ARCs, Extra

RELEASE BLITZ (+ARC Review): Titan by Shantel Tessier

autumnbookreads

Titan - RB banner

Hello Lovelies! I’ve got a good one for you guys today!!! Just look at that cover!! I CAN’T BREATHE!!! I love that cover and reading the actual book was even better!

I want to thank Social Butterfly PR for giving me the chance to read an ARC of this book and be a part of the release blitz team!

44415669. sy475

Synopsis:

TITAN
I know I have a black soul. Bloodshed and danger are what I live for.
A King is supposed to rule his Kingdom using any means necessary to demand respect.
I’m not a weak man… A King kneels to no one.
I’ve only ever cared about one other person in my life, but the thing is, she never belonged to me. And before I could tell her how I felt, she left.
Now she’s returned, needing someone to save her.
Emilee York was always meant to be mine, and I’ll see to it that happens. I always get what I want, even if that means I have to take it.
And she’s no different. She’ll be my queen, one way or the other.

EMILEE
When I left Sin City behind me, I had no plans to return. I avoided everyone, even my friends, to stay in my bubble. I’ve always been the kind to pull away and run when things get difficult.
But one phone call changed everything, and I was racing back. If only I had known what was waiting for me.
Titan reappeared like a ghost haunting me.
One look and I knew he recognized me. I never forgot him or what we shared. Those feelings that no one else knew existed between us.
I ignored them back then, but now they are more intense than ever.
“Get on your knees…” He demanded I kneel for him.
I tried to act like he didn’t affect me, but he knew. He remembered the way I reacted when he would touch me. And just like he was taught to do—he used my weaknesses against me.
He staked his claim, and I became his queen to use how he saw fit.
What makes it worse is that I crave him, and when I kneeled, it was willingly.
But was it for nothing?

My Spoiler-Free ARC Review:

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

This book really surprised me. It completely exceeded my expectations and I got so much more attached to the story than I thought I would! More than once some tears were shed by me while reading this. I’m so excited for the next book!

Connect With the Author:

Join Shantel’s Sinful Side Reader Group: https://bit.ly/3d02WHc

Facebook: https://bit.ly/2w8PyQQ
Instagram: https://bit.ly/39ETUNa
BookBub: https://bit.ly/2UWXRHT

Stay up to date with Shantel by joining her mailing list: https://bit.ly/2JClgZO

How To Read This Book:

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2LJHAlk
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/titanst
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2WBJUSi

Or add it to your Goodreads shelves: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44415669-titan

ARCs, Uncategorized

RELEASE BLITZ (+ ARC Review): Intrigued by Love by Sienna Snow

autumnbookreads

Intrigued By Love - RB banner

Hello Lovelies! I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to be a part of the release blitz for Intrigued by Love and was able to read an ARC of this book! It was SOOOOO good, y’all have no idea! Read it!!!

48908657

Synopsis:

I knew I was in trouble as soon as I read my horoscope.

Dear Gemini,
A blast from the past will force you to confront your dual nature.
Love is in the air, but only if you are open to it.
Remember, your heart can’t heal if you don’t examine the wounds.

Only one man fit that description. Jackson Burton. Libra. Breaker of hearts, my ex-boyfriend, and the best man for my sister’s wedding.

When he ghosted me, I ran as far away as I could, to this island paradise. Now, I was also trapped here for the wedding.

With him.

With the memories of our life together.

Our chemistry was more than just a memory. It was a live wire.

And he planned to spend the next month reminding me exactly what I was missing.

My Spoiler-Free ARC Review:

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

I highly enjoyed this book. The connection between the two characters was out of the world and I just loved reading their story so much! By the end of the book, I was actually telling myself to read slower because I didn’t want it to be over!

About the Author:

Sienna Snow

Inspired by her years working in corporate America, Sienna loves to serve up stories
woven around confident and successful women who know what they want and how to get it, both in – and out – of the bedroom.

Her heroines are fresh, well-educated, and often find love and romance through atypical
circumstances. Sienna treats her readers to enticing slices of hot romance infused with empowerment and indulgent satisfaction.

Sienna loves the life of travel and adventure. She plans to visit even the farthest
corners of the world and delight in experiencing the variety of cultures along the way.
When she isn’t writing or traveling, Sienna is working on her “happily ever after” with her husband and children.

