Prince of Shadows - Rachel Caine

Began reading: 13.8.2015
Completed reading: 20.8.2015
Overall rating: 4.5 stars

The age-old rivalry between the Houses of Montague and Capulet continues through Benvolio Montague’s perspective — Romeo’s dear cousin. In order to release tension caused by his family’s troubles, Benvolio transforms into the Prince of Shadows to steal from the filthy rich to give to the desperate poor. Risking his life and family’s reputation, Benvolio steals from House Capulet, and stumbles across Juliet’s cousin and Romeo’s obsession, Rosaline Capulet. From the moment they set eyes on each other, the well-known curse that is responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, as well as many others, commences.

Prince of Shadows by Rachel Caine is a re-telling of Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet. It is a combination of young adult, romance and historical fiction that provides an insightful perspective into the classic through another’s eyes.

                     

Firstly, the re-telling of Romeo and Juliet through Benvolio’s eyes is very refreshing. This re-telling begins with Romeo’s infatuation with Rosaline Capulet, and ends with the coming together of both Houses. It was incredibly insightful, and provides an interesting lead-up to the tragic events that we all know from the classic.

From the very first sentence in the novel, I was hooked. “I stood in the dark corner of my enemy’s house, and thought of murder” (p. 9). It’s dark and mysterious nature foreshadows the events that occur throughout the book.

                                          

There was great use of literary techniques throughout the story, which is always great! It gave the situation a deeper understanding and meaning, which I loved. Some examples:

She looked as wrinkled as an apple left too long in a dark corner of the cellar (p. 22).

Her lips were as soft and warm as the petals of a sun-heated rose,  and something rose within me, a thing of fire and feathers, spreading wide wings (p. 401).

        

The characters were described in depth, no matter how insubstantial the character was in the plot. For example, Benvolio’s description of the witch:

…I’d expected some broken old woman, with moles and an evil cast to her eye. As the woman pushed back her hood, I saw before me a lovely, pointed face, clever and calm, framed by thick brown curls only barely managed by carved wooden combs. She looked a little older than I, but not by more than a thin handful of years, and she might have been a modestly placed merchant’s wife or daughter. Her clothing was not fine, but it was well fitted, and clean (p. 273).

There were a few mistakes, where I think Caine mixed up the characters. For example, a family dinner at the House of Montague mentioned Lady Capulet, rather than Lady Montague. Aside from these minor mistakes, the novel was well-written and included many great quotes. For example:

*Benvolio talking to his sister, Veronica* ‘Honest women don’t hide in shadows, Veronica’ (p. 30).

I was the peacemaker, the reasonable calm in the storm (p. 64).

Dead men did not haunt me so much as Rosaline’s smile (p. 127).

Was this love, to betray one’s family, and to defy certain death? To risk the life of the one you adored? It seemed less love to me than a fever, a sickness burning away caution and good sense.

But perhaps I’d never really loved at all (p. 307).

He died this day. All that is good in me died with him (p. 363).

This book was just bursting with emotions! I felt pleasure, anticipation, sadness, grief, fury and love. There were so many feelings!

                  

My favourite character was Rosaline Capulet, as she was responsible, brave, and loved books. Benvolio was definitely my second favourite.

My favourite moments were anything that had Rosaline and Benvolio together because they were just so adorable. If I had to pick one, it would be when the curse settled on Benvolio and Rosaline, following the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. I really adored Benvolio’s first impression of Rosaline: “No one had warned me she was beautiful” (p. 13). Forget Romeo, give me some Benvolio!

                    

I also enjoyed any scenes that involved Benvolio with his family, especially with his mother. These scenes just showed how respectful he was, and how he honoured his family, despite their faults.

The saddest moments for me would be the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, as well as the disintegration of Mercutio’s relationship and how his personality changed after he lost his love.

Recommendation time! If you like Still Star-Crossed by Melinda Taub, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes Romeo + Juliet, and The Borgias. Also, check out the Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine.

