Just Listen by Sarah Dessen Book Review!

 

Title: Just Listen
Author: Sarah Dessen
Publish Date: April 6, 2006
Publisher: Viking Books
Source: Purchased my own copy!

Last year, Annabel was "the girl who has everything" — at least that's the part she played in the television commercial for Kopf's Department Store.

This year, she's the girl who has nothing: no best friend because mean-but-exciting Sophie dropped her, no peace at home since her older sister became anorexic, and no one to sit with at lunch. Until she meets Owen Armstrong.

Tall, dark, and music-obsessed, Owen is a reformed bad boy with a commitment to truth-telling. With Owen's help, maybe Annabel can face what happened the night she and Sophie stopped being friends.

Penelope's Review

So Sarah Dessen has long been one of my favorite authors, and while I'm sure I read this book many, many years ago, I don't remember so I decided to pick it back up! It was everything I was hoping it would be. Sarah Dessen has this way of packing such a meaningful punch into the smallest of sentences. It's one of the things I admire most about her writing.

In terms of characters, we have Annabel, our main female lead and Owen, our main male lead. Annabel is so relatable, with her feelings of being stuck in the background, being agreeable to keep the peace, and feeling like she has to hide everything deep inside. I loved watching her find her voice throughout the novel, gaining confidence through her friendship with Owen. And Owen himself was... unexpected. I sort of thought we would get a troubled, rough around the edges type character but was surprised at the straight-forward, stand-up, no-nonsense guy we got. I feel like the growth of Annabel's and Owen's relationship was sweet and realistic and I was really happy with how things turned out.

Overall, I found this book really good, as with every other Sarah Dessen novel I've read. While it wasn't in your face and jaw dropping, it was more subtle in its intensity. But I actually kind of liked that. I think a lot of people will get a lot of different things out of this book, and I will forever recommend this author.

Rating: 4/5 Devils!

A Crown of Ivy and Glass by Claire Legrand

 

Title: A Crown of Ivy and Glass
Author: Claire Legrand
Publish Date: May 9, 2023
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca 
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC for review.

Lady Gemma Ashbourne seemingly has it all. She's young, gorgeous, and rich. Her family was Anointed by the gods, blessed with incredible abilities. But underneath her glittering façade, Gemma is deeply sad. Years ago, her sister Mara was taken to the Middlemist to guard against treacherous magic. Her mother abandoned the family. Her father and eldest sister, Farrin—embroiled in a deadly blood feud with the mysterious Bask family—often forget Gemma exists.

Worst of all, Gemma is the only Ashbourne to possess no magic. Instead, her body fights it like poison. Constantly ill, aching with loneliness, Gemma craves love and yearns to belong.

Then she meets the devastatingly handsome Talan d'Astier. His family destroyed themselves, seduced by a demon, and Talan, the only survivor, is determined to redeem their honor. Intrigued and enchanted, Gemma proposes a bargain: She'll help Talan navigate high society if he helps her destroy the Basks. According to popular legend, a demon called The Man With the Three-Eyed Crown is behind the families' blood feud—slay the demon, end the feud.

But attacks on the Middlemist are increasing. The plot against the Basks quickly spirals out of control. And something immense and terrifying is awakening in Gemma, drawing her inexorably toward Talan and an all-consuming passion that could destroy her—or show her the true strength of her power at last.

Penelope's Review

I wanted to love this book so much more, but unfortunately it just didn't hit the mark for me. I felt like it was really long but didn't need to be? Don't get me wrong, I love a good, long book when it's well done and holds my attention, but I found myself able to put this book down and wasn't really overjoyed at the prospect of picking it back up again.

The book starts off good - we get a little bit of background, we meet the characters, we get a good story set up. Gemma seemed like she was going to be a really interesting character to follow through this book (and she was!), but I didn't really like Talan. Unfortunately, disliking the main male lead does not bode well for a romance. I was actually more interested in Farrin's love life than I was Gemma's lol. And we only get VERY TINY glimpses and hints at that aspect of Farrin but it seems like it could be an EPIC story. 

