Books You Should Be Reading

There are so many books out there, so many series to read, and it seems like the list is endless!...And that's only YA. My TBR list is never ending because I have started all of these beautiful series and the next book is always coming out. Never quick enough, but there's always something to be read and another world to fall in love with.

If you're having trouble trying to figure out what book to read next, or which book will help get you out of your latest literary hangover, here are some books and series that I think you should be reading, if you're not already.

1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

This book is by far my favorite book I've ever read. There is no doubt in my mind that The Night Circus will one day be a classic novel that is read in schools. It is beautifully articulated and it is the kind of book that sucks you in and, to be honest, I haven't even left it yet. And it's been a while since I read it. This book follows the story of two magicians competing against each other, not knowing who their opponent is, in the beautiful setting of a mysterious night circus. It's magical, romantic, adventurous, and encapsulates everything a book should be.

2. The Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas

If you haven't heard of this series, you may be living under a rock...or just not apart of the fantasy novel world. Sarah J. Maas has taken over fantasy, so if you're into fantasy, you're probably already reading her magnificent books. This particular series follows an assassin named Celeana in a world cut off from magic. It's hard to give a good summary about the whole series without spoiling anything because, trust me, this book has so many twists and turns and it's just an amazingly crafted story that you need to be reading.

3. A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas

Yes, Maas is on this list twice. Why? Because she is queen. This was actually the first book I read by her, which then opened me up to the Throne of Glass series, and I am completely hooked. It was a bit of a beauty and the beast retelling, which immediately caught my eye, and then it morphed into something completely different. Feyre is kidnapped by the Fae where she has to break this curse on Tamlin, only she doesn't know that she has to, and she hates Fae. So, yeah, this is an intense read, but it is a great read. Not to mention, when you read the sequel to this one, your mind will be blown. Just saying.

4. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

While I am still working my way through this series, I have to say that I am hooked and the fairytale retelling is only a part of the reason why I think this is a such a good series. This story, a dystopian retelling of some of our favorite fairytales including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Red Riding Hood, and Snow White is going to take you on a ride. A good ride, one that you will refuse to get off of.

5. The Selection Series by Kiera Cass

While there has been some mixed reviews of this series, especially pertaining to the last two, I think this is a great series that is definitely worth reading. It's addicting, romantic, and you will have your ships by the end of book one. If you're looking for a solid read, a quality obsession, then the story of America entering the Selection, a process where the prince picks his true love out of thirty some odd girls, is the book for you. You won't regret it.

6. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

This book was hot the second it came off the presses. Literally. Tahir was a best seller with her first book. If that's not enough to entice you to read this book, just to see what all the hype is about, then many the summary will. Set in the Martial Empire, inspired by Rome, when Laia's brother is taken for treason, Laia has to make a decision. And that decision is to work for the rebellion within the walls of the Martial Empire, so that they can take it down. And there's a sequel coming soon, so best to start now! It's a brutal world with awesome characters and a story you're going to fall in love with.

7. The Splintered Series by A. G. Howard

While this series isn't new or hot right now, this is one of my favorite book series ever. Mostly because I love Alice in Wonderland and this is a twisted approach to that beloved story. I can tell you how much I love it, but I literally have a post dedicated to why you should read this book. If you're looking for a read, into some creepy stuff and twisted stories, and you haven't gotten around to this one, then you definitely should.

8. The Shadow Falls Series by C. C. Hunter

This is a book series I read a long time ago, but it's good. You know what they say, Old but gold. Well, it's not old old, but when it comes to the YA spotlight, it kind of is. When Kylie Galen is shipped off to a reform camp for troubled teens, she learns that the trouble these kids are in is the supernatural kind. They're all coming to terms and learning to harness their abilities safely and at camp. The characters in this book are relatable, the story is intriguing, all in all this series encapsulates the heart of YA from a couple years ago when werewolves and vampires ran the show, but also shone some light on Fae who are getting their light now. This series is everything. And I mean that in every sense of the word.

9. Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

This series has kind of taken the world by storm. Even Tim Burton has gotten his creative hands on this series. With the movie coming out, this is a book you need to read before the movie is released.

