#caitsbooks reviews

[caitsbooks]

Is the Sequel to Neon Gods as Good as the First? (Electric Idol Review)

If you like: 💜 Greek Mythology (especially Eros & Psyche) 💜 Marriage of Convenience 💜spicy books then you NEED to pick up Electric Idol by Katee Robert!! Check out my full review over on my blog!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an eARC to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Short answer: Yes. Long answer: It really is. // Content Warning: violence, death (mention), fatphobia, child abuse // Release Date: 1/18/2022Publisher: Sourcebooks CasablancaPage Count: 384Premise: Electric Idol is a retelling of the story of Psyche and Eros, in a modern setting.…

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#4.5 #ARC #book #book review #book reviews #books #caitsbooks reviews #dark olympus #electric idol #eros and psyche #greek mythology #katee robert #neon gods #olympus #psyche and eros #Review #reviews #romance #romance novel

[mountainmaven]

I was tagged by the lovely @abbeyx thank you so much! I've seen this one going around and I'm so glad you tagged me!

Last book I…

Bought: True Biz by Sara Novic, and The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina by Zoraida Cordova (both purchased from BOTM club)

Borrowed: The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe, and Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire

Was gifted: The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green

Gave/lent to someone else: Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan

Started: The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina by Zoraida Cordova

Finished: The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe

Gave 5 stars: The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe

Gave 2 stars: Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire and True Biz by Sara Novic

Didn’t finish: The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

Wow, a lot more repetitive answers than I expected here, sorry!!

I think most of the book people I follow or who follow me have already done this, but I'll tag: @the-forest-library @midnightlibrarymouse @caitsbooks @literatureandtrees

Thank you again!!

#books #about me

[princessofbookaholics]

Day Three: Dragon’s Wisdom | Some dragons are known for being bloodthirsty and terrifying. Other dragons are known for the wisdom they have to share. Share a book, author, or booklr recommendation.

Book recommendations:

I'm from India so I wanted to share some books that I loved with Indian MCs:

Author recommendations:

If you like Young Adult read books by Elizabeth Acevedo, Becky Albertalli, Morgan Matson, Claire Kann, Alice Oseman, Brigid Kemmerer, Sandhya Menon

If you like Romance read books by Colleen Hoover, Emma Scott, Christina Lauren, Lyssa Kay Adams, Helen Hoang, Jasmine Guillory, Jacqueline Middleton, Taylor Jenkins Reid

If you like Mystery/Thrillers read books by John Marrs, Ruth Ware, Riley Sager, Shari Lapena, Agatha Christie, Lucy Foley

Booklr recommendations:

@bibliophilicwitch @bookcub @flamingmirrorbookish @joli--coeur @magic-in-every-book @storytime-reviews @books-and-cookies @kat-from-minasmorgul @books-read-in-nooks @lost-in-books94 @thereadingchallengechallenge @booksandcoff-ee @bookandcoffeelover @readakins @readbooks-drinkcoffee @read-and-be-merry @logarithmicpanda @reedyalikeabook @plantpages @cinnasbooks @caitsbooks @booksforthoughts @myownlittlebookcorner @just0nemorepage @previouslyafangirl @the-forest-library I clearly love everyone that I'm following which makes it impossible to list all of you but you are all loved 😘

Readathon update:

Finished the audiobook of My Man Jeeves and gave it 3/5 stars. While all the stories didn't include the Jeeves character, the book was good.

Finished reading Clap When You Land and it made me cry. It was so beautiful and emotional and I gave it 5/5 stars.

Might start reading The Test soon.

#booklr #reading #read #reads #bookwyrm readathon #readathon #readathon update #book recommendations

[thelivebookproject]

Micro Review Tag

Special thanks to @thereadingchallengechallenge for the tag!

This round's prompt: currently reading!

Rules:

Join in even if you haven't been tagged.

Answer as elaborately as you want.

Tag friends to make their own micro reviews.

Use the #microreview hastag (optional).

Title and author: The Physics of Sorrow, by Georgi Gospodinov.

Total pages: 354 (at least my ebook version, my readed always messes up the page number for some reason.)

Page you're on: 350 (I know, there's almost nothing left!)

Thoughts so far: I really like it! It's a very weird book, in the sense that the author just talks about seemingly random subjects instead of having a plot, but I like the style and how the book progressess over the course of the author's life. He basically talks about subjects and things that were important to him depending on his age, all dumped together.

Try your best to guess how it will end: I don't know! I never know what he's going to talk about next, everything's a mystery!

Tell us how you really feel –with a gif!

Tagging: @lizziethereader, @pumpking64, @alwaysbringabookwithyou, @aliteraryprincess, @coffee-bookss, @caitsbooks, @madeleinesbooks, @bibliophilecats and everybody who wants to do this!