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Prince-Shadows-Rachel-Caine/9780451414427

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How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You - Tara Eglington

Began reading: 18.7.2015
Completed reading: 2.8.2015
Overall rating: 4.1 stars

After finding her Prince in Hayden Paris, Aurora has been feeling the pressure to ensure that her next kiss will be mind-blowing. Unfortunately, disaster always seems to follow Aurora, especially when Hayden is admitted to the local hospital with a significant lip injury. Meanwhile, Jelena has begun campaigning for school captain, and uses Aurora’s Find a Prince/Princess Program as a campaign policy. With unexpected situations and interesting matchmaking results, Aurora must learn to decipher between true love and deception, while attempting to keep her love life and family life functioning positively.

How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You by Tara Eglington is a young adult fiction that deals with realistic struggles that occur in high school, as well as concepts including romance and humour. There were so many reasons why I enjoyed this novel.

Firstly, this plot was consistent with the first novel, How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You. The plot picked up three days after the first novel finished, so there weren’t any major differences. Overall, the characters had stayed the same; only a few other characters have been included in the second novel.

The novel was well-written, and had many great quotes. Here is an example:

When your heart was in turmoil, silence was the only way to make sure you still had room to breathe (p. 390).

There were also a few plot twists, which kept me interested. All I can really say is: Hunter, HOW COULD YOU?!

                    

There was also good use of literary techniques. Imagery played a big part in this story; I could imagine the characters in their various situations. For example:

‘I haven’t stopped thinking about you all day,’ Hayden said to me later that afternoon. We were both lying on our backs on a picnic blanket in the park. It was the most beautiful autumn day and we were watching the clouds sail by, their whiteness startling against the crisp blue sky’ (p. 354).

I can just see Aurora and Hayden sitting in the park, chatting like the adorable couple they are.

In comparison to the first book, this novel was full of humour. There were a few times where I had to choke back laughter to avoid people giving me judging looks. Some examples of humour in the text include:

My hair was on fire!

The thought screamed through my brain, shocking me out of my kissing reverie completely. Forget the notion of ‘the heat of the moment’ — I was literally going up in flames! (pp. 10-11)

Another example:

Blood. My kiss had actually drawn blood. And not in a sexy Twilight way (p. 11).

Aurora remains my favourite character. Since the first novel, Aurora has grown more mature and trusting, especially with her mother. However, she is still a bit naïve and has become far more dramatic. I mean, announcing that she was breaking up with Hayden because ‘her heart was breaking.’

                    

Jeffrey was my second favourite in this novel; closely followed by Hayden. In this book, I was shown a different side of Jeffrey — one that didn’t appear in the first book. In the text, he was sweeter, sensitive and considerate, yet he was still funny when he wanted to be.

Ms DeForest was still sticking her nose in Aurora’s and her dad’s business. After being invited to stay at Aurora’s place, she gives Aurora a warning about her mother, despite the fact that it’s none of her business.

‘Your loyalty should be to him [Aurora’s dad], not to a woman who didn’t ever want to be a mother,’ Ms DeForest went on.

That was enough. She might be living here, but that didn’t give her the right to judge my personal relationships. She’d crossed the line… (p. 381).

Just like in the first book, Aurora’s dad did not defend her, which disappointed me.

‘Dad, I know she’s our guest, but I’m not sitting here listening to this. She wasn’t even part of the picture until a couple of months ago and she’s got no right to make comments about the situation between me and Mum…’

‘…Dana just doesn’t want to see you get hurt again. She knows about loss firsthand’ (p. 381).

      

I really didn’t like Aurora’s mum after the first book, and my opinion didn’t change in this novel. She’s still negligent and cold.

‘I thought you came back for me, because you wanted to re-establish a relationship with me? Because you you loved me—‘

‘Of course I love you,’ Mum replied. ‘Have I told you how proud I am about how self-sufficient you are?’

‘Self-sufficient?’ I hated the word. Basically it meant she felt she had a guilt-free ticket to exit whenever she pleased (p. 427).

