The Folk of the Air Book 1.5: The Lost Sisters by Holly Black

The Folk of the Air Book 1.5

Sometimes the difference between a love story and a horror story is where the ending comes . . . 

While Jude fought for power in the Court of Elfhame against the cruel Prince Cardan, her sister Taryn began to fall in love with the trickster, Locke. 

Half-apology and half-explanation, it turns out that Taryn has some secrets of her own to reveal.

The Lost Sisters is a companion e-novella to the New York Times bestselling novel The Cruel Prince by master writer Holly Black.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40772063-the-lost-sisters

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

This short novella in the Folk of the Air series gives us an insight of Taryn. We finally get to see what was going through her head and how she fell in love with Locke. Everything makes a lot more sense now after reading Taryn's point of view. We could see how she could fall for someone to horrible and all the decisions she made. This story is portrayed as her telling Jude her story. She is practicing what she would say, how to make Jude understand the bad decisions she made, and then by the end she is determined to stay on the course because honestly she believes in them. That even though she keeps apologizing, I don't think she would change her actions one bit. She is hoping that Jude will understand after she tells her story. And she is willing to practice it over and over until she herself believes it and that it will make the future better. I liked reading this story before The Wicked King comes out because I have a feeling we will still be questioning Taryn's choices but instead of thinking her so foolish, we will understand it better. But I will probably still think she is foolish. Hopefully she will prove me wrong, but it seems we have a long way to go until then. 

A Broken Destiny Novel Book 3: The Brightest Embers by Jeaniene Frost

A Broken Destiny Novel Book 3

You can run from your destiny, but you can't hide 

Ivy thought that she and Adrian had conquered their fates. Yet with thousands of innocents still trapped in the demon realms, she's determined to locate the final hallowed weapon and harness its unparalleled power to free them. But the last relic nearly put Ivy in the grave—there's probably no coming back from this one.

Adrian's dark lineage has made him the most powerful of his kind, yet even his incredible abilities might not be enough now. Instead, the treacherous fate he has fought so hard to escape might be the only way he can save Ivy. Their scintillating bond has been tested before, but never with so much on the line. Now fate will come head-to-head against true love, and nothing they've endured can prepare Ivy and Adrian for the unthinkable choices they'll face...

Don't miss the earth-shattering conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost's Broken Destiny series!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32336118-the-brightest-embers

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My Review: 3/5 Stars

The final book of the Broken Destiny Series and it was basically the same as the first two. I wasn't overly impressed by this series, which stinks because I do love Jeaniene Frost's books. But the series as a whole was kind of disappointing. Was my interest piqued the whole time? Yes. Because there was a lot going on that made me want to find out how Ivy and Adrian could survive and find their happy ending, but at the same time it just disappointed me a bit. Maybe I was expecting this last one to be the best out of all of them. And there were moments that I loved and cheered for our heroes, but most of the time Ivy annoyed me like just annoyed me in the first two books. And though she grew by the end of the book, I was still struggling a bit. So this book has Ivy and Adrian searching for the last hallowed object. But Adrian at first is determined not to let her find it because he knows when she does, she will die. Thus problems start between them and luckily it doesn't last as long as I thought it would. They find a way to basically agree to disagree and respect the choices they will make moving forward. There was a small surprise near the end, that explained a lot of Ivy's moods. But what bothered me the most was the ending. I liked how everything worked out, but it also ended super abruptly. No epilogue, nada. It felt like there should have been a bit more and yet there wasn't. So that was really disappointing. The series as a whole was pretty good. I for the most part enjoyed it. But I've said it before, not Jeaniene Frost's strongest work. Her Night Huntress Universe books are way better than this series. So if you haven't read that series and was disappointed with this, then definitely give those a chance! 

A Broken Destiny Novel Book 2: The Sweetest Burn by Jeaniene Frost

A Broken Destiny Novel Book 2

The breathtaking second novel in New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost's Broken Destiny series finds Ivy and Adrian rekindling their alliance—and passion—as the struggle for the fate of the world begins… 

Conquering a supernatural realm turned out to be easier than getting over a broken heart. But her initial victory has made Ivy a target for revenge, forcing her to reunite with the dangerous—and dangerously sexy—Adrian. Ivy isn't sure which will be harder: finding the hallowed weapon that will repair the crumbling walls between the demon and human realms, or resisting Adrian, who's decided that come hell or high water, he will make Ivy his. 