#thelivebookproject #book tag #microreview #bookblr

[dazzledbybooks]

The first in an fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction. For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts Malik’s younger sister, Nadia, as payment into the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom. But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition. When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death? Links: Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49629448-a-song-of-wraiths-and-ruin Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bb61Do B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-song-of-wraiths-and-ruin-roseanne-a-brown/1134858719?ean=9780062891495 iTunes: https://books.apple.com/book/a-song-of-wraiths-ruin/id1478613303 Bookdepository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Song-Wraiths-Ruin-Roseanne-Brown/9780062891495?ref=grid-view&qid=1587062543544&sr=1-1 Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/a-song-of-wraiths-and-ruin-1 Google Books: https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/Roseanne_A_Brown_A_Song_of_Wraiths_and_Ruin?id=AQAAAEBs_nG-DM Excerpt: https://aerbook.com/books/A_Song_of_Wraiths_and_Ruin-261829.html?social=1&retail=1&emailcap=0 Review: A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown is the first book in a new young adult fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore. I was so excited to dive into this book. I have been looking forward to it for months. This book takes a bit to get into at first because there is just so much world building and introduction to the characters and their lives in the beginning. I really liked every second of it. The folklore behind this story is amazing. I really found myself wanting to know more. I think the gods and creatures are very interesting and I look forward to reading the sequel. Let's talk about love. I feel like the "love" or "relationship" between Malik and Karina came across very insta-love. I really wish it had more depth to it. Don't get me wrong I think they would be great together, I just wish we had a bit more of a build up vs jumping right into that relationship. Let me also say that romance doesn't play a huge part in this book. I am not too worried about it either. When it came to the magic system, I do with is was explained a bit more. We get so much explanation of the characters and the world that I felt like the magic system was a bit lacking. It wasn't explained to the reader why magic wasn't common and it wasn't explained why some people randomly get magic. I definitely feel like the magic system is lacking and it leaves the reader with a lot of questions. \ Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I will be participating in a reread starting June 12 with a group of people. Why would I want to read a book I just finished? Sometimes when I liked an ARC so much, I like to reread a finished copy to see if anything changed. Other times, I just really want to reread the book. I look forward to diving into this book again ASAP. Definitely check out A Song of Wraiths and Ruin. Pre-order Campaign: Link to the pre-order submission form: bit.ly/ASOWARCampaign A pre-order/order from any retailer or a request to your local library will get you: * A bookmark! * 2 character cards featuring Karina and Malik! * A limited edition signed bookplate * An exclusive digital fairy tale from the A SONG OF WRAITHS AND RUIN world! An order from indie bookstore Books With a Past will get you: * A bookmark! * 2 character cards featuring Karina and Malik! * A limited edition signed bookplate * An exclusive digital fairy tale from the A SONG OF WRAITHS AND RUIN world! * A handwritten note and personalization from the author! Rules: * You must submit proof of purchase/library request. Screenshots and photos of receipts are fine. * Only orders and library requests dated through June 30, 2020 are eligible * Only orders made through Books With a Past (https://ift.tt/3dLSqUg) will receive the note and personalization. * All swag will be sent out on a rolling basis starting June 2nd * Entrants under the age of 18 must obtain parent/guardian permission before entering About the Author: Roseanne “Rosie” A. Brown was born in Kumasi, Ghana and immigrated to the wild jungles of central Maryland as a child. Writing was her first love, and she knew from a young age that she wanted to use the power of writing—creative and otherwise—to connect the different cultures she called home. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and was also a teaching assistant for the school’s Jiménez-Porter Writers’ House program. Her journalistic work has been featured by Voice of America among other outlets. On the publishing side of things, she has worked as an editorial intern at Entangled Publishing. Rosie was a 2017 Pitch Wars mentee and 2018 Pitch Wars mentor. Never content to stay in any one place for too long, Rosie currently teaches in Japan, where in her free time she can usually be found exploring the local mountains, explaining memes to her students, or thinking about Star Wars. Links: Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18395190.Roseanne_A_Brown Website: https://roseanneabrown.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosiesrambles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosiesrambles/?hl=en Giveaway: Prize: Win an ASOWAR bookplate, bookmark, two trading cards, and access to the exclusive short story (INT) Starts: June 2nd 2020 Ends: June 16th 2020 a Rafflecopter giveaway Tour Schedule: http://fantasticflyingbookclub.blogspot.com/2020/04/tour-schedule-song-of-wraiths-and-ruin.html June 2nd The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club - Welcome Post June 3rd BookCrushin - Story Behind The Cover + Instagram Moonlight Rendezvous - Review + Favourite Quotes A Dream Within A Dream - Review Small Stained Pages - Review + Playlist + Favourite Quotes Vee Reading - Review Lit lemon books - Review + Favourite Quotes June 4th The Paperback Voyager - Review Colby Wilkens - Review Kait Rose - Review + Favourite Quotes Belle's Archive - Review + Video Interview Sage Shelves - Review SeizeThePage - Review + Playlist Paws and Paperbacks - Review June 5th Bookish Looks - Tell Your Story in GIFs Write, Read, Repeat - Review Books.Bags.Burgers - Review + Favourite Quotes Sometimes Leelynn Reads - Review + Dream Cast Black Bookwyrm Reads - Review Enthralled Bookworm - Review + Mood Board by blogger June 6th A Court of Coffee and Books - Review + Favourite Quotes Utopia State of Mind - Review Morgan Vega - Review + Favourite Quotes Tea.Books.Magic - Review + Instagram Caitsbooks - Review + Favourite Quotes + Mood Board by blogger Books and Ladders - Review June 7th Kait Plus Books - Character Interview Hooked on Bookz - Review + Favourite QuotesBiblioJoJo - Review The Layaway Dragon - Review + Favourite Quotes In Between Book Pages - Review + Favourite Quotes Empty Kingdom - Review + Favourite Quotes + Mood Board by blogger June 8th A Gingerly Review - Mood Board bforbookslut - Review L.M. Durand - Review + Mood Board by blogger Dazzled by Books - ReviewConfessions of a YA Reader - Review + Favourite Quotes The Reading Corner for All - Review