My favourite part of the novel was Jelena’s election launch party — it was just so unique. I wished I was at the party, haha! Likewise, the excursion seemed pretty cool, despite the camping situation, especially when the matchmakees were interacting with each other.

Don’t forget to check out my review for the first novel in the series, How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You. You can see my review by clicking on the title. Also, check out Aurora’s Facebook page!

Recommendation time! If you like “Eleanor and Park” and “Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell, you will love this book. Also I recommend this book to anyone who likes “The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend” by Kody Keplinger, and “A Match Made in High School” by Kristin Walker.

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/How-Convince-Boy-Kiss-You-Tara-Eglington/9780732295189

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How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You - Tara Eglington

Began reading: 7.7.2015
Completed reading: 14.7.2015
Overall rating: 4.7 stars

Aurora Skye is a sixteen-year-old girl who attends a local high school with her closest friends and annoying next-door neighbour, Hayden Paris. Following the holidays, she has returned to school and found two ‘Potential Princes’ for her two best friends. Aurora must learn to juggle her social life, family life and dull love life with school and the unexpected strains of everyday life. One secret fact about Aurora: she has never been kissed, and she wants to keep it that way. Saving her first kiss for a ‘Prince’ who is worth it will be increasingly difficult, especially when Aurora is pushed into locking lips with Hayden as part of the school play.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book for many reasons, which will be explored presently. How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You by Tara Eglington is a young adult fiction that deals with realistic struggles that occur in high school, as well as concepts including romance and humour.

Firstly, I’d like to point out that the novel was incredibly realistic. I found the characters, environments and situations easy to relate to, and it also brought back many memories of my experiences in high school. The characters attend Jefferson High, which is fictional, but is located in Sydney, as Aurora mentions going to Taronga Zoo with Hayden. This is easy to imagine, as I have been there a couple of times.

In relation to realistic settings, the novel also explores contemporary issues, such as high school relationships and friendships, detentions and the loss of a parent. Aurora explains that her mother walked out on her and her dad one day, and emphasised the pain she felt. For example,

The camera lay in a drawer, unused, because Dad and I didn’t want any reminders of how we felt then — like zombies, going through the motions of living with dead eyes and locked hearts (p. 361).

                                           

The novel was light and flirty, but also dealt with deeper issues. This kept me interested, as it wasn’t just a typical high school story.

There was a lot of humour throughout the novel, especially from the class clown, Jeffrey. For example,

The room had had a makeover. The walls were now purple, and gold drapes fell from the ceiling and covered the windows. God knows how she’d got permission from the school board to turn the classroom into an oil sheik’s retreat.

‘Look at this place!’ Jeffrey ran into the centre of the room with Travis and Jesse following.

‘Feel the vibe, man!’ Travis twirled one of the drapes around himself.

‘Let’s get exotic!’ Jesse said.

Travis waggled his eyebrows. ‘Like those dancers we saw when we snuck into the club last week?’

‘Come join us, my beautiful woman!’ Jeffrey shimmied my way.

Obviously he was still under the impression that he and I were a possibility (p. 251).

                                    

Another example,

The rehearsal, in front of the whole school, was a nightmare. During the opening scene Byron, who was playing the messenger, forgot his lines and spent the rest of the scene hiding behind a tree (p. 277).

I really loved that Eglington incorporated Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing in the plot. Aurora decided to sign herself and her friends up as a form of distraction, which was a great idea. This play explores themes such as opposite genders, infidelity, deception and mistaken identity, which features in the novel’s overall plot.

                         

Obviously, my favourite character was Aurora. I really loved that she was so creative, compassionate, emotional and intelligent. She was relatable, especially as she was portrayed as a typical teenage girl with best friends and an annoying guy friend. One of my favourite quotes of hers:

I generally try not to think too much about my appearance — okay, that’s a bit of a lie. I’m a teenage girl… so a fair amount of my time is spent grooming and choosing outfits. But I like to focus on my inner self and improve what really — mind, heart and soul. What’s the point  of a fifty-dollar haircut on a fifty-cent head, right? (p. 8)

She has a Facebook page! Check it out!

