Author: Dee’s Reading Tree

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Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating

Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Author: Christina Lauren

Published: September 4, 2018

ISBN: 1501165852

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them…right?

My Review:

I fell in love with Christina Lauren’s writing after reading their book The Unhoneymooners. Josh and Hazel’s story was full of all the humor and laugh-out-loud moments that I’ve come to expect from their writing. I’ve added most of their books to my TBR after reading this last one. I feel like all these books would make great romantic comedy movies one day.

Hazel reminded me of Louisa Clark, one of my favorite Contemporary female characters from the novel Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes. She was so full of life, and so unapologetically herself. She dressed how she wanted, and was not afraid to speak her mind.

Josh was down to earth, and so sweet. His OCD reminded me a lot of myself. Except, I honestly don’t know if I would ever be able to deal with someone like Hazel. Although I feel like you don’t really “deal” with Hazel, you just suffer through and hope you survive in one piece.

I enjoyed how realistic the story was, full of awkward moments, and a lot of romantic tension. I admit I did not expect a lot of the plot twists, and they kept me very engaged and invested in the characters’ futures. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all Romance fans, and to readers who just need a feel-good book along with some good laughs.

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review. However, if you click on my link and end up buying the book Amazon will pay me a small fee. Thank you for supporting a small blog like mine 🙂

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Imagine Me

Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Series: Shatter Me (#6)

Published: March 31, 2020

ISBN: 006267644XX

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Juliette Ferrars.

Ella Sommers.

Which is the truth and which is the lie?

Now that Ella knows who Juliette is and what she was created for, things have only become more complicated. As she struggles to understand the past that haunts her and looks to a future more uncertain than ever, the lines between right and wrong—between Ella and Juliette—blur. And with old enemies looming, her destiny may not be her own to control.

The day of reckoning for the Reestablishment is coming. But she may not get to choose what side she fights on.

My Mini Review:

It’s hard to describe. It’s a pleasure so close to pain I sometimes can’t tell the two apart.”

Warner

I had so many feelings when I was done reading this one, and isn’t that the number one sign you have read a great book? Books are supposed to evoke all these feelings and emotions in us. But mostly…I was disappointed.

This was definitely not the satisfying ending to a series that I was hoping for. This book honestly could’ve been a novella. Nothing really happens the first 80% of the book. The only thing that kept me reading was Warner and Kenji’s relationship. I enjoyed that most of the narration was done by Kenji, who is my favorite character.

Mafi’s writing was wonderful and poetic as ever. The last 20% of the book was as gripping and action packed as I was hoping, and the ending was very satisfying. There were a few loose ends, but for the most part I had closure.

In my very humble opinion, this series should’ve ended with Ignite Me (Shatter Me, #3), and I don’t recommend anyone read past that one. I’m very happy Mafi’s has announced that her next book will be a Contemporary novel called “An Emotion of Great Delight” which is to be released in 2021. I do look forward to reading more of her future books.

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review. However, if you click on my link and end up buying the book Amazon will pay me a small fee. Thank you for supporting a small blog like mine 🙂

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Chain of Gold

Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

chain of gold by cassandra clare
Picture from Goodreads

Author: Cassandra Clare

Series: The Last Hours (#1)

Published: March 3, 2020

ISBN: 1481431870

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Welcome to Edwardian London, a time of electric lights and long shadows, the celebration of artistic beauty and the wild pursuit of pleasure, with demons waiting in the dark. For years there has been peace in the Shadowhunter world. James and Lucie Herondale, children of the famous Will and Tessa, have grown up in an idyll with their loving friends and family, listening to stories of good defeating evil and love conquering all. But everything changes when the Blackthorn and Carstairs families come to London…and so does a remorseless and inescapable plague.

James Herondale longs for a great love, and thinks he has found it in the beautiful, mysterious Grace Blackthorn. Cordelia Carstairs is desperate to become a hero, save her family from ruin, and keep her secret love for James hidden. When disaster strikes the Shadowhunters, James, Cordelia and their friends are plunged into a wild adventure which will reveal dark and incredible powers, and the true cruel price of being a hero…and falling in love.