http://www.dazzledbybooks.com/2020/06/a-song-of-wraiths-and-ruin-blog-tour.html

#SEO #Local SEO training

[caitsbooks]

TWEET CUTE BY EMMA LORD – THIS BOOK IS TOO GOOD (ARC REVIEW)

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review! All quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change.

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Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: Tweet Cute is the perfect YA contemporary- it’s cute, it’s funny, and it’s got a lot of heart.

“Apparently in the vast arsenal of useless talents that aren’t going to help me get into college, I am really good at being snarky on Twitter.”

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[ Related: 20 Most Anticipated Book Releases of 2020 (Plus 120+ More)(Recommendation Station)]

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Release Date: 1/21/2020 Publisher: Wednesday Books Page Count: 368 Premise: Tweet Cute follows two high schoolers, Pepper and Jack. Pepper is a perfectionist. While her family life isn’t going great, their fast-food business, Big League Burger, is, due to Pepper running their massive Twitter. Jack is a class clown who keeps himself busy helping out in his family’s deli. When he discovers that Big League Burger stole one of their recipes, he goes after them on the deli’s twitter. What starts as one small tweet turns into a viral battle, but while their fighting on twitter, they’re falling for each other on an anonymous app and in real life.

“[…] the issue isn’t so much what I want to be, but whether or not I can be it without hurting everyone else in the process.”

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Click Here for all of my thoughts on Tweet Cute!

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Add To Your Goodreads Shelf

Purchase From: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound

Blog || Goodreads || Bookstagram || Twitter  || Reviews

#tweet cute #book review #book #review #emma lord #books #booklr #bookblr #bookish #bookstagram #reviews #book reviews #ya lit #ya #young adult #ya book #book rec #book recs #caitsbooks reviews #arc review #tweet cute arc #book birthday

[caitsbooks]

Dance Of Thieves (Dance of Thieves #1) by Mary E. Pearson - I Did Not Expect To Get This Obsessed (Review)

Guys I finally got a chance to rant about a book I've been lowkey obsessed with since I finished it- Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson. Seriously, this book was SO ADDICTING! Check out my review for details

Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: Dance of Thieves surprised me. I knew I would enjoy it, but I never expected to become completely obsessed with it. This book is so fun, and full of so many of the best possible tropes.

“Choose your words carefully, even the words you think, because they become seeds,and…

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#book #book review #books #caitsbooks reviews #dance of thieves #mary e. pearson #new obsession #review #reviews #the kiss of deception #the remnant chronicles #vow of thieves #ya fantasy #ya romance

[caitsbooks]

SOUL OF STARS (HEART OF IRON #2) BY ASHLEY POSTON – ONE OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED 2019 RELEASES (REVIEW)

Overall: 4.5/5 Stars Characters: 4/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 4/5 Awesomeness Factor: 4.5/5 Review in a Nutshell: Soul of Stars is an out-of-this-world sequel. And I’m not sorry for that pun.

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[ Related: Heart of Iron (Heart of Iron #1) by Ashley Poston - Review ]

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// Content Warning: Violence, Death //

“Love was stubborn, and love was impatient, and thoughtless and self-centered and vainglorius. It hid in the crevices of your soul when you thought it had run away, and it never left– like a scar: deep and ugly and enduring.”

Release Date: 7/23/2019 Publisher: Balzer + Bray Page Count: 400 pages Premise: Soul of Stars takes place several months after the heartbreaking events of Heart of Iron. Our main characters are still trying to deal with what happened (honestly, so am I), all while trying to save their friend and the kingdom.

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WRITING & SETTING

The one thing I love about this series is just how easy it is to be immersed in the world and the writing. There’s no slowly adapting to this new galaxy, instead, you’re thrown in and are easily able to understand all of it. The writing in Soul of Stars is just as good as Heart of Iron, if not better. There are a few fun references hidden in the book that made me so happy when I found them (including an “In A Crowd of Thousands” reference that killed me). The setting is also fantastic, and this book definitely builds on the galaxy that was established in the first book in fantastic ways.

