Reviews
Akarnae by Lynette Noni
OVERVIEW: With just one step, sixteen-year-old Alexandra Jennings’ world changes – literally. Alex walks through a doorway and finds herself stranded in Medora, a fantasy world full of impossibilities. But something unexpected… something sinister… is looming. Will Alex risk her entire world – and maybe even her life – to save Medora?
REVIEW: This is now my third time reading The Medoran Chronicles and…wow, it never fails to amaze me. The characters in this book are just so likeable and each have their own unique personality. The banter between the original trio is so cute and playful I was smiling the whole time! I would have to say my favourite character is Jordan because his humour and personality are just *chefs kiss*. The plot does have many twists and can be complicated, but this is still quite a lighthearted fantasy read.
RECCOMENDATIONS: This book is very heavily fantasy and magically based so it’s for anyone who loves fantasy, but the age range is more 11-13.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
OVERVIEW: Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. When Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, she asks for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, but in exchange she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy. There, Laia will realize that her choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.
REVIEW: I really wanted to love this series but I just couldn’t fully get into the storyline. I did love the multiple POVs but Helene’s I often found boring and not really relevant. The worldbuilding was super intriguing and I really loved the location and their customs. There were many plot twists and unexpected turnings which were written well and I really enjoyed. I didn’t dislike this series it just wasn’t AMAZING. However, I am in a reading slump, so if I was to reread this series in the future I do think I would enjoy it a lot more.
RECOMMENDATIONS: for anyone age 13+, read this series. Just please read the content warnings as there is a lot of violence and some sexual assault.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
OVERVIEW: Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life until a demon murdered her closest friends. Years later, when the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce and Hunt Athalar, a Fallen angel, are at the heart of the investigation. But as they dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone.
REVIEW: Crescent City is a fascinating place which Sarah described and created so wonderfully, it was hard to stop reading. The deep and twisting plot was very well written! I loved how there were different species of… well everything, and how everyone seemed to be so unique. The characters are likeable, funny and charismatic, each with their own strengths and flaws. Bryce is such a fun character and I loved reading about her!
RECOMMENDATIONS: Whilst I didn’t find this quite as steamy as ACOMAF, the second book is predicted to have a lot of intimate moments. There is also a LOT of swearing. Ages 15+
Dune by Frank Herbert
OVERVIEW: Set thousands of years in the future where Melange, or 'spice', is the most valuable - and rarest - element in the universe, and it can only be found on a single planet: the inhospitable desert world Arrakis. When stewardship of Arrakis is transferred to his house, Paul Atreides must travel to the planet's dangerous surface to ensure the future of his family and his people. But when their enemy forces explode into conflict around him, Paul is thrust into a great destiny beyond his understanding.
REVIEW:
RECCOMENDATIONS: Anyone 13+, especially fans of other space novels and movies such as Star Wars. The only triggering content would be the violence, which there is quite a lot of so be warned.
The Gilded Cage by Lynette Noni
OVERVIEW: (contains spoilers for the prison healer) For the past ten years, her only goal was to reunite with her family and destroy the people responsible for ruining their lives. But now as Kiva settles into her new life in the capital, she’s beginning to question where her loyalty lies. Kiva has to navigate a complicated web of lies before both sides of the battle turn against her and she loses everything.
REVIEW: Wow. What can I say you just continue to impress me Lynette Noni. This book was filled with so much emotion I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to laugh and cry and scream at the same time as this book continuously tore at my heart. The characters have such distinct and intriguing personalities that all have so many layers and secrets to them. But whilst I love the characters, the plot was the main reason for my 5 star rating. It was so intense. I can’t even begin to explain the plot twists and heart stopping moments of suspense that fill this novel. There was also lots of foreshadowing and an insane amount of betrayal so be prepared.
RECOMMENDATIONS: THIS IS THE SECOND BOOK! READ THE PRISON HEALER FIRST! This novel is quite dark compared to Lynette’s other series so some people who have read TMC may not be suited to this. I’d say it is targeted for 14-20yrs old but is most likely suitable for anyone 13+
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
OVERVIEW: Feyre's survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill, so when she spots a wolf during the long winter months, she cannot resist shooting it for its flesh. Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as her feelings for the captor turn from hostility to passion, the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place, and Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.
REVIEW: Honestly, this is one of my favourite series ever. The characters are so deeply written with individual personalities, goals and powers. They are all complex and filled with confusing and deep emotions. A Court of Thorns and Roses has an intricate plot with clever foreshadowing and many, MANY, plot twists and shocking surprises. There is so much love and betrayal in this series, making me cry of both happiness and heartbreak.
RECOMMENDATIONS: This book is very intense and has multiple intimate scenes as well as violent battles, both of which are written in detail. Because of this, it’s probably suitable for people 15+.
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