My Review:

Humanity is drawn to light, not darkness”

Mathew

First, let me start by thanking Cassandra Clare for once again creating such an amazing group of lovable Shadowhunters. Each character was wonderful in their own right, and also had great chemistry with the rest of the group. Cordelia quickly became one of my favorite female Shadowhunters of all time. I loved how strong and tenacious she was, and how even in a time where women were viewed as meek and submissive, she was not afraid to speak her mind. I knew that James, being Will Herondale’s son, would quickly steal my heart and I wasn’t wrong. He reminded me so much of Jem (Will’s parabatai) as well. James was a good mix of brave, smart, and gentle.

Do not let those who cannot see the truth tell you who you are. You are the flame that cannot be put out. You are the star that cannot be lost. You are who you have always been, and that is enough…”

Jem

My favorite side characters were Lucy and Mathew. How could I not fall in love with Lucy when I see so much of myself in her? Lucy sees the world in stories, and she carries her writing materials with her most of the time in case a good scene pops into her head. Mathew is dark and mysterious, he carries a burden that I hope we will find more about in the books to come. Of course I loved the appearance of Magnus, one of my all time favorite characters. His humor always makes any situation better.

She thought of the secrets people kept and the way they were like scars or wounds beneath the skin. You could not always see them, but if you touched on them in the wrong way, you could cause great pain.”

Cordelia

The story did have a slow start, and it took me a while to get into it. At first, so many Shadowhunter family names were being thrown around that I admit to having to go look at the Shadowhunter family trees to keep track of everyone (by the way NEVER do this unless you want a lot of spoilers). Once the action got going it became hard for me to put the book down.

It matters not how a man dies, but how he lives.”

S.J.

My only issue with this book was the fact that the plot went around in circles. At the end of the book I felt like we were right back where we started. There was a lot of character development and transitions, but not a lot of progress was made in the story itself. Thankfully, this is only book one in the series, so I’m expecting the plot to be much more developed in the books to come.

We do not get to choose when in our lives we feel pain…it comes when it comes, and we try to remember, even though we cannot imagine a day when it will release its hold on us, that all pain fades. All misery passes.”

Mathew

I find myself enjoying Clare’s books more when they are set in the 1800’s-1900’s, than when they are set in modern times. The characters seem to express themselves with a lot more passion. If you haven’t read Cassandra Clare’s books, I highly recommend her other series The Infernal Devices, set in the late 1800’s, and I recommend this one (Chain of Gold) which also seems very promising.

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review. However, if you click on my link and end up buying the book Amazon will pay me a small fee. Thank you for supporting a small blog like mine 🙂

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House of Earth and Blood

Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

Series: Crescent City (#1)

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Published: March 3, 2020

ISBN: 1635574048

Pages: 803

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life—working hard all day and partying all night—until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.

Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose—to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.

As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion—one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it.

With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom—and the power of love.

My Review:

Let me start by saying that I’m a huge Sarah J. Maas fan, and I have been anticipating this book for quite a while. SO… I might be a little biased. Now that I got that off my chest let’s get right to it.

The power shall always belong to those who give their lives to the city.”

When I started reading this book I felt that there was a LOT of information being thrown at me at once. It felt more like a high fantasy novel than the usual Sarah J. Maas novel. The names of important people, races, and hierarchies were being named too fast for me to process or care. I also did not appreciate not starting the story in the middle of the action from the get go. I guess I got used to it in her other series: Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses. But thankfully the action finally picks up around Chapter 5, so if you are a true Maas fan, I urge you to stick around. You will not regret it.

That’s the point of it, Bryce. Of life. To live, to love, knowing that it might all vanish tomorrow.”