10. The Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare

This is actually a group of books in a group of series and basically if you start reading Clare's works, you are in for a very long ride with a very beautiful outcome. If you're going to start with Clare's Shadowhunters world, you should start with The Mortal Instruments and then work your way through it. There is also The Infernal Devices and the newest series in the chronicles The Dark Artifices. Your emotions will be manipulated by Clare and this is definitely a fandom you should be apart of.


So what do you think? Did I cover the good ones? Are there any you think should have been on this list? I know for sure that there are SO MANY MORE fantastic books out there that I haven't gotten around to reading yet and I can't wait to discover what they hold for me, too!

At the end of the day, when you pick up a book, there is a connection there. Something draws a permanent line between book and reader. Not always is there that connection, which sucks, but what's important for every reader is to find the books out there that do that for them. The ten books above are just a few of the ones that have captured my heart and I hope you do too. And let me know what you discover when you read these books cover to cover!

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas Review

For those of you who don't know much about me, there is one YA/NA author that I love and her name is Sarah J. Maas. I love all of her works and her writing style is so captivating. She literally makes me feel so many emotions when reading any and all of her books that I can't help but buy the newest one as soon as it comes out and then hate myself for the year long wait I've just brought upon myself once I finish it. I am a huge fangirl of all S J Maas does (please see my countdown to Queen of Shadows on this blog), so of course I bought A Court of Mist and Fury as soon as it came out and read that thing like my life depended on it.

The first book I ever read by Maas was A Court of Thorns and Roses, which got me on the S J Maas fan train leading me to binge read the entire Throne of Glass series and was still left wanting more. Before I read ACOTAR, I was never the biggest fan of Fae inspired novels. Maas had me changing my tune after I got involved with the beautiful story of Feyre, Tamlin, Lucien, Rhysander, and all the other completely dynamic characters that I decided Fae novels were a breed of YA/NA that I needed to learn more about. And thank God I did.

I digress...A Court of Mist and Fury is the sequel to A Court of Thorns and Roses, which is a fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast, although no where near the beloved children's tale we all fell in love with. Maas created a complex, sexy, and engulfing new story in a world that I feel apart of now. When the first book ended, I thought it wrapped up kind of nicely. There was room for development (at the time I was team Tamlin, but I wanted to know what this Rhys character's deal was) and I wanted more of the Fae world outside of the Spring Court. In the sequel, Maas delivered on all of my desires as Feyre decides that maybe the Spring Court just isn't the right court for her.

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD***

Maas may be the only author that can cause someone like me to jump ship so fast that it makes my head spin. (Please skip this next part if you haven't read Throne of Glass and want to avoid spoilers) In Throne of Glass, I was team Chaol all the way. Loved that guy. Then we had to go and meet Rowan and I found myself on another ship it was crazy. (Those of you that skipped the TOG spoiler you can continue reading again) And here I am, in the middle of a story I thought I had all figured out and knew who I was going to ship and what not, deciding that I was wrong and Maas is right. She is always right.

The love story between Feyre and Tamlin was a beautiful one. A classic one. It made total sense to be the winner of ACOTAR, but now that Feyre is changed, now that she is in a new world living a different life than she's ever had to live before, it makes sense that maybe her heart beats a different way. And then it made total sense for the Rhys ship to sail because, I mean, you should read the book. You'll fall in love with him so fast...ugh.

Aside from the romance in this book, which is hot and perfect, Maas also introduces a slew of new characters that you can't help but fall for. Azriel, Mor, Cassian, and Amren are a few people that I want to know more about. Damn, I should've bought the Target edition just so I can get a short story revolving around a few of those characters. Anyways, these are characters that mean something and build a story. 

For a while, I was really blah on the idea of introducing a seemingly original storyline in this one. What was the point of making me love the secondary characters like Lucien when she was just going to divert attention away from him in the end? Then it all made sense thanks to that heartbreaking ending. Everything came full circle and I am in dire need of the next book. ASAP.

Maas does a fantastic job of world weaving. It's truly a raw talent. At the end of this book, all I can say is that if you haven't read this series, you need to, and be prepared to have your heart ripped out and still beating at the end of it because I think it's going to be a long while before I can fully function again. And that's what I learned when I read this book cover to cover.