PLOT

This book had it’s work cut out for itself, having to tie up all of the loose ends from Heart of Iron while still matching the fun and adventurous tone… and it definitely succeeded. Soul of Stars is full of action and adventure. This book has plenty of plot twists and reveals (although they are a little predictable) , as well as a crazy fast past. There was something always happening and a few other things building up in the background. That said, sometimes it can feel a little too fast with no moments of rest. Also, while I liked the ending, I just wanted a little more. I needed just a few more pages for the ending to be perfect. However, I guess that isn’t the worst thing to want after finishing a book.

CHARACTERS

This book is a perfect mix of characters I’d die for, and characters I don’t really care much about. To be honest, that has to do with Heart of Iron. The first book made me love some characters, while other characters and relationships felt a little too rushed or sidelined, and now this book pays the price of that. There were definitely a few moments that didn’t have the emotional impact they could have because I just didn’t have that strong of a connection to the characters.

Despite that, I still adore most of the characters in this book and find them pretty well written (if not amazingly written). I mean, Di is just my favorite (I guess I can’t say person?) thing ever, and this book made me love his character even more. Ana, Robb, and Jax are all amazing as well, I just pick favorites. This book definitely gave me more of an appreciation for Robb and Siege than the first book did.

One thing I really loved in this book is that it isn’t solely up to a bunch of teenagers to save the universe. While I don’t hate when that is the case, it was really refreshing to see these teens being helped out by actual adults and having decent family relationships (I just love the found-family trope). Also, did I mention all of the queer characters in the book? Because oh boy are they there and I am so happy. There are a few lgbtq+ relationships plus a nonbinary character!!

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CONCLUSION

Pros- Great & diverse characters, interesting world, perfect resolution Cons- Struggled connecting with some characters, I needed more! Overall- 4.5/5 stars.  Soul of Stars was absolutely worth the wait. This book will tear your heart out (if Heart of Iron didn’t already) and have you wanting more.

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Have you read Soul of Stars yet?? Also, do you know of any more Anastasia retellings? because I am absolutely addicted to them!

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[ Related: Top 7 July 2019 Releases ]

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#heart of iron #soul of stars #hoi #ashley poston #anastasia #anastasia broadway #anastasia bway #anastasia romanov #ya scifi #books #book #booklr #bookblr #bookish #bookstagram #review #book review #caitsbooks reviews #lgbt #lgbtq+ #lgbt reads #queer reads #lgbtq+ reads

[caitsbooks]

Caitsbooks Reviews: Serious Moonlight (ARC) by Jenn Bennett

Thank you to to Ashley at StudyingIsMyRaisondetre for sending me the ARC!!! I’m eternally grateful!!! Quick Stats: Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 4.5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: Serious Moonlight is an adorable, realistic, and fun book that is perfect with a slice of pie.

“Judging people unfairly doesn’t define them; it defines you. And in the end everyone will be disappointed”

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// Content Warning: Mature Content, Depression, Suicide Mention, Self Harm Mention, Illness, Mental Illness // - Premise - Serious Moonlight follows Birdie, a mystery book lover who lives with her grandfather on Bainbridge Island. When she gets a new job at a hotel in Seattle, she runs into someone she thought (and hoped) she would never see again, but when he offers her a mystery to solve, she must decide if she should forget the past entirely, or build something from it. - Writing & Setting- I love Jenn Bennett’s writing. This is no secret, and this book is no exception. It’s funny, cute, romantic, steamy, and really relatable. Jenn Bennett is my current contemporary queen right now because of how easy it is to devour her books. Her setting is also amazing. While I’ve never been to Seattle, I feel like I have after reading Serious Moonlight. - Plot - This book is, at its heart, a coming of age and romance. While there is a mystery plot, it’s mostly sidelined for the character’s journey and I am 100% okay with that. I just didn’t care much about it. It was a little bit interesting, but the characters are what stole the show for me and made every scene so great. That said, the pace is still pretty fast and perfect for reading in one sitting. - Characters - The characters are the focal point of this story and they deserve it. Birdie is a great protagonist, with a lot of growth to do while still being painfully relatable at time. I also really loved the medical aspect of her story. Birdie struggles with being open about her illness and debating whether or not to seek a diagnosis, and I really enjoyed how it was handled. Plus, it’s a specific illness that’s not really talked about. Daniel also has his own things to work through. His backstory was really unexpected but hit home for me. I don’t want to give it away, but it’s something that's very close to me and I felt the way it was portrayed was really perfect. Also, I just really love Daniel. He’s a sunshine-y character but he has such great depth and personality. - Conclusion - Pros- Great characters, adorable romance, amazing job handling certain topics Cons- If you’re actually reading this for the mystery, you might want to rethink that Overall- 5/5 stars. Serious Moonlight is the perfect romance that will have you searching for mysteries in your life.

#serious moonlight #jenn bennett #books #book #book review #book reviews #reviews #review #young adult #booklr #bookstagram #ya #ya contemporary #mystery #arc #arc review #caitsbooks reviews

[caitsbooks]

Caitsbooks Reviews: Field Notes on Love (ARC) by Jennifer E. Smith

*All quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change* Overall: 4.5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 4/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 4/5 Review in a Nutshell: Field Notes on Love is a light, cute read that you won’t be able to help but devour. It’s the perfect YA contemporary to make you feel gooey and happy.