Connect With the Author:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/35iFUZf
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2SnDROm
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3bU3ldR
Twitter: https://bit.ly/2WhxQ6T
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2yWXgPe
BookBub: https://bit.ly/3f9nK0e

Stay up to date with Sienna by joining her mailing list: https://bit.ly/2Wi2Q6R

Website: https://siennasnow.com

How To Read This Book:

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2WcCJOp
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/intriguedlove
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/36qFa4N

Or add it to your Goodreads shelves: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48908657-intrigued-by-love

Uncategorized

BLOG TOUR (+EXCERPT) : Rebellion (The Sainthood – Boys of Lowell High #2) by Siobhan Davis

autumnbookreads

Rebellion - BT banner

Hello Lovelies! I am a part of the blog tour for the release of Rebellion and I am so dang happy about it. This is one of my most anticipated RH releases and I can’t even breathe y’all. If you haven’t, get on this series ASAP!!!

50663955. sy475

Synopsis:

Everything changed the night he betrayed me, and now, the game has entered a new level.

Galen did me a favor, reminding me the only person I can count on is myself, and I’m more determined than ever to avenge my father’s death and avoid the destiny Sinner has mapped out for me.

Saint is used to calling the shots, but there are new rules, my rules, and if he wants me in his life, and in his bed, he’ll toe the line. They all will, because I can’t pull this off alone, and they owe me.

Sinner thinks he’s in control, but forcing me into initiation plays right into my hands. War has come to Lowell as rival gangs battle The Sainthood for ultimate power, and I enjoy rebelling from the inside, placing more obstacles in Sinner’s path while I exact my revenge.

But I’m not some innocent thirteen-year-old anymore—I have blood on my hands and lethal enemies on my tail.

I’m playing a dangerous game, especially where my heart is concerned, but there’s no turning back. I haven’t come this far to walk away empty-handed, and the more secrets we uncover, the more we realize how far-reaching the betrayal and corruption extend, and there’s no choice anymore.

The Sainthood must be taken down, and we’re the only ones who can do it.

EXCERPT:

Things with Theo were always complicated yet simple. Difficult yet as easy as
breathing. Our relationship now is no less complex, but I know I need to fix things with
him. It’s no different from Galen in that regard. I can’t cause a divide in the group with
me, Caz, and Saint on one side and Galen and Theo being frozen out on the other side.
But even if I do patch things up with them, I still don’t see how it ends up working out.
There are too many barriers to unity, especially with Theo.
I remove my hand from Caz’s. “Hey, could you give us a minute?” I gesture toward
Theo.

“Sure.” He kisses my lips. “I’ll grab us a table.”
Theo lifts his head, his eyes finding mine, and I hate the anguish I discover there,
because I know I’m partly responsible for it. I step toward him. “Hey.” I peer into his
beautiful hazel eyes. Green is most prominent today, but his pupils are ringed in a layer
of brown and amber, and I could stare at his handsome face all day. Tentatively, I reach
out, cupping one side of his face. “You doing okay?”
He shrugs, looking away, and I tilt his face around with my fingers. “Don’t do that.
Please.”
“It hurts so much to look at you sometimes,” he admits, his voice cracking a bit.
“I know.” I press my forehead to his, and my heart beats wildly out of control. “I’m
sorry if I hurt you with Caz in the car.”
“It’s not that,” he says. “I just miss you, Lo. Miss the way we were.” His hands land on
my hips.
“I miss you so fucking much,” I whisper. Tears sting my eyes, and I’m horrified. I pull
back, because I can’t break down here. “Can we go to the park tonight? Just you and
me. Like old times?”
His eyes turn glassy, and a soft smile graces his lips. “I would like that. We are long
overdue a talk.”
I nod. “You hurt me, Theo, and I’m not sure I’m ready yet, but I want to try.”
“I want to try too, because I want to fix things with us.”
“Do you think we can?”
He shrugs. “I don’t know. I think I’m even more confused than I was back then.”
“Because of me or someone else?” I gently inquire.

His eyes pop wide. “Is it—”
I shake my head. “I don’t think it’s obvious.”
The door opens, and Caz pops his head out. “You guys coming or what?”
“Always so impatient.” Theo punches him in the arm, but he’s smiling. “We’re
coming.” He reaches back, and I take his hand, letting him lead me inside.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Siobhan Davis

USA Today bestselling author Siobhan Davis writes emotionally intense young adult
and new adult romantic fiction with swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and tons of unexpected plot twists and turns that will have you flipping the pages beyond bedtime!
Siobhan’s family will tell you she’s a little bit obsessive when it comes to reading and
writing, and they aren’t wrong. She can rarely be found without her trusty Kindle, a
paperback book, or her laptop somewhere close at hand. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Siobhan forged a successful corporate career in
human resource management.
She resides in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.