At first, Adrian tried to resist his feelings for Ivy. Now, determined to break the curse that dooms their love, he's vowed to save her and to have her. If only he can persuade her to forgive his past sins. But defying destiny—and surrendering to the smoldering desire between them—will bring consequences and sacrifices they never imagined…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26197088-the-sweetest-burn

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My Review: 3/5 Stars

Things get a lot more interesting in book 2 of the Broken Destiny series. Ivy and Adrian are reunited, and though Ivy tries hard to ignore her feelings toward Adrian, it's hard to stay mad at someone who cares for her the way Adrian does. Especially when everything he does has always been to protect her. In this book, they are working to find the second hallowed weapon, Moses's staff, to repair the walls between demons and humans. I liked this one a bit better than the first, but again this series has nothing on Frost's Night Huntress Universe books. Still, I want to see this one through and learn how Ivy and Adrian can officially beat their destinies. 

A Broken Destiny Novel Book 1: The Beautiful Ashes by Jeaniene Frost

A Broken Destiny Novel Book 1

In a world of shadows, anything is possible. Except escaping your fate. 

Ever since she was a child, Ivy has been gripped by visions of strange realms just beyond her own. But when her sister goes missing, Ivy discovers the truth is far worse—her hallucinations are real, and her sister is trapped in a parallel realm. And the one person who believes her is the dangerously attractive guy who's bound by an ancient legacy to betray her. 

Adrian might have turned his back on those who raised him, but that doesn't mean he can change his fate…no matter how strong a pull he feels toward Ivy. Together they search for the powerful relic that can save her sister, but Adrian knows what Ivy doesn't: that every step brings Ivy closer to the truth about her own destiny, and a war that could doom the world. Sooner or later, it will be Ivy on one side and Adrian on the other. And nothing but ashes in between…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19486775-the-beautiful-ashes

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My Review: 3/5 Stars

Jeaniene Frost has become one of my favorite authors. And though I loved her Night Huntress Universe books, I will say that this first Broken Destiny novel is not as good as those. However! That is not to say this book wasn't good. I really enjoyed reading this one and I think that the next two in the series will be better than this one, now that the story is set. I don't think it will be as rushed, like this one at times felt like. Nevertheless, I really like the concept of this story and the myths that were created for it. It was very clever and different. This book follows Ivy, as she realizes that the visions she has always seen doesn't mean she is crazy, she is just seeing other very real realms. Her sister is missing and she is determined to find her. This brings her to Adrian, who clues her in on the supernatural of the world and what her visions mean. Adrian was such a great character. He believes he is destined to betray Ivy and is determined for it not to happen. They work together to find a weapon that will defeat the demons that hold Ivy's sister and destroy any chance of Adrian fulfilling the destiny everyone believes he has. Meanwhile, there is a growing attraction between Ivy and Adrian, that Adrian tries very hard to push away because he knows that the more attached they become to one another, the more likely a betrayal will happen. Great book. Looking forward to seeing how it will play out!

The Geography of Lost Things by Jessica Brody

In this romantic road trip story perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Morgan Matson, a teen girl discovers the value of ordinary objects while learning to forgive her absent father.

After Ali’s father passes away, he leaves his one and only prized possession—a 1968 Firebird convertible—to his daughter. But Ali doesn’t plan on keeping it. Not when it reminds her too much of all her father’s unfulfilled promises. So when she finds a buyer three hundred miles up the Pacific coast willing to pay enough money for the car to save her childhood home, Ali can’t wait to get going. Except Ali has no idea how to drive a stick shift. But guess who does?

Ali’s ex-boyfriend, Nico. And Nico has other plans.

He persuades Ali that instead of selling the car, they should “trade up” the items they collect on their trip to eventually reach the monetary amount Ali needs. Agreeing with Nico’s crazy plan, Ali sets off on a unique adventure that is unlike anything she ever could have expected.