On a side note, who all is excited for Empire of Storms????? I literally cannot wait. Maas, you are a genius and I can't wait to see what's in store in both of your beautiful tales.

The Crown by Kiera Cass Review

So I'm jumping a little out of order here on my TBR list, but it's only because I have been awaiting this release since I found out there was going to be two more books in the beloved Selection Series. So when this book hit shelves, I had it downloaded on my Kindle in seconds. Then I tore through this beauty so fast and was left with so many emotions...Ugh.

Anyways, for those of you who don't know anything about the Selection Series. I highly suggest you hop on that train and binge read the entire series since all five books are finally out. The first three books in the series follow the story of America Singer, a girl in the country of Illea, who is competing with thirty-five other girls for the heart of the prince. However, America isn't trying to win his love, but keep the stipend the crown is sending her family. Now, it's hard to go much further into detail without giving away anything about the series so if you haven't read the Selection Series I would STOP READING NOW. And for those of you who haven't yet read The Crown and don't want any spoilers, then you should also STOP READING NOW.

The Crown follows the end of America and Maxon's daughter's journey to find love and eventually run the country. Eadlyn never though she would find love in The Selection, but she has, and now it is a matter of holding on to it or doing what is best for her country.

Alright, so first off, I think this is a very classic and simple way to end such a beautiful story. Very fitting. I know this might not be a popular idea, some people might be wanting more, especially with the mixed feelings towards the series to begin with, but I thought this story was great. It wasn't supposed to be anything incredibly mind blowing, it wasn't supposed to tug on your though process and make you think about the world differently. It was written to entertain readers and it definitely succeeded.

Now onto my reactions. First of all: MY SHIP SANK. Oh man, since The Heir I had formed a beautiful ship between Eadlyn and Kile and I wanted that ship to sail so badly. I loved them. Their story was perfect. Children who grew up hating each other, then turned into friends, and then grew feelings for each other...UGH perfect. I hate that my ship sank so badly, but at the same time I see why it had to. Kill would have to sacrifice everything to be with Eadlyn - as romantic as that is. Eadlyn loved Kile too much to take away his dreams. Am I a terrible person for wanting her to take away his dreams? Probably.

On the other side of the romance, the guy Eady actually fell in love with, Eikko or Erik. I think this romance had some build up going towards it, but I wanted so much more build up. I think I could have really gotten on board with this ship if only there had been just a bit more. More drama. More tension. More. Honestly I think they work and I'm so happy they get their perfect ending, but I felt like there could have been more build up towards it.

I'm also very confused. Why would a king and queen just happily hand their reign over to their teenaged daughter so they can live their happy life as just people? I get the appeal, and I can see that they're going to have a tough time being the king and queen, but there is no way in hell they would just let their teenage daughter run their country. Doesn't make any sense. Sorry Kiera Cass.

However, I loved this story. I was so happy with it, kind of put off by some of the things that happened and it took me a while to get over the shipwreck. And that's what I uncovered when I read this lovely book cover to cover.

The Carnelian Legacy by Cheryl Koevoet Review

The Carnelian Legacy follows the story of Marisa MacCallum as she goes for a ride and then finds herself in a new dimension where she must make tough decisions that challenge her heart. As Marisa falls for a boy in this new dimension, she finds out that love is complicated no matter what dimension you are in. In the end, she must decide if she's going to betray the boy she loves for the greater good of his kingdom or will she abandon everything and risk starting a war.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I must say, this book did not do it for me. I hate writing negative reviews, so I'm going to keep this short and as sweet as possible. Frankly, it took me a long while to get through this book. I kept having to stop and put it down before I could pick it back up again. The writing style didn't hook me and the story wasn't anything too special to get me to want to push through it. Frankly, I was disappointed. I wanted so much more from this book and just did not get it.