ARE YOU AS EXCITED AS I AM YET?!?!?!?!

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bluPcm
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/rebellionsd

Start the series with Resurrection!
FREE in Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Rgimi1

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/Resurrectionsd
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2TLReHZ

AND Pre-order the stunning conclusion, Reign, today!

https://bit.ly/2R69ISY

Fantasy, Favorites, Reviews, Romance

REVIEW: House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City #1) by Sarah J. Maas

autumnbookreads

44778083

∴ Goodreads | Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Book Depository ∴

Synopsis:

Bound by blood.
Tempted by desire.
Unleashed by destiny.

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.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

“Through love, all is possible.”

MAJOR SPOILERS THROUGHOUT:
Where to begin? I had been waiting for this book since it was announced two years ago. I knew very little about it besides the fact that there would be shifters, Fae, and angels. I truly felt like Sarah had a direct line to my heart when I heard this because those are literally my top three favorite supernatural creatures in existence! And I didn’t need to hear any more after that!

To start, I will say that the first 200 pages or so of this book was overwhelming. There was a TON of information and, even though there is a map in the front of the book, it did not help me at all. I swear I need a thirty-page glossary to understand all of the places, creatures, people, government terms, and historical meanings of this book. For me, this book didn’t really pick up until after the first 400 pages. As mentioned above, the first half seemed extremely info-dumpy and there was a bunch of plot set up stuff happening. While Bryce and Hunt were going through with their investigation and making progress, I still felt like the overall plot wasn’t getting anywhere. I was really concerned that I wasn’t going to like this book because of this.

Luckily, the second half the book was phenomenally better. The plot was moving at a much faster pace, the character connections and relationships that Sarah is known for started to shine, and the plot twists started to unfold left and right. Tears were streaming down my face and I didn’t even turn over to grab a tissue to wipe them because I didn’t want to put the book down! I fell absolutely in love with this story and I saw everything that makes Sarah my favorite author come out. It was an emotional roller coaster but I am so happy that I picked this book up.

Bryce- Bryce is my girl!!! Her character is so relatable at the beginning of the story and watching her develop over the course of this one book was simply magical. Her dedication and never ending loyalty to her friends and family constantly brought tears to my eyes and I am so excited to see where her character will go from here.

Hunt- I’m not gonna lie, it took me a bit to warm up to Hunt. He just wasn’t grabbing me quite as much as some of the other characters in this book. I have heard people say he is a mixture of Rhys and Rowan from Sarah’s other series and I would completely agree with that. He has Rowan’s demeanor with Rhysand’s back story which made him an interesting character to follow. By the end of this book, I was completely in love with his character and I adored the arc that he went through. It was so beautiful!

Dannika & Her Pack- How is it that these characters were only physically involved in the story for five chapters, yet I love them so much and it hurt so bad when they died? I think this is a true testament to Sarah’s power as an author because Dannika and her pack just felt like any other character to me. I love them just as much as I love Bryce or Hunt and I cried at many different points in the book when they were mentioned.

Ruhn- God, I love Ruhn. He was everything I wanted his character to be and I feel like we’ve only scratched the surface for him. He did play a major role in this book, but I feel like his character is only going to blossom more over the course of the next installments. I am DYING to see where his story is going and to see this power struggle with his father come to a head.

Syrinx- This little chimera has my whole heart and is undoubtably my favorite character in this book. You have no idea how close I came to hyperventilating when Syrinx fell in that cage. I had tears rolling down my face and I swore that if he died, I wouldn’t read another SJM book.

Lehabah- This sweet little fire sprite had my whole heart it isn’t even funny. I just sobbed when she sacrificed herself and a part of me still can’t believe that she is gone. She became one of my favorite characters in such a short time and her loss will definitely be felt in the future installments.

Fury & Juniper- Juniper was sweet, and I liked her, but I am definitely more intrigued by Fury. She reminds me a lot of Amren and I need to know more about her! While I really liked these two, I felt like they didn’t play as big of a role as they could have. I think their character development and their storyline is going come into play in the future books more than they did in this one.

