All posts by skyebjenner

The Heir by Kiera Cass

February 8, 2017Book ReviewDystopia, Easy Reading, Kiera Cass, Romance, The Selectionskyebjenner

Title: The Heir
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: He was followed by a boy with a drawl so thick I had to really focus to catch his words.

Princess Eadlyn has grown up hearing endless stories about how her mother and father met. Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won the heart of Prince Maxon – and they lived happily ever after.

Eadlyn doesn’t expect her own story to end in romance – she has no interest in repeating the fairy tale. But a princess’s life is never entirely her own – and Eadlyn cannot escape her very own Selection, and one particular entry who may just capture her heart…

I honestly don’t think that I liked Eadlyn until the very last page of this story. She was self-centred, over-privileged and convinced that no one else is as good, or powerful as her. The vulnerability that was revealed in some of her words did help to lessen my disgust at her character, but it only lessened it. Eadlyn’s very make-up and personality screamed over-privileged, spoilt child, and after reading about America’s plight to find love in the preceding three books, it was difficult to see how she could have created such a difficult-to-like young woman.

It was incredibly fun to find out how Maxon and America’s lives together turned out twenty years after they finally managed to find their way to one another. Their four children and the legacy they built in Illea was such a sweet, tangible reality to grasp on to. The stark differences in all of them not only indicates their place within their social hierarchy, but how different siblings can be while still having that integral connection to one another. The way that Eadlyn’s brothers stand up for and support her when she is upset is admirable. However, each one of them are also able to shut her down and remind her that she is not perfect, and there is work to do.

Although Eadlyn’s inability to see through her self-centred tendencies is frustrating, I find it incredibly difficult to completely disregard her. Although she is incapable of letting people in and finds it incredibly tough to form any kind of bond with, well, anyone, she is forced to deal with a lot. Her very way of protecting her heart against harm is what actually does the most harm. Likewise, although she may be more callous, the actions that she takes in her Selection, which are very similar to those which her father performed, are greeted with far more negative responses. It is such a beautiful and stark reminder of the fact that where actions are completely acceptable for a male, it is considered horrific for a female to act in the same manner.

<- The One Review

The Crown Review ->

Image source: The Selection Wiki

The Favorite by Kiera Cass

February 7, 2017Book ReviewDystopia, Easy Reading, Happily Ever After, Kiera Cass, Romance, The Selectionskyebjenner

Title: The Favorite
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #2.6
In: Happily Ever After (Kiera Cass)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: As they whipped the canes around, warming up, I averted my eyes.

While America Singer’s heart was torn between Aspen and Prince Maxon, her friend Marlee knew exactly what she wanted—and paid the price.

Marlee and America’s relationship is what we all want in a girlfriend – somebody who sees into the very heart of ourselves and still loves us, regardless. Her punishment for falling for a guard was a GIGANTIC turning point in the series, and it was interesting to see what truly happened in Marlee’s own words. This tale also helped to show the character of Marlee, her sweetness, her faithfulness and her amazing inner strength. The willingness to do anything for love is such a noble trait that quite frankly, few people have, and for me, Marlee epitomises this in such an understated way.

Discovering what happened to Marlee and Clark before their whipping, and what hand Maxon played in it helped to further the simple beauty of their love. But, it also showed that Maxon truly tried everything to save these integral characters, and truly had no hard feelings for what many saw as a very public betrayal. The ending to the tale, and the revealing of how Marlee and America were finally able to continue living their lives together helped to seal this faith in Maxon and trust that everything eventually turned out alright for all of the characters.

<- The Guard Review

The One Review ->

Image source: Epic Reads

The Guard by Kiera Cass

February 6, 2017Book ReviewDystopia, Easy Reading, Happily Ever After, Kiera Cass, Romance, The Selectionskyebjenner

Title: The Guard
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #2.5
In: Happily Ever After (Kiera Cass)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: When she left, my thoughts turned back to America.

Before America Singer met Prince Maxon . . .

Before she entered the Selection . . .

She was in love with a boy named Aspen Leger.

I found Aspen kind of difficult to love when I first met him, not that I disliked him in any way, shape or form, but I just didn’t quite love him. To be fair, it took me a while to truly fall in love with Maxon too – both men seemed to have a fair chance with America and they are both flawed enough to have made the falling for her difficult. However, The Guard helps to provide more insight into why he acted like a total and utter twerp. Well, other than being the beginning of the story and love triangle that is so integral to the series.