And it’s through Ali’s travels, through the strangers she meets and the things that they value—and why they value them—that Ali eventually comes to understand her father and how his life may not have been as easy and carefree as she previously thought. Because just like the seemingly insignificant objects Ali collects, not everything is exactly as it appears.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38355173-the-geography-of-lost-things

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

A fun, quirky, romantic, and even emotional book that had me craving for a road trip on the west coast! Though I will admit the road  trip is something I always wanted to do, reading this book just reminded that I need to finally make the plans and just do it, because there are adventures out there waiting for me! Really enjoyed this book. Ali and Nico are such awesome relatable characters. They find themselves on this road trip together to initially sell Ali's dad's car, but the trip takes many different twists and turns. And soon it isn't just about raising the money to save Ali's house, but it's one to break down the walls they keep around themselves and find their way back to one another. Ali learns important things about herself on the trip the more they travel. Really great story to read and important lessons scattered throughout. 

Debutantes Book 1: Little White Lies by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Debutantes Book 1

"I'm not saying this is Sawyer's fault," the prim and proper one said delicately. "But."

Eighteen-year-old auto mechanic Sawyer Taft did not expect her estranged grandmother to show up at her apartment door and offer her a six-figure contract to participate in debutante season. And she definitely never imagined she would accept. But when she realizes that immersing herself in her grandmother's "society" might mean discovering the answer to the biggest mystery of her life-her father's identity-she signs on the dotted line and braces herself for a year of makeovers, big dresses, bigger egos, and a whole lot of bless your heart. The one thing she doesn't expect to find is friendship, but as she's drawn into a group of debutantes with scandalous, dangerous secrets of their own, Sawyer quickly discovers that her family isn't the only mainstay of high society with skeletons in their closet. There are people in her grandmother's glittering world who are not what they appear, and no one wants Sawyer poking her nose into the past. As she navigates the twisted relationships between her new friends and their powerful parents, Sawyer's search for the truth about her own origins is just the beginning.

Set in the world of debutante balls, grand estates and rolling green hills, Little White Lies combines a charming setting, a classic fish-out-of-water story, and the sort of layered mystery only author Jennifer Lynn Barnes can pull off.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36321744-little-white-lies

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Jennifer Lynn Barnes has a talent for mystery and suspense in her books. Every time I pick up one of her books, I end up reading it all within the day. There is never a good place to pause, because it feels like every chapter ends on a cliffhanger. Then I am constantly trying to figure out the answer to the mystery she has set for us. In this book, there were many. When Sawyer's grandmother ends up on her doorstep giving her a deal that could help her not only get through college, but finally give her the answer the answer her mother has denied her, she takes it. That mystery? Who is her father. Little does she realize that the life of her grandmother's "society" is a lot messier than it appears. Scandals left and right, felonies, blackmail, and the occasional makeover or two surround Sawyer. And she is soon dragged, or maybe a bit blackmailed, into a situation that is getting more and more crazy the deeper she is pulled in. Really awesome book. Definitely kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Like I said, I was determined to find out the truth and I was happy to hear there will be a sequel, especially since there were so many unanswered questions and unresolved issues left. 

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

It’s 2002, a year after 9/11. It’s an extremely turbulent time politically, but especially so for someone like Shirin, a sixteen-year-old Muslim girl who’s tired of being stereotyped.

Shirin is never surprised by how horrible people can be. She’s tired of the rude stares, the degrading comments—even the physical violence—she endures as a result of her race, her religion, and the hijab she wears every day. So she’s built up protective walls and refuses to let anyone close enough to hurt her. Instead, she drowns her frustrations in music and spends her afternoons break-dancing with her brother.