Hypaxia- I guessed the Hypaxia plot twist almost immediately. As soon as she met Ruhn and didn’t say her name, I knew. I loved what she did for Hunt and I know she will be one of Bryce’s biggest allies in the future installments. Is it wrong that I already ship her and Ruhn lol?

Micah- I did not see the Micah twist coming AT ALL. To be honest, I thought that he was more slated to be a love interest than a villain. I couldn’t have been more wrong lol. Well I’m happy he’s dead now.

Sandriel- I swear I’m never felt so much satisfaction as the moment that Hunt killed her. God, I couldn’t stand her. She gave me severe Amarantha vibes and I am SOOO happy that she is out of the picture now.

Jesiba- I’m not sure how I feel about Jesiba yet. Her treatment of Bryce throughout this book rubbed me the wrong way, but I am also really intrigued by her character. I want to learn more about her and her back story so bad!

Aidas- Is it wrong that he is a Prince of Hel, but I like him already? Like I don’t know if he is evil yet, but he is certainly morally grey. I loved that brief interaction between him, Bryce, and Hunt and I’m dying for more. That epilogue between him and Jesiba has me so hyped to find out what will happen next, it’s not even funny.

Overall, I highly enjoyed this book. There are so many characters and plot points that I could just go on and on forever about them so unfortunately I only hit on the major ones for this review. I am sure that all of the others will come up in my future reviews when they all become more critical to the story. And have no doubt, I will definitely be reading the next book! Is it 2021 yet???

Other Books in the Series:

Book Two ~ To Be Released

Book Three ~ To Be Released

TBR, Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday | Spring 2020 TBR

autumnbookreads

screenshot_2019-01-29 artstudio – dashboard(5)

Hello Lovelies! Today’s Top Ten Tuesday topic is to show off your Spring 2020 TBR. There were MANY books I could have chosen for this topic due to my never ending TBR pile lol. However, I wanted to choose books that I could actually see myself reading in the next couple of months considering my last few TBR posts haven’t gone so well. Anyways, here are the top ten books on my Spring TBR!

40126121. sy475

∴ Ruthless Gods (Something Dark and Holy #2) ∴

I got an ARC of this MONTHS ago and I’ve been wanting to read it for a while. After just finishing Wicked Saints a couple of weeks ago, I’m finally ready to read this book! I’m so excited (yet honestly terrified) to find out what will happen to my babies next!

43204703. sy475

∴ A Curse So Dark and Lonely (Cursebreakers #1) ∴

I’ve been wanting to read this book since before its release. I’ve even started the first 100 pages and have loved it! I just sat it down and never continued… But now I’m really ready to dive into this book and potentially its sequel.

35702241

∴ The Shadows Between Us ∴

As soon as I heard about this book, I was intrigued. I am all here for morally grey characters and a hate-to-love romance. So bring it on!

17314430

∴ Wait for You (Wait for You #1) ∴

I love Jennifer’s fantasy stuff and I have been wanting to read her contemporary stuff forever. So I’m going to really try to get to it within the next month or so.

43693948. sy475

∴ The Sounds of Us Trilogy ∴

The final book in this beautiful trilogy came out over a month ago, and I still haven’t read it. Ughhhh. I love these books so much and I had been waiting for the last book for so long and it hurts that I haven’t read it yet. I know I’m going to have to reread the first two books in order to read the last one so I have been putting it off. But I’m finally hoping to commit to the rereads and get to this book in the next few weeks.

43174656. sy475

∴ The Darkest Assassin (Lords of the Underworld #14.6) ∴

I’ve been putting off reading this book because I knew my bookish hangover for this series was only going to get worse if I read this book. Now that William’s book is FINALLY out, I am ready to read them both and I am SOOOO excited!

36314220. sy475

∴ Ghosts of the Shadow Market ∴

Despite loving Cassie Clare, I have been putting off reading this book because the stories in it did not appeal to me at its release. Now after talking to some people and hearing some more about this book, I am really interested in reading it.

46249012

∴ Bone Crier’s Moon (Bone Grace #1) ∴

The cover of this book was what initially attracted me to it, but after reading the synopsis, I have been dying to get my hands on it. And I plan on diving right in as soon as my copy gets here!

30075662. sy475

∴ Aurora Rising (The Aurora Cycle #1) ∴

After going on my Jay Kristoff binge this past year, I am more than ready to dive into this book. And just in time for the sequel to come out!

