Tag Archives: Romance

The Elite by Kiera Cass

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

The Elite

Title: The Elite
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: I was left gasping for breath after the song, so I took a seat at one of the many tables sprinkled around the room.

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

Synopsis

America Singer is one of THE ELITE and Prince Maxon only has eyes for her.

If she wins the competition for his heart, she will leave her pre-destined life for a world of luxury. But the outcome is less than certain; the threat of rebel violence just beyond the palace walls is escalating into war and bitter rivals are ready to take her down.

And as America’s feelings for Maxon grow stronger, ex-lover Aspen waits for her in the shadows. Where do her loyalties truly lie?

Thoughts

The next step in The Selection series, The Elite follows the final six girls in the competition. Those that are left were the obvious choices, since they featured more predominately in the first novel. However, their journey is just amazing. Even though you’re sure that America has Maxon’s heart, that Celeste is positively evil and that Aspen is going to continue fighting for her, every single twist still pulls at your heart.

I loved both the characters of Aspen and Maxon from the beginning, and America’s inability to decide between them comes to a head in this novel. It is the classically difficult decision to make between the familiar, comfortable past and the exciting, dangerous present. As you watch Maxon and America’s relationship deepen, you feel her fear and reluctance to let Aspen go. I was curled into a tight ball the entire time I read this, I was so tense about her decision. But, no spoilers here – you need to read the book to find out who she chooses!

As with The Selection, Cass doesn’t just focus on the romantic storyline, the rebellion is alluded to and introduced in the first book, but it is in The Elite that we begin to understand more about its complexities. This subplot starts to really gain traction and adds another layer of excitement and suspense to an already brilliant storyline.

<- The Selection Review The Guard Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Selection

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “Would you like to say something, dear?”

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

Synopsis

In a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels THE SELECTION is the chance of a lifetime: to compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon’s heart. But for America Singer it means turning her back on her secret love, and leaving home for a prize she doesn’t want.

Then America meets Maxon and all her plans start to crumble. Can the life she’s always dreamed of compare to a future she never imagined?

Thoughts

I loved The Selection on two entirely different levels. The first was just the beautiful imagery and story of this dystopian Cinderella story. The idea that a strong-willed and tough girl somehow accidentally ends up in a bid for the Prince’s hand and heart is such a Cinderella-rags-to-riches story. Even though you’re sure that she is going to develop feelings for the prince (what kind of romance would it be otherwise?), every step of the journey from The Selection to The Elite is beautiful, intricate and makes you fall in love again and again and again. Not only with the characters, but the setting, the dystopian future and Kiera Cass herself.

The other aspect of this novel that I am entirely obsessed with is the comments that Cass makes on stereotypes of class systems with the use of the eight-tiered Caste system. This reminds us that our thoughts and judgements of others according to their position in life are not always correct. Nor should people be forced to fit a certain mould because they are born into it. I thought that Cass subtly and brilliantly commented on both the current socio-economic climate and our perceptions of it. This book not only reminded me to believe in true love, but also that everyone deserves a change – regardless of their socio-economic status.

I think that America Singer is one of my new favourite heroines. I fell in love with her in the first pages and the more I got to know her, flaws and all, the more I was able to relate to her. I loved the contrasts in her character, she’s so innocent in the pursuit of love (both of Aspen and Maxon), yet so stubborn and strong in her knowledge and experiences of the world and poverty. This characterised contrast was further emphasised in the storyline – the innocence of love between people was offset by the fear of royalty and the unknown that is so heavy and obvious within the text.

<- The Prince Review The Elite Review ->
mage source: WordPress

The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

The Assassin's Blade

Title: The Assassin’s Blade
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass Companion
In: The Assassin’s Blade (Sarah J. Maas)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Short story collections, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Collection
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Roalfe croaked as she held it up in her free hand, the garnet flashing in the light.

Synopsis

Contains all five novellas.

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.

Thoughts

I loved this prequel. Side stories that were mentioned in the main Throne of Glass series are told in full in The Assassin’s Blade. We also FINALLY get to find out more about Sam – how Celaena fell for him and what happened to him. I honestly love everything about Celaena, so of course I was going to love this book. But I’m not entirely biased… or maybe I am.

I loved the format of this book; it was a series of five short stories. I liked that you could read them as entirely separate novellas, or you could read the whole lot. There was a nice thread that followed through between each story. It provided good breaks to put the book down, but it also allowed for large periods of time to pass. Unlike the main books, there are months of inaction between each story. Even though one story is the catalyst for the actions in the next, there are periods that would quite honestly be a little boring to read about.

My absolute favourite thing about this series of short stories is meeting the man who created Celaena. The complexity that Maas lends to this character is tremendous. He is impossible to completely hate, but you kind of despise him at the same time. Just read the book, you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

<- More Sarah J. MaasThe Assassin and the Pirate Lord Review ->

Image source: Super Space Chick

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , , , , ,
Overview
Heir of Fire

Title: Heir of Fire
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: So out they went, into the freezing night.

