This one has been in my TBR for ages, and when I finally grabbed a copy I was excited to get started. I love anything dark academia, with boarding schools, secret societies and all that jazz. This one had all of what I was looking for, with a Ninth House meets The Missing Sister vibes, but didn't give me the chills I was hoping for.
Overall, the characters were good. Maren has solid stakes in trying to find out what happened to her best friend Polly, and is the type of strong female character I like to read. But I didn't connect with her as much as I liked. She lacked depth, her entire world focused around the society and her mission. I would have liked to see more of her life outside the society, what SHE had to loose other than the answers she was seeking. The side characters were good, but much of the same. Not fleshed out enough to make you truly connect and root for them. Gavin and Jordan felt superfluous, just there to round things out. Especially Jordan...I felt like Maren only paid attention to her when she needed something which left a sour taste for me. 
The trials and the society were fun. Very culty, which is what I wanted. That crazy darkness that some elite schools are haunted by. But even here, it didn't reach a full five stars, as the trials felt unrealistic, too much happening in the catacombs in overly controlled situations. 
It was a fun read, for sure, but didn't live up to my hopes to earn a higher rating.

As I worked my way through the Throne of Glass series, I saw countless posts saying Kingdom of Ash was the best, and most tragic. I was excited and nervous to start this one because of that, and have to say those comments were right.
Anyone who has read anything by SJM knows that there are so many plot threads it at times feels impossible to tie them all off. Some main, some secondary, and some seem so irrelevant they don't even catch your attention until that 'aha' moment. But SJM is a master at closing those threads, and that is definitely what happened here. 
The start was sad and emotional as Aelin faces her fate (that begins at the end of Tower of Dawn) and you see the strong willed woman start to crumble. But not only that, her journey to put herself back together was masterfully done, weaving her natural swagger with the PTSD she faces. All the side characters have well thought out, significant and emotional plot lines of their own, and no matter what POV you're reading, you are invested. It is rare for every chapter to captivate, to be action packed and emotionally driven, but this book does that from start to finish.
The ending was not what I was expecting, but was perfect. The way those side characters are truly vital to the story is unique and truly show that the characters are all connected to the main plot line. 
Overall, the perfect ending to an incredible series. Even if I did cry more than once.

I have to admit, I read this one because of the hype. Divine Rivals was on all the lists, all over Booktok, and seemed to be one of those 'must reads', and I had a bit of FOMO. 
When I read DR, I found it anticlimactic to the hype. This one was no different. Don't get me wrong...it was good. The world building and the stakes and the love story were enchanting, overcoming odds that you weren't sure were possible. But just like with DR, I was left wondering...why bother including the fantasy aspect of the Gods?
The entire plot could have been exactly the same without that fantasy element. With the 1940's feel in the settings and demeanours, it could have easily been WWII rather than a Gods War. In fact, I think I would have liked it better if that had been the case. The Gods inclusion felt shoehorned in, completely without purpose other than for a sense of originality. All the war elements were the same...shrapnel, losing loved ones, fleeing homes and torn apart lovers. I adored the journey of Iris and Roman, each of them striving to overcome their respective odds and find their way back to each other. The supporting characters were fleshed out and nuanced, and really built the story. In reality, if the Gods had been left out, I probably would have given this a full five stars, but I just couldn't get over the sense that they were unnecessary.
Overall, just like with DR, it was a good, original read and I do recommend it for those who love distant love, rivals to lovers, and all the longing of war stories.

I love Natasha Preston. I've read everything she's written, and her ability to weave twisty thrillers with dramatic endings is unparalleled. So when I found out she was releasing two new YA thrillers this year, I was super excited.
The Dare is from the POV of Marley, a typical high school girl weeks from graduation. She can't wait for college, to move to LA with her boyfriend, and start a new chapter. But before she can, she has to survive 'the dares' handed out by friend turned rival, Rhett. A tradition in their school, senior pranks turn wild with increasing intensity. But after devastating results in previous years, Marley and her friends vow to not do anything too reckless. Unfortunately, they are dared to drive around a treacherous stretch of road without their headlights, and their pact quickly gets forgotten by the domineering Jesse. And it all does down hill from there.
Think I Know What You Did Last Summer but twistier, without the gore. You know who is behind much of the drama, but it still keeps you guessing. And that ending...I literally gasped when it all turned on its head. I can't say I like what happened (which is why I 4 starred it) but I definitely didn't see it coming. 
​If you love easy, quick reads with twists and gasp-rendering endings, check this one out. 

I don't know what it is about SJM's books, but I devour them faster than any other. Granted, I listen to the audiobooks, and Elizabeth Evan's is nothing short of an artist in weaving the characters and giving each voice their own quality. After Empire of Storms, when I read the blurb for Tower of Dawn and say it was Chaol's story, I will admit I hesitated. Not because I dislike the character, but because of the cliffhanger that EoS left us hanging on. But I knew I couldn't skip ToD, so charged on, and I'm glad I did.
I know a lot of readers dislike Chaol, but I honestly don't. I get part of why he acted as he did, but chalked it up to SJM's habit of taking the original love interest and making them the villain to force readers to love the new love interest (case and point, Tamlin in ACOTAR). I had a feeling the story would bring in important twists that were essential for the final book, and I was right. Yrene is fiesty and strong, and I loved her character. I never really jived with the Nesrin and Chaol relationship, so wasn't too upset to see them each find someone better suited fairly early. The court intrigue and sibling rivalries of the new characters made for excellent forward motion, as did the mystery of who the valg had infiltrated. I'll admit, I never thought of that character when it was revealed, but in hindsight, it was brilliant. 
Chaol's journey was spectacularly done, giving his character the depth and emotional growth that was lacking in the previous books. The inclusion of new characters rounds out the cast well, and the reveal that changes the game was one I'm kicking myself for not realizing sooner.
Bascially, another win for SJM, and I can't wait to get my next Audible credit so I can start Kingdom of Ash. 

