Book Review: Hercule Poirot's Christmas

"In conversation, points arise! If a human being converses much, it is impossible for him to avoid the truth."

A brilliant detective, a crazy family and a story with too many unexpected plot twists to count.

SYNOPSIS

In Hercule Poirot's Christmas, the holidays are anything but merry when a family reunion is marred by murder — and the notoriously fastidious investigator is quickly on the case. The wealthy Simeon Lee has demanded that all four of his sons — one faithful, one prodigal, one impecunious, one sensitive — and their wives return home for Christmas. But a heartwarming family holiday is not exactly what he has in mind. He bedevils each of his sons with barbed insults and finally announces that he is cutting off their allowances and changing his will. Poirot is called in the aftermath of Simeon Lee's announcement.

REVIEW

This is a locked room mystery. There are plenty of suspects. Simeon Lord is found with his throat cut on the other side of a door with the key on the inside.

I was struck right from the beginning with how the author carefully describes the physical appearance of each of the characters. And indeed Poirot pays considerable attention to the portraits of each of the family members in the portrait gallery.

Several times the reader is given an update of the progress of the investigation, so we are given most of the information that Inspector Sugden, the police officer in charge of the case, has as well as Poirot's thinking. In the end though, of course, it is Poirot who comes up with the explanation. 

Despite all of the hints and constant updates, we remain clueless and the revelation strikes hard. 

There is not one Hercule Poirot book that does not leave us in shock. One would expect there to be pattern, given there are so many books, but every single time the author manages to surprise us.

My Rating: 5/5

Author: Agatha Christie

Book Review: Now you see her

 A fast paced thriller, with an intriguing yet slightly predictable plot.

SYNOPSIS

The perfect life

A successful lawyer and loving mother, Nina Bloom would do anything to protect the life she's built in New York--including lying to everyone, even her daughter, about her past. But when an innocent man is framed for murder, she knows that she can't let him pay for the real killer's crimes.

The perfect lie

Nina's secret life began 18 years ago. She had looks to die for, a handsome police-officer husband, and a carefree life in Key West. When she learned she was pregnant with their first child, her happiness was almost overwhelming. But Nina's world is shattered when she unearths a terrible secret that causes her to run for her life and change her identity.

The perfect way to die

Now, years later, Nina risks everything she's earned to return to Florida and confront the murderous evil she fled. In a story of wrenching suspense, James Patterson gives us his most head-spinning, action-filled story yet--a Hitchcock-like blend of unquenchable drama and pleasure.

REVIEW

For avid James Patterson readers, this is a must-read. I, personally find this book a little too fast paced, with poor characterization.

I like to read more about the character itself than the plot, which was missing in this book.

The plot was quite interesting though, which was the reason I could finish the book. It was slightly predictable but it did not get boring.

My Rating: 2/5

Author: James Patterson

Book Review: Murder of Roger Ackroyd

“The truth, however ugly in itself, is always curious and beautiful to seekers after it.”

A tangled murder mystery, with more twists and turns than you can count and an eccentric detective there to figure it out.

SYNOPSIS

The peaceful English village of King’s Abbot is stunned. First, the attractive widow Ferrars dies from an overdose of veronal. Not twenty-four hours later, Roger Ackroyd—the man she had planned to marry—is murdered. It is a baffling, complex case involving blackmail, suicide, and violent death, a cast that taxes Hercule Poirot’s “little grey cells” before he reaches one of the most startling conclusions of his fabled career.

REVIEW

In my opinion, this is the best Hercule Poirot book there is. In others you suspect someone, only to be proven wrong, but in this I had no clue what was going on. 

It is varies from the other books in various aspects, which makes it all the more gripping. Even Poirot had seemingly worked harder than ever to solve this case.

It felt like if you missed a point you would miss the entire plot. It was one of those books that you had to finish in one single sitting. 

I have no idea how the author wrote such a plot. It was simply brilliant. There were so many tangles, I would have forgotten what started when while writing. Somehow, she untangled every web slowly, while maintaining the mystery and keeping us hooked.

In conclusion, just read it.

My Rating: 5/5

Author: Agatha Christie

Book Review: Murder on the Orient Express

"But I know human nature, my friend, and I tell you that, suddenly confronted with the possibility of being tried for murder, the most innocent person will lose his head and do the most absurd things."