When I started this book, especially after reading the synopsis, I had high hopes for this story, that it just didn't get up to. It had a really good concept, I just felt like it fell a little flat. Of course, this could just be me. If the synopsis hooks you like it did me, then don't let my poor review stop you from getting yourself a copy of this book. This might just be the kind of story and that needs a certain person to read and fall in love with it. I'm sorry to say, but that person is just not me. And that's what I have discovered after I read this book cover to cover.

The Vengeful Half Postcard Promotion

Hey everyone, I'm sorry I've been out of the loop lately and way behind on my reviews, but I'm catching up by starting with a review of Crystallum that I will post just after this one! Besides that point, I am promoting The Vengeful Half by Jaclyn Dolamore that is out and available for purchase now! I will have a review up of this super exciting book soon, so don't worry, but in the mean time, this is a book you should definitely pick up.

Here is the summary on Goodreads for The Vengeful Half:
This novel contains interior comics and art by the author.

Olivia might look human, but she’s grown up with a heavy secret: her mother is a potion-maker who fled her home in a parallel world, the Hidden Lands. 

Alfred is the blind, charismatic young heir to the illegal potions trade. When Olivia's mother is kidnapped by the magic dealers with whom she once made a bad bargain, she has no choice but to trust Alfred's offer of help. They travel to a strange new world of bootlegged American pop culture, lifelike doll people, and reincarnation. Alfred finds himself putting his position on the line to defend Olivia against his family’s conniving plans. Maybe he has morals…or maybe he’s just falling in love. 

When Olivia escapes from an attack by a curiously familiar sorceress, she learns that potion dealers weren’t the only thing Mom was hiding from. Dark secrets lurk in Olivia’s past, and now Olivia must kill or be killed by the girl with whom she once shared everything

I don't know about you, but that summary has me already wanting more.

The amazing author sent me this postcard in the mail that I have been meaning to share with all of you because I love it so much!

In case you can't read the quote that well, it reads:

"He imagined what it would feel like if she touched him when she said that. Her touch must be so different from Thessia's. Everything about her was a little sharper. He didn't feel like he had to dance around anything when he spoke to her..."

If this quote is any indication of what the book will be like, then I honestly can't wait to start reading! Who is Thessia? Is this a love triangle? Who is he talking about? Who is he? How completely amazing and heart wrenching is this book going to be? And can we talk about her super cute drawing that brings the setting of the quote to life?

The Vengeful Half is out now, released March 11th, and you should pick up your copy ASAP. This is the first book in a series and I can't wait to to start it.

The Revolution of Ivy by Amy Engel Review

A book that is highly anticipated, particularly in the Entangled Teen realm of YA publishing, is The Revolution of Ivy after the first installment, The Book of Ivy, took off gathered a rather large following, including the trending hashtag #BishopIsMine. This is easily one of the most popular books from the publisher. I, myself, fell into the mass following of Ivy. So when I got the opportunity to review the sequel, and supposed conclusion,  I could not pass this one up.

**WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD**

The first installment, for those who don't know, is about a city called Westfall that is one of the surviving communal towns after the War when everything went downhill. So it's a little dystopian, but it has a new and refreshing take on what the future looks like in literature. At sixteen, they force the daughters from the losing side of town to marry the sons of the winning sons of town. And in this installment, Ivy Westfall is being forced to marry her father's sworn enemy's son Bishop Lattimer - the son of the president of Westfall. Only there is one stipulation to that marriage contract that Bishop and the Lattimers don't know. Ivy's father has trained Ivy to kill Bishop; to put their family back in power. As all romance YA novels go, Ivy fell in love with Bishop and couldn't kill him. But she loved her family as well and couldn't let them go down for the planned assassination, either. So she took the blame and was put out of the "fence", which hardly anyone survives. And that's where The Revolution of Ivy picks up.

Ivy Westfall is lying beyond the fence, open to any threats out here. But she has this sort of hope that she can survive.

No one survives beyond the fence. At least that’s what my father always told me when I was a child. But I’m not a little girl anymore, and I no longer believe in the words of my father. 

Amy Engel has an enrapturing way of writing. She has easily created some of the most lovable characters in YA. The reason for the Bishop hashtag is simple: Engel wrote the perfect guy into Bishop with imagined skill and everyone loved him. With the first novel being such a success, and setting up this series for a whirlwind of events, I was expecting a lot out of this second novel. And she delivered.