Synopsis

Consumed by guilt and rage, Celaena can’t bring herself to spill blood for the King of Adarlan. She must fight back…

The Immortal queen will help her destroy the king – for a price. But as Celaena battles with her darkest memories and her heart breaks for a love that could never last, can she fulfil the bargain and head the almighty court of Terrasen? And who will stand with her?

Thoughts

The third book in the Throne of Glass series takes some of the things we learnt about Celaena’s past become crystallised. The greater focus on her personal journey and self are a great change of pace. Understanding her pain and past just made me love the her even more and honestly, not many series send me through the amount of emotional turmoil and ups and downs as this series.

I love that in the Heir of Fire, Celaena creates new relationships and friendships. The main relationship throughout the book – with Rowan – is complex and slowly built. It reminds us that not everyone in our lives is friendly from the beginning or even accessible. But some things are worth the fight.

The stakes become so much higher in this book. Not only does it mean that it is a lot longer than the first two books, you are also WAY more likely to cry. Or in my case, throw the book across the room in shock of the latest plot twist. It’s a testament to how well Maas can write. Her characters and plot lines are so relatable – you can’t help but fall in love!

<- Crown of MidnightQueen of Shadows ->

Image source: Live Journal

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

Crown of Midnight

Title: Crown of Midnight
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Only that he’s added that little grub, Roland, to his council, and Roland seems to have been given the task of handling me.

Synopsis

CROWNED BY EVIL. BOUND BY DUTY. DIVIDED BY LOVE.

Celaena Sardothien, royal assassin, is the King Adarlan’s deadliest weapon. She must win her freedom through his enemies’ blood – but she cannot bear to kill for the crown. And every death Celaena fakes, every lie she tells, puts those she loves at risk.

Torn between her two protectors – a captain and a prince – and battling a dark force far greater than the king, Celaena must decide what she will fight for: her liberty, her heart or the fate of a kingdom…

Thoughts

This was a fantastic follow up to Throne of Glass. Not only did it extend on the themes of the first novel, it made you even more emotionally involved in the characters (I didn’t think it was possible, but believe me, it is!). Maas builds on her characters and storyline with incredible talent and it completely sucked me in – to the point that I spent an entire day reading (and finishing) this book.

Crown of Midnight takes us into Celaena’s past and even sees new friendships and characters. Finding out about why the main character is as tough and stubborn as she is fascinated me. The rare glimpses into her formation and training as an assassin (and what preceded this) was amazing.

The love triangle started in the first book was expanded on and I honestly think that it is one of my favourite love stories. There is a heavy theme of love, lust and loss throughout the story, but it doesn’t feel like a needy, teeny story. There is still strength and independence on the behalf of all of the characters. Especially Celaena. I always hate how in stories (like Twilight), the girl finds love and basically loses herself. This doesn’t happen in the Crown of Midnight. She ultimately choses a path other than love to follow which pulls at the heart strings but makes you feel proud of her power and strength.

This story ends in an amazing cliff hanger. I wouldn’t read this unless you have the third book, Heir of Fire, to reach for. I did… and I was incredibly grateful!

<- Throne of GlassHeir of Fire ->

Image source: Fantasy Book Review

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Throne of Glass

Title: Throne of Glass
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: The assassin and the prince glanced at each other, their blue eyes reflecting the same intent.

Synopsis

MEET CELAENA SARDOTHIEN. BEAUTIFUL. DEADLY. DESTINED FOR GREATNESS.

In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake. She got caught.

Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celaena must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament – fighting the most gifted theives and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free. Win or lose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin’s heart be melted?

Thoughts

I walked away from this book just saying “wow. Oh, wow.”
That response on it’s own is probably enough to tell you how amazing this book is. One of my favorites to read again and again. This was the perfect introduction to a new author, and I was hooked from the first word.

Maas uses the traditional idea of Cinderella, but weaves through a sassy dose of attitude, power and resilience. You can’t help but feel connected to Celaena and her fight to not only keep her independence, but also her life. Combined with the delightful mix of arrogance and insecurities, the heroine is someone I could truly relate to. Alright, I’m not a kick-ass assassin and I would never be able to fend for myself in Celaena’s world – but her need to be true to herself whilst also serving someone she truly despises (and thus breaking from herself) makes me think of all of the moments in life when I’ve acted against my better nature.

That’s not to mention the two wonderfully (and multi-faceted) men who will make any that-way-inclined readers’ hearts melt. Maas reminds us that not only does love exist, it’s not simple, but the journey is always interesting and worth it.

I wouldn’t recommend this book to anybody who needs to be productive and can’t afford to spend the day curled up reading. Because, believe me, once you start this book, and indeed, this series, you won’t want to put it down!

<- The Assassin and the EmpireCrown of Midnight ->

Image source: Pinterest