Spells Trouble: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

Title: Spells Trouble
Author: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Publish Date: May 25th, 2021
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Source: Huge thank you to Raincoast Books for providing an ARC for review! 

Double double, twins spell trouble…

Hunter and Mercy Goode are twin witches, direct descendants of the founder of their town of Goodeville. As their ancestors have done before them, it is now time for the twins to learn what it means to be Gatekeepers–the protectors of the Gates to different underworlds, ancient portals between their world and realms where mythology rules and nightmares come to life.

When their mother becomes the first victim in a string of murders, the devastated sisters vow to avenge her death. But it will take more than magic to rein in the ancient mythological monsters who’ve infected their peaceful town.

Now Hunter and Mercy must come together and accept their destiny or risk being separated for good.

Penelope's Review 

I'm so sad to be giving this book less than 5 stars because I LOVE P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast (House of Night for the WIN!) but this just wasn't my favorite. It wasn't bad, it was definitely unique and entertaining, but I just didn't have that "can't put it down" vibe at all. 

The book follows two twin witches, Hunter and Mercy Goode, who must figure out how to protect the Gates (each of which leads to a different Underworld) after their mother is killed. In terms of content, I really did find the premise to be unique and quite interesting and it had the potential to be a really fantastic read. But while the writing wasn't bad per se, it definitely read very young and a little bit too much like adults writing the way they think teenagers talk and missing the mark. Unfortunately while the book reads like it could be for younger kids, there's mature content thrown in so that it really isn't right for that age group either. Also, this is kind of an insignificant detail, but I found it a bit odd that the girls called their mom by her first name instead of... you know... mom. Is that a thing these days lol??? 

Some sections seemed to drag a bit, some scenes seemed thrown in out of the blue for no particular reason as it did nothing to further the storyline. I found myself reading this book sporadically and not really thinking about it after I put it down, like I was sort of reading to find out what happens but not really getting into it. 

Again, I'm SO sad to give this book a less than stellar review because I really do love this mom-daughter author duo! But it just didn't live up to my expectations this time around. That being said, because the plot was pretty unique, and I do love these authors, I will be giving the next book in the series a try! Sometimes starting a new series can be difficult as you haven't "been with" the characters for long (if that makes sense lol) so perhaps when they get further into the series and get more into the mindset of these characters the writing will flow better! I guess we'll see!

Rating: 3/5 Devils!

Book Blogger Hop

 

This is hosted by Billy at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer! Hop over to their page to grab a button and join in the fun!

This week's question:

What books have you read/reviewed that you think are hidden gems, although they haven't found a big audience so far? (submitted by Bonnie @ Bonnie Reads and Writes)

Oh that's a tough one... I feel like a majority of the books I read are pretty popular. I mean some of my favourite authors are Cassandra Clare, Sarah Dessen, Kelley Armstrong... I think Katie McGarry deserves more attention she definitely has some pretty amazing books but she's not a nobody that's for sure lol! I remember when I was younger I really loved Isabel Allende and I don't really hear much about her so maybe she deserves a larger audience? Oh and one book in particular is The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice. I don't think anyone has heard of this book lol but I absolutely adored it! Give it a try if you happen to see it one day :) 

Can't Wait Wednesday #12

 

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released.

Happy Wednesday everyone! I hope you're all having a fabulous week! This week I found out that Kendare Blake is coming out with a new book later this year!! I'm super excited because I LOVED her Three Dark Crowns series and her Anna Dressed in Blood series. Have you guys read any of her books? Here's to hoping this one is just as good as her others!

Title: All These Bodies

Author: Kendare Blake

Publish Date: September 21st, 2021

Publisher: Quill Tree Books

Book of Love: Erin Satie

 

Title: Book of Love
Author: Erin Satie
Publish Date: April 20th, 2021
Publisher: Little Phrase
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC for review!

She’s trying to make ends meet. He’s out for a bit of fun.

Cordelia is busy, focused, worried about the future of her fledgling bookbinding business. When a handsome man stops her on the street to pester her with questions, she gives him the consideration he deserves: none.

That handsome man happens to be the Duke of Stroud, and he finds Cordelia’s hostility hilarious. He gives chase, if only for the pleasure of provoking her again.

He thinks life is a game. She doesn’t play around.

Within days of meeting Cordelia, Stroud sets a marching band on a matchmaking mama, defaces a local monument, and ropes Cordelia into a round of his favorite game.

In that same time, Cordelia stitches together the complete works of Mary Wollstonecraft, enthusiastically devotes herself to a petition demanding expanded legal rights for married women, and beats Stroud at his own game.

She defies all expectations. So does he.

Most people dismiss Stroud as a fool—himself included. When Cordelia sees past his lighthearted facade, he’s terrified and also... in love?

Stroud barges into Cordelia’s life, offering her all the material and sensual temptations she’s learned to do without. She usually has willpower to spare, but turning him down takes all of it, and then some. He’s oddly irresistible.

Or maybe they’re perfect for one another.

Penelope's Review

This book actually really surprised me with how much I enjoyed it! I wasn't expecting to love it so much, and yet I did! I am new to this author, so I wasn't sure what to expect going in but I am definitely a fan after this book and will be trying out her other books when I get the chance.

Book of Love follows Cordelia and Stroud as the main characters. Cordelia is confident and direct, never afraid to stand up for what she believes in. I love that she is making her own way in the world, and forever loyal to her friends! Stroud was a funny sort of fellow... I liked the way he kept his cool regardless of what was happening or being said, and loved that he was amused by Cordelia's stubbornness! Watching the chemistry grow slowly between them was so much fun!

The plot for this book was both timeless and unique which was great. I love the familiar mixed with the new and exciting! For example, a woman striking out on her own to make her own way in the world has been done many times before, but the way Erin Satie told her story was different from any other book that I have read. The Duke's love of pranks and games was quite enjoyable, and the fact that it was mixed in with Cordelia's political discussions made the book feel balanced in a way. It was a good blend of serious and lighthearted. 

I did feel like certain things happened rather abruptly. I'd say the last quarter of the book seemed very fast paced compared to the rest of it, and I did feel like there were a few loose ends. For example, one of the supporting characters' situations, Octavia, was not resolved - however I'm not sure if that's because Erin plans on writing a whole book around her? If that's the case, then I understand but if not then I will be left wondering! 

All in all, I think this was a really fun read with lots of really great information - the book binding parts were super interesting! I think it could have been made a bit longer in order to really finish the story well, but otherwise I loved it! Looking forward to my next read by this author!

Rating: 4/5 Devils!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organize yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.

What I Read Last Week:

What I Am Currently Reading:

What's Up Next: