The explosive revelations in Defy Me have left readers reeling and desperate for answers. This fourth and final novella in the series will bring readers back to the world of the Shatter Me before the final novel installment hits shelves in winter 2020.
My Mini Review:
Let me start off by saying that I love Kenji, and I will always love anything written from his point of view. He is real and down to earth, and I like reading his crazy thought processes, random thoughts, and raw emotions. No one can write emotions like Tahereh Mafi. She gives simple words different and elegant meanings, and her writing is poetic in nature.
All that aside, I just really wish this book was longer. I understand it’s a novella but I cannot stand how short this was, and how instead of satiating my “Shatter Me” thirst until the next installment, it left me feeling empty and wanting. Now, I realize I sound like an addict, but I really needed more! Needless to say, this novella got me super hyped up for the next book releasing in 2020. I absolutely cannot wait!
Olive is always unlucky: in her career, in love, in…well, everything. Her identical twin sister Ami, on the other hand, is probably the luckiest person in the world. Her meet-cute with her fiancé is something out of a romantic comedy (gag) and she’s managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a series of Internet contests (double gag). Worst of all, she’s forcing Olive to spend the day with her sworn enemy, Ethan, who just happens to be the best man.
Olive braces herself to get through 24 hours of wedding hell before she can return to her comfortable, unlucky life. But when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning from eating bad shellfish, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan. And now there’s an all-expenses-paid honeymoon in Hawaii up for grabs.
Putting their mutual hatred aside for the sake of a free vacation, Olive and Ethan head for paradise, determined to avoid each other at all costs. But when Olive runs into her future boss, the little white lie she tells him is suddenly at risk to become a whole lot bigger. She and Ethan now have to pretend to be loving newlyweds, and her luck seems worse than ever. But the weird thing is that she doesn’t mind playing pretend. In fact, she feels kind of… lucky.
My Review:
This book was just as hilarious as everyone made it out to be. I’m glad I listened to the hype and finally read it. There were many funny moments as well as real cringy ones. When a book gets a physical reaction from me, like a cringe, then I think it has done its job. Also, I really enjoyed all the Harry Potter references.
I loved Olive’s crazy Hispanic family, but I’m still undecided on whether I want a family like hers. On the one hand, I loved how supportive they were, but on the other I would hate it if my family showed up at my house unannounced at all hours of the day. I did enjoy reading all their texts and back and forth banter. I liked how this book integrated texting into the narrative, since it has become such an integral part of how we interact with each other.
Olive was a strong female character, and I liked seeing her work through different ethical and moral dilemmas and witness the repercussions of her decisions. I also enjoyed Ethan’s personality and how he was able to deal with Olive’s inability to lie, or her propensity to talk to much when she was put on the spot. Their romance was slow building and realistic, even though in theory the author could’ve gotten away with some “insta-love” since they actually had known each other for a very long time.
The only negative for me was the ending was a bit dragged out, and I felt that many parts of it were unnecessary. But overall, I would recommend this book to all Romance readers. The sex scenes were not too explicit, and it was a very funny light-hearted read.
Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Fire Queen, was murdered before her eyes. On that day, the Kaiser took Theodosia’s family, her land, and her name. Theo was crowned Ash Princess–a title of shame to bear in her new life as a prisoner.
For ten years Theo has been a captive in her own palace. She’s endured the relentless abuse and ridicule of the Kaiser and his court. She is powerless, surviving in her new world only by burying the girl she was deep inside.
Then, one night, the Kaiser forces her to do the unthinkable. With blood on her hands and all hope of reclaiming her throne lost, she realizes that surviving is no longer enough. But she does have a weapon: her mind is sharper than any sword. And power isn’t always won on the battlefield.
For ten years, the Ash Princess has seen her land pillaged and her people enslaved. That all ends here.
Captive animals grow to love their captors all the time, even when they beat them. It’s not surprising that you love one of yours.”