Hayden and Jeffrey come in as my second and third favourite characters. Hayden is just like Aurora: sweet, passionate and smart. Jeffrey is just hilarious, so he takes the third spot.

My least favourite characters, in no particular order, are Alex, Jelena, Aurora’s mum and Ms DeForest. Alex was just a douche, Jelena was willing to trust rumours over her best friend, Aurora’s mum was negligent and cold, while Ms DeForest was just nasty. Here’s the proof:

Aurora: ‘…Shakespeare’s work is hardly fluff.’

Ms DeForest: ‘Well, you’re entitled to your opinion.’ Ms DeForest sniffed. ‘Not that I expected anything revolutionary from an overindulged teenager’ (p. 307).

        

I want to know why Aurora’s dad didn’t say anything. She was clearly criticising his ability to be a father. If I were him, I’d have kicked her to the curb then and there!

My favourite parts were whenever Aurora and Hayden interacted. They were just so adorable, especially when Hayden got on Aurora’s nerves and they would argue. It was just so funny and adorable. I also enjoyed reading about the characters in the play.

I will also be reviewing the next book, How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You. Keep an eye out for that!

Recommendation time! If you like “Eleanor and Park” and “Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell, you will love this book. Also I recommend this book to anyone who likes “The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend” by Kody Keplinger, and “A Match Made in High School” by Kristin Walker.

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/How-Keep-Boy-from-Kissing-You-Tara-Eglington/9780732295172

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Henry's Sisters - Cathy Lamb

Began reading: 16.6.2015
Completed reading: 5.7.2015
Overall rating: 3.8 stars

Isabelle Bommarito is part of an ‘insane’ family that has had its ups and downs since their father walked out on them. Her mother, River Bommarito, has summoned Isabelle and her sisters, Cecilia and Janie, home to care for their brother, Henry, and their grandmother, Stella, who thinks she’s Amelia Earhart. While River is recovering from open-heart surgery, the girls are forced to deal with their personal hardships, attacks and dangers, as well as run the family bakery. Things will take a downward spiral when an unexpected visitor from their past turns up at the bakery, and someone is admitted to hospital with fatal outcomes. The three girls must learn to get along and help each other in order to bring the family closer together.

Henry’s Sisters by Cathy Lamb is a contemporary, realistic women’s fiction novel that deals with family, strength and forgiveness. I loved this book! It was just so emotional — I cried so many times! I suggest you have tissues at the ready if you plan to read this novel.

                   

The novel was well-written, as I was able to picture Henry and Grandma running around on the lawn, sunshine filtering through the small and colourful bottles on the kitchen windowsill, and Isabelle riding her motorbike alongside the Columbia River.

I had so many favourite quotes from the novel. Some of them included:

The tears kept coming and I could feel the darkness, darkness so familiar to me, edging its way back in like a liquid nightmare (p. 22).

Trying to pull through the mass of your own emotions is like trying to pull a piece of yarn through a ball that’s all tangled up. It gets stuck, knotted, frayed, and the harder you pull it the harder the knot sticks (p. 216).

Sometimes, I think, we have to praise ourselves for simply functioning. Simply getting up to try out another day (p. 312).

I knew I had to be strong, but inside I felt like I was folding in on myself. I was devastated beyond devastated (p. 404).

                   

There was no romance in the plot AT ALL. I was a bit disappointed. I’m not a massive fan of romance, but a little bit is good. It would have been nice to know what happened to the sisters, in terms of relationships. Although there was no romance, there were other aspects of the plot that kept the story interesting. For example, humour. There was a lot of humour, especially during family dinners, but also from Grandma. Her belief that she was Amelia Earhart and that her prayers to God were doing nothing made me laugh so much. *WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILER* Here is my favourite one:

‘Dear God, this is Amelia. I told you to heal my co-pilot. What are you, dumb? He’s still sick. What are you, deaf?’ She shouted that last part. ‘Get it right, God. Don’t screw up. What are you, blind? Amen’ (pp. 457-458).