“The truth is, love isn’t just one word. At least not for him. It’s different things for different people.”

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// Content Warning: Death, Homophobia (Mention), Racism (Mention)// - Premise - Field Notes on Love is told from two perspectives. Hugo is one of six, a sextuplet, and desperate to know who he is away from his siblings. When his girlfriend breaks up with him, and leaves him the tickets for their cross country train ride, with her name linked to the reservations, he needs to find another Margaret Campbell to go with him. When Mae (short for Margaret) Campbell sees his offer online, she decides this adventure may be what she needs to become a better filmmaker and experience more of the world. - Writing - This book is just so happy. While there’s definitely tension and drama, this book still managed to feel light hearted while occasionally dealing with some heavier topics. The writing is adorable, funny, and extremely relatable. Jennifer E. Smith chose such a fun and unique setting- a cross country railroad- to highlight this fun story. Having never been on a long train ride, I loved reading about Hugo & Mae’s travels, and seeing the various locations they get to visit. - Plot - Okay, so I think I’ve emphasized enough how fun this book is, but there are some great themes and character arcs woven into the plot that add depth. The pages fly by, making this book easy to finish in just one sitting. It never gets too heavy, but it still manages to have plenty of heart. - Characters - Hugo is too precious. He was pure sunlight in the form of a fictional character. His relationship between him and his family is so pure and sweet, while also being realistic about the downsides of being born as part of a team of six, and how that affects him and his sense of individuality. Mae also has a great relationship with her family- her two dads and her grandmother- but what I really loved was her personal development and her ambitions. It’s great seeing a female protagonist be the one with walls and barriers, and seeing her struggle to be vulnerable.

”Be good. Be brave. Be yourself.”

- Conclusion - Pros- Great characters, fun setting Cons- There are some heavier issues that get a brief mention but then are never brought up again and it felt like they were kinda brushed over Overall- 4.5/5 stars. If you’re looking for something quick and cute to put a smile on your face, pick up Field Notes on Love.

#field notes on love #jennifer e. smith #arc #book #arc review #books #booklr #bookblr #bookish #bookstagram #review #book review #reviews #book reviews #ya #ya contemporary #contemporary #ya romance #young adult #caitsbooks reviews

[caitsbooks]

Caitsbooks Reviews: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: The Night Circus is absolutely breathtaking. The beautiful writing matched with the stunning setting makes this book one of a kind. “But dreams have ways of turning into nightmares.” Goodreads || Bookstagram || Twitter  || Reviews

The Night Circus spans decades, following a large cast of characters, revolving around the circus itself, as well as two magicians Celia Bower and Marco Alisdair, who are bound to compete in a magical duel. Despite growing feelings, the two must continue the game as the lives of all involved are at risk. The setting and the writing are probably the strongest aspects of this book. Erin Morgenstern paints beautiful imagery, combining dreams with reality. The circus was something unimaginable, each tent introduced continued to astound me. The descriptions made the impossible sights easy to visualize, and I was smelling caramel and popcorn while reading. There is no other book that has absorbed me so completely into the world and scenery. The plot of this book was fascinating. There are so many intricate details and storylines that merge so beautifully. However, it is slow. Definitely not an easy book to jump into and marathon. It doesn't drag, per se, but it takes time to build up to the stunning conclusion. If you're patient and willing to spend time with this book, then this really won't be a problem. I usually want to DNF slow books, but I fell so much in love with this one that I didn't mind at all. The characters - while fantastic- weren't the real focus of this book for me, that was mostly because of how fantastic the writing and setting was, but they were all well developed and interesting. There was never a point of view I wasn't interested in or a story I didn't want to learn more about. I absolutely loved Tsukiko, she was probably my favorite side character. As for the two main characters, Celia and Marco, I loved them individually and I also loved their relationship. The romance really does take a back seat to the intricate story and setting, but it is still so precious and amazing. Pros- Beautiful writing, unique setting, interesting characters Cons- Slow. Definitely not for people looking to dive right into action and magic. Overall- 5/5 stars. The Night Circus is a beautiful, atmospheric novel with writing that will transport you into a dream.

#the night circus #tnc #erin morgenstern #the night circus review #book review #le cirque des rêves #le cirque des reves #books #review #book #caitsbooks reviews #reviews #book reviews #tnc review #caitsbooks #booklr #bookblr #bookstagram #caitsbooks pics #book aesthetic #aesthetic

[caitsbooks]

Caitsbooks Reviews: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: Throne of Glass is an amazing, feminist fantasy that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat with epic action, fascinating mystery, and great characters!

“'You could rattle the stars,' she whispered. 'You could do anything, if only you dared. And deep down, you know it, too. That’s what scares you most.'”

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- Premise -

Throne of Glass follows the kingdom of Ardalan's most renowned assassin, Celaena Sardothien, who has been enslaved in the brutal salt mines of Endovier for a year after being captured. When Prince Dorian offers her a chance to earn back her freedom, Celaena will do anything. Even joining a competition against the most ruthless criminals and warriors in order to become the King's Champion, the King of Ardalan's personal killer. When some of the other contestants start being mysteriously killed, Celaena must discover the killer's identity before she becomes their next victim, but she uncovers more secrets than she ever expected.

