Caraval by Stephanie Garber Book Review

Title: Caraval (Caraval #1)
Author: Stephanie Garber    
Publish Date: January 31st, 2017
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Source: Purchased my own copy

A legendary competition.

A mesmerizing romance.

An unbreakable bond between two sisters.

Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval—the faraway, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show—are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic. And whether Caraval is real or not, Scarlett must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over or a dangerous domino effect of consequences will be set off, and her beloved sister will disappear forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . beware of getting swept too far away.

Penelope's Review

What a fantastic debut! I am so glad that I finally got around to this from my TBR pile -I found it well worth the wait! The story follows two sisters, Scarlett and Tella, though Scarlet takes more of a main stage role in this book over Tella. Scarlet's character grew on me throughout the book. At first I wasn't sure if I liked her meek attitude, but as she grew bolder and more in tune with her interests, I found myself wanting to know more. 

I thought Julian was great. The more I read about the him, the more I wanted to read. I was never 100% sure who's side he was on and I loved the mystery there. And of course, Caraval itself. This was such a neat idea and I loved the magic and the characters within it. I have read some reviews that say the game didn't really make sense for anyone other than Scarlet, but I think that's the point. I think Caraval is unique to each and every person who plays. Maybe I'm way off the mark here, but I just felt like once you stepped into the game, you were meant to feel like the only one playing - like everything was tailored to you and you truly had a chance at winning. And I really love that idea.

In terms of the writing style itself, I've never really read anything quite like it. I think it's maybe not a style that is for everyone, but I ended up enjoying it. I do think that some of the descriptions got really long and were maybe a tad unnecessary, and Scarlet attaching colors to all of her feelings took some getting used to, but I liked it overall. I definitely think anyone can pick up this book and get something out of it so I recommend it to everyone!

Rating: 4/5 Devils!

The Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks Book Review

 

Title: The Witch Collector (The Witch Walker Trilogy #1)
Author: Charissa Weaks
Publish Date: November 2nd, 2021
Publisher: City Owl Press
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy for review!

Every harvest moon, the Witch Collector rides into our valley and leads one of us to the home of the immortal Frost King, to remain forever.

Today is that day—Collecting Day.

But he will not come for me. I, Raina Bloodgood, have lived in this village for twenty-four years, and for twenty-four years he has passed me by.

His mistake.

Raina Bloodgood has one desire: kill the Frost King and the Witch Collector who stole her sister. On Collecting Day, she means to exact murderous revenge, but a more sinister threat sets fire to her world. Rising from the ashes is the Collector, Alexus Thibault, the man she vowed to slay and the only person who can help save her sister.

Thrust into an age-old story of ice, fire, and ancient gods, Raina must abandon vengeance and aid the Witch Collector in saving the Frost King or let their empire—and her sister—fall into enemy hands. But the lines between good and evil blur, and Raina has more to lose than she imagined. What is she to do when the Witch Collector is no longer the villain who stole her sister, but the hero who’s stealing her heart?

The Witch Collector is book one in a thrilling romantic fantasy trilogy, perfect for fans of Naomi Novik, Sarah J. Maas, and Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Penelope's Review

I initially picked up this book because of the excellent cover and because the premise sounded right up my alley! While there were some strong points throughout the story, it seems I'm in the minority in terms of overall enjoyment. I really wanted to love this, but it wasn't a favourite of mine unfortunately. 

I found it very cool to read about a voiceless main character with many characters speaking in sign language. This was a first for me, and I think the representation is incredible! Very impressed. The actually writing style itself was also very good. 

I found this book great in some places, where it really picked up speed. But I felt a bit bored at other times, which I think is why it took me so long to get through this. I found myself confused in a few places, unsure what information I was reading. And there was very little background given on the main character, Raina, so it was difficult to understand her extreme level of anger and hatred. The romance was pretty good - I liked Alexus and loved his side of the story and his growing feelings. I was less in love with Raina's side of things. But it worked out overall.

I really enjoyed the end of the book, when things really picked up. I got through it quite quickly and am excited to see what happens to all of these characters next. 

Overall, I don't think this was a bad book by any means and I can see why so many love it, it just wasn't quite for me. That being said, it seems like the second book might be a little more up my alley so I will definitely be checking that out!

Rating: 3/5 Devils!

   

Luna Rising by Sara Snow Blog Tour + giveaway!

Hi everyone! I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the LUNA RISING by Sara Snow Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 About The Book:

Title: LUNA RISING (Luna Rising #1)

Author: Sara Snow

Pub. Date: April 17, 2020

Publisher: Sara Snow

Formats: Paperback, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 142

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, TBD

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Membership!

Xavier Blackwood is the man every girl at my college dreams about at night, myself included, but I'd never let anyone know that.

Standing at 6'8 with steel grey eyes, he's a walking dream, but he's also a world-renowned jerk.

Who would have thought that one night, after dragging myself home after doing double shifts at the diner, I'd be jumped by three men...only to have Xavier come to my rescue.

Oh yes, Xavier bloody Blackwood saved my life...but the thing I saw, the CREATURE that ripped those men to shreds wasn't the Xavier everyone knows.

He wasn't human...

He was a wolf, a demon, a creature from myths, and it was the most amazing thing I've ever seen until he attacked me too and knocked me out.

Humans that learn about the existence of werewolves have to die.

...There are NO exceptions.

