn't have enjoyed them near as much.

But, even if you have no knowledge of religion, you will definitely still enjoy the books. The story is complex enough to keep adult readers entertained, but simple enough for young children to read. It is a great series to read to kids!

Each of the books had their own unique story, but also connected to each other. I read them in  the original publication order (The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy, The Magician's Nephew, The Last Battle), and I highly suggest reading them in that order. Recently they rearranged them so that the books were in chronological order, and you can totally read them that way. There's nothing wrong with it. But reading them in the order that he originally wrote them made more sense in the way that certain aspects of Narnia were revealed. 

 In short, I highly recommend this series!

Eldest (The Inheritance Cycle #2) by Christopher Paolini: Review

REVIEW: 5/5 stars!

Author: Christopher Paolini

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Source: bought

Publication date: August 23rd, 2005

Find it on Goodreads here!

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Darkness falls... Swords clash... Evil reigns.

Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesméra, land of the elves, for further training in magic and swordsmanship, the vital skills of the Dragon Rider. It is the journey of a lifetime, filled with awe-inspring new places and people, each day a fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and Eragon isn't sure whom he can trust.

Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle back home in Carvahall – one that puts Eragon in even graver danger.

Will the king's dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life...

REVIEW:

Even better than Eragon!

Everything about Eldest was great. I could go on forever about what I love about this book, but I am going to focus on one single character that really made the book for me: Roran.

Roran, Eragon's cousin, wasn't really present in the first book. But he REALLY came into his own in Eldest. He was absolutely bad-ass! He has such a fierce loyalty to his family, and his leadership skills when it came to getting his men to fight were amazing. The outcome of the story would be totally different if not for Roran and his hammer. The chapters from his point of view were my absolute favorite to read; he is no doubt my favorite character in this series. Christopher Paolini, you know how to craft amazing characters. 

If you have not read this series, I highly suggest you do so soon!

Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle #1) by Christopher Paolini: Review

RATING: 5/5 stars!

Author: Christopher Paolini

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Source: bought

Publication date: August 26th, 2003

Find it on Goodreads here!

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy—until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save—or destroy—the Empire.

REVIEW:

If you are like me and have let this series sit on your shelf for years, I have a message for you:


Do not be intimidated by the size of this book. Do not be intimidated that it is just like all of the other high fantasy dragon books out there; because it is not. Do not worry that because this book was written by a fifteen-year-old, it is going to suck; because it doesn't. Do not worry that the book is going to be as bad as the movie, Eragon, was, because the book is so different and sooo much better. And, most importantly, do not let this book gather any more dust; read it. Right now. You will not regret it!

Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) by Marissa Meyer: Review

RATING: 5/5 stars!

Author: Marissa Meyer

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Source: bought

Release date: November 10th, 2015

Find it on Goodreads here!

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend—the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters?

REVIEW:

A farewell letter to the Lunar Chronicles:

I will miss you dearly. Each book in the series has been better than the last, and I have fallen in love with the way all of the different fairytales were weaved together. It is rare in today's books that you find a story so unique; I can say, with certainty, that I will never read another series like you again.

I have fallen in love with all of your characters. Cinder is such a great female lead; Kai is extremely swoon-worthy; Scarlet is sassy, independent, and no-nonsense, which is everything I love in a female character; Wolf is so rough and tough, but so sweet and gentle at the same time; Cress is absolutely adorable; Thorne is sassy and hilarious and loyal and attractive and sooooo swoon-worthy (he is my favorite character, if you could not tell); Jacin is everything any girl would want in a boyfriend; and Winter is crazy, but completely endearing. She will win your heart in no time. They are the things that I will miss the most from this series.

And I will not forget to mention, that your ending was one of the best series endings I have ever read. It was suspenseful, intriguing, and wrapped everything up perfectly. It left me completely satisfied.

Also, a thank you to Marissa Meyer, for creating such an amazing series. Your imagination and ability to weave all of the different fairytales together is unparalleled; I loved it so much! I cannot wait to see what you write next.

Lastly, to all the other readers out there who have not read this series: do so as soon as possible. You will not regret it!

CONTENT: Kissing, and lots more violence than the first few books.