A breathtakingly unpredictable murder mystery, with an eccentric but exceptionally intelligent detective.

SYNOPSIS

Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside.

Isolated and with a killer in their midst, detective Hercule Poirot must identify the murderer—in case he or she decides to strike again.

REVIEW

This is genuinely one of the best books on earth. The way the Author has written Poirot's character is simply exceptional. The way that the murder is solved was so unexpected. Till the end they made us suspect every single person, then proving us wrong and so on. By the end I was so confused, but that was the beauty of the book. 

The way Poirot explains his conclusion at the end gets me every single time I read the book. It is one of the very few books where even the book is just as good.

The plot and the characters were written tremendously well. Somehow in this gruesome murder mystery there is still an element of humour (mostly it is just Poirot's eccentric ways).

Honestly, all of the Hercule Poirot books are amazing. I have never read a character more intriguing and surprising. The way he reads into a situation is not something we would ever expect. 

The best part about the book was that even if you read the book carefully, it would be extremely hard to crack the case, despite the fact that there were tiny clues left all over the book. Only when you read the book the second time do you realise it.

All things considered, it is a must-read book, even if you are not an avid reader. I do not think anyone could put the book down after beginning it.

My Rating: 5/5

Author: Agatha Christie

 

Book Review: Assassin's Blade

But I know human nature, my friend, and I tell you that, suddenly confronted with the possibility of being tried for murder, the most innocent person will lose his head and do the most absurd things.

 A beautiful, action packed prequel to the Throne of Glass series.

SYNOPSIS

Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. In these action-packed novellas - together in one edition for the first time - Celaena embarks on five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn's orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out.

REVIEW

Even though I did not enjoy the book much, in order to understand all the characters better, specifically that are introduced later in the story, you have to read Assassin's Blade. My suggestion is reading it before starting the books, although you can also read it before Empire of Storms.

I absolutely love the characters and most of the plot, but as it is a few different novellas combined together, the story lacks continuity. I mostly enjoyed it because we got to see Celaena's assassin's side in complete detail.

All in all, it was an action packed romance book which was more or less a necessary addition to the Throne of Glass series.

My Rating: 3.5/5

Author: Sarah J. Mass

Followed By: Throne of Glass

Book Review: Kingdom of Ash

“Once upon a time, in a land long since burned to ash, there lived a young princess who loved her kingdom …”

A story of love, war, ever lasting friendships and new beginnings.

SYNOPSIS

Aelin Galathynius has vowed to save her people ― but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. The knowledge that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, but her resolve is unraveling with each passing day…

With Aelin captured, friends and allies are scattered to different fates. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever. As destinies weave together at last, all must fight if Erilea is to have any hope of salvation.

Throne of Glass series draws to an explosive conclusion as Aelin fights to save herself―and the promise of a better world.

REVIEW

An amazing ending to an amazing series. All that build up, all that waiting lead to this beautiful book which did not disappoint me one bit. It is a little painful, but all endings are. 

I am utterly in love with all the characters, even Lorcan and Chaol (little bit). I got so lost in the plot that I finished the book in one sitting (it is a very thick book).

Lysandra and Aedion mean absolutely everything to me. In fact, all the relationships in the book are amazing and filled with chemistry, specially Dorian and Manon ;)

One thing I do not appreciate about Sarah J. Maas books is that there is very little representation. It is quite disappointing and she should definitely work on that.

My Rating: 4.8/5

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Book Review: Blood and Honey

"We’re natural enemies, Reid. You’ll always be a witch hunter. I’ll always be a witch. And we’ll always bring each other pain.”

A book about witch hunters, witches, dark magic, impending war and tons of romance.

SYNOPSIS

After narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Dames Blanches, Lou, Reid, Coco, and Ansel are on the run from coven, kingdom, and church—fugitives with nowhere to hide.

To elude the scores of witches and throngs of chasseurs at their heels, Lou and Reid need allies. Strong ones. But protection comes at a price, and the group is forced to embark on separate quests to build their forces. As Lou and Reid try to close the widening rift between them, the dastardly Morgane baits them in a lethal game of cat and mouse that threatens to destroy something worth more than any coven.