But then she meets Ocean James. He’s the first person in forever who really seems to want to get to know Shirin. It terrifies her—they seem to come from two irreconcilable worlds—and Shirin has had her guard up for so long that she’s not sure she’ll ever be able to let it down. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38720939-a-very-large-expanse-of-sea

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Brilliant. Absolutely fantastic. I loved this book and the moment I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I was immediately drawn into the story and the characters. Loved Shirin. Loved Ocean. A favorite author of mine, Sabaa Tahir, read the book and reviewed it saying, "One of the best contemporary books I've ever read, and hands-down the best YA on what it means to be a Muslim American post 9/11. Tahereh Mafi pulls no punches, spares no feelings and tells the absolute truth and it is beautiful, rare and heartbreaking. If there's one book you read this year, make it this one." And I agree with her a hundred percent. Mafi is a fantastic writer. And her characters are always ones you can't help but feel drawn to. I can't even formulate the words to express how powerful this book was and how much I loved it. Blown away. Beautiful book. If you haven't read it, you need to. 

The Guardians Book 5: Jack Frost the End Becomes the Beginning by William Joyce

The Guardians Book 5

The Guardians' powers are given the ultimate test as they journey to the moon itself in this fifth and final chapter book adventure of an epic series from William Joyce.

The Guardians came together to protect the childhoods of all who dream, and they are a formidable team: Nicholas St. North, E. Aster Bunnymund, Toothiana, the Sandman, Nightlight, and Katherine have thus far prevented Pitch from fulfilling his nightmarish plans.

But Pitch and his nightmare men lurk on the fringes, gathering strength, stewing in hate, and the Guardians know their guard needs one more member if they are going to vanquish Pitch for all eternity. And once they find the last in their band, they'll travel to the secret realm of the Man in the Moon, encounter armies of Moonbots, and face the greatest battle since the Golden Age; and that is just the beginning of this grand conclusion to a series most grand.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18668504-jack-frost

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The final book of the Guardians series and it was the one I was patiently waiting for! We finally learn the origin of Jack Frost. And how the beloved character Nightlight became him. A lot of time has passed since the previous book. Nightlight disappeared and Jack Frost emerged and found his way back to the Guardians. Though he has changed from his time as Nightlight, a lot is still the same, like his connection to Katherine. A beautifully told story of how Nightlight became Jack Frost, Katherine's point of view of her friend, and the conclusion of their long battle against Pitch Black. Pitch has returned and seeks to end Jack Frost once and for all, the key to defeating him is in their memories. The book is filled with beautiful illustrations and a story that makes the long wait well worth it! 

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

Fantastic Beasts Book 2

J.K. Rowling’s five-film Fantastic Beasts adventure series continues with the original screenplay for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

At the end of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald was captured in New York with the help of Newt Scamander. But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escapes custody and sets about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.

In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore enlists Newt, his former Hogwarts student, who agrees to help once again, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.

This second original screenplay from J.K. Rowling, illustrated with stunning line art from MinaLima, expands on earlier events that helped shape the wizarding world, with some surprising nods to the Harry Potter stories that will delight fans of both the books and films.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39331761-fantastic-beasts

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I loved the second book of Fantastic Beasts. And when it comes to this series, I will say that watching the movie first then reading the book is the way to go. (And I will never say that otherwise.) The reason I say it now, is because the movies are always so fantastic. And I didn't want to the book the spoil it. And after watching the movie then reading the screenplay, I was able to picture the movie in my head again and catch things that I may have missed in the movie at the time. This second installment was really fantastic. Lots of new secrets were revealed and the plot twists were absolutely insane! I loved the return of some favorite characters like Newt, Tina, and Jacob. And I loved our new ones, Theseus, Leta, and Nagini. And of course, I loved younger Dumbledore. In this books Grindelwald is free and the war that is coming is only just beginning. I'm very excited to see where this series goes. 

Shifters Unbound Series Book 11.75: A Shifter Christmas Carol by Jennifer Ashley

Shifters Unbound Book 11.75

Dylan Morrissey forgoes the Shifters’ traditional Yule celebration, to his family’s dismay. Instead, he joins Ben at the haunted house in New Orleans, planning to meet with potential, if dangerous, allies in the Shifters’ constant struggle for freedom. 

But the sentient house has other ideas. Dylan wakes up—or rather doesn’t—unable to move or speak, and is taken on a journey to the past, present, and future. 

Ben, Zander, and Tiger are his guides, but is what they are showing him truth? 