“Libraries were full of ideas—perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons.”

- Setting -

The world of Throne of Glass is an elaborate fantasy world that just gets more and more developed with each novel, while never feeling too intricate. Sarah J. Maas throws you into this fantasy setting, providing necessary details but never overwhelming you.

“Sometimes, the wicked will tell us things just to confuse us–to haunt our thoughts long after we've faced them.”

- Writing - 

Sarah J. Maas writes beautifully. Her descriptions are vivid, immersing you in the scents and sights. There are so many inspiring and quotable lines from this book (and later books) that stand out when reading, while also feeling natural for the characters. There is also plenty of relatable and funny dialogue to break up the action and mystery in the novel. The only downside to her writing style is that it does tend to feel a little repetitive (especially in later books). She has a few words she seems to favor, and some sentences you'll see quite a few times over the course of the series.

“My name is Celaena Sardothien. But it makes no difference if my name's Celaena or Lillian or Bitch, because I'd still beat you, no matter what you call me.”

- Plot-

The pacing in Throne of Glass is done very well, with no slow moments as you dive into this mystery and action-packed book. The exposition never slows down the scenes, but it does take some time, in the beginning, to learn about the world.

“No. I can survive well enough on my own— if given the proper reading material.”

- Characters - 

I absolutely love all of these characters. Sarah J. Maas writes complex characters (with complex names to match). Celaena is such a strong, badass protagonist who isn't solely good but remains likable. She also shows that you can be girly and tough, that you can enjoy romance novels and dresses and also know the quickest ways to kill a man. Dorian and Chaol are both equally interesting characters, with their own arcs and development that just get better as the book (and series) goes on. Dorian is like a puppy and I just want to protect him, okay? The villains in this book are probably the least interesting of the series but still held their own. The biggest downfall with the characters in this book (and most Sarah J. Maas books) is the lack of diversity in the cast. While it does get better in later books, don't expect to see many POC or LGBTQ+ characters. It's definitely disappointing. As for the relationships in this book- I think Sarah J. Maas handles them well. There is a bit of a love triangle, but it is handled well and didn't bother me at all. Sarah knows how to make you absolutely root for one person, then in the next chapter completely change your mind. Honestly, the biggest ship in this novel is the main characters with a full night of sleep.

“We all bear scars,... Mine just happen to be more visible than most.” 

- Conclusion -

Pros- Amazing writing, intricate worldbuilding, fascinating characters, killer plot Cons- Not diverse, predictable antagonist Overall- 5/5 stars. Throne of Glass is a must-read for any fantasy fan. Be prepared to be hooked on this epic series!

#throne of glass #tog #sjm #sarah j. maas #celaena sardothien #aelin ashryver #dorian havilliard #throne of glass review #chaol westfall #books #book #booklr #bookish #book review #book reviews #reviews #review #caitsbooks reviews

[caitsbooks]

Caitsbooks Reviews: All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

Overall: 4/5 Stars Characters: 4/5 Setting: 4/5 Writing: 4.5/5 Plot and Themes: 4/5 Awesomeness Factor: 4/5 Review in a Nutshell: All Your Perfects is a raw, heartbreaking read that deals with heavy topics of infertility and infidelity. “The problem is, love and happiness are not concordant. One can exist without the other.” Blog || Tumblr|| Bookstagram || Twitter 

- Premise & Plot -

All Your Perfects follows Quinn as she copes with her marriage falling apart. Despite the fact that she loves her husband, Graham, she continues to fall into a depression because she can't have a child. The chapters alternate between now, as Quinn struggles with her infertility, and then, 7 years earlier, when Graham and Quinn first met and their first year together.

“You say that like marriage is a Category 5 hurricane.” “Not all the time. But I definitely think there are Category 5 moments in every marriage.”

This book is definitely the heaviest Colleen Hoover book I've read. While previous books of hers have had some comic relief to break the tension, this book doesn't have much. It is almost solely in the then chapters, and definitely has less of an impact than in her other books. However, like other Colleen Hoover books, it definitely is a fast read that you won't want to put down. 

- Writing -

Colleen Hoover's writing style is great. There are so many beautiful quotes from this novel, but while reading it feels so real and honest. She manages to evoke so much emotion with this book. It is an absolutely brutal read, and your heart will feel like it was run over a million times by the time you finish it.

“We’re getting really good at playing our parts.” 

- Characters -

The characters in All Your Perfects were interesting. The book focuses almost entirely on Quinn and Graham, with their families each having a small role as well. They both are interesting characters, with great development and backstory. Their relationship also feels very real. It isn't romanticized or glorified. This book shows how a marriage requires work in order to thrive, no matter how perfect the couple seems. 

There are a few points where I did get really frustrated with them because of their avoidant tendencies. If you get easily annoyed by miscommunication and plots driven by characters just refusing to talk to each other, then you may get frustrated too. But it is done purposefully and it makes sense for the characters. I mean, I can't judge them. I avoid confrontation at all costs as well.

