Review: Dead of Winter

Title:  Dead of Winter
Series:  The Arcana Chronicles #3
Author:  Kresley Cole (Website | Twitter)
Age Group:  Young Adult
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster
Publication Date:  January 6, 2015
Source:  Bought

Can Evie convince her rival loves to work together? Their survival depends on it in this third book of #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole’s Arcana Chronicles, a nonstop action tale of rescue, redemption, and a revenge most wicked.
Heartbreaking decisions
Evie was almost seduced by the life of comfort that Death offered her—until Jack was threatened by two of the most horrific Arcana, the Lovers. She will do anything to save him, even escape Death’s uncanny prison, full of beautiful objects, material comforts…and stolen glances from a former love.
Uncertain victory
Despite leaving a part of her heart behind with Death, Evie sets out into a perilous post-apocalyptic wasteland to meet up with her allies and launch an attack on the Lovers. Such formidable enemies require a battle plan, and the only way to kill them may mean Evie, Jack, and Death allying. Evie doesn’t know what will prove more impossible: surviving slavers, plague, Bagmen and other Arcana—or convincing Jack and Death to work together.
Two heroes returned
There’s a thin line between love and hate, and Evie just doesn’t know where she stands with either Jack or Death. Will this unlikely trio be able to defeat The Lovers without killing one another first...?

Find Dead of Winter online

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 I'm so conflicted after having read this book.  While I absolutely love this series, this book didn't quite feel up to par, especially when compared with the previous two novels.  It still had the elements I love - complex characters, scorching chemistry, and interesting Arcana abilities - but there felt like something was missing.  Throughout the entire novel, I felt like I was just holding my breath, waiting for something to happen.  And that thing never did happen.  Because of that, Dead of Winter felt less like the book I had been anticipating all year and more like a filler book just to sate readers. 

The conflict that played the largest role in this novel was Evie's choice between Death and Jack.  Normally, I would love this - the tension between the three of them is off the charts - but when nothing else was really going on besides that, I got tired of it after a while.  The only other conflicts that arose (fights between other arcana, etc) really only served the purpose of isolating Jack, Death, and Evie from the rest of the group.  By the time we got to the end and Evie was still choosing between the two guys 

I had gotten to the point where I was just like 

I will say, though, that I think Cole did a lot of setting up in this novel for the next ones to come.  We met a lot of new and potentially interesting characters that I'm anxious to explore.  I wanted to see more of them in this book but I guess I'll have to be okay with waiting until the next one!

There's not a ton for me to say about this book because, like I said, not much happened.  I did like it though and it made me more excited for what will happen in the next books.  Hopefully Evie picks a guy soon so we can focus more on the large story!  

“The two of them were acting like such...guys. I wanted to strangle them.” 

Four Teapots

Review: Famous Last Words

Title:  Famous Last Words
Series:  None
Author:  Katie Alender (Website | Twitter)
Age Group:  Young Adult
Publisher:  Point
Publication Date:  September 30, 2014
Source:  An ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

Hollywood history, mystery, murder, mayhem, and delicious romance collide in this unputdownable thriller from master storyteller Katie Alender.
Willa is freaking out. It seems like she's seeing things. Like a dead body in her swimming pool. Frantic messages on her walls. A reflection that is not her own. It's almost as if someone -- or something -- is trying to send her a message.
Meanwhile, a killer is stalking Los Angeles -- a killer who reenacts famous movie murder scenes. Could Willa's strange visions have to do with these unsolved murders? Or is she going crazy? And who can she confide in? There's Marnie, her new friend who may not be totally trustworthy. And there's Reed, who's ridiculously handsome and seems to get Willa. There's also Wyatt, who's super smart but unhealthily obsessed with the Hollywood Killer.
All Willa knows is, she has to confront the possible-ghost in her house, or she just might lose her mind . . . or her life.
Acclaimed author Katie Alender puts an unforgettable twist on this spine-chilling tale of murder, mystery, mayhem -- and the movies.

 Find Famous Last Words online

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My Review:  This book gave me chills.  Seriously, it was so good!  I loved all of the horror and the Hollywood mystery aspects in it.  I was thoroughly creeped out for most of it but I just loved it so much, I couldn't stop.  Horror and mystery definitely aren't my favorite genres but after reading this one, I think I'm going to have to start giving more books like this one a chance

The characters in this book were great.  I really loved that they weren't classic YA stereotypes.  The main character, Willa, had her flaws but I still found myself rooting for her the whole time.  I could sympathize with her and I totally connect with the way she tried to deal with all of the spooky things happening around her and to her.  The only big problem I had with her was how she was being a bit overdramatic when dealing with Wyatt and her step father.  I felt bad for them at times when they were at the receiving end of her attitude.  But besides that, she was an easy character to read about and connect with.  Another character I really appreciated was Wyatt.  I'll admit, I wasn't getting all swoon over him but I definitely did like the way he called Willa on her lies.  He wasn't at all what I was expecting and I enjoyed trying to figure him out throughout the novel.  

