Karen McManus is one of my 'must read' authors, and everything she writes ends up on my bookshelf the same week it releases. Her ability to create twisty YA thrillers is unmatched, and she leaves you guessing until the very last chapter.
While this one wasn't perfect, it was definitely a ride I enjoyed!
It what I can only describe as a new-aged Heartbreakers (2001 movie with Jennifer Love Hewitt), you follow Kat and her mother as they try to disentangle themselves from a life of crime under the thumb of the 'savior' Gem. In a dual POV with short term stepbrother Liam, you find he is simply trying to protect everyone from his toxic, catfishing father, who Kat's mother was married to in a dramatic 24hr slip in Vegas. 
The two meet again, each side navigating mutual schemes against an affluent Maine family, which leads to murder, secrets and more drama than I can write in a short review. While at times I couldn't really connect with the characters and their choices, I couldn't seem to put the book down, desperate to see who the real master mind was behind everything that was occurring, because if there is one thing I've learned about McManus' writing is 'it's never who you think'. 
This time, however, I figured it out near the end, although it didn't lessen the thrill of the final chapters. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves mysteries and hijinx.

It is rare that a sequel does the original justice. But this one was even better than the first, but in it's own unique way. Following Paedyn and Kai after the fallout of the final Trial and her treason, the enemies to lovers have returned to enemies (or so they think) as he is tasked by Kitt to hunt her down. 
Kai of course finds her, and the two are yet again thrown into forced proximity and fights for survival every step of the way as Kai tries to fulfill his duty, and Paedyn fights for her life. Of course, they can't deny their attraction and the feelings that developed in book one, and we finally get that kiss we were dying for. In fact, we get a few swoon worthy scenes that leave you breathless. You watch as their respective duties crumble in favor of their feelings, and by the time you reach the end you can't help but sigh in relief. 
Until that final chapter. A betrayal is woven through the book, but you don't realize the form it will take (only the puppet master at the helm) until the final pages, and everything comes crashing down.
Why?????? Why would be do that? Why would REDACTED have Kitt do that, knowing how Kai felt, knowing it made no sense!? I can't wait for book three to finally understand WHYYYY!!!!!!

I'd been hearing about this book on booktok for a while. Like ACOTAR and several other popular books, this one kept popping up on my feed, people raving about it. So I figured I'd give it a go, and I'm glad I did.
This is a typical power imbalance, forced proximity tale between an ordinary girl and a magical boy. Paedyn is strong willed and determined, Kai is cocky and haunted, each bound by very different fates. When they find themselves facing against each other in a trial of survival, they team up to make it to the end.
I don't normally like overly cocky MMCs but Kai had me kicking my feet and squeeing at his silver tongue. His declarations and flirtatious teasing left me grinning like an idiot over a fictional boy I wished was real. Paedyn was flawed and strong and loved her friends, and I enjoyed her as an MC....except with the whole Kitt thing. Yes, I understand why, but at the same time, hated what she did to him. I truly believed he could have been an ally, but he made him an enemy with her choices.
The similarities with Hunger Games were almost too obvious. Some scenes finding resolution too conveniently that it bordered on unrealistic (even for fiction) and that lessened some of the tension. But overall, I loved every minute of this ride and even ran out to buy the second book the next day. Definitely worth the hype. 

This book has been one of my most anticipated for quite a while. I've known the author since our Wattpad days, and couldn't wait to support her debut. I was definitely not disappointed.
Based on Chinese stories from her grandfather, brushed with a touch of modern twists, this is a thrilling, immersive story of survival and magic that exceeded my expectations.
The foundation is expected...a girl with a rare magic who wants nothing more than to survive and protect her family. Rome has invaded their world (through a rip in the sky rather than the historical practices of decimation) and taken control of much of her realm. After a chance meeting, Ruying is captured and must choose between being a traitor to her people, and protecting those she loves.
 What reaches beyond the typical survival story is the way Chang weaves such beautiful imagery and Chinese story lines into the tale, drawing you in with her masterful depictions. You root for Ruying while questioning her choices (would her sister really protect Ruying the way Ruying is trying to protect her?) and hope for her to harness her power and find the answers she is seeking. It isnt until the last few chapters that more is revealed that turns her world (yet again) on its head.
I can't decide if I believe the current trajectory set before us (is Antony the ruthless prince he is depicted? Or has Ruying been manipulated by her childhood friend?). I will have to wait for the sequel to find out.