- Themes -

This book deals with a lot of heavier topics. Infertility is a major part of the plot. This is a subject I know practically nothing about, and I'm so glad this book shines a light on it. I can tell this book will mean a lot to people who have gone through similar struggles to Quinn's.

“Apologies are good for admitting regret, but they do very little in removing the truth from the actions that caused the regret.” 

// trigger warning (SPOILERS): self-harm, infertility, cheating, miscarriage //

(SPOILERS cont. - Skip Italics To Pros & Cons to Avoid) So, cheating is something that, in my opinion, is never okay. In this one case, it didn't completely ruin the book for me, but it still bothered me a lot. Graham kisses another woman while married to Quinn. He does admit to it, he only blames himself, and he offers an explanation that isn't an excuse. While I'm still not comfortable with it, I also understand it is something that happens, and something some couples do deal with. I can see why Quinn forgave him, but I still don't like it.

- Conclusion-

Pros- Shines a light on an important topic, great writing Cons- Definitely wasn't what I was expecting going into it, there was a plot point is didn't like (see my spoiler bit for details) Overall- 4/5 stars. All Your Perfects will crush you emotionally and leave you going back for more.

#all your perfects #colleen hoover #ayp #coho #books #book #booklr #bookish #bookstagram #book aesthetic #aesthetic #caitsbooks pics #review #book review #caitsbooks reviews #reviews #book reviews #all your perfects review

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Caitsbooks Reviews: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

Overall: 4.7/5 Stars Characters: 4.5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 4.5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 4.5/5 Review in a Nutshell: The Darkest Minds is a beautifully written book that will definitely stick with you. “The Darkest Minds tend to hide behind the most unlikely faces.”

Blog || Goodreads || Bookstagram || Twitter  || Reviews

The Darkest Minds takes place in a dystopian United States, where a disease has killed 98% of the children in Ruby's generation, and the other 2% were left different, with powers they have no idea how to control. Ruby has been trapped in a cruel government camp with thousands of other kids for the past six years of her life, pretending to be less powerful than she is in order to stay safe. When she manages to escape, she joins up with three other kids like her, Liam, Chubs, and Zu, and decide to search for the mysterious East River, run by someone known as the Slip Kid; a place where they can finally be safe and unafraid of being chased by bounty hunters or brought back to the terror they escaped.

I absolutely love the setting of this book. Dystopians definitely died off a few years ago, and I don't typically reach for them, but this one is so great. What really stands out about this setting is how realistic and possible it is. With most popular dystopians, you don't see the downfall of the society. It usually takes place decades or centuries before the story begins. But with The Darkest Minds, the story shows how the U.S. came to be the way it is and makes its descent feel that much more possible. Children being put in camps, walls being built, it's all chillingly real. “They were never scared of the kids who might die, or the empty spaces they would leave behind. They were afraid of us-the ones who lived.” Alexandra Bracken's writing style is gorgeous. She includes the perfect balance of elegance and humor, making this book so fun to read. The pace is fast, with plenty of action and witty dialogue. I had so much trouble setting this book down at times. There are so many great characters in this book. Ruby is an excellent protagonist. While at first, she seemed a little bland, she really does grow into an interesting and well-rounded character. I absolutely loved Liam. Liam is perhaps my favorite character. The best way to describe him is by this quote: “He's so busy looking inside people to find the good that he misses the knife they're holding in their hand.” Honestly, he's such a complex and interesting character, I can't wait to see where he goes in this series. Chubs and Zu are also amazing and fun characters that I look forward to seeing more of. I loved the romance plotline. It really doesn't take up too much of the book, but it's still adorable and I really am dying to see what happens in Never Fade (that ending killed me). My only issue with the characters was that I had trouble connecting with them at times. Maybe that's because I was in a bit of a reading slump. Pros- Incredible setting, fun dialogue Cons- It is dystopian, so if you are still exhausted from the Dystopian Obsession of 2012 then this may not be right for you Overall- 4.7/5 stars. The Darkest Minds is a brilliant read that is sure to grab you.

#the darkest minds #tdm #alexandra bracken #books #book #booklr #bookish #bookstagram #review #book review #book aesthetic #aesthetic #caitsbooks pics #caitsbooks reviews #reviews #book reviews #the darkest minds review #ruby daly #liam stewart #rubiam

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Caitsbooks Reviews: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

I had this book preordered because it looked amazing, but then with all the hype I was so afraid to pick it up. Now I'm only upset it took me so long.

To see my review on Goodreads, click here!

Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 If you don’t feel like reading this long review, here is my review in a nutshell: This book was amazing. Honestly, I could go on for days about this book. From the lush writing style to the amazing themes, this book is a must-read for any fantasy fan or anyone at all honestly.

“Let them taste the terror they make us swallow.” Goodreads || Bookstagram || Twitter  || Reviews 

Children of Blood and Bone is a high fantasy novel that takes place in the kingdom of Orisha, where people known as maji once were able to wield magic but were brutally killed under the King's orders. Zelie's watched her mother be killed by the King's men and has faced prejudice and hatred ever since due to her status as a diviner (a child of a maji). When Amari, the princess, discovers artifacts that may help bring magic back to all diviners, Zelie and her brother must try to help. Meanwhile, Inan, the crown prince, is hunting them down and will do anything to prevent the horrors his father told him magic brings. 