Ash Princess
My review:
Sebastian’s writing is succinct and poetic in nature. I enjoyed how fast paced the story was, and how it dropped you in the middle of the action, not stopping until the bitter cliffhanger ending. Theo was such a strong main character. The whole time she had me questioning whether I would’ve made the same decisions she did if I was in her place, and whether I could ever be strong enough to withstand the things she did. There were a lot of ethical and moral dilemmas presented in this book, and as similar as I found this story to Throne of Glass, I felt like it went a lot deeper into issues of morality and duty than the first Throne of Glass book ever did.
As traitorous as it makes me, I can imagine it. A life where a crown—gold or ash—doesn’t weigh heavy on my head. A life where I’m not responsible for thousands of people who are hungry and weak and beaten every day. A life where I can just be a girl, kissing a boy because she wants to”
Ash Princess
At some point I feared this was going to turn into a Religion heavy story. It’s okay when stories include Gods and Goddesses and different made up religions and religious entities, but I don’t enjoy it when religion takes the main stage. I found it a bit boring and frustrating that many of these characters, including Theo, had powers but they did not use them for fear of not being allowed into the “After” and rejoin their friends and families. In my opinion, Fantasy books which include magic should have people that can USE their powers. I’m hoping this changes in the future books. There was also some “insta-love” which is always annoying.
Why would the gods allow us to suffer like we have for the last decade? Why wouldn’t they have struck the Kalovaxians down as soon as they set foot on Astrean soil? Why didn’t they protect us?”
Ash Princess
Now, I know it seems like I have a lot more dislikes than I do likes, so how can I give this book four stars? The negative aspects were mildly inconvenient, but they did not make the whole story for me. Also, this has been one of the only Fantasy books that has made me tear up since the ending of Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas. I really liked Theo, and I connected with her and her struggle. I’ve now moved on to the second book in this series, Lady Smoke, and I’m enjoying that as well. I have been trying to catch up with this series for a while, and I’m glad I’m finally reading it. I recommend this series to all Fantasy fans.
Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases — a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.
It doesn’t help that Stella has Asperger’s and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice — with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can’t afford to turn down Stella’s offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan — from foreplay to more-than-missionary position…
Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he’s making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic.
I like you better than calculus, and math is the only thing that unites the universe.”
Stella
I completely devoured this book. I started reading it in the afternoon one day and unfortunately had to stop to get a few hours of sleep, and then I finished it in the morning. I fell in love with all the characters in this book, even the minor ones, especially Ngoai (Michael’s grandma). The plot was fast paced, and there was no fluff to fill gaps between time. For example, if their next date was on Friday the story skipped right to Friday without making us wait and filling the gap with useless pining. I love when stories are straight to the point.
People called it a disorder, but it didn’t feel like one. To her, it was simply the way she was.”
Stella
I became highly invested in these characters’ lives and wellbeing. I wanted them, or better yet NEEDED them to be happy. I appreciated the progress both the main characters, Stella and Michael, made throughout the story. They went through a lot of healthy personal and emotional growth, and learned to appreciate themselves and accept who they are. This was exactly the kind of feel good story I needed to balance out my dark TBR for this month. I highly recommend this light hearted read to all romance fans, and readers who need a little pick me up. Also, fair warning that the sex is very explicit and not shy on the details.
Have you read this book? Are you planning on reading book two? I know I definitely AM!
I didn’t understand how you could live in a mean world and not have any of that meanness rub off on you.”
Ari
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz was an amazing read. I started reading this book one afternoon and was surprised to find myself finishing it up at 1:30 AM that same night. I was unable to put it down, and when I absolutely had to in order to do things like cook, eat, and take care of my two children, I switched to the audio book and had it plugged into one ear all day. I became so invested in these kids’ lives, which is my main problem when I read Contemporary Fiction. I keep having to remind myself that these are fictional characters, something I never have to do when I read Fantasy or Sci-Fi. But mainly this was just exceptional writing which kept me engaged and almost hypnotized.
One of the secrets of the universe was that our instincts were sometimes stronger than our minds.”