Danika

Maas is the queen of “damaged and insecure on the inside but seemingly confident and badass on the outside” characters, and Bryce and Hunt are no different. I fell in love with Bryce right away, I liked her tenacity and the fact that she never gave up no matter how bleak the situation. I dare say I liked her more than Feyre from the Court of Thorns series, but definitely not more than Aelin from Throne of Glass. My favorite side characters were Rhun and Queen Hypaxia, and I really hope to see more of them in the books to come.

Not that I’m complaining or anything, or maybe I am. This was supposed to be an adult book, but apart from a lot more cursing, there were a LOT more explicit sex scenes in Maas’s other YA/ New Adult books than in this one. With that said, I enjoyed the slow-burn romance between Bryce and Hunt. I liked that it took them most of the book to realize their feelings for one another and that their relationship was not “insta-love.” I do have to admit that at times the sexual tension between them was a bit intolerable, but it was one of the factors that kept me glued to the pages.

I’m really hoping Maas turns this series into one of those where each installment focuses on a different set of characters. I feel like Bryce and Hunt’s story is not completely over, but they could probably stay on the side lines on the books to come. I really want her to expound on the rest of the characters, but somehow I don’t think I will get my wish. I also wish to learn more about the magic system overall, so hopefully she gives us more details on that. Overall, I highly recommend this book to all Fantasy and Sarah J. Maas fans. If you’re not one of her fans yet, then what are you waiting for?

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review. However, if you click on my link and end up buying the book Amazon will pay me a small fee. Thank you for supporting a small blog like mine 🙂

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The Queen of Nothing

Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

the queen of nothing by holly black
Buy it on Amazon

Author: Holly Black

Series: The Folk of the Air, #3

Published: November 19, 2019

ISBN: 0316310409

**If you would like to purchase this book please consider helping me as a blogger by using my link above or at the bottom of the post, at no additional cost to you**

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold onto. Jude learned this lesson when she released her control over the wicked king, Cardan, in exchange for immeasurable power.

Now as the exiled mortal Queen of Faerie, Jude is powerless and left reeling from Cardan’s betrayal. She bides her time determined to reclaim everything he took from her. Opportunity arrives in the form of her deceptive twin sister, Taryn, whose mortal life is in peril.

Jude must risk venturing back into the treacherous Faerie Court, and confront her lingering feelings for Cardan, if she wishes to save her sister. But Elfhame is not as she left it. War is brewing. As Jude slips deep within enemy lines she becomes ensnared in the conflict’s bloody politics.

And, when a dormant yet powerful curse is unleashed, panic spreads throughout the land, forcing her to choose between her ambition and her humanity

My Mini Review:

“That’s what mortal means…Think of us like shooting stars, brief but bright.” ~Jude

What a satisfying ending to a magical series. Holly Black has woven a tale full of intrigue, court scheming, and assassins, with just the right amount of romance sprinkled in. I found myself constantly torn between wanting to savor every page, and wanting to know what happened next. In the end the latter won, and I finished the book in two days.

“Maybe it isn’t the worst thing to want to be loved, even if you’re not. Even if it hurts. Maybe being human isn’t always being weak.” ~Jude

This story was really about Jude, a girl who became one of my all time favorite female characters. In the beginning of this series, Jude was just a girl who wished to be a knight, but we saw her evolve into something much greater than that. Through her we learned what it means to be human in a world full of immortals. Jude constantly toed the line between doing what’s right and doing what’s necessary, and she was able to remain level-headed and strong throughout. I greatly admired her ambition, and her willingness to give up everything to attain her dreams.

“How do people like us take off our armor? One piece at a time.” ~Jude

Cardan was the Cruel Prince, and then he was the Wicked King, but through his story Black taught us that family sometimes means more than sharing the same blood. He taught us that being a leader is sometimes more than wearing a crown on your head.

Some of my favorite side characters included Madoc, Jude’s father who passed on his ambition, and Oak, Jude’s little brother who never wished to become king. As always, I really enjoyed the small graphics and drawings throughout the book, as well as the covers for the whole trilogy. I recommend this series to all Fantasy fans, and fans of this trilogy need to read it NOW.

