Frostfire - Amanda Hocking

Began reading: 24.11.2016
Completed reading: 28.11.2016
Overall rating: 5 stars

Will she give up her dream to follow her heart?

Bryn Aven is determined to gain status amongst the Kanin, the most powerful of the hidden tribes. But as a half-blood, winning respect is a huge challenge. Bryn's almost-human community distrusts people, and those from other tribes are almost as suspect.

She has just one goal to get ahead: to join the elite guard protecting the Kanin royal family. And Bryn's vowed that nothing will stand in her way, not even a forbidden romance with her boss, Ridley Dresden.

But her plans are put on hold when fallen hero Konstantin starts acting dangerously. Bryn loved him once, but now he's kidnapping Kanin children - stealing them from hidden placements within human families. She's sent to help stop him, but will she lose her heart in the process?

Frostfire by Amanda Hocking is a fictional young adult novel that contains fantasy and romance. I put this trilogy off for so long (almost a year!) and I regret it. This book was incredible and I can’t wait to continue the series!

The book was well-written, with no errors and good use of literary techniques. The plot was also well-structured, with the exception of the conclusion (I’ll get to that later). There were also a couple of great quotes throughout the book, including:

‘I love it when you talk clean to me, quoting training manuals like sonnets’ (p. 144).

‘Nothing good ever comes from falling in love’ (p. 240).

‘Before when we were talking, were you asking why her?’ The aurora above us reflected on his face, and his dark eyes were filled with heat. ‘Or were you asking why not you?’ (p. 256).

‘Run,’ he whispered. ‘Run, white rabbit, as fast and far as you can’ (p. 316).

More quotes from the book can be found here.

The plot was really interesting, especially with all of the situations and missions that Bryn had to experience. These different activities kept me interested, as each presented their own set of obstacles for Bryn to overcome. Many books that I have read focus on only one mission or task for the protagonist to conquer, which made the plot a little dull. This wasn’t the case with Frostfire, and I’m really pleased with the different missions that appeared in the book.

I really enjoyed Bryn’s interactions with the different secondary characters. At first, I thought that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with all of the characters that were introduced, but it got easier as the story progressed. I liked how Bryn interacted in different ways, depending on who she was talking to. It demonstrated that she was more than a two-dimensional character, and showed that she could be relatable.

On a related note, I loved reading about the romantic (sexual?) tension between Bryn and Ridley. Because of this low-key obsession, I internally squealed whenever they were together or when something adorable happened between the two of them. I’ve mentioned this in previous reviews, but I’m not a fan of too much fluff. Luckily, this book contained a decent amount of romance, and it was mature. I was expecting a lot more romance between these two, especially after what was mentioned in the blurb, but I didn’t think it was disappointing. I think Hocking did an awesome job on keeping romance as a minor theme in the book. I can’t wait to see how their relationship progresses in the next book!

                     

Now, let’s get on with what confused me about the book. Firstly, I thought that the title didn’t link with the story – ‘frostfire’ wasn’t even mentioned in the book, nor did anything resemble it. While I was reading, I was wondering if a character would develop a superpower called frostfire, but nothing happened. I didn’t really like that it left me confused.

As I mentioned in the beginning of the review, the plot was well-structured, except for the conclusion. I could see that the book was reaching its end, but I couldn’t believe that the end was really the end. I thought it was an abrupt ending, which left me a little puzzled.

                         

Don’t get me wrong, I thought it was a pretty good ending but I wasn’t expecting it to be so abrupt, leaving a few plot holes. I have a feeling that it will pick up pretty much where this book left off in Ice Kissed, so I’m not complaining too much.

My favourite character is Bryn Aven, as she’s loyal, protective, hard-working and honest. She’s also quite the badass:

His grip tightened on my arm as realisation dawned on him, and his eyes widened in surprise. ‘You’re the Chancellor’s daughter’.

‘Bryn Aven,’ I told him, still whispering in his ear. ‘Remember my name. Because I’m going to be the one that kills you.’ Then I kneed him in the crotch (p. 22).

       

Ridley is a notable character, because who wouldn’t like to be working alongside a really attractive, flirty man like him? He is fiercely protective of Bryn which is a bonus, so I’m really excited to see these two together in the next book!

I’m really unsure about Kenneth, Mikko and Konstantin. If I didn’t know any better, I’d suspect that these three are all in on what’s going on together. Maybe it was because the abrupt ending of the book left plot holes, but I honestly don’t know how I feel about them.

My favourite parts of the book included the prologue, the tracker missions, and anything with Bryn and Ridley. I really liked the prologue because it set the tone of the book, and provided a well-paced introduction into what to expect between Bryn and Konstantin. As I mentioned previously, the tracker missions varied and provided different challenges for Bryn to overcome, keeping the plot going. Bryn and Ridley are adorable, but their forbidden romance keeps it all in suspense, which is why I loved them together.

Recommendation time! If you like the Spellcaster trilogy by Claudia Gray, Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, and the Untamed City series by Melissa Marr, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes The Family tv series, Shadowhunters, Vampire Academy, Divergent, and The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.

