A Court of Silver Flames ( A Court of Thorns & Roses #5) - Review

 By: Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Publication Date: February 16th, 2021, by Bloomsbury

Rate: ♥♥♥♥♥

Goodreads│Amazon│Audible

Book Summary:

Nesta Archeron has always been prickly proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance and healing in each other's arms.

My Thoughts:

Sarah J. Mass has done it again with book four of this series. I loved it. Nesta's story was a wonderful read. I enjoyed watching her struggle through all her problems (real and made up) and finding answers to help her to make a new life for herself. And we can't forget Cassian her winged love interested. He really spiced things up and didn't put up with too much crap from Nesta. I'm hoping this isn't the end of this series. I'd like to see more from the other characters: Elain, Lucian, Az, Mor, and Tamlin. And what happens with the other queens? There are still a lot of unanswered questions regarding this bunch. Fingers crossed there will be more to come...

I highly recommend it!

Galaxy Guardians LitJoy Crate

Look at all the wonderful things in this box.

An enamel pin featuring an astronaut's helmet with a flip-up cover with sparkly blue flower inside designed by @justelfit.

A cute pair of socks with baby Grogu on them by @jscottclawson.

That cute headband highlighting Illuminae and its characters with fun black, what and red colors.

A serpent and dove themed photo strip by @sarahconradsen

A light-up pen. You push the button and there is a little light at the end!

A Mixed Tape Zipper Pouch is perfect for carrying pencils or little items. Inspired by Peter Quill in The Guardians of the Galaxy and his Mix Tape 1.

A beautiful Lunar Chronicles metal bookmark by @thenameis joules

A Stalking Jack the Ripper inspired teacup and saucer by @nairafeather

And of course the beautiful book Ashfall Legacy by Pittacus Lore featuring a gorgeous reversible dust jacket with a planet and blue dragon and tip in page by Marija llic. The book is signed by the author and features sprayed edges and custom end pages. The bare book has a wrap designed by @riddleandravens. The tip-in artwork is also included separately from the book with an author letter on the reverse side.

This is my first box from LitJoy and I can say I'm not disappointed. I love everything in the box and can't wait for the next one to arrive.

September 2021 OwlCrate Box - Dark Academia

 

The September OwlCrate is full of all kinds of great items.

A signed copy of A Lesson In Vengeance by Victoria Lee. It has a beautiful cover and silver gilded edges.

A book sleeve designed by Dri Gomez inspired by the Raven Boys.

The third Collectable Book Tin was inspired by  A Darker Side of Magic. Designed by Forensics and Flowers.

A pouch of Ellingham Academy Brew blended by Riddle's Tea Shoppe.

A reading kit by @paperbackbones featuring sticky notes and a notepad to jot things down and a delicate gold metal bookmark that pays homage to The Secret History.

Little Inklings Design designed a cute personal stamp that says "From The Library Of:" to use in all your books.

And of course, the enamel pin designed by Icey Designs featuring a cute typewriter that says "ex scientia ultio" on the strip of paper.

My favorite things this month are the Tea and the Book Sleeve besides the book of course. I'm still loving the book box and will continue next month.

A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns & Roses #4) - Review

 

By: Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Publication Date: May 1st, 2018, by Bloomsbury

Rate: ♥♥♥♥

Goodreads│Amazon│Audible

Book Summary:

Feyre, Rhys, and their close-knit circle of friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and, with it, a hard-earned reprieve.

Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, she finds that those dearest to her have more wounds than she anticipated—scars that will have a far-reaching impact on the future of their court.

Narrated by Feyre and Rhysand, this wondrous tale of hope and promise picks up after A Court of Wings and Ruin and sets the stage for the thrilling events in the future books.

My Thoughts:

This was a fast read as it was only being 229 pages long. It tells a little bit more history of most of the main characters as well as works through some of their past trauma. They are working on rebuilding after the war and preparing for Winter Solstice (kind of like Christmas). Which is fast approaching. They will exchange gifts and gather together as a family. I enjoyed reading it but there really was no point besides a fun little break for everyone. A chance to regroup and relax a bit. All in all, it was a cute add-on, but I'm ready to start the next book in the series A Court of Silver Flames.

Wings of Olympus (Wings of Olympus #1) - Review

 

By: Kallie George

Genre: Fantasy, Children >Middle Grade

Publication Date: March 17th, 2020, by Harper Collins

Rate: ♥♥♥♥♥

Goodreads│Amazon│Audible

Book Summary:

High on the slopes of mighty Mount Olympus, among the sun-splashed meadows and sparkling waters, glide the winged horses of the ancient gods. Here up high is normally no place for a lost, parentless girl like Pippa. But once every hundred years, the gods and goddesses descend to the mortal realm to choose jockeys for their winged horse race—and Pippa is one of the lucky children chosen to ride.