REVIEW

The only way to describe this book is unending beautiful pain. I finished the book and stared at nothing for a while in sadness.

The best part about the book has to be Reid's character development and the most beautiful thing to read his relationship with Lou.

The plot, the characters everything are amazing, till they make you cry like hell. I really do not have much to say about the book without giving spoilers so all I will say it read it with a fresh mind and when you have time on your hands (to curl in a ball and cry).

My Review: 4.6/5

Author: Shelby Mahurin

Book Review: Tower of Dawn

"You must enter where you fear to tread."

An amazing book about a man we don't like and a girl we do.

SYNOPSIS

Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shining city of Antica to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, whose vast armies are Erilea's last hope. But they have also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the famed Torre Cesme for the wounds Chaol received in Rifthold.

After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child, Yrene Towers has no desire to help the young lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need—and will honor it. But Lord Westfall carries shadows from his own past, and Yrene soon comes to realize they could engulf them both.

In this sweeping parallel novel to the New York Times bestselling Empire of Storms, Chaol, Nesryn, and Yrene will have to draw on every scrap of their resilience if they wish to save their friends. But while they become entangled in the political webs of the khaganate, deep in the shadows of mighty mountains where warriors soar on legendary ruks, long-awaited answers slumber. Answers that might offer their world a chance at survival—or doom them all . . .

REVIEW

Despite popular opinion, I highly suggest reading this book before continuing to the final book in the series. Not just from the plot point of view but overall for character development and introduction it is a really important part of the series.

I did not like Chaol before reading the book but atleast he become bearable after. Besides, seeing Chaol and Yrene's relationship develop is adorable. The way Yrene puts Chaol back in his place is hilarious.

Also , Nesryn and Sartaq's relationship is so cute. All in all, it is a very enjoyable book and I love it.

My Review: 4/5

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Followed By: Kingdom of Ash

Book Review: Empire of Storms

“A court that wouldn't just change the world. It would start the world over.”

A beautiful story full of love and redemption. The journey of Aelin and her friends towards the ultimate war.

SYNOPSIS

Kingdoms will collide.

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

With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

In this breathtaking fifth installment of the Throne of Glass series, Aelin will have to choose what—and who—to sacrifice if she's to keep the world of Erilea from breaking apart.

REVIEW

This book is one of very few multiple POVs favourites. Generally the switch between the POV is too abrupt, or the other characters are just not that interesting. But in this book each character's journey and adventures held my complete attention.

People usually don't like Lorcan, but I think Lorcan and Elide's relationship was adorable. It was like the big bad wolf fell for the sweet innocent girl, but the girl was not afraid of putting him back in his place.

I am absolutely in love with Manon , who supposedly does not care about anyone. She is such a badass! Her relationship with Dorian is just amazing.

Best part of all was that we get to see all of Aelin's powers and her terrifyingly charming assassin side.

All in all, it was a wonderful book with a heartbreaking build up and some unexpected yet awesome friendships.

My Rating: 4.5/5

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Followed by: Tower of Dawn

Book Review: Queen of Shadows

“She was fire, and light, and ash, and embers. She was Aelin Fireheart, and she bowed for no one and nothing, save the crown that was hers by blood and survival and triumph.”

A book filled with possible romances, budding friendships and lots of action.

SYNOPSIS

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past…

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.

REVIEW

This book is the base for the entire Throne of Glass series. as well as all the major relationships. I am absolutely in love with Rowan. I had to give the book my complete attention because it felt like if I missed a word I would miss something major. 

The plot was very interesting and Rowan and Aelin's relationship development was amazing. All their little flirty moments were hilarious. 

All the new characters had kind of their own story going on but I never felt like skipping any. The buildup was amazing. I could not wait to complete the book and move on to the next one. This is genuinely one of my favourite series.

My Rating: 4.2/5

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Followed By: Empire of Storms

Book Review: Heir of Fire

"...her dearest friends are characters in books."

An action packed book about discovering and becoming the best version of yourself along with making new friends along the way.

SYNOPSIS

Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak-but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth . . . a truth about her heritage that could change her life-and her future-forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons, but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed?

REVIEW

This book is mostly about Celaena's transformation in Aelin. She conquers her inner demons and emerges stronger than ever. Her entire journey is extremely gripping.