All of our fears were realized as readers as we go through this installment. Mark Laird makes an appearance and it becomes pretty intense from there on out. 

I loved the new introductions of characters that were relatable and lovable. I would like to know more about the relationship side of Ash and Caleb, however. The idea of a civilization thriving outside of Westfall's walls is not far fetched. Rogue societies like that would definitely exist - and some even do know. Ivy stumbling across them was only good luck on her part.

Once Bishop shows up, the story-telling remains kind of lulled, hanging suspended, because as a reader, I knew something big was going to happen. And then something did. Bishop and Ivy finally have that long anticipated heart-to-heart after months of tension, but it's Callie's sister's head on the chopping block that sends this story back into motion.

I don't know why Ivy would want to go back and save her sister after all the hell she put Ivy through, but whatever Ivy needs to do. The fact that what happens actually happens makes me kind of annoyed that they even returned at all. They were doing just fine beyond the fence. But then everything works out and we get a happily ever after.

I was expecting a bit more of a morose ending with the world they live in being so dark. But everything worked itself out. Sure, there was that big explosion of an ending that had my head whirling, but Engel wrapped it all up nicely, leaving little to few loose ends. It's the perfect conclusion to The Book of Ivy. And if you haven't read either, now is the time. It's a wonderful series that will bring you in and hold you hostage for the duration. It's a definite recommend. I wonder if Amy Engel plans on writing more...I wouldn't object.

The Revolution of Ivy is the perfect ending to a perfect story. Many conclusions lack the emphasis the series needs, but this one did not. It's filled with relatable and lovable characters and a storyline that's a little refreshing, in some ways. And that's what I discovered when I read this book cover to cover.

The Revolution of Ivy will be on sale November 5th. 

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas Review

Hello, lovelies! Today, I have finished the most anticipated book of September on my list, Queen of Shadows by the amazing author Sarah J. Maas.

This is one of my most favorite series ever and this book definitely tops the charts. In case you haven't been keeping up with the blog, over the past seven days before the release, Cover to Cover Reviews hosted a countdown to the release, and I must say, now that I've read it, that this book was definitely worth the wait.

**WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD**

Celaena Sardothein, now going by Aelin, has returned for her trip across the seas where she has embraced the side of her she was taught to keep down by Aborynn who is King of the Assassins and she is finally ready to claim her kingdom (insert screaming here!)

There were so many things left off in Heir of Fire that are finally addressed here. For instance, what did Chaol do when he left the palace? What the hell happened to Dorian? How's the Rowan and Aelin thing going to work out? And what about all those characters from the novellas? Well, thank you Sarah J. Maas for answering all of those questions.

Chaol has become leader of the rebels; Dorian is completely enslaved by his father, although he does try to fight it at first; and Rowan and Aelin totally become a thing (thank the Gods this ship has sailed!); not to mention the lovely end-tying she did regarding the characters we met in the novellas.

Now, I don't have anything bad to say about this book. Sorry, I just don't. I love being honest, and so I will be. I LOVED this book and I'm already ready for the fifth installment.

I loved how Maas brought in characters from the novellas, particularly Lysandra. Lysandra was really the only one to make an appearance and actually become a character and more than just a cameo (like the Red Desert story). She quickly became one of my favorite characters. First, she'd been through hell in a hand basket and here she is, still standing. You got to give that shape-shifter props! Speaking of shape-shifting, that was such a surprise, but a welcome one nonetheless. It would make complete sense that when magic was outlawed, many different things happened and they got stuck the way they were.

Now, Chaol really angered me in the beginning. He was so angry with Aelin and I was just like, "Get over it dude. It is what it is." But I get where he's coming from. In any society, change and things that are different are scary. People like what they know and when they don't know something, they usually run the other way - just look at the US now, or rather a year ago. People don't like things they can't control. It would have been a lie for Maas to write Chaol just falling in line with all this. With everyone falling in line with all this, even.