32650276. sy475

∴ Tempest (The Scarab Beetle #6) ∴

This is another one of those books that has been on my most anticipated releases list for literal years and, despite it releasing almost three months ago, I still haven’t read it. I feel like a failure to my favorite authors lol. I’m definitely going to read this ASAP though.

Thank you for joining me on TTT. What are some books on your Spring 2020 TBR? Feel free to leave a link to your post so I can check it out! And what did you think of my answers? Are you excited for any of the books I mentioned or have you read them already? If so, what did you think of them?

~𝒜𝓊𝓉𝓊𝓂𝓃 💕

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday | Authors Who Have a Fun Social Media Presence

autumnbookreads

screenshot_2019-01-29 artstudio – dashboard(5)

Hello Lovelies! I’m not gonna lie, this week’s TTT topic was a hard one. After I got my initial answers out of the way,  I struggled to come up with more. Hopefully, you see a couple authors on here that you like and agree with me picking them and you see a couple new ones that you can go follow! Some of these are an absolute joy and I love following them!

Image result for jay kristoff

∴ Jay Kristoff ∴

I just love Jay Kristoff and his Instagram is literally everything. He shares fan art, tattoos, what he’s up to, gives updates, and constantly has me dying laughing on his views of TV shows/movies. #bitchyoucanteleport 🤣

Image result for stephanie garber

∴ Stephanie Garber ∴

I might be new to the Caraval fandom, but I’m not new to Stephanie. I have followed her for a long time because I just like seeing what she posts. She does make posts about her books, but she also promotes other lesser known books which is so great of her. She also talks about her life and what she is doing which is never boring.

Image result for gena showalter

∴ Gena Showalter ∴

I initially followed Gena on Instagram for upcoming book news, but since it has become so much more than that. She is constantly posting quotes, extra content, sneak peaks, memes about the characters, giveaways, and other fun things. After knowing her for a little bit, I was introduced to her Facebook group and omgggg it’s hilarious on there. That group is the highlight of my day!

Image result for kerri maniscalco

∴ Kerri Maniscalco ∴

I haven’t even read SJTR yet, but I have been following Kerri for a while. I love seeing her beautiful posts, insider content, and shout-outs to the ARCs she’s reading.

Image result for cm stunich

∴ C.M. Stunich ∴

CM’s Facebook group literally keeps me going through my day lol. The amount of entirely inappropriate, yet hilarious posts on there is unreal. Plus, all the girls posting their fan-casts for the male characters is just 👌

Image result for jennifer l armentrout

∴ Jennifer L. Armentrout ∴

*dreamily sighs* Jen’s Facebook group is everything. The amount of hilarious posts, engaging fun, giveaways, inside scoops on her latest projects, and her updates on the Wicked movie are just so great!

Image result for leigh bardugo

∴ Leigh Bardugo ∴

I might not be Leigh’s biggest fan, but I can’t deny her social media presence. Whether that’s sharing fan-art, talking about the movie, or promoting her future books, she always finds a way to make her posts fun.

Image result for shelly crane

∴ Shelly Crane ∴

Shelly’s books will always have a special place in my heart, but her social media presence has sky rocketed in the last few months for me. Her series is becoming a movie!!!! So naturally she is posting a bunch of movie info and inside stuff!

Image result for cr jane

∴ C.R. Jane ∴

CR is so great on Instagram and Facebook! Her FB group people are so amazing and sweet and her Instagram stories about her books and life make me so happy.

Image result for ivy fox

∴ Ivy Fox ∴

I mostly know Ivy through her books and her FB group. When I say fun and hilarious, I definitely mean it lol. I can’t explain it to anyone that’s not in the group.

Thank you for joining me on TTT. Who are some authors that you think have a fun social media presence? Feel free to leave a link to your post so I can check it out! And what did you think of my answers? Did you find a new author?

~𝒜𝓊𝓉𝓊𝓂𝓃 💕

Fantasy, Favorites, Reviews, Romance

REVIEW: Finale (Caraval #3) by Stephanie Garber

autumnbookreads

40381392

∴ Goodreads | Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Book Depository ∴

Synopsis:

A love worth fighting for. A dream worth dying for. An ending worth waiting for.

It’s been two months since the Fates were freed from a deck of cards, two months since Legend claimed the throne for his own, and two months since Tella discovered the boy she fell in love with doesn’t really exist.