There were some aspects of the plot that were relatable. These included Isabelle’s and River’s depression, Janie’s introversion and OCD tendencies, and Cecilia’s difficulties with her weight and anger. However, many of the hardships that occurred in the novel just seemed too unrealistic. This made it difficult for me to stay interested.

                                       

Isabelle Bommarito was the character that I related to most, as she came across as cold, cruel and irresponsible, but she was protective and caring. Henry was my second favourite because he was so innocent and brave:

He was completely unprepared for the shittiness of our childhood, for what had happened specifically to him, but unlike his sisters, he had learned to trust again. To hope. To reach out to others with innocence (p. 60).

Cecilia, on the other hand, was my least favourite character. She was just too aggressive, controlling and rude, as well as a hypocrite. I just didn’t like her at all.

                 

I loved reading about Henry and Grandma together; it was heart-warming. Towards the ending, this relationship becomes so emotional. I loved how Cathy Lamb created this relationship. It was just so beautiful!

Recommendation time! If you like “My Sister’s Keeper” by Jodi Picoult, or “Before I Fall” by Lauren Oliver, you will love this book. I also recommend this book to anyone who liked “If I Stay” and “Where She Went” by Gayle Foreman.

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Henrys-Sisters-Cathy-Lamb/9780749007874

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The Sin Eater's Daughter - Melinda Salisbury

Began reading: 30.5.2015
Completed reading: 13.6.2015
Overall rating 4.2 stars

Twylla is special: she has poison flowing through her veins, and a single touch will kill. Chosen by the Gods to marry Prince Merek of Lormere, Twylla must obey her future mother-in-law, the queen, by playing the executioner of anyone who attempts to commit treason. Twylla’s guard, Lief, is the only person who does not see her as a monster. In the court of Lormere, no one is safe, and secrets have the power to kill. Will Twylla’s secret put the lives of everyone she loves in danger?

I recently purchased this book, and have been dying to read it. The cover is absolutely gorgeous! The Sin Eater’s Daughter is a combination of fantasy, supernatural and romance in young adult fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but there are a lot of ‘love it or hate it’ reviews on Goodreads. I have to warn you, there are references to incest in the novel.

As I mentioned earlier, I was drawn to this book by the cover. It was just so pretty! I was not disappointed. I was also intrigued from the very first sentence: “Even when there are no prisoners, I can still hear the screams” (p. 1).

                                                     

The novel was really well-written. I especially loved the quote:

I’ve learned that being alone and being lonely are not the same thing. Once I was surrounded by people and lonely for it, but now I’m alone and I’ve never been so content (p. 333).

Similarly, I loved the plot. I don’t usually read fantasy novels, but the plot of this novel wasn’t overly unrealistic. It could have done with a few improvements, but the plot kept me turning the page.

                                       

The appearances of characters and places were described in depth. I especially liked how the queen’s hounds were described:

Their mouths grin and leer and there’s nothing behind their eyes — looking into them feels the same as looking into the eyes of the men I executed this morning. They are blank, without conscience, without soul (p. 20).

I would have liked to see more of Twylla’s interactions with other characters, especially the queen. It all happened towards the end of the novel, but I really would have loved to see more between these two in the beginning. Similarly, Twylla’s interactions with her mother was pretty much non-existent. I wanted to see how they interacted. Maybe there will be more in the upcoming novels.

There was no mention or description of the context, so I imagined it to be occurring in the medieval period, especially with the presence of guards and castles. It would have been less confusing if the context had been indicated somewhere in the beginning of the novel or in the blurb.

                 

I found the numerous plot twists to be interesting, but somewhat confusing. *WARNING: SPOILER* For example, the central belief that Twylla is poisonous was ruined. SHE WASN’T EVEN POISONOUS TO BEGIN WITH! *sobs*

                    

Despite all of that, Twylla was the most relatable. She was obedient but considerate, devoted and virtuous. I especially loved when she feels jealous:

She’s very pretty. I don’t like her…

She dips her head before looking at Lief and smiling shyly. He returns her smile, gifting me with another sharp jab beneath my ribs before he closes the door (p. 146).