Ari
The first thing I realized while reading this book, was that Ari was just like me. I really wanted to know what would happen to this dark and heavily guarded boy. On the other hand, Dante was a lot like my husband, right down to his aversion to wearing shoes. Needless to say these characters were well developed and relatable. I could also relate to Ari’s family in many ways, one of the few differences being mine are Cuban and his were Mexican.
But I had learned to hide what I felt. No, that’s not true. There was no learning involved. I had been born knowing how to hide what I felt.”
Ari
The story follows these two boys through their last two years of High School, and two unforgettable Summers. The depiction of High School was so real, it really took me back to the days with no smart phones and limited phone access. Summer is also my favorite season, and I enjoyed their mundane way of spending it. Just two boys going swimming at the local community center, reading, and playing made up games. Those were the simple days, but also the complicated ones because it is the age when we attempt to figure out who we are. I recommend this book to anyone wishing to figure out the secrets of the universe along with these two amazing characters.
Mondays are when I take a look at my TBR on Goodreads and decide what I want to keep and what I want to delete. I ordered the list in reverse chronological order, I skipped the books I’ve already decided to keep in other weeks, and then I picked the next ten books to take a look at and decide whether I want to keep or delete 🙂
Picture from Goodreads
Autoboyography by Christina Lauren
I have a friend who I think would enjoy this book, which I believe was the main reason I added it. I think it’s not for me. The cover is so pretty though.
Delete 😦
Picture from Goodreads
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
I really hope this is not one of those over hyped books in the blogging community. The synopsis looks interesting and it has great ratings. I have been hearing about it everywhere. I haven’t read a good suspense/thriller in a while. Looking forward to it.
Keep 🙂
Picture from Goodreads
Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
I didn’t realize this is supposed to be a spinoff of the Remnant Chronicles series by the same author which I haven’t read. I read a sample of that first book a while ago and I did not like it. Also, some of the reviews from my Goodreads friends are not good.
Delete 😦
Picture from Goodreads
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
I read in another blog, and sorry I don’t remember which one that was, that this book is about forgiveness. I am not a very forgiving person and have struggled with it all my life. I thought this would be an interesting book to learn from.
Keep 🙂
Picture from Goodreads
The Isle of the Lost by Melissa de la Cruz
A book about Disney villains trying to escape from their imprisonment on an island? Say no more, sign me up.
Keep 🙂
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Educated by Tara Westover
Having come to this country at an early age from Communist Cuba, where learning is so limited and narrow minded, I struggled with the same issues the main character in this book seems to struggle with. Trying to reconcile my new eye opening education with my family’s narrow view of the world, and my struggle and failure to enlighten them in some way without becoming an outcast in their eyes. I think I will enjoy this book.
Keep 🙂
Picture from Goodreads
The Bookish Life of Neena Hill by Abbi Waxman
I always wanted to read about a bookish character who is forced to come out of her shell. Also, look at this adorable cover.
Keep 🙂
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A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell, #1) by Deanna Raybourn
This one has really great reviews and ratings on Goodreads, and it has been recommended by someone on my bookstagram (don’t remember who that was sorry).
Keep 🙂
Picture from Goodreads
The Black Veins (Dead Magic, #1) by Ashia Monet
I didn’t realize this book releases this week. If I was familiar with the author it would be an auto-read for me, but for now I will add it when I see more reviews on it.
Delete 😦
Picture from Goodreads
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
Everyone has loved A Sorcery of Thorns by this author. I will give this one a try after I see if I also like it.
Keep 🙂
I have been very bad adding books to my TBR this past week. Last week I was so proud I actually reached the bottom of the list. This week not so much.
I found this book tag in A Book Nation blog. It looked fun and I thought I would give it a try : )
Picture from Goodreads
How many books are too many in a series?
As long as I love the author and the writing I will read as many books as they want to write in a series. Anyone heard of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J. R. Ward? I THINK its by 20 books now, though don’t quote me on that. I got all the way up to #18, and I do plan to read the rest eventually.
