Rise of the Mages by Brian Foster Review

I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I picked up this book, started reading, and was immediately sucked into this fantasy world that Foster has created. I loved it and am kicking myself for not getting around to it fast enough once I got my copy of it. I am going to keep this review as spoiler free as possible because I think that this is something that everyone should get to experience for themselves.

The story is about a guy named Xan works as an apothecary who is having these dreams of this girl. He lives in a world where being a mage is forbidden and then he discovers he is one. Xan then embarks on a quest to save the girl from his dreams and in the process he has to decide what to make of his new powers and how they will impact himself, those around him, and the world.

Foster has created a world that is easy to lose oneself in - in the best possible way. The characters are relatable and enjoyable and their story is just so enthralling. There could have been more editing done, but if you look past the little things that needed improving, you could see the beginning of a great story. It's got a very used plot line with a protagonist who discovers forbidden powers and embarks on a quest to save a girl, but I think Foster does a good job of adapting that plot line and creating a unique story.

I'm sitting here - post-read, and I can't wait to read more of this world and these characters. 

It's a great story that you should read and then share with us what you discovered when you read this book cover to cover!

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.

Crystallum by Laney McMann Review

**I received this book free from the publisher through Netgalley in return for an honest review**

Crystallum is the first book in The Primordial Principles that follows the story of Kadence Sparrow as she finds herself in the middle of the Primordial race that she has always known about, but never been apart of until now. Here's the full jacket flap summary:

Kadence Sparrow wasn't born a devil's child-she was turned into one. Now, she's hiding from the truth, and running for her life. 

For years, Kade's true nature has lurked behind an illusion, so when her dad gets another job transfer, she knows the drill: no close friends, no boyfriends, and most importantly: don't expose what she is. Ever. Keeping secrets is easy. Lies are second nature. So is the loneliness-and the fear, but when the Shadows attack, and Kade meets Cole Spires, she could expose everything she's trying to hide. 

As one of the Celestial Children, Cole lives by an oath: defend the Ward, protect the Primordial race, guard the gateways, and stick to his own. Everything else is a distraction, and besides, he's lost enough. Cole's job is clear, and no one his age does it better. So, when he meets Kade in a club downtown, he assumes she just wants his attention. Most girls do, but Cole soon realizes ... Kade isn't like most girls. 

The children of heaven and hell are living among us, fighting an age-old war. And falling for someone from the opposition is not an option. But a chance encounter between Kade and Cole will blur the rules, as Kade's journey to keep her truth hidden catapults them together and into a web of lies, forcing her to not only face the demon inside her, but to answer the hardest question of all. 

Which is thicker-blood or water?

I started reading this book and it immediately sucked me in. I am very much acquainted with the ideas of half-angel and half-devil children, but Crystallum took a different approach to the whole idea of it that I really enjoyed.

One of the things that I can't ignore that bothered me, is just how much some of the aspects of the story reminded me of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunters series. Aside from that, it was a very fun read that had me hooked from start to finish. If you're looking for an enjoyable read that feels a bit familiar at the same time, then Crystallum is the book for you. By the end of it, I was thrusting for more.

The characters in this book were diverse, entertaining, relatable, and had readers really connecting with them. I really love the secondary characters in this book and hope that Lane delves more into their stories in the next books.

Basically, this a good book that deserves a read and I will definitely be picking up the next book when it hits shelves! And that's what I discovered when I read this book cover to cover!