I will also be reviewing the rest of the Kanin Chronicles series, including Ice Kissed and Crystal Kingdom. Keep an eye out for those!

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Movie Star by Lizzie Pepper - Hilary Liftin

Began reading: 2.11.2016
Completed reading: 24.11.2016
Overall rating: 3 stars

Actress Lizzie Pepper was America's Girl Next Door and her marriage to Hollywood mega-star Rob Mars was tabloid gold - a whirlwind romance and an elaborate celebrity-studded wedding landed them on the cover of every celebrity weekly. But fame, beauty and wealth weren't enough to keep their marriage together. Hollywood's 'It' couple are over - and now Lizzie is going to tell her side of the story.

Celebrity ghostwriter Hilary Liftin chronicles the tabloids' favourite marriage as Lizzie Pepper realises that, when the curtain falls, her romance isn't what she and everyone else thought. From her lonely holidays in sumptuous villas to her husband's deep commitment to a disconcertingly repressive mind-body group, Lizzie reveals a side of fame that her fans never get to see.

Movie Star by Lizzie Pepper by Hilary Liftin is a contemporary chick lit fiction novel. It took me a while to read, as I found the plot to be unrelatable. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed reading the drama, but it’s not easy to picture.

The book had grammatical errors, but was otherwise well-written. The situations and plot in general was very detailed, which made it easier to imagine. The appearance of characters, personalities and locations within the novel were described in great detail, which was a good thing. There were also some great quotes scattered through the book, including:

We are all human, complex and simple, great and small. This is a story about the choices that we each make every day, and how those choices make us who we are (p. xiii).

Diamonds hid their colours like secrets, ready to spill at the smallest provocation. They contain and reflect. They absorb their surroundings and throw them back, transformed (p. 40).

‘We’re artists, yet we get treated like the paint on someone else’s canvas’ (p. 121).

More quotes from the book can be found here.

Everyone loves a good plot twist, so when I came across the one involving Rob’s dialogue, I was instantly compelled to keep reading. It was a shock, and the way that Lizzie reacted (or didn’t react) made the plot even more interesting. Other plot twists, especially with Geoff and the Studio, also kept me on the edge of my seat. Without these juicy plot twists, I don’t think I would have finished the novel.

Speaking of the plot, it was unique and insightful. I found that it was very similar to the blurb of Amy Sohn’s The Actress, but you don’t come across books about celebrity marriages very often. The book provided a great deal of information about the life of a celebrity and religion. Furthermore, it was interesting to read about how the various characters developed and responded to the celebrity lifestyle and Lizzie’s involvement with the Studio. The only issue that I had with it was that it was unrelatable. I have had no experience with being a celebrity, nor have I been involved in a ‘cult-like’ religion, so I can’t really relate. Because of this, I had to relate to the feelings that arose from characters’ experiences.

                   

It was obvious that Liftin had done an extensive amount of research into celebrity life, and this was demonstrated through Lizzie’s character. Through Lizzie, we saw what it was like to be famous – dealing with paparazzi, constantly being watched – while juggling mother duties. I assume that it would have taken a lot of research to understand what is involved with having an acting career.

While I found the first three parts of the novel to be pleasant, the final part: ‘Daylight’ was the most fascinating. This part of the book was very suspenseful, as it provided details into how Lizzie broke away from her celebrity life and the Studio, while also showing how the other characters turned out.

There were no plot holes or questions left unanswered, which was really good. I thought that I would be left wondering what happened to Rob or Meg, but I’m glad that Liftin addresses them in the end.

                 

My favourite character was Lizzie Pepper, as she was courageous, a ‘dreamer’, realistic and down-to-earth. I felt a little connected to Lizzie, especially as we saw the world through her eyes. Meg was a notable character, as she remained a devoted friend to Lizzie through it all. Cap and Leo were so adorable, so they needed to be mentioned here.

As I mentioned previously, the plot twist with Rob was the most shocking, but I was surprised when I found that I had a similar experience as Lizzie with her dad. In the book, Doug Pepper confronted Lizzie’s teacher, wanting an explanation for her average performance. I had a similar experience in high school, when my dad demanded that I see my teachers, apologise for my average performance, and get them to sign off that they spoke to me. It was humiliating, but glad that I could relate to Lizzie in this way.

My favourite part was anything with Cap and Leo, as they were SO ADORABLE! Cap was the cutest, while Leo was the crazier one. I loved reading about their interactions, especially fighting over Lizzie’s phone. They were just so cute!

                                                   

Recommendation time! If you like Louisa Meets Bear: Linked Stories by Lisa Gornick, Daughters of Fortune by Tara Hyland, Friends and Rivals by Tilly Bagshawe, Searching For Grace Kelly by Michael Callahan, The Actress by Amy Sohn, and The Idea of Him: A Novel by Holly Peterson, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes Papillon, Grace of Monaco, and La Vie en Rose.

