Ravensong - T. J. Klune (Blog Tour & Review)

Date of Reading: 11/07/2024

Author: T. J. Klune

Publisher: Tor Books

Publication Date: August 1, 2023

Rating: 4.5/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Random Things Tours)

About the book:

Ravensong is the second book in the Green Creek Series, the beloved fantasy romance sensation by New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune, about love, loyalty, betrayal, and family.

“Complex and startling... Green Creek is the perfect setting.” —Charlaine Harris

The Bennett family has a secret: They're not just a family, they're a pack. Ravensong is Gordo Livingstone's story.

Gordo Livingstone never forgot the lessons carved into his skin. Hardened by the betrayal of a pack that left him behind, he sought solace in the garage in his tiny mountain town, vowing never again to involve himself in the affairs of wolves.

It should have been enough.

It was, until the wolves came back, and with them, Mark Bennett. And when his town is caught in the jaws of a beast, Gordo is summoned back into the life that left him.

“Gordo, you must rise. For your pack. For us. I must ask you to become the witch to the wolves.”

Now, a year later, Gordo has once again found himself the witch of the Bennett pack. Green Creek has settled after the death of Richard Collins, and Gordo constantly struggles to ignore Mark and the song that howls between them.

But time is running out. Something is coming. And this time, it’s coming from within.

Review:

        After reading 'Wolfsong', the first book in the series and the huge letdown I felt, I was not that enthusiastic about this second book. So what drew me in you might ask. It is Gordo Livingstone's story. Because when all is said and done, this alpha thing sounds terrible. Especially if that is a hereditary thing and is inborn. Joe was never up to the task. And Gordo was the only one against the wolves (even though he joined the pack later) and I loved him. While the first book mentions his past history with Mark, Ravensong delves deeper into the resolution of their story.

       The first part was not that intriguing, since it was the repetition of events from 'Wolfsong' in Gordo's perspective. Once you pass that hurdle, the story starts growing on you. No wonder, I found it more captivating than the first book. Klune's writing has notably improved, seamlessly blending humor and terror.  I loved the trio - Rico, Tanner and Chris - the book would have been dull without them.

       The love story between Gordo and Mark is almost similar to that of Ox and Joe. Still, I loved that Gordo waited till the last moment to forgive him. Mark definitely needed to do some gruelling for leaving him like that. The book has more action than the previous one culminating in a shocking revelation at the end. The big villain is still out there. But 'Ravensong' proves that together with your chosen family, it is possible to overcome anything.

Meet the author:

TJ KLUNE is a Lambda Literary Award-winning author (Into This River I Drown) and an ex-claims examiner for an insurance company. His novels include The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Extraordinaries. Being queer himself, TJ believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories.

The Ballad of Never After - Stephanie Garber (#Review)

Date of Reading: 22/05/2024

Author: Stephanie Garber

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: September 13, 2022

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

Not every love is meant to be.

After Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, betrays her, Evangeline Fox swears she'll never trust him again. Now that she’s discovered her own magic, Evangeline believes she can use it to restore the chance at happily ever after that Jacks stole away.

But when a new terrifying curse is revealed, Evangeline finds herself entering into a tenuous partnership with the Prince of Hearts again. Only this time, the rules have changed. Jacks isn’t the only force Evangeline needs to be wary of. In fact, he might be the only one she can trust, despite her desire to despise him.

Instead of a love spell wreaking havoc on Evangeline’s life, a murderous spell has been cast. To break it, Evangeline and Jacks will have to do battle with old friends, new foes, and a magic that plays with heads and hearts. Evangeline has always trusted her heart, but this time she’s not sure she can...

Review:

           I am really glad that I waited for the conclusion of this series, otherwise the waiting would have been excruciating. What an agonising cliffhanger!!! How can you make your readers go through such torture, Garber?

         'The Ballad of Never After'  picks up right where the first book left off, with Apollo in a vegetative state and Evangeline reeling from Jacks' betrayal. If you, like me, craved more chapters with Jacks, you are in luck. They are practically together most of the time and the chemistry is off the charts. We haven't got any spicy scenes, but Garber sure knows how to tantalise us with many close-door, emotionally charged encounters. 