Although most of Aspen’s words focuses on his regret and love for America, it was his insights into the castle and King Clarkson relationship with his son that I enjoyed the most in The Guard. His abusive and underhanded nature was slowly revealed throughout the first three Selection books, but it was the overheard conversations and his horrifying actions that truly revealed this. I’m glad that I only read this short story after I finished reading The One, because it wasn’t until that point in the series that his actions truly began to make me worry not only for the overarching love story, but for America’s life itself. That’s not to say that it’s not worth reading The Guard before The One, but I enjoyed finding out how truly horrible the man was through America’s eyes.

<- The Elite Review

The Favorite Review ->

Image source: Kiera Cass

The Prince by Kiera Cass

February 3, 2017Book ReviewDystopia, Easy Reading, Happily Ever After, Kiera Cass, Romance, The Selectionskyebjenner

Title: The Prince
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #0.5
In: Happily Ever After (Kiera Cass)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Reaching toward the back of the rack he pulled out a pair of denim pants.

Before thirty-five girls were chosen to compete in the Selection…

Before Aspen broke America’s heart…

There was another girl in Prince Maxon’s life…

The Selection, The Elite and The One tell us the love story of America and Maxon, but all from his point of view. It was incredibly enlightening to see some of his first impressions of the Selection process and America in The Prince short story. His awareness of his father’s manipulations and his reluctance to truly trust anyone lest they hurt him helped to make more of his somewhat questionable reactions to America and their courtship more understandable and enlightening.

I always found it hard to understand why a somewhat sheltered prince like Maxon would keep America in the Selection process after their first meeting and first date. However, by enabling a porthole through which to view his ideas and how truly close he came to dismissing her, it seems far more realistic. And honestly, when I read a romance story I want it to be realistic. Blinding devotion and an inability to view the others’ flaws is all well and good in fantasy-land, but it is incredibly unrealistic, and I find it more than a little painful to read about.

<- The Queen Review

The Selection Review ->

Image source: Fanpop

The Queen by Kiera Cass

February 2, 2017Book ReviewDystopia, Easy Reading, Happily Ever After, Kiera Cass, Romance, The Selectionskyebjenner

Title: The Queen
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #0.4
In: Happily Ever After (Kiera Cass)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: I took my seat in the dining hall, blushing when Clarkson winked at me.

Before America Singer’s story began, another girl came to the palace to compete for the hand of a different prince….

Don’t miss this digital original novella set in the captivating world of Kiera Cass’s #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series. This prequel story takes place before the events of The Selection and is told from the point of view of Prince Maxon’s mother, Amberly. Discover a whole new Selection with this inside look at how Maxon’s parents met—and how an ordinary girl named Amberly became a beloved queen.

If it wasn’t for the introduction that Cass wrote at the beginning of this short story, I would find this a slightly awkward story to read. Although later in The Selection series, we realise that Clarkson is quite abusive, and even as a Prince, something was obviously not quite right about the man. Amberly’s blinding devotion to the man also sent shivers up my spine – I can’t comprehend anybody being that singularly obedient to one being.

Having said that this story gave me slight goosebumps, and not in a good way, Amberly’s innocence and sweetness did leave me feeling quite content in her character. Her ability to soothe even the tempers of Clarkson is not something to be misjudged, and it makes you wonder what could have happened if she had used this talent a little more. Although, as she was just as flawed in her own way, that probably could never have eventuated.

Cass’ use of The Queen to illustrate how two severely flawed characters can fall for each other was not only touching, but also very insightful into the different ways in which relationships can develop. Her knowledge of their past helps to inform why even to the end, Amberly loved her husband dearly and was able to sacrifice everything for him.

<- Happily Ever After Review

The Prince Review ->

Image source: The Bookwhore Diaries

Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass

February 1, 2017Book ReviewDystopia, Easy Reading, Kiera Cass, Romance, Short Story Collections, The Selectionskyebjenner

Title: Happily Ever After
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection Short Stories
In: Happily Ever After (Kiera Cass)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance, Short story collections
Pace: Fast
Format: Collection
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: I took my seat in the dining hall, blushing when Clarkson winked at me.