With lives, empires, and hearts hanging in the balance, Tella must decide if she’s going to trust Legend or a former enemy. After uncovering a secret that upends her life, Scarlett will need to do the impossible. And Legend has a choice to make that will forever change and define him.

Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun. There are no spectators this time—only those who will win, and those who will lose everything.

Welcome, welcome to Finale. All games must come to an end…

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

“Occasionally, there are minutes that get extra seconds. Moments so precious the universe stretches to make additional room for them.”

This book was just… WOW!!! Like I know that a lot of people were disappointed and I was really scared going into it that it wouldn’t live up to my expectations as a result. But I loved this book! It is definitely my favorite in the series by far. I couldn’t put it down and it exceeded all expectations.

I think the reason people didn’t like it was because this book was very character focused for a finale. Like this book was probably 70% characters and 30% plot. I for one loved that because I am a very character driven person. This book focuses a lot on Tella/Legend’s relationship and Scarlett/Julian’s and I loved that. I already adored these couples before this book but it only served to drive the point home. They are definitely some of my favorite couples ever.

I am so sad that this series is over. I drove through it and I don’t know what to do now. I’m just crossing my fingers that there will be a spin-off. It is heavily hinted throughout this book, especially that part where Tella had to promise to tell her future daughter’s secret. I know I would be down for any book this author writes from here on out, regardless of whether it is this universe or a different one.

Other Books in the Series:

5 🍁s ~ REVIEW: Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

5 🍁s ~ REVIEW: Legendary (Caraval #2) by Stephanie Garber

Fantasy, Favorites, Reviews, Romance

REVIEW: Legendary (Caraval #2) by Stephanie Garber

autumnbookreads

36329818

∴ Goodreads | Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Book Depository ∴

Synopsis:

A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.

After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister, Scarlett, from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.

The only chance of uncovering Legend’s identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more—and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets…including her sister’s. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice, but now the game is asking for more. If Tella can’t fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend’s name, she’ll lose everything she cares about—maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever…

Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . the games have only just begun.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

“Every good story needs a villain. But the best villains are the ones you secretly like.”

MAJOR SPOILERS THROUGHOUT:
Okay, so I loved the first book in this series and after reading the synopsis of this one, I was scared it was going to be a repeat of the first one with just minor differences. And while the core plot was similar in that Tella was trying to win the game of Caraval, I really felt like this book was completely different in every other aspect.

For one, Tella is very different from her sister and their POVs and choices are noticeably different from each other. Another difference is that I felt like this book just cracked this world, its politics, its magic system, and religious history wide open. In a lot of ways, this book was just on another level compared to the first one. We got to venture outside of Caraval and explore a whole new city. We also met a few new characters and the overall plot of this story was kind of revealed.

Tella- I said in my last review that Tella didn’t get a lot of development in the last book and that I wanted to see more of her. Well, I certainly got that in spades in this book. Tella is the complete center focus and she just reads and does things so uniquely different from Scarlett. I honestly couldn’t tell you who was more of a joy to follow. I’m interested to see how they both play out in the next installment.

Dante- Could I love him more?? Honestly, I don’t think so! About 30% through this book, I started to get the strong feeling that Dante was Legend… and I was right!!! I had always been intrigued by him and his tattoos and I finally realized that this character that I had been anticipating to meet had been right in front of me the whole time. It made the rest of the book watching Tella try to figure it out and their relationship continue to develop all the more entertaining.

Jacks- Jacks is a very interesting character to watch. I’m not 100% sure how I feel about him as I am not sure if he is actually the villain or not. He certainly does some rotten things, but there are times that I see another layer to him just waiting to be discovered. I will certainly be watching him during the next book.

Scarlett- I was very surprised by the minimal amount that Scarlett was in this book. I expected her and Julian to play a much bigger role than they did. And I hate to say it, but even when Scarlett did appear in this book, I was ticked at her. She constantly got in the way or made decisions that I did not agree with. Like sending a letter to the Count… Like really?! How can she not see the masterpiece that is Julian standing right in front of her? Like come on!

The Fates- The addition of the Fates certainly made this book interesting. I’m terrified to see what havoc they will wreak during the next installment.

Paradise the Lost- Is it just me or did anyone else not want her freed? Like I don’t really care about her. Any interest I did have waned after we got to see the vision of her bargaining Tella away. Like that doesn’t scream loving mother that people need to sacrifice everything for. I’m just hoping she proves to be useful in some way, like sacrificing herself for her daughters or Julian or Legend.