       As frenemies, Jacks and Evangeline evolve together neither one sure about the other's feelings. We delve deeper into Jack's mysterious past and some shocking secrets await you on the way. And that ending. . . didn't see that coming. There was no way I could take a breather before jumping into the next one. You might be wondering how I can write this review so calmly. Well, I finished the last book and I can assure you Garber doesn't disappoint.

Meet the author:

Stephanie Garber is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Once Upon a Broken Heart, The Ballad of Never After, and the Caraval trilogy. Her books have been translated into thirty languages.

Once Upon a Broken Heart - Stephanie Garber (#Review)

Date of Reading: 20/5/2024

Author: Stephanie Garber

Publisher: Flatiron

Publication Date: September 28, 2021

Rating: 4/5

About the book:

For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings... until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.

Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked, Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.

But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game ― and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy.

Review:

       I don't have the habit of writing reviews until the whole series is finished, but something prompts me to pen this one down. I am surprised at myself for selecting this book instead of starting with the popular Caraval series, which is still remains on my TBR pile. Now that I realise this book is part of the same fictional world, I would advise my dear readers to start with the first series. However, if that books are not calling you, there is no harm in starting with this one.

        This book unfolds like a captivating fairy tale featuring Fates who are untrustworthy but are often sought after to grant wishes in exchange for a favour. When her lover decides to marry her step-sister Evangeline Fox does the same. She seeks the help of Prince of Hearts aka Jacks to stop the wedding in exchange for three kisses. As predicted not everything goes as expected and with each kiss, Evangeline is drawn to a web that she cannot untangle from.

       Personally, I did not find Evangeline to be a particularly likeable character. She is optimistic to the point of being a headache. Jacks, on the other hand, is intriguing and that is the only reason I have decided to continue this series. Being half way through the next book, I can confidently say that it only gets better.

Meet the author:

Stephanie Garber is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Once Upon a Broken Heart, The Ballad of Never After, and the Caraval trilogy. Her books have been translated into thirty languages.

To a Darker Shore - Leanne Schwartz (#Blog tour & #Review)

Date of Reading: 2/5/2024

Author: Leanne Schwartz

Publisher: Page Street YA

Publication Date: April 30, 2024

Rating: 4/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Colored Pages Book Tours)

About the book:

A da Vinci-esque teen girl inventor on a Dante-esque journey through hell to save her best friend.

Plain, poor, plus-size, and autistic, Alesta grew up trying to convince her kingdom that she’s too useful to be sacrificed like so many of their country’s poor to appease the infernal monster across the poison sea in hell.

When Alesta’s attempt to prove herself with inventions goes awry, her best friend and heir to the throne, Kyrian, takes the blame expecting leniency―and ends up tithed in her place.

To end the sacrifices forever, Alesta plans to kill the monster that killed her friend. She travels to the depths of hell only to find Kyrian, alive, but monstrously transformed.

There’s no escaping hell or their deeper feelings for one another, and the farther they go, the closer they come to uncovering a truth about the tithings that threatens to invoke the wrath of not only monsters but the gods as well.

Review:

       Can you believe that this is my first plus-size novel? Hmm, we all have to begin somewhere and I am so glad to start with this adventurous tale. Though the blurb doesn't mention it, I found this story to be a Beauty and the Beast retelling in an entirely different world with its own set of rules. 

       Alesta lives in an island country where beauty is considered a virtue and ugliness an abomination. Every three months a youth is tithed off to the monster lurking in the sea to appease its wrath and it could be Alesta's turn any day. She is an orphan, fat and does not meet anyone's beauty standards. All she can offer is her sharp mind and the inventions it creates. When her latest creation goes awry, she seeks Kyr's help to take the blame and it results in him being the next tithe. 

        With the assistance of Kyr's cousin, Mico, Alesta embarks on a mission to kill the monster who took her closest friend. She finds Kyr alive only to find him transformed. Together they travel through hell finding that everything is not as they are taught to be. 

     The story was predictable but that doesn't make it any less engrossing. The deepening bond between Kyr and Alester as they face dangers together was truly heartwarming, all thanks to the dual POV. A compelling and engaging read, showcasing the strength of true love and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Meet the author:

Leanne Schwartz is the author of the young adult fantasies A Prayer for Vengeance and To a Darker Shore, as well as the upcoming adult romcom My Kind of Trouble, writing as L. A. Schwartz. She has spent about half her life at either the library or the local theater, where she has played Lady Macbeth, Lady Capulet, and Hera―perhaps one reason she writes such vengeful, murderous girls. When she’s not writing, she can be found baking pizzelle and singing along to showtunes. She lives in California with her family.  