The whole mystery aspect of this story was interesting though a bit predictable.  I guessed the culprit the minute they walked onto the page but kept on doubting myself as the novel moved forward.  They doubt that Katie Alender made creep up on me was thrilling.  I loved having to second guess myself and rethink all of the facts.  

Like I said before, the horror factor was what really had me flipping these pages.  I wouldn't call myself a well-versed reader of horror books so I'm not sure how it compares but, for me, Famous Last Words had me looking over my shoulder and avoiding dark hallways at night.  I honestly wouldn't even get out of bed at night for a glass of water because all I could think about was all the scary things that happened to Willa.  And I totally loved it (you know, after I got that glass of water).

Famous Last Words is a book that I would soooo recommend, especially if you are interested in reading more horror but aren't ready to jump into the really hard-core stuff.  It has a little bit of a lot of things from YA novels such cute boys, flawed (but wonderful) characters, and a plot that will keep you guessing.

“Maybe it’s human nature to be drawn to the things that have hurt us the most.” 

Three Cards

Opposites Book Tag

I initially found this tag when I saw Jazmen over at This Girl Reads A Lot had done it.  It looked like such a blast and the questions were a lot of fun so I figured I would take a whack at it.  Anyone else who wants to try it, go ahead and leave your links in the comments below!

First book in your collection/Last book in your collection

I'm not going to count all the children's books I have so as far as YA goes...

 

First: Twilight by Stephani Meyer || Last: Behind the Scenes by Dahlia Adler 

A Cheap Book/An Expensive Book

 

I got Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne for $4 and City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare for $24.

Male Protagonist/Female Protagonist

 

Male Protag: Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon || Female Protag:  Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

A Fast Read/A Slow Read

 

It took me about 3 hours to read Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli and I started The House of Hades by Rick Riordan maybe eight months ago and still have yet to finish it.

Pretty Cover/Ugly Cover

 

Pretty: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin || Ugly: All Lined Up by Cora Carmack

A National Book/An Internation Book

 

Hexed by Michelle Krys takes place in Los Angeles which is pretty close to where I live and Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins takes place in France.

Fiction/Non-Fiction

 

Fiction:  Angelfall by Susan Ee || Non-Fiction:  Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass

A Thin Book/A Thick Book

 

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart has 240 pages || Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling has 870

Happy Book/Sad Book

 

Happy:  My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick || Sad:  The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Very Romantic/Action-Packed

 

Romantic:  Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover ||  Action-Packed:  World After by Susan Ee*

*Honestly, most every book I read has romance.  So this book is still pretty romantic, too.  But also actiony.  

PS: Wonderland's Reader recently reached 300 followers!  To celebrate, I'm hosting a giveaway in which you can win five awesome books!  Enter here.

Review: Salt & Storm

Title:  Salt & Storm 
Series:  None
Author:  Kendall Kulper (Website | Twitter)
Age Group:  Young Adult
Publication Date:  September 23, 2014 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Source:  A copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

A sweeping historical romance about a witch who foresees her own murder--and the one boy who can help change her future.
Sixteen-year-old Avery Roe wants only to take her rightful place as the witch of Prince Island, making the charms that keep the island's whalers safe at sea, but her mother has forced her into a magic-free world of proper manners and respectability. When Avery dreams she's to be murdered, she knows time is running out to unlock her magic and save herself.
Avery finds an unexpected ally in a tattooed harpoon boy named Tane--a sailor with magic of his own, who moves Avery in ways she never expected. Becoming a witch might stop her murder and save her island from ruin, but Avery discovers her magic requires a sacrifice she never prepared for.

Find Salt & Storm online

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My Review:  Oh, this book.  I'm seriously so conflicted about it.  There's parts that I absolutely couldn't stand and others that make me want to hug it.  I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to throw it in frustration.  This isn't a book I'll easily forget but I'm not going to be looking back on it with hearts for eyes, if you know what I mean. 