One thing that I'm not sure where it stands on the love/hate scale is how I felt like this installment took place in a completely different world than the first three, even though it didn't. And I think I know why. Celaena was the protagonist in those first three books. She was the Assassin and a spunky teenager who learned to look out for herself and only herself. In Heir of Fire, we start to see that shift in world's as I put it, where Celaena is becoming Aelin. And as the protagonist shifts faces, the atmosphere of the story completely changed. I'm not sure if I love it or hate it, but I get it. If that makes any sense.

However, I am cursing Maas' name for one reason and one reason only: all the questions I have left now that I've finished the book! What's going to happen to Dorian and Chaol? Are Aelin and Rowan ever going to officially be together? What's left of Terrasen? How is this going to work? Where are her people? Do Lysandra and Aedion ever get together because I totally ship that? What about Evangeline? And can we talk about the witches? Is there really going to be a war? Because I still don't believe Manon is going to side against Aelin in the final showdown.

I guess that's why she's written a sequel. Please, book five, get here soon!

And that's how I feel now that I've read Queen of Shadows cover to cover! Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments! And keep checking back and follow me on social media to get updates for the newest reviews and other fun stuff!

1. When Rowan Sees the Scars on Celaena's Back

Eek! It's here! Queen of Shadows is here! (For your information, this post was written in advance because I cannot be bothered right now because I am reading this book!) With this highly anticipated fourth installment in the Throne of Glass series, comes the final fave moment from the series in our countdown.

I would like to first thank all of you for sticking it out and checking back every day to see what we over here at Cover to Cover Reviews have to say about this series. Remember, you are more than welcome to post comments! We really like hearing what you have to say! Of course, I'm sure many of you are probably not reading this as well today because, like me, you're off reading the book, but I hope you checked back after you finished!

Now. Without further adieu. The number one favorite moment from the Throne of Glass series is...the time in Heir of Fire where Rowan notices that Celaena - who is a princess - has been a slave before (internal screaming).

Now, I was a die-hard Chaol + Celaena shipper. Their being together was the only thing I wanted for two and a half books. But then I met Rowan. And ohmygod there is nothing I want more than for them to be together. Regardless of if it happens or not, I really like the relationship forming between them. They are equals on so many levels. They're both warriors and princes/princesses. They each have such a hard head and are completely stubborn, but are willing to die for the people they love and care about.

While there are plenty of more moments in Heir of Fire where Rowan and Celaena cause me to go into fangirl mode, this moment was the one that kicked it all off. Rowan has been constantly teasing and harassing Celaena for being a princess and spoiled. And I really hated him for it for the longest period of time because I knew what she'd been through since I was basically there for it. But then he sees her back. All those scars. And everything between them is forever changed.

It was such an intimate moment that I felt almost strange for witnessing, but that was the beauty in it. This is my favorite moment because it was raw and defining. It's starting so much that I wish Sarah J. Maas would just send me all of her plans for the series so I just know. It sparks want in readers and hope in the story.

Queen of Shadows goes on sale today! So make sure you have your copy, if you don't already!.

2. When Celaena Decided to Stay and Fight in Heir of Fire

We're down to the top two! And the number two spot goes to the point in Heir of Fire where Celaena fights as the compound is getting raided, but she does it by using her magic and nearly killing herself.

I really love this particular scene because it really shows her newfound character in this story. She hates her magic. She hates the fae side of herself, but here she is, embracing it, for the safety of the people inside the walls of the compound.

This entire book is extremely important to the story for many reasons. The entire story is taking a completely different turn by bringing in magic and Rowan (hello, dreamboat) and we get to see all of these things affecting our beloved protagonist as she transforms from Adarlan's Assassin to the hero, and rising queen, she was born to be.

I am so incredibly excited for the release tomorrow! Number 1 on the countdown will be shared with you then, and remember to get your copy of Queen of Shadows as soon as it goes on sale! I have a feeling this installment is not one to be missed!

6. Celaena's Flashback to When She Totally Lost It

Number six on the countdown to Sarah J. Maas' Queen of Shadows release day is the time where we get a flashback to the infamous day in Endovier where Celaena hit her breaking point.

Celaena is probably the most interesting character I've ever read about. She's an assassin, who's actually a good person, but is completely strong and her own person. Let's not remember the times when YA heroines were completely dependent. And it's hard to when Maas has created characters like Celaena.