Get yourself a copy from Amazon today    

Bride - Ali Hazelwood (#Review)

Date of Reading: 8/3/2024

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Publisher: Berkley

Publication Date: February 6, 2024

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance.

Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again...

Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….

Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.

Review:

       If you are considering hosting a book buffet, look no further for a dessert option; this book fits the bill perfectly. I must admit I practically devoured this book within a single day. Looks like, for once the hype is actually real.

       What did I love the most? Oh, that will be quirky dialogues and the slow-burn romance between Misery and Lowe. I love so many things about the book -- love between siblings, techno-savvy heroine, loyal friends and forbidden romance to name a few -- but these two definitely top the list. 

      The plot follows Misery's point of view with each chapter giving a short preview of what goes through Lowe's head at the beginning. I was drawn to Misery right from the start, particularly her ability to find humour even in the most dire situations. Lowe Moreland provides the perfect counterbalance and I loved the way the author included the idea of mates in this paranormal story set in a modern world. 

       The novel does include a mix of everything. It is part mystery, at times romantic and many thrilling scenes keep you at the edge. Only four months into 2024, I could already see this book becoming my favourite of the year. 

Meet the author: 

Ali Hazelwood is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis, as well as a writer of peer-reviewed articles about brain science, in which no one makes out and the ever after is not always happy. Originally from Italy, she lived in Germany and Japan before moving to the US to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. When Ali is not at work, she can be found running, eating cake pops, or watching sci-fi movies with her three feline overlords (and her slightly less feline husband).

House of Sky and Breath - Sarah J. Mass (#Review)

Date of Reading: 1/3/2024

Author: Sarah J. Mass

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Publication Date: February 15, 2022

Rating: 3.5/5

About the book:

Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal―they may have saved Crescent City, but with so much upheaval in their lives lately, they mostly want a chance to relax. Slow down. Figure out what the future holds.

The Asteri have kept their word so far, leaving Bryce and Hunt alone. But with the rebels chipping away at the Asteri’s power, the threat the rulers pose is growing. As Bryce, Hunt, and their friends get pulled into the rebels’ plans, the choice becomes clear: stay silent while others are oppressed, or fight for what’s right. And they’ve never been very good at staying silent.

In this sexy, action-packed sequel to the #1 bestseller House of Earth and Blood, Sarah J. Maas weaves a captivating story of a world about to explode―and the people who will do anything to save it.

Review:

       I was waiting for the third book to come out to start this series. So after the wild ride of 'House of Earth and Blood', I wanted something a bit more laid back. And lo and behold, I got what I wished for . . . or more than what I asked for. Let's just say, the story went through the following stages:

• Relaxing
• Slightly boring
• Boring
• Things start perking up
• The big reveal
• The end

        One thing I love about this book is that Mass gives ample space for other characters to develop. Since Bryce and Hunt are already a couple, there weren't any surprises there. By the end of the book, I couldn't help but feel sorry for Hunt. He might be a powerful angel with rare magic in his veins, but the author gives him no leeway to show off. His power is curtailed by the dark halo in the first book and the second book fares no better by relegating him to a punch bag. 

     

        The chemistry between Bryce and Hunt, a major driving force in the first book, fizzles out here. Ya, ya, there is plenty of talk on mates but I fail to find an equal partnership here. Bryce withholds her plans from Hunt and while he is affected strongly by their bond, going into some primitive frenzy to protect her, his feelings are not reciprocated as strongly. I am all in favour of female empowerment, but this felt more like replacing a patriarchal system with an equally domineering matriarchy. Even after finding his mate, Hunt's plight is no different than two thousand years ago. He still follows around a powerful female lover with no power whatsoever to influence her decisions.

       What really made this book a joy to read was Ruhn and Agent Daybright. Among all of Bryce's questionable decisions, their love story really stood out. A prince who feels useless and an agent willing to do anything for the cause - it was truly delightful!

Meet the author:

Sarah J. Maas is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of the Crescent City, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and the Throne of Glass series. Her books have sold more than twelve million copies and are published in thirty-seven languages. A New York native, Sarah lives in Philadelphia with her husband, son, and dog. To find out more, visit sarahjmaas.com or follow @therealsjmaas on Instagram.