Overall, I highly enjoyed this book. This series is easily becoming one of my favorites and I still can’t believe that I waited so long to read it. I am very excited to start the next book and see how this all comes together in the grand finale.

Other Books in the Series:

5 🍁s ~ REVIEW: Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

Book 3 – To Be Read

Fantasy, Favorites, Reviews, Romance

REVIEW: Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

autumnbookreads

27883214

∴ Goodreads | Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Book Depository ∴

Synopsis:

Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval—the faraway, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show—are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

“Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything.”

MAJOR SPOILERS THROUGHOUT:
For years, I have been hearing people talk about this series. And for years, I said I wouldn’t read it because it didn’t sound like something I’d be into at all. However, after so much time hearing great things and having friends talk about it and share quotes, I decided to finally give it a chance… And I am so kicking myself now because I absolutely loved this book!

From the very first chapter, I was intrigued by this story. I wanted to know more about the mysterious Legend and his Caraval. I also wanted to meet these two sisters that everyone had been talking about. I got swept up in this story. There is no other way I can describe it to you. This magical and mysterious world of Caraval gripped my heart and made my inner dreamer come out. I fell in love with this beautifully dark world and its complexingly nonsensical magic system.

Scarlett- I really enjoyed following Scarlett. While she did make some stupid and naive decisions throughout the story, I still liked her. As someone who has two sisters myself, I know what it’s like to have them run off and for you try to pick up the pieces lol. I might not have agreed with all of Scarlett’s decisions or her methods, but I can empathize with her being new to this and just trying to do the best she can.

Tella- I didn’t get to see much of Tella in this book for obvious reasons. She came across as the selfish sibling for a while so I liked when it was revealed that she engineered this whole thing to help her and her sister. I’m eager to see more of Tella and get some development on her character in the future books.

Julian- Julian gripped my whole heart so hard, it’s not even funny. I loved his sarcastic self and I am all here for him and Scarlett.

Legend- From the notes in the beginning to the chapter where we learned a bit about Legend’s back story, I was instantly in love. I know he’s supposed to be the villain, but I am too much of a sucker for morally grey, cursed males to not fall for him. You have no idea how disappointed I am that I didn’t get to meet the real Legend in this book. I NEED him to play a bigger role in the future books!

Overall, I highly enjoyed this book. There was so many plot twists that I was constantly reeling and, honestly, even after already being a third of the way through this story, I feel like I really don’t know anything at all. I’m dying to start the next book and see where this story takes me next!

Other Books in the Series:

5 🍁s ~ REVIEW: Legendary (Caraval #2) by Stephanie Garber

Book 3 – To Be Read

ARCs, Fantasy, Favorites, Reviews, Romance

REVIEW: Chain of Gold (The Last Hours #1) by Cassandra Clare

autumnbookreads

17699853

∴ Goodreads | Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Book Depository ∴

Summary:

Chain of Gold is the first novel in a new trilogy that stars the Shadowhunters of Edwardian London.

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.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

“We do not get to choose when in our lives we feel pain,” said Matthew. “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. Humanity is drawn to light, not darkness.”

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

MAJOR SPOILERS THROUGHOUT:

To start, I just want to say how blessed I was to receive this ARC before publication and I am eternally grateful for it. I have been a fan of Cassie for a large portion of my life and I have been dying to get my hands on this book since I found out about it three years ago. With that said, I had a thousand expectations going in and, as usual, Cassie completely rocked any that I had.

This book wasn’t anything like I had expected it to be. This book breaks the mold on how you view Shadowhunters and you get to see them at a completely different point in their life than us fans are used to. In every one of Cassie’s series to date, the Shadowhunters being in the thick of fighting demons has been a staple. But in this book, there has been an almost peace for years with barely any demons to fight and the Shadowhunters have almost grown… complacent. This was a breath of fresh air for me, but it was also very disorienting. It took some time to get used to this almost calm-like atmosphere and I spent a large portion of the book just waiting for the other shoe to drop.

The Characters- This book has a LARGE cast of characters. Probably the most that we have ever seen. All of our favorite characters from TID makes appearances, but each of them have two-three kids now and almost all of their kids are involved in the story in one way or another. I had to keep a list written down to remember who everyone is and who their parents were. While it was slightly overwhelming in the beginning, I quickly came to realize that each of these characters provides something different to this story and I love them all dearly.