Other than that her budding relationship with Rowan was extremely fun to watch. Their banters and fights were hilarious and adorable.

Similar to Crown of Midnight, this book was more of a buildup and an introduction for a few major characters. 

My Rating: 3.8/5

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Followed By: Queen of Shadows

Book Review: Serpent and Dove

 

“There are some things that can't be changed with words. Some things have to be seen. They have to be felt.”

A witch, forced to marry a witch hunter. A marriage based on spite, yet when they are forced to fight together could it turn into something else? 

SYNOPSIS

Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.

Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.

And love makes fools of us all.

REVIEW

I initially started reading the book because I was kind of in a reading slump, so I wanted to begin with a simple enemies to lovers romance book. Once I got into the book there was no going back. I finished the book in two nights and its sequel in another two.

Yes, the characters and their chemistry was extremely well depicted but more than that the plot was so gripping with a runaway witch trying to save herself and a witch hunter (reluctantly so) helping  her out that it immediately got me out of the slump.

Lou and Coco are the most badass characters ever. Their friendship extremely admirable with an undying loyalty and hilarious interactions. Each twist and turn in the book was amazingly written. Most of all it was the attention to detail that got me hooked. In most books some scenes are too detailed and others too less, but in Serpent and Dove a perfect balance was maintained.

Although, there were a few scenes at the end that felt a bit elongated, but all in all it was a wonderful book with a fulfilling romance and a beautifully enticing plot.

My Rating: 4.3/5

Author: Shelby Mahurin

Followed by: Blood and Honey

 

Book Review: The Shadows Between Us

 “They've never found the body of the first and only boy who broke my heart. And they never will.”

A fantasy romance novel filled with strategies, hatred, greed but most of all love.

SYNOPSIS

Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:

1) Woo the Shadow King.

2) Marry him.

3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.

No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.

But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?

REVIEW

Alessandra is a fierce, brave woman who takes what she wants, instead of asking for it. All her life she had been ignored and suppressed, so when she got the chance to woo the Shadow King, she grabbed it. What she did not expect was to have to fight her affection for the Shadow King.

The plot of the book was mostly very interesting, except for a few parts where I thought that the characters were a bit too morally grey. It got much as the story developed but still those few scenes made me lose my interest. The character's amazingly good looks and chemistry helped.

The best part about the book is that throughout it all, Alessandra did not lose her true empowered self. Usually in such stories, as the woman falls in love her character loses its strength, but Alessandra remains stronger than ever. 

All in all, it was an extremely well written story, with a gripping morally grey plot and it makes me look forward to reading the author's other works.

My Rating: 3.7/5

Author: Tricia Levenseller

Book Review: The Wrath and the Dawn

 “Some things exist in our lives for but a brief moment. And we must let them go on to light another sky.”

An Arabian Nights rendition with a perfect balance of mystery, magic and love.

SYNOPSIS

In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all.

Night after night, Shahrzad beguiles Khalid, weaving stories that enchant, ensuring her survival, though she knows each dawn could be her last. But something she never expected begins to happen: Khalid is nothing like what she'd imagined him to be. This monster is a boy with a tormented heart. Incredibly, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love. How is this possible? It's an unforgivable betrayal. Still, Shahrzad has come to understand all is not as it seems in this palace of marble and stone. She resolves to uncover whatever secrets lurk and, despite her love, be ready to take Khalid's life as retribution for the many lives he's stolen. Can their love survive this world of stories and secrets?

REVIEW

The Wrath and the Dawn is set in a rich and vivid ancient Persia with a pinch of magic and enough descriptions of food to make your mouth water. 

The writing style is just as beautiful, poetic and bold as you would expect from the setting. The characters are extremely well written with Shahrzad's wit and bravery and Khalid's torturous self loathing.

Despite Shahrzad's fear, she tricks Khalid into letting her live day after day. What she or him did not expect was to fall in love with each other. Unlike all other fantasy books I have read with love that could not possibly be real, their love felt real and truly beautiful.

I initially thought it was a standalone, which was the only reason I was reading it but as the plot develops I could not stop till I got to know the end and it did not disappoint. There were truly unexpected twists and turns throughout the book. One minute you are enjoying a quiet peaceful scene and the next something terrible happens. Yet the story did not feel rushed or confusing.