My biggest problem with this book, the one thing that made me want to tear my hair out and scream, was the main character.  I was so not a fan of Avery Roe.  I didn't understand her, honestly.  Like, I got she wanted to become the Roe witch but I just didn't get why, besides the fact that she felt obligated to her ancestors.  I especially didn't understand why she still wanted to be it toward the end.  Also, she was always getting irrationally angry.  Like, Tane would do something super nice for her and she would just go for the jugular and try to tear him down for no reason.  Same thing with the way she treated her mom.  Honestly, I liked her mom more than I liked Avery.  I understood where she was coming from and I sympathized with her.  Avery just didn't have my sympathy, especially with the attitude she had.   

As for Tane, I was sort of indifferent.  I liked him but I wasn't rooting for him.  There entire relationship felt kind of forced.  I didn't understand why Tane liked Avery.  Their relationship didn't interest me until about 80% into the book.  

Also, I was frustrated with the magic in this book.  I didn't get a good feel for it at all.  It would be "explained" but then ten pages later Avery would do something or tell us something that completely contradicted what she had explained earlier.  It made it maddening.  I liked the overall idea of it, I just wish we were given a better explanation of the small details. 

I've listed a lot of things I didn't like but one thing I did like was the writing style.  The diction Kendall Kulper used throughout the novel was amazing.  It made this world just jump from the pages.  I truly felt like I was walking down the streets with Avery.  Every single one of my senses were working throughout the novel.  Though, I did get a little tired of the long sentences.  There were so many commas and "ands" in this book that my mind just got a little tired while reading and I felt like I lost track of the point of the sentence.  

This is one of those books that I'm not thrilled with.  I had a lot of expectations and they weren't reached with this one.  I'm not sure whether I'll revisit more of this author's works but I'll have to see. Like I said, I was conflicted with this book.  I enjoyed a lot of it, even though I listed mostly negatives.  I stuck it out through the end because I just needed to see how everything was wrapped up.  I wasn't necessarily happy with the ending but I understood it.  

"Hope—that stupid, silly creature that lived within me, no matter how often I tried to beat it to death—lifted its nose and sniffed at the air."

Three Cards

Review: Opposition

Title:  Opposition 
Series:  Lux #5
Author:  Jennifer L. Armentrout (Website | Twitter)
Age Group:  Young Adult 
Publication Date:  August 5, 2014 by Entangled Teen
Source:  Bought

Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.She can't believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.

Find Opposition online

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My Review:  Oh, wow, this is a painful review to write.  I honestly can't even believe that this series is over.  I remember finding Obsidian for the first time, picking it out on a whim, and falling in love with Daemon the characters.  This series has been such a huge part of my life and it's sad to see it go.  But I'm so happy that I picked it up because it introduced me to the wonderful writing of Jennifer L. Armentrout and I have many more of her books to read, thank goodness!

The character development within this book was amazing considering how much the characters have grown already.  It seems every time we see more of Katy and Daemon and Dawson and Dee, we uncover another layer to their personalities and their thought processes.  I especially liked seeing a different dynamic between Daemon and Katy.  It was reminiscent of past books and I enjoyed seeing that again, even though it was agony.  Also, seeing them work together and the teamwork they'd developed had me flailing and giggling all over the place.       

The plot was just as fast and exciting as all of JLA's previous books.  There wasn't a single moment when I wanted to put this book down.  My mom literally had to steal the book from my hands at one point so we could go school shopping (yay college).  It was bad, guys.  But really...

Also, Jennifer did not disappoint with the wit and sarcasm in this novel.  I was laughing out loud all the time while reading.  Mix in that with all the awesome pop culture references, and I was completely in love.  It added a realistic layer to the novel that I just couldn't resist, not that I wanted to.

Opposition was a beautiful end to one of my favorite series.  I will always love these characters and know I'll be picking up these books again sometime in the future.  I don't want to leave this world but I'll comfort myself with the thought that at least I have more JLA books to look forward to!  

“It’s not like I’m going to run up and hug him.” 

His expression turned bland. “I’d sure hope not. I might get jealous.” 

“You’d get jealous if she hugged a tree,” Archer tossed out. 

“Maybe.” Daemon coasted to a stop in a parking space behind the car. “I’m needy like that.”   

Five Cards

Waiting on Wednesday #55

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.  It's where we share the upcoming releases we're most eagerly anticipating and can't wait to get our hands on!  

This week . . .

Title:  The Perilous Sea
Series:  The Elemental Trilogy #2
Author:  Sherry Thomas (Website | Twitter)
Age Group:  Young Adult
Publication Date:  September 16, 2014 by Balzer + Bray

After spending the summer away from each other, Titus and Iolanthe (still disguised as Archer Fairfax) are eager to return to Eton College to resume their training to fight the Bane. Although no longer bound to Titus by a blood oath, Iolanthe is more committed than ever to fulfilling her destiny—especially with the agents of Atlantis quickly closing in.
Soon after arriving at school, though, Titus makes a shocking discovery, one that makes him question everything he previously believed about their mission. Faced with this devastating realization, Iolanthe is forced to come to terms with her new role, while Titus must choose between following his mother's prophecies—and forging a divergent path to an unknowable future.