Cordelia- Cordelia is honestly the MVP of this book. She is so underestimated and you’d think the other characters would outshine her with their in-your-face personalities, but they didn’t. Cordelia has this soft grace to her that is so compelling to me. She isn’t the central focus in the room, but your attention is somehow always drawn to her. She is just so supportive of everyone around her and one of the bravest, kindest, most loyal people out there.

James- While I love James, I thought he would be… more? For someone who is a Herondale man and has Will as a father, I thought James would be this sarcastic, witty, arrogant, bright star. Instead, he was sweet, honorable, brave, and wholesome and not at all what I was expecting. I was disappointed, but also pleasantly surprised by him. There was a portion of the book where I was rolling my eyes at him constantly because of his stupid obsession with Grace Blackthorn, but more on that below.

Lucie- Lucie, yet again, was completely different from what I was expecting. There’s no other way to describe her except for a dreamer. She has so many aspirations and dreams and she’s not letting anyone or anything get in the way of them. She also has this naïve, yet childlike quality to her character that makes her unique to follow. She gives everything her all and doesn’t hold anything back. She’s completely dedicated to her friends and her family and she’s one of the most relatable characters in this whole series.

Matthew- Unfortunately, I made the mistake of going to the Shadowhunter wiki page before reading this book, so I knew more about Matthew than I probably was supposed to. I know why he acts the way he does and why he is always drinking. We never do completely find out in this book so I’m not going to spoil it for anyone, but I’ll say that I empathize with Matthew on a level that is hard to put into words. The amount of self-hatred and guilt he must feel is overwhelming to contemplate and I hope he owns up to it and eventually finds happiness.

Alastair- Alastair was a bit of a shock for me. I went into this book knowing nothing about him except for his family name and that made him all the more mysterious. I wanted to know more about this mean and beautiful boy that kept everyone at arms length. Honestly, he filled the role that I expected James to play and I fell for him instantly. After more of his character came to life, I realized that Alastair reminds me a lot of Alec from TMI. He has some hurt in his past and he selects a few people to see the real him. I loved his progression in this story and I ship him and Thomas so hard it’s not even funny.

Thomas- I love Thomas. He is this calm and gentle giant that is a rock for the group. He reminds me a lot of his father in that way. I’m eager to see more of him and his relationship development with Alastair in the future books.

Christopher- I just adore Christopher. He is so inquisitive and gentle and I would hate for him to be hurt in any way. I feel for him much like I felt for Henry in TID. I’m just hoping he survives everything because his chances aren’t the best when it comes to making it to the end.

Anna- Gosh I love Anna. I love how she is a spin on the character mold of “the rake” and her popping in occasionally to set everyone straight is hilarious. I ship her and Ariadne so much and I’m eager to see Ariadne win over Anna’s closed heart. The only minor complaint I may have here is that I felt like, especially in the beginning of the book, there was an overemphasis on Anna’s clothes. I know it is supposed to be a big part of her character, but in the beginning I felt like Cassie spent too much on that aspect on Anna instead of other parts of her. Her personality and words are much more important than her clothes and I wanted more of those.

Jesse- Jesse has my whole heart like not even playing. He is so sweet and carrying, and what he did for Lucie and James just completely melted and broke my heart at the same time. I need him back in the next book so bad and I am shipping him and Lucie HARD.

Grace- I don’t know what it was, but from the very first moment that Grace walked on the page, I knew something wasn’t right. I didn’t like her at all and every piece of her actions throughout this book just cemented that further for me. I am so over James worshiping at her feet and I hope she’s revealed for the person she really is.

The Old Characters- Y’all, I literally cried so many times in this book from seeing the old characters from TID. It was so surreal to see them be themselves again, yet be so grown up and different. Uhhh I feel like a mom whose kid is all grown up and had their own kids.

After finishing the last line of this book, I can’t even describe the feeling I had. I immediately felt like I had lost something really important to me because this was over and I was going to wait at least a year for the next one. This book might have had a slow start, but about halfway through, it had my whole heart and I am so sad to see it end. I am dying to get my hands on the next book and see where Cassie takes this story, which I truly feel is just beginning, next!

Other Books in the Series:

  • Chain of Iron (The Last Hours #2) – To Be Released
  • Chain of Thorns (The Last Hours #3) – To Be Released