All in all, this enticing retelling of the classic collection of stories A Thousand and One Nights is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.

My Rating: 4.8/5

Author: Reneé Ahdieh

Followed By: The Rose and the Dagger

Book Review: Crown of Midnight

 

Throne of Glass Book 2

“If they wanted Adarlan's Assassin, they'd get her.

And Wyrd help them when she arrived.”

SYNOPSIS

She is the greatest assassin her world has ever known. But does she have the heart of a killer?

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. But Calaena is far from loyal to the crown. Keeping up the charade - while pretending to do the king's bidding - will test her skills in an entirely new way. And it certainly isn't the only point of confusion for the young girl. Because though she's made her choice between Dorian and Chaol, the ways of the heart are never simple... 

REVIEW

This book is important from the plot development point of view, which is the only reason I could complete it. Don't get me wrong, the book is well written and quite interesting but the part I did not like is the love triangle one. I've never liked than trope and this book was heavily based on it. It does get sorted by the end but it gives rise to unnecessary complications.

There is not much to say about the book because it is more of a link than a proper book but if you love the love triangle trope you might just enjoy it. 

The best part of the book was that we got to see a lot of the assassin side of Celeana. Don't worry, she did not lose her self loving, boastful side.

All in all, it was an action and romance packed novel with a very impactful ending.

My Rating: 3/5

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Preceded By: Throne of Glass

Followed By: Heir Of Fire

Book Review: Crooked Kingdom

Six of Crows Book 2

“I would have come for you. And if I couldn't walk, I'd crawl to you, and no matter how broken we were, we'd fight our way out together-knives drawn, pistols blazing. Because that's what we do. We never stop fighting.”

This book is an amazing blend of a political drama, a slow burn romance, a perfect love and hilarious banter with a painfully beautiful ending.

SYNOPSIS

Welcome to the world of the Grisha.

Kaz Brekker and his crew of deadly outcasts 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 badly weakened, 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 the Grisha world.

REVIEW

This book brings an end to the terrifying adventure of the crows in the last book. I do not have words for how much I loved this book and every single one of it's characters (except for Kuwei, no one likes him). 

Generally, there are two kind of books, one with a satisfying ending and the other without. Crooked Kingdom was none and both. The ending could be considered perfect for some readers but to me it just left me wanting more of Kaz and Inej's moments and the Crows' amazing (life-threatening) adventures. Then again, I also think the beauty of the ending was in the mystery of it.

I was so entranced by every single page of the book, I finished it in a single night, by the end of which I was a crying mess. The way the characters and the plot was written was unreal. It truly felt like I was in the midst of every single situation. Every scene, every story, every romance was beautifully told.

All in all, Six of Crows is the best series I have ever read. My favourite genres are humour, action, thriller, romance and this is one of the very few books that has it all.

My Rating: 5/5

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Preceded by: Six of Crows

Lifeless

You know the feeling when you are surrounded by the most amazing things and the most wonderful people but there is this feeling inside of you, holding you back from enjoying it. You have this obligation to look like you are a part of everything around you when all you wish to do is run away. This painting, in a way depicts a person who is dead on the inside, despite being surrounded by the most beautiful things, and is forced to make it look like he fits in. 

When you look at a painting, the first thing that catches your eye are the colours and other physical aspects of it. What you do not see are the emotions held behind the painting. This painting may look beautiful on the outside but what it truly depicts is that even a broken, lifeless man can look like he is having the greatest time if he is surrounded by wonderful, colourful things. The skeleton portrays the true emotions of a person who is dead on the inside but, nobody can see it because he puts on a facade and surrounds himself with the most beautiful but frivolous things.

Book Review: Sorcery of Thorns

 "Knowledge always has the potential to be dangerous. It is a more powerful weapon than any sword or spell.”

If you are a book lover this is the perfect book for you filled with enchanted books, libraries, sorcerers and all sorts of evil magic.

SYNOPSIS

All sorcerers are evil. Elisabeth has known that as long as she has known anything. Raised as a foundling in one of Austermeer’s Great Libraries, Elisabeth has grown up among the tools of sorcery—magical grimoires that whisper on shelves and rattle beneath iron chains. If provoked, they transform into grotesque monsters of ink and leather. She hopes to become a warden, charged with protecting the kingdom from their power.