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The Black Key - Amy Ewing

Began reading: 27.10.2016
Completed reading: 1.11.2016
Overall rating: 4 stars

Fighting for freedom.

Torn between two loyalties.

Desperate to save her sister.

Violet and the Society of the Black Key are launching an attack on the royalty, and Violet has a crucial role to play. She must lead the surrogates as they infiltrate the Auction and change the Lone City forever.

But Violet's sister, Hazel, is imprisoned in the palace of the Lake. Should Violet abandon her cause and return to the Jewel in order to save her sister?

The Black Key by Amy Ewing is a young adult fiction novel with a combination of genres, such as dystopia, fantasy and romance. It is the third and final book in The Lone City trilogy. I recently purchased this book, and I couldn’t wait any longer to get into it. It was far better than The White Rose, but not as good as The Jewel. I’m sad that this series has come to an end.

Ewing’s writing remains exceptional – this book was well-structured and well-written. There were some great quotes scattered throughout the novel, including:

‘…we all have people we’re willing to sacrifice for’ (p. 48).

I am not a mere surrogate, bought and leashed and paraded around anymore. In the end, the royalty will know that.

And they will fear me (p. 146).

These people are the air I breathe and the blood I bleed. They are my courage. I will not let them down (p. 249).

‘Jealousy is a petty emotion. It pollutes the mind. I makes you rash’ (p. 270).

I have always loved sunrises. There is something hopeful about them (p. 295). This quote is similar to one from The Jewel, which was interesting.

‘Well, there isn’t a House of the Lake anymore. So I’m no one, really.’

‘Don’t ever let me hear you say that again,’ Raven snaps. ‘After all you’ve given up. After everything you’ve done’ (p. 297).

I look at my friends and think about who we all once were, and how far we have come (p. 299).

The plot was interesting, as it was a return to the city we knew from The Jewel. Violet returns to the city as a lady-in-waiting for the House of the Lake, which makes the plot instantly more intense. Will she get caught? There were also a few plot twists here and there, which kept things exciting and unpredictable. I mean, where did Carnelian come from?!

                        

There was a decent amount of romance – not a lot, but enough to make me sigh. I would have liked to see more romance between Raven and Garnet because I ship it! But oh wells. I surprised myself when I found I was sympathising with Carnelian. In The Jewel, I loved to hate on her but I see that the poor girl was just misunderstood. I was hoping that she would find someone by the end of the trilogy, but I’m glad a character remained single, happy and independent.

Another positive from the book was being able to reflect on character development. Quite a few of the characters had developed throughout the series, which was great to see. Going back to Carnelian, she began as a spiteful girl, obedient to her aunt. In this book, we were able to get a sense of how she portrayed in the beginning – through Violet’s eyes – and how she was misunderstood. Another example was Ash – going from an obedient companion to someone who wanted to fight for the Society of the Black Key. Knowing that this trilogy has ended, I feel so proud of the characters and how they have developed.

                     

The character interactions in the novel were stellar! My favourite was the argument that Carnelian and Coral had on the train. In particular, this:

‘You’re a joke, Coral.’

‘At least I’m pretty and happy.’ She responds with a shrug. ‘Maybe if you tried smiling more, someone in this circle will want to marry you’ (p. 176).

The way that Violet, Raven and Lucien spoke to each other – encouraging – made me feel good inside. I just love the way the characters interacted with each other. The conversations emphasised their differences and similarities, which was great.

The only thing that I didn’t really like was that the plot left me with questions. Of course, a bit of mystery is always good but I would have loved to have my questions either answered or hinted at an answer. My questions are: what happened to Larimar and the Count of the Rose? Was Cora angry with Violet, even though she got what she wanted? Also, did Raven and Garnet end up together? Gosh, I really want the answer to that last question, but I suppose Ewing suggested at their relationship.

My favourite character is still Violet Lasting, as she was determined, courageous, compassionate, sweet, charming and talented. She still puts everyone’s needs before her own, and I find that very admirable. Raven is still my second favourite character. She was fierce, and such a badass:

The Countess stumbles back toward the broken window. ‘I am not afraid of you.’

‘’Yes, you are,’ Raven says, her voice as deadly as a snake’s hiss. ‘And you should be’ (p. 263).

As I said, Carnelian was misunderstood until halfway through this novel. I’m still a little unsure about how I feel about her, but I suppose she isn’t evil so that’s something. A particular plot twist left me reeling. Why did this character have to die? They were so sweet and innocent.

                  

My favourite part was when Violet was undercover as a lady-in-waiting. It was a bit of espionage, which made everything suspenseful. I loved it! She risked everything to be there for her sister, demonstrating pure love. I really loved getting to know Coral too, and being about to see the Duchess again. But Violet also risked being discovered whenever she was with Garnet, so it was intense.

Recommendation time! If you like The Handmaiden’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead, and The Sin Eater’s Daughter by Melinda Salisbury, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes the Luxe series by Anna Godberson, Everlife series by Gena Showalter, and Ruined by Amy Tintera.

My review for The Jewel and The White Rose can be found by clicking on the titles.

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