But so far in the story we've only seen the Celaena that has tried to put her past behind her. She doesn't think or talk much about her times in Endovier unless she's bragging about how she made it to the wall in an escape attempt when most don't. There's this mythical day that Celaena really pushes down and I was incredibly curious about what happened that day. But when we finally get insight into that day, it was more than I expected.

In this flashback, probably one of the most important flashbacks in the entire series, Celaena had broke. She killed plenty and tried to escape, but if you were to analyze this section of the book, you'd ask if she was really trying to escape, or if she wanted to get caught. Celaena was ruthless and readers got to see the darkest side of her that she has been trying to hide since Throne of Glass opened up.

Celeana is incredible at putting on a face and trying to be this tough person. And for the longest time, readers believed she could do no wrong. Even her mistakes were admirable. But then we get this flashback and suddenly everything is different. Sadder. It's not that we start to see Celaena any differently, but there is a definite newfound respect for her that grows after this scene.

Not only is it crucial to the storyline, but it's crucial to Celaena's character development and for that it has become one of my favorite moments in the series, even though it's not as bright and cheery as some of the other scenes.

Remember to check back tomorrow for number 5 on the countdown and get your copy of Queen of Shadows available September 1st!

7. When Celaena First Meets Chaol and Dorian

And the countdown to Queen of Shadows begins!

Today, I am sharing with you one of my favorite moments from the series as part of Cover to Cover Reviews's countdown to the Queen of Shadows's release!

**Warning! Potential Spoilers**

Now this moment comes from the first book and happens literally right away. Mainly, I like this because it sets us up for a very interesting love-triangle, yet we don't really know it, yet (we have our suspicions, however). We get to know Celaena and Chaol and Dorian more than just their names. We start to see dynamics between them forming, plus Celeana is completely badass in this scene as she always is. For me, meeting this people in this moment, just opened the doors to this beautiful story, so how could I not put it on the list!

Check back tomorrow for #6 on the countdown and feel free to share in the comments some of your favorite moments from the Throne of Glass series.

Queen of Shadows is on sale September 1st 2015!

Queen of Shadows is Coming!

ATTENTION! ATTENTION! SARAH J. MAAS'S FOURTH INSTALLMENT IN THE BELOVED THRONE OF GLASS SERIES IS COMING IN ONE WEEK. I REPEAT: ONE WEEK.

So, I'm fairly new to the blogging universe, particularly the reviewing realm. So, if you look at the reviews I have done or the books I am currently reading, they don't do me justice. My collection expands much further than what's on this website, so there is something that you may not know about me. I am a hard-core fan-girl of the Throne of Glass series. I read the first three books in one weekend, thinking that was it, and was immediately thrilled when I finished Heir of Fire and realized there were more to come!

Personally, I don't know how it's possible to make six books out of this series, like this fourth one could easily wrap up the entire series, so I'm kind of scared with what she's going to do next. But in a good way. I am so excited for this book that my insides are screaming all the time. No joke. I actually have to tell my liver to calm down sometimes.

Anyways, since there is exactly one week until one of the most highly anticipated days of the year (not to mention Victoria Aveyard, author of The Red Queen, has a novella being released that same day that I will also be buying) I've decided to host my very own countdown. Each day between now and September 1st, I will post my top seven moments from the entire series! On September 1st, my favorite moment from the entire series will be posted to get everyone in the mood to start reading!

Now, this task is going to be extra difficult for me, because it's so hard to pick out of so many pages, which one or ones are my favorite. Regardless, I am dedicated to this task. While my favorite moment will be posted on Queen of Shadows's release day, the rest are in some kind of order, but not a very strict structure to them, if you know what I mean.

So check back tomorrow for the first post in the countdown and get ready for the Queen of Shadows release!

The Last of the Firedrakes by: Farah Oomerbhoy Review

**WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD**

Ah, how do I put this lightly. This book was cheesy, to say the least. Think Harry Potter meets Twilight with dashes of medieval times. Needless to say, I felt like the author was trying too hard with this one. Ask anyone, Harry Potter and Twilight don't mix.