Before I get into anything else, I need to talk about the writing. It is beautiful. Absolutely breathtaking. I mean, here's one of my favorite quotes and it isn't even part of some huge epic scene:

"I release the throwing knife as something I can't place deflates in my chest. It sinks like disappointment. It breathes like relief."

ISNT TOMI ADEYEMI AMAZING? I love lines like this, where the author could have described something a thousand other, easier ways, but nope. She decided to be all amazing and talented and perfect. There were several times that I just had to stop and marvel at how amazing Tomi's writing style is. I will admit the first 50-75 pages did feel a tiny bit slow to me, but it was necessary, and the rest of the plot was so fast-paced and perfect that I can't fault it. 

Now on to the setting. The worldbuilding in this book is fantastic. While there is a lot to learn about this world, I think it's handled very well and there's no really overwhelming exposition dump. Even when a lot of information is being thrown at you, it feels organic and easy to understand and grasp. The world itself is fascinating. Tomi Adeyemi created a unique and interesting world with intriguing lore and mythology, plus sets the stage to further the discussion on racism. Also, YAY for an extremely diverse cast! I can't wait to see this as a movie and if they whitewash anyone I may have to hurt someone.

Speaking of themes and racism, I just love how Tomi handles the subject. This is probably one of my favorite examples of how to deal with a modern issue in a fantasy world. It isn't a subtle theme at all, but at the same time the moral isn't spoon-fed to you or forced down your throat. I especially love how it deals with more than one side of the story. You see Zelie, who is dealing with a society that constantly beats her down, but you also see Amari and Inan, two people born with extreme privilege (and I can't go into more details because spoilers). Anyway, Children of Blood and Bone is fantastic and so many people today need to read it because it's the relevant and important themes. 

Now onto the characters. God, I love these characters. Zelie first. She's so amazingly strong and determined, yet not unbreakable which I love. Amari was probably the least interesting to me. Don't get me wrong- I loved her- but she didn't quite hold my interest as much as Zelie or Inan. However, she was relatable and I loved seeing her grow. Now onto Inan. He was probably my favorite character. He felt the most human and real, with definitely the most interesting development out of the three POV characters. I really hope to see more of him. Also, I loved how the King had a compelling backstory and wasn't evil for evil's sake. It really made this book feel more grounded and makes that theme of racism hit harder than it would otherwise.

Pros- Beautiful writing, diverse and fascinating characters, important themes Cons- That ending killed me. But like, even that's in a good way... Overall- 5/5 stars. Children of Blood and Bone is an important book that any reader will enjoy. I can't recommend it enough.

#children of blood and bone #tomi adeyemi #cobab #children of blood and bone review #books #review #book review #book #book recommendation #booklr #book reviews #reviews #caitsbooks reviews

[caitsbooks]

Caitsbooks Reviews: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

//trigger warning: mentions of sexual assault and rape// Overall: 5/5 Stars Characters: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Awesomeness Factor: 5/5 Review in a Nutshell: An Ember in the Ashes will astound you with its amazing worldbuilding, lovable yet flawed characters, and gorgeous writing. This is not a book to skip. “Fear is only your enemy if you allow it to be.” Goodreads || Bookstagram || Twitter  || Reviews

An Ember in the Ashes follows two characters in very different circumstances. Laia, desperate to save her brother, has become a spy for the rebels, taking on the dangerous job of getting information by being the slave to the ruthless Commandant. Elias is a soldier, and a great one, but all he wants is freedom. When he is forced to partake in a competition to become the next Emporer, he must decide what he is willing to do to be free. The world in this book is brutal. The Ancient Rome inspiration is clear, but the world still feels original. I really appreciated how Sabaa Tahir doesn't shy away from the harsh realities, and the constant danger that certain characters are forced to live in. There are a lot of mentions of sexual assault, violence, and death (God, a lot of death). Much of the world isn't explored in this book, leaving a lot for the sequels to dive into, and also making the world building not overwhelming like it can get in many fantasy novels. However, the plot does feel a little slow at the start as you jump into the Empire. Tahir's elegant and descriptive writing style also helps establish the fascinating setting and keep the pace moving. There are so many beautiful quotes I can pull from this book. The writing is just fantastic. The characters in this book all are distinct and memorable, and you truly do feel for them and relate. This is definitely a book where each character death hurt me. And Sabaa Tahir does not pull any punches, she shows no mercy to your favorite characters. My only complaint with the characters would be the love rectangle. I adore most of the relationships in this book, they are so precious, but that love rectangle still frustrates me today, 3 years later. Pros- Beautiful writing, amazing worldbuilding, fascinating plot Cons- Annoying love rectangle, kinda slow start Overall- 5/5 stars. An Ember in the Ashes is an absolutely breathtaking debut that will completely blow you away.

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