Then an act of sabotage releases the library’s most dangerous grimoire. Elisabeth’s desperate intervention implicates her in the crime, and she is torn from her home to face justice in the capital. With no one to turn to but her sworn enemy, the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn, and his mysterious demonic servant, she finds herself entangled in a centuries-old conspiracy. Not only could the Great Libraries go up in flames, but the world along with them.

As her alliance with Nathaniel grows stronger, Elisabeth starts to question everything she’s been taught—about sorcerers, about the libraries she loves, even about herself. For Elisabeth has a power she has never guessed, and a future she could never have imagined.

REVIEW

I loved the book mostly because of it's badass and amazing characters. Elisabeth is strong, fierce, brave and never apologises for who she is. Most of all, she has a magical relationship with books and has a dangerously curious soul. Her character growth was the most admirable in the book. I absolutely love her love/hate relationship with Nathaniel. Nathaniel is a complete disaster and I love him for it. He is damaged and scarred but is the most competent and amazing sorcerer of all, ignoring the fact that he sucks at everything else. He too shows beautiful character growth throughout the book. As for Silas, I have no words. I  can only describe him as a supposed demon, showing the most feelings of all.

As for the plot, there is not much to tell without giving spoilers. But, the world that the author has built is a haven for fantasy readers. With beautifully detailed libraries and Grimoires - magical books that can speak and display emotions, the world is the most enticing.

There were a few places where I felt like the plot got a little boring for me but that only lasted for a few pages. As the story developed, I simply could not put the book down.

All in all, the magic, the demonic bargains, the libraries, the monsters made of ink and paper, the adventurous spirit, and the wonderful character make Sorcery of Thorns a must read for me.

True moral of the book, demons are not bad and I must go summon one.

My Rating: 4/5

Author: Margaret Rogerson

Book Review : To Kill a Kingdom

 

"Technically, I’m a murderer, but I like to think that’s one of my better qualities."  - To Kill A Kingdom

A story about finding family and love in the most unexpected places.

SYNOPSIS

Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most—a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever.

The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby—it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good—But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy?

REVIEW

This book is a very different but intriguing rendition of 'The Little Mermaid'. The setting of the book was perfect. With pirates, sirens and all kinds of sea creatures, this book was filled with dangerous adventures and hilarious banter.

The characters were extremely well written. I absolutely loved Lira's charming, lovable and sarcastic personality. Her bravery, strength and ability to destroy her enemies in a flash held my complete admiration. Seeing Lira and Elian's  cautious relationship full of distrust and hatred turning into one of extreme trust, admiration and flirtation was extremely hilarious and beautiful.

One thing I did not enjoy was that the plot got a bit rushed at the end. The final scene felt a little too overwhelming with too much happening at the same time. The book could have been turned into a duology with a little more focus on Lira and Elian's relationship, as it felt a bit too sudden at the end.

All in all, I quite enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading more of the author's work.

My Rating: 4.2/5

Author: Alexandra Cristo

Book Review : The Cruel Prince

 

"If you hurt me, I wouldn't cry. I would hurt you back." - The Cruel Prince

A story of faeries, love, hatred, family and badass women.

SYNOPSIS

‘Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him – and face the consequences.

In doing so, she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, discovering her own capacity for bloodshed. But as civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.’

REVIEW

The best part about the book is that there is a very complex background to each character which makes the story more intriguing. Each character has a difficult morality level which makes it more challenging for us to understand them. This might make the plot a little confusing sometimes but it also gives it an interesting 'to like or not to like' factor.

None of the characters are clearly 'good' or clearly 'bad'. Honestly, the entire plot is kind of like that. Sometimes it makes you question the protagonist's intentions which some people may not enjoy but it was quite fun to read for me.

Unlike other novels, where the male lead is the  hundred year old strong, tough one, here Cardan is a confused 19 year who barely knows how to wield a sword and is terrified of Jude. All of this makes his character development all the more interesting.

One thing I did not enjoy was that, the characters got a little cliché and towards the middle. Even the story got a little slow pace which made it hard to continue, but towards the end all of that got better. I was quite satisfied with the ending.

My Rating: 4/5

Author: Holly Black

Followed by: The Wicked King