Let me know in the comments what you thought about The Queen of Nothing!

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Serpent and Dove

Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

serpent and dove by shelby mahurin
Serpent and Dove

Author: Shelby Mahurin

Published: September 3, 2019

Publisher: HarperTeen

Series: Serpent and Dove, #1

**Please consider using my link if you are going to buy this book and support a fellow blogger**

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou’s, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou’s most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.

And love makes fools of us all.

My review:

In her deeply captivating debut novel, Mahurin explores themes such as parental abandonment, survival, and religious zealotry. Having failed to read the synopsis or any information about this book before I began listening to a sample of the audio, I received two happy surprises right away. The first one was that one of my favorite narrators, Holter Graham, is the voice of Reid. The second was that this story includes the “enemies to lovers” trope, one of my favorites, and in this one the characters are actually forced to marry each other.

I started listening to a sample of the audio book and it was over way too soon. Naturally, I ended up spending one of my audible credits on the full book right away. Therein ensued a battle between having to live my life and absolutely having to listen to the book at all times. The plot was fast paced and engrossing. The magic system was fascinating, and I enjoyed the clash between the witches and the Church. The romance aspect of the story was not rushed, and the slow build-up filled me with anticipation.

Lou quickly moved up to the top of the list of my favorite heroines. I found her to be a strong and compelling main character. Reid’s efforts to keep Lou contained were very endearing. He soon figured out that there is not “handling” or “controlling” Lou, she was an unstoppable force of nature. He lovingly called her a “heathen” in his head. I did admire his stubbornness which sometimes bordered on pigheadedness, and his knack for being loyal to a fault. Coco and Ansel were my favorite side characters. Both of them fierce and loyal companions to our main characters.

Serpent and Dove is a 2019 Goodreads choice nominee. The next book in the series, Blood and Honey, is set to be published August 31, 2020. I honestly cannot wait to see how Mahurin ties the loose ends she left at the end of Serpent and Dove, and I also wish for more background and scenes including Ansel and Coco. I recommend this book to all YA/ Fantasy fans who love a good mix of magic and romance.

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WWW Wednesday

Dee’s Reading Tree

This is a meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words where you answer three questions: What are you reading now? What did you just read? What will you be reading next?

What I just read:

Ivory (The Manhattan Ten, #1) by Lola Dodge
My Bookstagram

I’ve been trying to read more ARCs lately, and I’m proud to say I just read two: The Monsters of Music by Rebecca F. Kenney, and Ivory (The Manhattan Ten, #1) by Lola Dodge. The first one I was contacted by the author, and I reviewed on Booksprout as well as here on the blog. By the way, I had no idea Booksprout existed, it’s another website like Netgalley where you can sign up to borrow ARCs. The second one, Ivory, I picked on Netgalley. It is an older book that the author is re-publishing. When she first published it (back in 2013), it was the second book in the series, now it’s the first. In my opinion, the covers look much nicer for this set of books than the old books. Both of these were four star reads for me.

What I’m reading now:

Picture from Goodreads

I’m currently listening to and audio book of Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin, which I’m really enjoying despite the mixed reviews on it. I should really try not reading the synopsis on books I plan to read more often. The fact that Lou is forced to marry Reid really caught me by surprise. I’m also reading Supernova (Renegades, #3) by Marissa Meyer, which was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I’m glad that it starts with a lot of action, and it’s not a slow-starter like the other books in the series.

What I plan to read next:

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
Picture from Goodreads

I plan on reading a few more ARCs before the month is done. I also plan to read The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air, #3) by Holly Black, which releases November 19th, and I have already pre-ordered. I can’t wait for this one! I was so frustrated with the ending of the last book.