Find The Perilous Sea online

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Why I'm waiting on The Perilous Sea:  I love this series.  The first book completely blew me away and I need to know what happens next.  The characters stole my heart and the world in which this story takes place is just gorgeous and full of magic that I love.  I want to read this so badly!

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?  Leave your links in the comments below and I'll be sure to check out your post!

Review: The Burning Sky

Title:  The Burning Sky
Series:  The Elemental Trilogy #1
Author:  Sherry Thomas (Website | Twitter)
Age Group:  Young Adult
Publication Date:  September 17, 2013 by Blazer + Bray
Source:  Bought

It all began with a ruined elixir and an accidental bolt of lightning…
Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's being told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the greatest mage tyrant the world has ever known. A suicide task for anyone let alone a sixteen-year-old girl with no training, facing a prophecy that foretells a fiery clash to the death.
Prince Titus of Elberon has sworn to protect Iolanthe at all costs but he's also a powerful mage committed to obliterating the Bane to avenge the death of his family—even if he must sacrifice both Iolanthe and himself to achieve his goal.
But Titus makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the Bane closing in, he must choose between his mission and her life. 

Find The Burning Sky online

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My Review:  Wow, this book took me completely by surprise.  I picked it up on a whim because I loved the cover (does anyone else see the eyes in the wings of the fire dragon/bird?) and I let it sit on my shelf for a while.  Finally, after having made a dent in my TBR pile, I picked it up and started reading and just couldn't stop.  The Burning Sky is a novel that grabbed my attention from the start and got better and better as I raced through it.

I adore Iolanthe and Titus.  At first, I wasn't quite sure what to think of them but as we got to learn more about them and saw more of their past, I just couldn't help but fall in love.  They made an amazing pair and I liked the way their relationship progressed.  It wasn't always happy fun times.  Seeing them learn to accept each other and the situation they were in was awesome and showed a lot about their personalities.  Iolanthe was a strong heroine and also relatable.  She wasn't invincible and she showed vulnerability at times.  But when push came to shove, she always rose to the occasion and dealt with the situation and consequences.  Prince Titus was arrogant and petulant to the people around him but, on the inside, he craved companionship.  He was desperate to be normal but in his position, it was impossible.  He was weighed down by responsibility and what the future holds but he must always keep on a mask for the public.  Seeing him open up with Iolanthe was so adorable and refreshing.  He cared deeply for her and seeing that romantic dance pay out in both their point of views made it all the better.  Whenever they were together I was just like

Besides the totally wonderful cast of characters, the world that Sherry Thomas created just completely blew me away.  There were a lot of different layers to it which was a little overwhelming at first.  I just rolled with all the information we were getting and caught on pretty quickly.  After that, it's easy to appreciate both the beauty and horror that this world offers.  Everything felt like the spinning wheel in Sleeping Beauty: enchanting but dangerous if touched.  

Within that world was magic which was, next to Iolanthe and Titus's relationship, my favorite part of the novel.  It was so interesting to read about and I really liked all of the different aspects of it.  Some of it was reminiscent of the magic in Harry Potter but for the most part, this magic stood on its own rather successfully.  I especially liked the idea of the Crucible, a book a fairytales that allowed people to jump in and play a part in the story.  What I wouldn't give for that...

The Burning Sky was a surprising book that has made it to a spot on my favorites list.  It has a little something for everyone: magic, adventure, retellings, and romance.  This is a novel that you won't want to miss.  I'm so excited for the second book, The Perilous Sea, to release!  

“We will never accomplish anything worthwhile in life if we require the guarantee of success at the onset.” 

Five Cards

Review: City of Heavenly Fire

Title:  City of Heavenly Fire
Series:  The Mortal Instruments #6
Author:  Cassandra Clare (Website | Twitter)
Age Group:  Young Adult
Publication Date:  May 27, 2014 by Margaret K. McElderry
Source:  Bought

In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother.
Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.
The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?
When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned...
Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!

 Find City of Heavenly Fire online

Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Goodreads

*Mild Spoilers for the previous Mortal Instrument books and The Infernal Devices*

My Review:  By the Angel, this review is hard to write.  I honestly don't even know how to start.  This series has been a part of my life for so long that I can't believe it's over.  I procrastinated so hard with this book.  It was sitting on my shelf staring at me for a good month before I gathered up the courage to start it.  I thought I could just live in denial and never leave these characters and this story but I was too curious - I needed to know what happened.  