With her undersized, impetuous winged steed, Zephyr, by her side, Pippa has to confront the greatest challenge of her life: achieving victory in a race across the sky.

No one expects Pippa and Zephyr to win, or even finish, this death-defying race. A poor orphan who’s spent her life working in stables, Pippa doesn’t seem to belong in the world of the gods. And while she loves Zephyr with all her heart, he’s smaller than the other winged horses racing. But if Pippa and Zephyr don’t find a way to win, the gods will separate them—forever.

To stay with Zephyr, Pippa will have to work harder, train longer, and dare more bravely than her competition. In a race filled with petty, jealous gods and goddesses and a host of ruthless riders, Pippa must prove that love is greater than might.

My Thoughts:

Read this to my 9-year-old. She loves horses, so a flying horse race drew us in. Who won't want to race for the gods and goddesses on a winged horse? With the chance of getting to stay on Mount Olympus if you win! How exciting. We loved all the different characters and the stories of their lives. All the turmoil and secret wishes. It was a wonderful story with a great ending. Can't wait to read book two "The Colt of the Clouds". Highly recommend.

Her Perfect Life - Review

 

By: Hank Phillippi Ryan

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Publication Date: September 14th, 2021, by Forge Books

Rate: ♥♥♥

Goodreads│Amazon│Audible

Book Summary:

Everyone knows Lily Atwood—and that may be her biggest problem. The beloved television reporter has it all—fame, fortune, Emmys, an adorable seven-year-old daughter, and the hashtag her loving fans created: #PerfectLily. To keep it, all she has to do is protect one life-changing secret.

Her own.

Lily has an anonymous source who feeds her story tips—but suddenly, the source begins telling Lily inside information about her own life. How does he—or she—know the truth?

Lily understands that no one reveals a secret unless they have a reason. Now she’s terrified someone is determined to destroy her world—and with it, everyone and everything she holds dear.

How much will she risk to keep her perfect life? 

My Thoughts:

This story didn't pull me in like I thought it would. It moved a little slow for me.

 I enjoyed Lily's character as a whole but didn't get drawn into the other characters like I would have liked. I thought a few of the things the characters did wouldn't have happened in real life. It was like they didn't use common sense for their decision-making. 

It was an ok read for me.

A Court of Wings and Ruin ( A Court of Thorns & Roses #3) - Review

By: Sara J Maas

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Publication Date: May 2nd, 2017, by Bloomsbury Publishing

Rate: ♥♥♥♥♥

Goodreads│Amazon│Audible

Book Summary:

She has left the Night Court - and her High Lord - and is playing a deadly game of deceit. In the Spring Court, Tamlin is making deals with the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees, and Feyre is determined to uncover his plans. But to do so she must weave a web of lies, and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As mighty armies grapple for power, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords - and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

My Thoughts:

It had me on the edge of my seat the entire book. I couldn't read it fast enough. I loved it!

I loved all the characters and bad guys, the new characters that were introduced, and all the drama. I felt like you got to see inside a few of the characters and learn what drove them to do and act like they did. But still left others for you to find out about.

I liked that Feyre grew more into her special abilities and learned to embrace them, that she learned that she was worthy and could do anything. 

I gave it 5 hearts because I just loved it. If you like fantasy romance I highly recommend it.

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorn & Roses #2) - Review

 

By: Sara J Maas

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Publication Date: May 3rd, 2016, by Bloomsbury USA Children's

Rate: ♥♥♥♥♥

Goodreads│Amazon│Audible

Book Summary:

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and she can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

My Thoughts:

OMG... I Loved book two just as much as the first book, A Court of Thorns and Roses. 

Feyre starts the book broke and has to find a way to heal from all she endured under the mountain. Tamlin doesn't want to let her out of the house for fear, she may be hurt, attached or who knows what else. He can't let these fears go. 

Along comes Rhysand to whisk her off to his court to help Feyre heal. He does have that deal they made to collect on. Plus she needs to learn how to use all the new gifts she received from the other high lords. She has powers she couldn't imagine.

I loved all the bad guy characters, the Suriel such a gossiper, and the Weaver creepy. I can't wait to find out more about all the characters. I have to read book three! Good thing I already checked it out at the library.

I gave it 5 hearts because I couldn't put it down and it made me want to find out what happens next. If you like fantasy romance I highly recommend it!