Return to Shiftertown for a Shifters Unbound take on a classic Christmas tale!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43117495-a-shifter-christmas-carol

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I really loved getting back into the Shifter world! I didn't realize how much I missed the series! Even if this one was a short novella. I'm super looking forward to the next full length novel. This was super cool because we finally got something in Dylan's point of view and i don't think we have had something in his point of view, and if we have it's been a while.This was a nice novella because it was not only a cute Christmas story, but we got some important information around Dylan. As well as Dylan finally realizing that he cannot take on this Shifter War alone. He needs to rely on his family and accept that working with his family is better than those who are more dangerous and untrustworthy. It was truly an eye opening experience for Dylan and I can't wait for when he gets his own full length novel. 

The Dark Artifices Book 3: Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare

The Dark Artifices Book 3

Dark secrets and forbidden love threaten the very survival of the Shadowhunters in Cassandra Clare’s Queen of Air and Darkness, the final novel in the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling The Dark Artifices trilogy.

What if damnation is the price of true love?

Innocent blood has been spilled on the steps of the Council Hall, the sacred stronghold of the Shadowhunters. In the wake of the tragic death of Livia Blackthorn, the Clave teeters on the brink of civil war. One fragment of the Blackthorn family flees to Los Angeles, seeking to discover the source of the blight that is destroying the race of warlocks. 

Meanwhile, Julian and Emma take desperate measures to put their forbidden love aside and undertake a perilous mission to Faerie to retrieve the Black Volume of the Dead. What they find in the Courts is a secret that may tear the Shadow World asunder and open a dark path into a future they could never have imagined. Caught in a race against time, Emma and Julian must save the world of Shadowhunters before the deadly power of the parabatai curse destroys them and everyone they love.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36538785-queen-of-air-and-darkness

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

By the Angel this book was so insane and really, really fantastic. So much happened it is no wonder the book is 900 pages. But every moment was amazing and brilliant. There was nothing disappointing about this book. Filled with twists and turns, heart breaks and moments of love, hints of the future, and so much more. We were given so much more than I thought would be possible. Everyone told a part in this story and I loved that. No one was missed. It picks up immediately where the last one ended and everyone has to find a way to deal with their grief, the consequences of Annabel Blackthorn, and the extremists in the Shadowhunter ranks that are causing chaos and destruction. And if that wasn't bad, Emma and Julian are still trying to figure out how to stop the parabatai curse. And boy the results with that curse were insane!! Every moment of this book was a page turner. I read so quickly, determined to find out what would happen. I'm always so afraid to read these books because they are so unpredictable and I love all the characters and to see anything bad happen to them would be so heartbreaking. But as soon as I dive back into the Shadowhunter world, I remember all the things I love about it and I am eager to read it and for all the new ones to come out. And with this ending the Wicked Powers series is going to be insane and I am going to be so impatient for it to come out! I don't want to spoil anything, this is one book you don't want to be spoiled. Amazing book. 

Night Prince Novel Book 4: Into the Fire by Jeaniene Frost

Night Prince Novel Book 4

In the explosive finale to New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost’s Night Prince series, Vlad is in danger of losing his bride to an enemy whose powers might prove greater than the Prince of Vampire’s…. 

In the wrong hands, love can be a deadly weapon.

For nearly six hundred years, Vlad Tepesh cared for nothing, so he had nothing to lose. His brutal reputation ensured that all but the most foolhardy stayed away. Now falling in love with Leila has put him at the mercy of his passions. And one adversary has found a devastating way to use Vlad’s new bride against him.

A powerful spell links Leila to the necromancer Mircea. If he suffers or dies, so does she. Magic is forbidden to vampires, so Vlad and Leila enlist an unlikely guide as they search for a way to break the spell. But an ancient enemy lies in wait, capable of turning Vlad and Leila’s closest friends against them…and finally tearing the lovers apart forever. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23586994-into-the-fire

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

A great conclusion to this series and it was even better than the first time I read it. I truly believe that you need all the books from the Night Huntress Universe to truly enjoy and appreciate everything that happened in this book. Old characters return and new problems to solve. This epic conclusion has Vlad and Leila fighting against necromancers and find a way to break the spell that links  Leila and Mircea. Ups and downs, lots of plot twists, action, romance, and a bright path to the next set of books to come. This was a great one in the series.