If it works for the story I don’t really mind cliffhangers. My issue is waiting 1-2 years for the sequel to come out. I was so mad when Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass, #5) ended and then she wrote that useless book about Chaol and I had to wait another year for Kingdom of Ash. Okay, rant over :)…p.s. I still love you Sarah J. Maas.
Hardcover or paperbacks?
Hardcovers are prettier, sturdier and better to photograph, but paperbacks are more portable and malleable, and can sometimes be just as pretty. I guess my answer is I don’t care either way.
Picture taken by me
Favorite book?
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, I could read that book over and over. It’s one of those I would take if stranded on an island. Hopefully an island where Margaritas are also involved though.
Least Favorite book?
This may or may not be an unpopular opinion, but Allegiant (Divergent, #3) by Veronica Roth. The first two books were amazing, and then that last one…I don’t even have words.
Picture taken by me
Love triangles, yes or no?
Sometimes I enjoy them when it works for the story and when the main character is genuinely split between the two other characters. I don’t like it when the main character uses one guy to make the other guy jealous, or vise versa. My favorite love triangle was in the Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare.
A book you are currently reading?
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. This is not a book it’s work of art, I can tell and I’m only on page 154.
Same as above. Isn’t the cover beautiful? Since I carry it everywhere people have been asking me about it and I have recommended it to a lot of my work friends.
Oldest book you’ve read? (publication date)
I’m pretty sure I read way older books back in High School, but that was eleven years ago. I do vividly remember reading The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, for some reason. It was published 1996.
Picture from Goodreads
Newest book you’ve read? (publication date)
I’m currently reading an e-ARC of The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young, it will be published on September 3, 2019.
Favorite author?
This is a really hard question. I’m going to go with my top three: J.K. Rowling, Cassandra Clare, and Sarah J. Maas.
Buying books or borrowing?
Unfortunately for me and for my bank account I love buying books. I’m always afraid I will damage a book if I borrow it, or my two kids will tear it apart or something. Whenever I do borrow a book I always make sure to warn the owner.
Picture from Goodreads
A book you dislike that everyone seems to love?
I liked Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, but I hated the sequel and I have not read anything after that. I found Mare really whiny and annoying, and I like my female characters to be strong and fierce.
Bookmarks or dog ears?
What kind of monster dog ears their books?!
Picture taken by me
A book you can always re-read
The whole Harry Potter series, the Throne of Glass series, and the Shatter Me series…sorry I know it says “book” but I do what I want on my blog 🙂
Can you read while listening to music?
No, reading is a really immersive experience for me and I feel like music ruins the mood.
Whatever works for the story. I recently read Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff which had seven POV’s and I loved it. It really worked for the story and the characters were all unique. I also like the “his and hers” point of views of some stories, especially where romance is involved I like to know what they’re both thinking.
Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days?
Lately I haven’t had much time to read books in one sitting. The last book I remember doing that with was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when it first came out, but I was seventeen and had all the time in the world.
Who do you tag?
Anyone who wants to have some fun and try this book tag go ahead!
I read Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King, #2) by Tricia Levenseller with such high expectations mainly because I had heard that it was much better than the first book, but I found it to be just the same rating.
I’m going to start with the things I did not like. The story got a bit repetitive and tiresome at times, with the characters just doing the same thing over and eliciting almost the same results each time. The characters were also a bit inconsistent and changed their minds quite a lot; things that were an issue one day, did not matter the next. Even Alosa, our main female character had issues with Riden changing his mind over and over, one second he was hot and the next he was cold.
I did enjoy the sense of adventure this story conveyed, and the world building was great. The humor and dialogue were entertaining enough to keep me reading. Even though the story became a bit predictable, it was able to keep me engaged enough to want to know what would happen in the end. I liked that Alosa was a strong female character, and so were the other females on her crew. Little Rosalind was one of my favorite side characters, a child among pirates with a bit of spunk. I would recommend this book to any YA/Fantasy fans looking for a light entertaining read.
Dee’s Reading Tree 