My favourite part of the book was definitely the beginning. It was so mysterious, and I really enjoyed seeing Twylla perceived as a monster. It made everything far more interesting. Would she use her power to poison those she doesn’t like?

Again, I would have loved to see the queen play a bigger role in the novel. She was cold in the beginning, and I loved it. I didn’t really enjoy the love triangle, but it did make things more interesting. Finally, I enjoyed the ending. It was not 100% happy endings, especially for Twylla.

If you like the Matched series by Ally Condie and “Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard, you will love this book. I also recommend this book to anyone who likes “When My Heart Was Wicked” by Tricia Sterling and the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi. 

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Sin-Eaters-Daughter-Melinda-Salisbury/9781407147635

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Sorceress - Claudia Gray

Began reading: 22.5.2015
Completed reading: 30.5.2015
Overall rating: 3.5 stars

The One Beneath finally has Nadia in His grasp, with Elizabeth as Nadia’s teacher. Elizabeth’s plans to bring the One Beneath to the mortal world have begun to take effect — with heavy downpours causing dangerous floods. In order to save the locals of Captive’s Sound, Nadia must feign loyalty to Elizabeth and the One Beneath; but she can feel the dark magic beginning to overwhelm her. Abandoning everyone she loves, Nadia is faced with temptations regarding the powers she could gain from becoming a Sorceress. Conflicting emotions torment Verlaine whenever she is with Asa; does he truly care for her, or is it just a ruse? It is up to Nadia and her friends to struggle against temptations; will Team Not Evil triumph over evil, or will the darkness overshadow the goodness in Nadia and her friends forever?

Sorceress by Claudia Gray is the third and final book in the Spellcaster series. Just like the first two novels, it is a young adult novel that contains fantasy and paranormal themes, with a hint of romance. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this novel as much as Spellcaster and Steadfast; however, there were still some aspects of this book that I liked.

Firstly, there was good use of humour and sarcasm, which made the story a lot more entertaining. For example, in a serious moment: “Verlaine jotted in her notebook, The meeting came to a standstill for a romantic interlude” (p. 271). I would have liked the series a lot more if there was further use of humour and sarcasm.

                                          

The ending of the book was bitter-sweet, which I loved. I was so glad when Verlaine got her happy ending — she really deserved it. On the downside, the ending seemed rushed, which was obvious in the various spelling mistakes. I was really disappointed with how the series ended. It was just a letdown, especially after the heightened interest from Steadfast.

 

The final battle in the book was something I was looking forward to. Throughout the series, the final battle with Elizabeth and the One Beneath was something I really anticipated. Unfortunately, it was confusing, anticlimactic and utterly boring. It was rushed, and nothing really happened. *WARNING: SPOILER* Basically, Nadia goes into hell and stabs the One Beneath. It was just so simple. If it was that simple all along, why didn’t it happen sooner? It was just really disappointing.

                   

The entire plot lacked enthusiasm and I found it difficult to stay interested. The fact that this was the final book of the series is the main reason that kept me reading. Sorceress would have to be the book that I enjoyed least out of the entire series. I wasn’t even able to take many notes because I was just so confused and lost.

                   

The relationship between Verlaine and Asa was the best part of the book. I just couldn’t stop reading about them! They are so adorable and they became my favourite couple in the series. They were so dedicated to each other! “Asa had gone to hell for her; she would do the same for him” (p. 269).

                                                       

I was also happy that Verlaine made a more prominent role in this novel. As I said before, I just really loved reading about her and Asa! Their relationship was an emotional rollercoaster: they had to try to kill each other, but couldn’t. It can’t get any more emotionally conflicting than that.

                                       

I didn’t enjoy reading about Nadia’s relationship with Mateo in this novel. It felt all over the place and confusing. *WARNING: SPOILER* However, I did enjoy reading about the oaths that Nadia and Mateo made to the One Beneath. That was interesting, and quite the plot twist!