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Ivory

Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Ivory by Lola Dodge
Ivory by Lola Dodge

Author: Lola Dodge

Series: Manhattan Ten, #1

Published: October 22, 2019

**If you want to buy this book, please consider using my link and supporting a fellow blogger**

Synopsis from Goodreads:

If Ivory’s fellow flight attendants whisper that she has ice in her veins, they’d be right. She’s spent years ruthlessly suppressing her dangerous ice powers, pretending she didn’t grow up wild on the tundra.

Her legendary coolness has held solid—until a crazed attacker snaps her composure, unleashing her ice beast and blowing her cover. And she’s not sure if the man who defuses the situation is any less dangerous.

When Panther’s trans-Atlantic catnap is interrupted by Ivory’s ice spear through his mark’s gut, he doesn’t hesitate to claim her as one of the Manhattan Ten. It’s the only way to shield her from prosecution. It doesn’t hurt that the Nordic beauty puts his inner cat on the prowl.

Panther tempts Ivory in every smoldering way, but to let him melt her resistance is a risk she can’t afford. But when her past rises up to claim her, Pan is caught in the crossfire…and the only way to save him is to let the beast claim her, body and soul.

Disclaimer: I was given a free review copy of this book via Netgalley and INscribe Digital, the Publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

My Mini Review:

This story was fast paced and to the point like a novella should be, but without leaving any major plot holes. I enjoyed the introduction to this group of “Supers” who have familiar super powers such as mind reading, shifting, and ice, but yet their story is told in a new and futuristic setting. I loved the modern take on Super heroes, as well as the adult romantic aspect of it. I enjoyed the chemistry and slow building romance between Ivory and Jag. Even in a novella, the romantic aspect did not feel rushed which is always a plus.

The book was short enough to read in one sitting, and there was enough action and suspense to keep me hooked throughout. There was a serial killer involved, which offered a very interesting and unique twist on the super hero trove. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in this series, and finding out more about the other Supers and what their stories are. Mostly, I want to figure out who the killer is. I would recommend this novella to all Adult Fantasy readers who enjoy a quick, fast paced, action packed read.

Warning: This book includes explicit sexual content.

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Darkdawn

Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

dark dawn by jay kristoff
Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff

Author: Jay Kristoff

Published: September 3, 2019

Publisher: Thomas Dune Books

Series: The Nevernight Chronicles, #3

**If you are considering buying this book, please click on my link to support a fellow blogger**

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A ruthless young assassin’s journey for revenge comes to a stunning end in the conclusion of this acclaimed epic fantasy trilogy.

The Republic of Itreya is in chaos. Mia Corvere has assassinated Cardinal Duomo and rumors of Consul Scaeva’s death ripple through the street of Godsgrave like wildfire. But buried beneath those same streets, deep in the ancient city’s bones, lies a secret that will change the Republic forever.

Mia and her brother Jonnen must journey through the depths of the ancient metropolis. Their quest will take them through the Godsgrave underdark, across the Sea of Swords, back to the library of the Quiet Mountain and the poisoned blades of Mia’s old mentors, and at last the fabled Crown of the Moon. There, Mia will at last discover the origins of the darkin, and learn the destiny that lies in store for her and her world. But with the three suns now in descent, and Truedark on the horizon, will she survive?

Fear was Can’t. Fear was Won’t. But fear wasn’t ever a choice. To never fear was to never hope. Never love. Never live…Part of having is the fear of losing. Part of creating is the fear of it breaking. Part of beginning is the fear of your ending. Fear is never a choice… But letting it rule you is.”

Darkdawn

My Mini Book Review:

I’m doing a mini book review on this because there is no way I can put ALL my thoughts about this series into coherent sentences. How do I review a series like this one? These books made me cry tears of happiness, of sadness, frustration, and despair. In short, they made me feel everything a good series should.

I did pick Darkdawn up a couple of times to read it in September, but I ended up putting it down twice. First, I did not expect the religious aspect of the books to take center stage in the story, and that is always a turn-off for me. Second, I read so many dark books in September that I felt like I needed some happiness in my life. I finally got my hands on the audio version (the narrator Holter Graham does an amazing job), and this helped me get through it. Once I got through most of the setting up part, I could not stop listening.