Just like in all previous Cassandra Clare books, the character continued to hold my heart.  I love this cast so hard.  Jace, Clary, Simon, Izzy, Magnus, even Alec.  I couldn't get enough of them.  They have all grown so much since the first book - especially Jace.  His maturity in this installment was a pleasant surprise.  I'm so used to having him hold in his emotions until they disastrously explode all over everything.  Having him actually be up front and honest about things was a refreshing change.  Clary was also amazing.  It was so awesome seeing her kick butt in this book!  Her maturity this time around was such a relief and very believable.  We even got introduced to the main characters in Cassie's next series, The Dark Artifices.  I already love them!  

The action was, unsurprisingly, kick ass.  Cassie Clare has a way of making it feel like you're right there with the characters as you're reading, especially in the fight scenes.  I get really stressed out during those fights!  I was constantly on edge, waiting for something terrible to happen and ruin everything.  Because, really, when does that not happen for this group of characters?  Every scene was high-stakes and thrilling. 

I loved how well this book tied in with The Infernal Devices.  Every single time the characters were mentioned from TID, I cried.  Not even lying, just the mention of Will and Tessa and Jem was like a punch in the stomach.  Just thinking about it now, I'm tearing up.  THIS IS WHAT YOU DO TO ME, CASSIE CLARE.  THIS IS WHAT YOU DO.  

City of Heavenly Fire was honestly not at all what expected but I loved it all the same.  Some of it was bittersweet but for the most part, I was left feeling satisfied and with a smile and waterfalls of tears on my face.  The conclusion to The Mortal Instruments series will not disappoint.  It is the perfect ending to a beautiful series and I'm anxious to get my hands on the next Cassandra Clare novel.  

“We are all the pieces of what we remember. We hold in ourselves the hopes and fears of those who love us. As long as there is love and memory, there is no true loss.” 

Five Cards

Review: Grave Mercy

Title:  Grave Mercy
Series:  His Fair Assassin #1
Author:  Robin LaFevers (Website | Twitter)
Age Group:  Young Adult
Publication Date:  April 3, 2012 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Source:  Bought

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?
Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.
Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

Find Grave Mercy online

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My Review:  I'm really unsure how I feel about this one.  Some moments while reading, I just couldn't get enough and was basically devouring the book whole.  Other times I was just so annoyed and frustrated with it that I honestly didn't care whether I finished or not.  In the end, though, I found myself happy and satisfied once I closed the cover (or, rather, turned off my nook).  

I liked Ismae a lot actually.  She was a kickass heroine that I was rooting for most of the time.  There were a few instances when I didn't like her decisions and thought she was being super naive but for the most part, she kept her head and did the right thing.  The other girls is where it got a little shaky for me.  Actually, the entire convent is where it got shaky.  I didn't understand Ismae's relationships with Sybella or Annith.  It seemed like they were in constant competition.  Anytime Annith paid Ismae a compliment, it was a little backhanded.  Like, she would say something along the lines of "You did a good job but I should be out there doing these things".  It seemed to me that she never felt genuinely happy for Ismae.  And we didn't see much of Sybella at all which made me honestly just not care much for her, even though Ismae was worried about her.  

I liked Duval a lot.  I thought his loyalty was extremely admirable and I loved seeing more of him throughout the novel.  As a team, Duval and Ismae seemed unstoppable.  When they were working together, things were amazing.  However, I was frustrated with the way Ismae kept going bcd and forth on whether she could trust him.  Of course, it was understandable considering she had only grown up at the convent.  

I loved the idea of the different saints/gods and the convents that represented them, however, I would have liked to have it more clearly spelt out.  I felt so confused sometimes while reading because they would start discussing people and places and politics without explaining it for the reader and it left me feeling frustrated.  It might have just been lazy reading on my part (though I don't think so) but I had to completely guess what they were talking about a lot of the time.  

The plot was intense and awesome.  All of the action and the high-stakes situations Ismae was put in with her assignment kept me glued to the pages and pushing forward when I hit a part where I was frustrated.  I wanted so badly to figure out what was going on and unravel the mystery of what was happening in Brittany.  

Grave Mercy, while flawed and a little frustrating, was a story I'm glad I read.  It was full of action, romance, and a world that was so real I felt like I was living in it.  

“Why be the sheep when you can be the wolf?” 

“I comfort myself with the knowledge that if Duval ever feels smothered by me, it will be because I am holding a pillow over his face.” 

“When one consorts with assassins, one must expect to dance along the edge of a knife once or twice.” 

(I obviously had a lot of quotes I loved)

Four Cards