I love a good, twisty thriller. One that makes you suspect every character for different reasons and leaves you guessing right to the end. With Holly Jackson's literary resume (A Good Girls Guide to Murder, in particular) I couldn't wait to read this one. The premise of a missing woman returning from the 'dead' and the impacts on her family all through the eyes of the daughter left at the scene of the crime was superb. 
It only half lived up to the expectation.
Overall, I loved the premise, the writing was spot on, and the ability to have you questioning every single character was done excellently. I didn't trust Rachel at all, thinking her a fake, a liar, complicit along with the suspicions of Bel, the MC and daughter. I literally thought every person was behind it, from the dad, to the aunt and uncle, and even the documentary director at one point. The whole web was spun wonderfully, and the ending...some of it was obvious, but some of it...wow.
Unfortunately, it was overshadowed by how deeply unlikable the MC was. Bel was probably supposed to come across as a sullen teenager, but she instead came across as nothing short of a bitch. Just a horrible person, through and through who was mean for sport. No amount of 'family trauma' could ease the sour taste she left for me as a reader, which undid a lot of the good qualities of the book.
I still love this writer and will continue to read her work, but in the future I hope she doesn't repeat a character like Bel. 

We all love a good rom com, and few do it better than Abby Jimenez. Since I read her first book, The Friend Zone, I've eagerly grabbed every book she's written, and cackled out loud at the relatable humor, heartbreaking plots and perfect execution. What I love best is how each book is connected to a character from a previous, tying them all together in a strange six degrees of separation.
Her newest, Just for the Summer, is yet another hit that I devoured in a couple days. 
Emma is a caring, independent character driven by a tragic past. I was warned that this one could be triggering, and if you have any history of toxic family, abandonment or the like, be warned. Emma's mother is nothing short of horrible, selfish and hateful, making Emma choose a nomadic lifestyle rather than settling down and trusting anything or anyone other than best friend Maddy. Love interest Justin (who originally appears in Yours Truly) has the completely opposite upbringing, but his own personal traumas and situation that breaks your heart. Again, a subject of a parents poor choices, the two are well suited as they navigate a chance meeting and subsequent challenge of breaking a curse similar to Good Luck Chuck. 
It was a funny, heartbreaking read that lives up to Jimenez style, and I can't wait to see who she features next! 

I'm on a roll working my way through the TOG series, and this one keeps things going in all the best ways. So many twists and turns, moments that made me gasp, as well as tie ins to other SJM series that had me making pterodactyl noises. 
As much as I love strong female characters, I have to admit I find Aelin almost too cocky and self assured. She doesn't let the others in on any of her plans, and while I understand it's meant to be taken as not wanting to let them down, I see it as 'don't question my brilliance' and 'I can do no wrong'. As much as she wants to be a fair leader, she's already acting like a dictator within her small court that I find very off putting.
But the chemistry, the characters, the stakes...*pterodactyl noises*
Each character has such vital stakes and motivations I'm not disappointed when the POV changes. I want to see where each of them end up, how their characters grow, and how it all ties together. I'm loving watching Lorcan soften under Elide's influence, the flirting between Lysandra and Aedion, and of course Manon and Dorian's little back and forth. Manon is more the strong female character I like, as she still values others input even as she threatens to slice and dice them. 
The ending....I didn't know if I should cry or scream. I can't wait for the next one, even though apparently it's entirely Chaol's journey so I have 20+ hrs of audiobook to get back to the collective cast. 
Another win for the SJM universe.

I'm a sucker for a good villain origin story. My debut novel was one! Understanding how some of our favorite villains became who they are, their motivations and the possibilities of them being a hero is exciting. I'll admit, when Ballad first came out, I wasn't too interested. I couldn't understand how anyone could make Snow a redeemable or relatable character, but somehow, Collin's did it.
You can see so much of his Hunger Games self in this origin story, as well as hints of the man he would become. Motivated, cut throat, determined to win at all costs, but his motivations for being as he is are clear and understandable as well. It was a fight for survival in its own way, even if he wasn't in the arena (technically). And, of course, his downfall was a girl. 
Now, said girl, I did not like. She was manipulative, and it was clear from the start she was using him as much as he was using her. But for some reason, her betrayal felt more damning than his, and I could see the path she finally shoved him toward. Possibly not the most popular take, but it is mine. 
​Overall, a great origin story, and the movie was pretty close to the book (unlike the original Hunger Games movie).

Everyone has been talking about this book for ages, so I finally thought I'd give it a try. I'm a little torn on my review, as parts I loved, and others felt detached.
Iris is spunky and determined, a heroine that I think many can relate to. She has tragedy thrown at her repeatedly, and while wounded, doesn't let it break her. I feel the situation around her mother could have been brought out more to deepen the impacts on her life and choices, however.
Roman is the quintessential handsome rival, hoity and stiff. But through the letters, you see the other side of him, the soft side with his own tragedies that bind the two together. Again, I think more on page of his family might have built his character a bit more, especially his relationship with his father and certain fall outs.
The war setting was beautifully written, and you felt like you were on those streets, the cities safe far from the front, the small towns torn but determined. It was the whole inclusion of the Gods that felt unnecessary, however. A normal human war would have resulted in the exact same outcomes. The inclusion of Gods felt completely detached from the overall story and provided no actual purpose. 
Overall, it was a beautiful, unique love story. The connection of the typewriters, the rivals to lovers, the setting atmospheric and prose beautiful.