I loved all the characters in these books. I fell in love with all their stories and I was proud of their growth throughout. I came to respect Mia and her strength and perseverance, and how she was set on revenge, but not willing to cross certain moral lines. I liked the side stories, the humor, the colorful cursing, and yes even the footnotes. I’m sad that this series has come to an end, and I cannot wait to see what Kristoff comes up with next. If you are a fan of dark Fantasy, read these!

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The Monsters of Music

Dee’s Reading Tree

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

The Monsters of Music by Rebecca F. Kenney
The Monsters of Music

Author: Rebecca F. Kenney

Publishes: October 30, 2019

Publisher: Kindle Direct Publishing

ISBN: 1693557754

**If you want to buy this book, please consider clicking on the link above and supporting a fellow blogger at no additional cost to you**

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A darkly romantic gender-swapped modern retelling of The Phantom of the Opera, with a scarred Muse girl, a rock-star boy, and a singing competition. For fans of The Wicked Deep (Ernshaw), Wintersong (S. Jae-Jones), American Idol, or The Voice.

Mel must share her creative magic or be driven mad by it. But finding her first protégé isn’t as easy for her as it is for most Lianhan Sídhe (muses of Celtic myth). Though the women of her race are naturally beautiful, she carries horrifying scars across one side of her face, inflicted by her mother’s obsessive boyfriend. And Mel isn’t only interested in pouring her creative energy into a man; she wants to use her musical genius herself, too. But the laws of the Lianhan Sídhe, and her own savage appearance, stand in the way of her ever singing onstage.

To relieve the painful pressure of her magic, Mel latches onto Kiyoji, a boy with a beautiful voice, and coaches him through a televised singing competition. But neither of them are prepared for the power of their connection, or for the new kind of magic that happens when the two of them sing together.

Fans of Holly Black’s contemporary fantasy books (Tithe, Valiant) or Brigid Kemmerer’s A Curse So Dark and Lonely will enjoy this dark, offbeat retelling with a hint of cyberpunk and a dose of Celtic mythology. The novel celebrates a broad range of music from various decades.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

My Review:

I was a bit hesitant to read this book, because in the past I hadn’t enjoyed other books where the author attempted to mix music into the story (Example: “Wintersong” by S. Jae-Jones, which this book kept getting compared to). I should also say that I’ve never read or seen Phantom of the Opera. But I should not have worried, because the musical aspect in this book blended seamlessly into the story. Maybe it was the more modern setting, the simple precise wording, or the well-known songs that are mentioned, but I really enjoyed the blend of magic and music and I found the story very unique and alluring.

I liked reading the book through all the different points of views. It’s mainly told through Mel’s POV, but it switches to Kiyo, and many of the others as well. Each character had their own unique voice and perspective, and I could always tell when a new point of view was introduced. I liked that Mel was a flawed main character, and that we get to see her change and evolve throughout. Her dark side was a good contrast to Kiyo’s naivete and innocence. Also, the love aspect between Mel and Kiyo did not feel rushed. There was no “insta-love,” and they took their time getting to know each other. My favorite character was Prince, the cat.

I found the miscommunication between the characters in the middle of the story a bit annoying. It was at a point in the story where I felt there was already enough conflict going on, and I kept thinking “Just talk to each other!” Also, there were some unanswered questions and small plot holes when it came to the magic system. I don’t do spoilers, but there is something that happens as a result of Mel using her magic, and I was waiting for a good explanation but never got one.

The world building was well done. I could definitely picture this old school and its many rooms and passages in my mind’s eye as I was reading. The characters were well described, and I felt like I had a good grasp on what they all looked like. Overall, this was a great fast paced read, and I would recommend it to all Fantasy/ YA fans looking for a great story full of enthralling magic, music, and a new modern take on Phantom of the Opera.