America’s story wasn’t the only one with a happy ending…

Before Amberly came to the palace… She was a Four in love with a One.

Before Maxon met the girl of his dreams… He was the boy of someone else’s.

Before Aspen opened his heart to someone new… He was determined to fight for his first love.

And before Marlee could fall for a prince… She was swept off her feet by a guard.

I didn’t know what to expect out of this collection of short stories – The Selection series seemed to be pretty much complete at the end of The One. I was completely wrong though, finding out about Amberly, Maxon, Aspen and Marlee’s tales just helped to build on the intrigue and beauty of America’s love story. Their views of each other and the characters, and their histories helped me to further understand some of the actions that I found so frustrating while watching Mer fall in love.

It wasn’t only the four short stories that were in this collection, Celeste’s short reflections on key parts within their Selection process provided insight into a somewhat hard to like girl. Her insecurities and doubts actually made me like a character that I found truly hard to stomach throughout the series. Add to this a short that lets you know how Lucy fell for Aspen, and a collection of pages which tell us where each of the girls in the elite ended up, and not only was this novel a great read, but it also left me feeling even more complete and happy with America’s love story than before. Now to discover more about the daughter in The Heir…

<- The Crown Review

The Queen Review ->

Image source: HarperCollins

No Humans Involved by Kelley Armstrong

January 31, 2017Book ReviewDark Fantasy, Kelley Armstrong, Paranormal Fantasy, Women of the Otherworldskyebjenner

Title: No Humans Involved
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘I’d had erotic fantasties about men right in front of their noses and never batted an eye.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

It’s the most anticipated reality television event of the season: three spiritualists gathered together in one house to raise the ghost of Marilyn Monroe. For renowned medium Jaime Vegas there’s just one problem. Unlike her colleagues, Jaime is the real deal: and she knows that the house is truly haunted. Not by dead film stars, but by something even stranger and much more disturbing.

A tragic mystery lurks in the maze of gardens behind the house: trapped spirits that only Jaime can hear. As their whispers grow more frantic, Jaime – along with Alpha werewolf Jeremy Danvers – is forced to embark on an investigation into a shocking underworld of black magic and ritual sacrifice.

When there were first hints of Jamie’s crush on Jeremy in Industrial Magic, I really wasn’t sure what to think. The werewolf alpha and a woman that is flighty and enjoys numerous flings… it seemed like a bit of a weird combination of characters in a romantic entanglement. However, truly learning more about Jamie from her point of view in No Humans Involved completely removed these misgivings. Within the first two chapters, I went from wondering how they would work together to keeping my fingers crossed for such a relationship to develop.

Jamie is cast as someone who is necessary throughout other Women of the Otherworld tales, but she isn’t quite able to protect herself. Although this makes the whole series more accessible – there are literally supernatural women of every kind, it does make it a little hard to see how she can hold her own in a world that is, quite frankly, dangerous. I loved that this lead character didn’t have super strength, or super powers to defend herself, but often had to resort to her own ability to talk her way out of things. Her insecurities about this when surrounded by others who are able to, quite simply, blast their way out of any uncomfortable situation made her character all the more realistic, and likeable. Her eventual embracing of her powers and abilities not only lead to her saving herself (instead of just waiting to be rescued), but also an inner happiness and health that she hadn’t previously felt.

Where most of the women in the Women of the Otherworld series have jobs and careers that helps them to hide amongst the non-supernatural, Jamie’s chosen career path embraces the attention surrounding the desire for the paranormal. Her ability to twist her talents to not only enhance her career, but also to imply that they don’t exist, all in the same moment are phenomenal. I like that she uses an inherent talent in a way that most frown upon, however, it is something that she genuinely enjoys. Instead of simply being a charlatan who preys on the weak for their money, she truly hopes that by contacting (and pretending to contact) the dead gives closure to the grieving. And after all, who among us don’t hope that there is somewhere better for our lost loved ones, a place in which they are happy and all of their earthly problems have been forgiven and forgotten?

<- The Case of El Chupacabra

Framed ->

Image source: Brainfluff

Broken by Kelley Armstrong

January 30, 2017Book ReviewDark Fantasy, Kelley Armstrong, Paranormal Fantasy, Strong Women, Women of the Otherworldskyebjenner

Title: Broken
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Oh, goddamn it!’ I snarled, fists pounding the carpet.