First, I would like to comment on the cover of the book. I really liked it. It was part of what inspired me to read this book. That and the summary. It captures the story perfectly and was just the right kind of cover to capture the eye of readers as well.

So let's start with aspects I didn't like. There was too much telling and not enough showing. The author would just say that something was and everyone (characters) would automatically believe it. But then later, she would show something that completely negated what she had said earlier on.

I felt like a lot of times the story line got way too cheesy for my taste. Like "Oh! Rafe!" was a bit too much for me. And while I'm all for a knight in shining armor, Rafe's character definitely felt too good to be true. And - for the record - I called him on being the crown prince like a long time ago.

Another problem I had was the naming. Now, I'm a huge supporter of weird names. I like the unusual and always have. However, there were some names in this story that I couldn't shake. Two, in particular, kind of sat wrong with me because all I could think about was Disney. 1) Aurora. Now this one didn't bother me too much because they called her "Rory" for the majority of the story, but all I could think about was Sleeping Beauty. The other Disney flashback was 2) Morgana. First, she was playing the villain and with a distinctive name like Morgana, all I could think about was Ursula's evil sister from The Little Mermaid II. Like, I literally was waiting for some underwater ice cave to pop up out of nowhere. Other than that, some of the names were just really hard to pronounce and I kept getting tripped up on them, but that's nothing new for me. Sometimes, I wonder if I'm pronouncing "Cassia" right (and yes Ally Condie and I'm looking at you).

Now, every person in this book just seemed to go along with the crazy. Aurora would explain something to them and they would be like "Oh, yeah, you totally have my trust." I kept waiting for one of them to turn on her (besides the obvious like Damien and Leticia). But no, everyone was so cool with everything, even once they found at she had like fae-mage powers.

And that brings me to the parallel between Harry Potter and Twilight. Obviously the mage aspect of the story with a special mage school just screamed Harry Potter to me, but in a definite cheesy voice, because it didn't fit right in this world. The fae part reminds me of Twilight because I've learned that fae seem to be the new vampires. Like Stephanie Meyer who altered the vicious version of vampires into these sparkly fairies (yes, pun intended), the author chose to ignore the more vicious side of the fae that I've kind of gotten used to, and made them happy powerful people. It took me a long time to warm up to fae in my beloved novels. But as long as they like killing people, I'm totally good with it.

(I would like to make a note that I do not hate Stephanie Meyer or her vampires or Twilight! That is the book that got me reading again and I owe my gratitude to that woman!)

As if the magical folk in this book couldn't get even more outlandish, the author has this pegasus. I like flying horses as much as the next eight year old, but in a YA novel, I expected more from the horse. Like, why couldn't it spit fire? While Snow, the pegasus, was probably one of the more badass characters in this story, when she talked, all I could hear was this majestic lady voice that was even more prestigious sounding than the dragon in Eragon and that dragon was a badass.

Literally, this book reminded me of drunk college girls on a very basic level. It was like, if one person said, "Hey! I'm a fae-mage!" Everyone else would shout, "I totally support you!" in a high pitched squeal that would have everyone sober within a five-mile radius covering their ears.

However, the story at its bones was good. I liked the concept of a strange new world with a girl who discovers she's heir to a throne and has all these powers she has to control, plus that forbidden romance blooming. It's the bones of most YA books, which is why I appreciate it. There definitely could have been more done to it to enhance the book. The meaty part was lacking. The execution of the storyline could have been better. Maybe all it needed was the right eye to look at it and help the author, because I feel like this story definitely had potential.

The Last of the Firedrakes is the first installment in this series, and I will probably read the rest just because I want to know how this story ends and it was a quick read. I also look forward to seeing how this author's writing grows the more she writes and the more books she puts out. 

Writing is a process, I know, and I hate judging books when I realize how much effort an author has put in to this story. I appreciate that. I didn't fill those pages, the author did. But I promise honest reviews and I would be betraying that promise if I sugar-coated everything I wrote.

And that is all I have to say on The Last of the Firedrakes. I hope you like what I discovered, as I read this book from cover to cover!