                 

Time for recommendations! If you like “Beautiful Creatures” by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, then you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes “Witches of East End” by Melissa de la Cruz.

I suggest reading the first novella before this novel, The First Midnight. It will provide more background information about how Elizabeth turned into the villain. I also recommend reading the first and second books, Spellcaster and Steadfast, in the Spellcaster series. You can see my reviews for these novels by clicking on the titles.

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Sorceress-Claudia-Gray/9780732296216

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Steadfast - Claudia Gray

Began reading: 11.5.2015

Completed reading: 18.5.2015

Overall rating: 4.2 stars

Following the catastrophic events on Halloween night, Nadia and her friends had thought the dark one that is Elizabeth was defeated and destroyed. This was not the case — if anything, Elizabeth’s power had worsened. Now, ‘illness’ has spread and demons roam around Captive’s Sound. The curse on Nadia’s boyfriend, Mateo, has intensified, no longer restricted to when he’s asleep. The One Beneath has summoned Nadia to join Elizabeth on the dark side, and Nadia is finding more difficult to resist. Along with Mateo and Verlaine, Nadia must figure out what is causing the mysterious ‘illness’ striking innocent locals one by one, as well as what Elizabeth really has planned for the One Beneath.   

Steadfast by Claudia Gray is the second novel in the Spellcaster series. It is a young adult novel that contains fantasy and paranormal themes, with a hint of romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book — maybe more than the first novel.

                     

The novel was well-written, which I expected after reading Spellcaster. From the first sentence: “Nearly every gravestone in the cemetery of Captive’s Sound made a promise about forever” (p. 1), I was hooked. There were just so many good quotes.

                        

This novel was definitely an emotional rollercoaster, especially with Verlaine’s experiences. I loved it!

No one would ever, ever care about her… She was going to spend the rest of her life on the outside looking in. This horrible, clawing loneliness inside her, the thing she battled every single day…

The loneliness was going to win (p. 118).

One moment, I was on the verge of tears, and the next, I was longing for her to kiss her significant other. Unfortunately, the first novel was not like this. I just love when books are emotional roller coasters.

                      

The characters were far more interesting than in the first novel. There were appearances by new characters, which made the plot so much more interesting. An anti hero was also introduced, and I couldn’t help falling for him.

                      

*WARNING: SPOILER* Speaking of characters, I don’t understand how the witch/hairdresser in Spellcaster, Ginger, didn’t even get a mention in the second novel. Apparently, it was a big deal when Nadia found out about Ginger’s powers. Yet, when everything gets serious in this novel, no one bothers to mention her.

                     

Diversity was applied in this story, just like it did in Spellcaster. This time, prejudice against different religions was the focal point. It is always the same character that holds these prejudices, and I can’t help but think, can she please be killed off already?

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Like Spellcaster, there were too many perspectives, and many just seemed unnecessary. For example, Kendall Bender’s experience of applying makeup to her comatose sister. I mean, really?

                        

Nadia remains to be my favourite character. In this novel, she is braver and willing to sacrifice for her friends. Similarly, Verlaine remains to be my second favourite character. Their friendship has seriously improved in this novel, which makes the story more interesting. Verlaine is also classier, sassier, and played a more central role.

                        

My favourite part of the book would be the Verlaine’s section of the epilogue. I was so glad that Verlaine was able to get some happiness and romance in her life. *WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILER* I think it was great that the guy was someone that she had been attracted to all along, but also wasn’t (you’ll understand when you read the book).

                       

Recommendation time! If you like “Beautiful Creatures” by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, then you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes “Witches of East End” by Melissa de la Cruz.

I suggest reading the first novella before this novel, The First Midnight. It will provide more background information about how a witch turned into the villain. I will also be reviewing the next two book, Sorceress. Keep an eye out for that!

Happy reading!

Buy the book: http://www.bookdepository.com/Steadfast-Claudia-Gray/9780061961236

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