The Werewolf Xavier saved me, but now I am condemned to death

To make things worse, both Xavier and Axel claim I am their mate

...this can't be good.

Reviews:

Reader's Favorite ★★★★★ Five Star Recipient (readersfavorite.com)

"Sara Snow's Luna Rising is a fast-paced and original story about werewolves and the dynamics of shifter packs and their interactions with other packs...Luna Rising: Luna Rising Series, Book 1 is highly recommended." ~Jack Magnus, ReadersFavorite.com

"...The characters are to die for and the story is compelling yet dramatic. I loved it. I cannot wait to read more." ~Annalisa

"I really liked this book. Interesting characters and story." ~Jennifer

"I don't usually go for the "bad boy", but Xavier is pretty fantastic ... cannot wait to read more!!" ~Rachel

Get the Prequel to Luna Rising Series for free here:

http://ssbks.com/LRprequel

Grab all the books in the series now!

 

EXCERPT:

I think I've fallen into some alternate reality where a man who looks exactly like Xavier can hold a grown man off the ground like he's a doll.

“What the fuck did you just do?” the man to my right yelled, but he made no move towards his friend lying on the ground, his eyes open but lifeless. 

I swallowed and backed up as my attacker, the sick piece of shit who had had his hand down my top, whipped out a knife. "You're going to pay for that! You're a dead fucking man!"

"Do you really think so?" Xavier asked. It was the first I'd ever heard his voice. It tickled my skin like a feather’s stroke, but it also made me feel faint. I narrowed my eyes, for his voice was also softer than I had expected. He sounded so calm, so collected, for a man who had just committed murder. "Leave." 

The man to my right pulled his hoodie down, revealing a bald head, and he too whipped out a knife. “We’re not leaving, but you are. You’re going to the fucking afterlife for what you just did, freak!”

Xavier’s head tilted to the side. “I wasn’t speaking to you.” His eyes drifted to me, and my body went rigid. “Leave,” he repeated.

My eyes widened as his dark brown irises, almost black, began to bleed into the whites of his eyes. His eyeballs turned entirely black, and a chill went down my spine that had nothing to do with the cold air. I started to sweat because he suddenly seemed taller and more muscular. But I wasn’t going to let him order me to leave.

“What the…”

“Go!” he barked at me, and my body jumped as I stepped back. His teeth had elongated so much that his canines were touching the bottom of his lower lip. 

The men on either side of me started backing up as well, their eyes wide with fear, as Xavier took a step forward. I swallowed, suddenly feeling the urge to piss myself, as his fingers began to twitch before black nails pierced through his cuticles. On second thought, maybe I would follow that order.

 

About Sara Snow:

Sara Snow was born and raised in Texas, and she moved to the Washington, D.C. area after high school. She’ll always be a Texas girl at heart, though! Now she lives in Northern Virginia with her family and her adorably fierce Yorkshire Terrier, Loki. In fact, Loki inspired her to write her best-selling series "Luna Rising" (although he's still more of a beta than an alpha!).

When not eagerly working on her next book, she loves to geek out at Marvel movies, play games with her family and friends, and travel around the world (when there isn’t a pandemic, that is!).

No matter where she or what she is doing, she can rarely be found without a book in her hand.

Like the book? Want to get notifications when the next books come out or even have the chance to receive an Advanced Reader’s Copy?

Sign up here to get the Sara Snow Newsletter --> https://ssbks.com/nl

Website  | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram |  Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will win a finished copy of LUNA RISING, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

11/8/2021	BookHounds	Guest Post
11/9/2021	Writer of Wrongs	Guest Post
11/10/2021	The Reading Devil	Excerpt
11/11/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
11/12/2021	_Bookbound_	Review

Week Two:

11/15/2021	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review
11/16/2021	Triquetra Reviews	Review
11/17/2021	The Momma Spot	Review
11/18/2021	Books and Zebras	Review
11/19/2021	Emmiepooh2	Review

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas Book Review

 

Title: Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publish Date: August 7th, 2012
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Source: Purchased a copy for myself! 

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for four years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her ... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead ... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Penelope's Review

I finally got around to starting this series! Yay! This book focuses on notorious assassin, Celaena Sardothien as she makes her way through a competition that will end her time in Endovier. I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book, despite the many years that have passed since it's initial release. While I did really enjoy it, I'm not sure that I would say it's a top of the line 5 star read (just my opinion).

I really loved that Celaena was super tough yet also feminine. Her love of dresses was a nice twist and I liked the contrast between that and her badass attitude. I liked the different relationships she had with Dorian and Choal and how they each saw her in such unique ways. 

The competition throughout this story was super interesting - I loved seeing what happened to other characters and of course the contestants showing up dead put a nice twist on things. I found that there was alot to keep track of however between the competition, the mysterious deaths, the introduction of magic, the growing relationships between Celaena and Dorian and Choal, and the questions surrounding the king and Nehemia. It was a bit of a whirlwind, but in a good way. 

Overall, I think this was a good introduction to the series, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the different threads come together. 

Rating: 4/5 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 is your least favorite social media app and why? (submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver's Reviews)

Hmm... I don't know if I really have a least favorite one. I don't have Tik Tok so I don't really know much about that one (aside from the videos I see on Instagram from it). I guess out of the social media sites I use (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook), I would have to say that I use Facebook the least. At this point, I really only use it for the Marketplace as I get alot of books there lol!