Elena wasn’t looking for trouble. But when a half-demon calls in a favour, you don’t have much choice.

The job seemed simple enough: steal back Jack the Ripper’s infamous “From Hell” letter from a shady Toronto-based collector. But nothing is ever that simple in the supernatural underground. When Elena accidentally triggers a spell placed on the letter, she opens a portal into the dark streets of Victorian London.

Bad enough that Jack the Ripper could now be on the prowl in modern Toronto – but there is something even more terrifying lurking in the shadows, just waiting to cross through…and only Elena and her Pack can stop it.

I loved, loved, loved revisiting Elena after three books in which she only had a passing role. The fact that she begins the story pregnant and actually enjoying her life with Clay just made everything better. Their unique blend of violence, sarcasm and passion still managing to burn brightly in spite of all they had been through in their relationship. Plus, Elena is one of the most unique and prickly heroines that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting – her non-traditional relationship with Clay helps to further echo this.

Mistake after mistake built on one another to lead the Pack into a danger unlike any other that they had faced. Elena’s mentions of Logan and Pete, the two Pack members lost five years prior helped to highlight the sense of loss that she still feels keenly. Although this mention was slight, it was also a fantastic way in which to remind us that the loss of a loved one is forever felt. Although time may heal the worst of the hurt, a dull echo will forever remain, and this is certainly true for Elena, to the point that even socially-disadvantaged Clay is able to feel empathy for this sense of bereavement.

In Bitten and Stolen, although Elena is incredibly loveable, she is still an inherently selfish and immature girl. Yes, she will do anything to save her small family (the Pack), but she will do it in the way that she feels is best. And it really doesn’t matter what cooler heads have to say. Although this does work out at times throughout the past tales, it does put Jeremy, and especially Clay in awkward positions as they try and rescue or protect her. However, with the advent of motherhood, Elena is not only better at listening to others and respecting the need to work as a team, but she is also more careful to think through her actions. It is nice when she actually realises that her life isn’t just about her – but Clay, Jeremy and her unborn child.

<- Bargain

The Case of El Chupacabra ->

Image source: Pinterest

Haunted by Kelley Armstrong

January 27, 2017Book ReviewDark Fantasy, Kelley Armstrong, Paranormal Fantasy, Strong Women, Women of the Otherworldskyebjenner

Title: Haunted
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘I’m sure they would be indebted to us for our mercy.’

Eve Levine – half-demon, black witch and devoted mother – has been dead for three years.

It’s not so bad. She has a fantastic love life and can’t be killed again – which is handy when you’ve made as many enemies as Eve. If she could just find a way to communicate with her daughter Savannah she’d be content.

But fate – or more exactly, the Fates – have other plans. Eve owes them a favour, and they’ve just called it in. She must track down the Nix – an evil spirit who feeds on chaos and death.

The Nix is a terrifying enemy – previous hunters have been sent mad in the process. If Eve wants to avoid their fate, she’ll need something extraordinary – an angel’s sword.

There’s just one problem. Eve’s definitely no angel…

In the previous Women of the Otherworld books, Eve Levine is painted as a woman of questionable morals and motives, it was nice to finally get to know a little more about the elusive black witch, half demon woman. Although I expected it from Armstrong’s past writing, Eve’s sass and lack of respect for the rules were thoroughly enjoyable. Her motherly instincts and love however were a lot more softening and warm than I expected.

It’s always difficult to imagine the rules behind the afterlife – is there reincarnation? Heaven and hell? What does it look like? Armstrong created this world in such a vivid and realistic way that I can quite happily imagine spending my own afterlife in this realm. The creation of the different layers of hell was incredibly unique and independent way. Much like the literary punishments that she dolls out to the serious sinners in life such as serial killers.

Although Haunted is about the battle between good and evil within the ghost world, and all the shades of grey in between, it is also about motherhood, love and letting go. Eve’s teenage daughter is a big driver within all of her actions throughout the story, especially in the beginning. But she also has a lover who wants her back, and a choice to make between her priorities. It’s a question that must be asked in every parents’ life – when do you let your child grow and make their own decisions?

<- Wedding Bell Hell

Adventurer ->

Image source: Goodreads

Earth and Skye

The ramblings of a bibliophile.