Anyway. After the beginning, things sort of seemed to just spiral out of control. The story seemed all over the place, and I was sort of confused and little bit bored for a lot of it. It felt very stop and go, and I just couldn't get into a flow with this book. The romance didn't work for me, not just because I didn't like Talan, but because there was no substance to it. It was very insta-love, and then the relationship was just all over the place, and not in a good way.

I think there are definitely people who are going to like this book, but it just wasn't for me unfortunately. If there was another book from Farrin's POV, I think I would definitely read that. Very curious to see what happens with her and Ryder. But in terms of Gemma's story, I don't really feel like I need to know more. 

Rating: 2.5/5 Devils

A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy Lin Book Review!

 

Title: A Magic Steeped in Poison (The Book of Tea #1)
Author: Judy Lin
Publish Date: March 29th, 2022
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy!

I used to look at my hands with pride. Now all I can think is, "These are the hands that buried my mother."

For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it's her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed her—the poison tea that now threatens to also take her sister, Shu.

When Ning hears of a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shennong-shi—masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making—she travels to the imperial city to compete. The winner will receive a favor from the princess, which may be Ning's only chance to save her sister's life.

But between the backstabbing competitors, bloody court politics, and a mysterious (and handsome) boy with a shocking secret, Ning might actually be the one in more danger.

Penelope's Review

This is such a fun read! I wasn't quite sure what to expect going in, despite the blurb, and I have to say I loved the mix of culture, mystery, and intrigue! The concept behind the magic teas was totally unique and it was so interesting to read about all the different things that tea could do in Lin's fantastical world. 

With her mother dead and her sister on death's door, Ning has little choice but to enter the competition to become the next shennong-shi for the kingdom. She hopes to win and gain the medicine needed to save her sister's life. But there's a lot more at stake than just some friendly competition. The book is chock full of political drama and secrets, and people willing to do anything to win the competition. There was a lot of detail, and many twists and turns so you never have everything quite figured out (even when you think you do lol). I liked Ning's character - she's willing to do anything to save her sister, and she's so sweet and brave in the process. I really loved her friendship, and I didn't mind the romantic relationship as well, though it was verrryyyy slow burn. I'm hoping to see development in that area in the sequel/conclusion!

Overall, I think the writing style here is great, I think the plot is fun and unique, and I think the worldbuilding was very well done. I'm looking forward to seeing how this duology ends with that cliff hanger! 

Rating: 4/5 Devils!

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi Book Review

 

Title: Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publish Date: February 4th, 2014
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Purchased a copy for myself!

With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn’t know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won’t keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world . . . but that’s not all he wants with her.

Penelope's Review

Tahereh Mafi has not ceased to amaze me. Unlike some series, the Shatter Me series seems to get BETTER with each installment that comes out. I'm not bored, I'm not slowing down, I just want more. And more. AND MORE. So if you've read my reviews for Shatter Me and/or Unravel Me then you know that I started this series back in high school - I thought that I read the first three but I can say with almost 100% certainty that I have never read this book before. Which is amazing. Because I did not know what was going to happen, and everything. Was. EPIC. Ignite Me brings stronger character development, brilliant writing, and what is quickly becoming my favorite love story of all time. 

Now because I am obviously reading and reviewing this book in 2022, I am well aware that the series does not end with this book as it was originally supposed to. Therefore, it's a bit difficult for me to say how I feel about the ending if it had been the finale. I think I would have been satisfied, but also sad that Juliette and Warner's story had come to an end. I think I would have felt like I didn't have enough time with them you know what I mean? But thankfully, it is 2022 and I've already got the fourth book flipped to the front page, ready to go! 😂 So moving on!

Juliette is BADASS in this book. Like holy smokes where did all this confidence come from?! I am LIVING for it. I have always loved Juliette as a character - but I think she was portrayed perfectly in this book. Her journey has been written in such a way that I feel like I've grown with her, and I love that connection. Warner has become front and center in my eyes. The man can do no wrong. Seriously. If he wants to kill someone in the name of protecting me... go for it. I will forever be in love with him. I love his love for Juliette. It's just so... raw and powerful. The kind of love every girl deserves. I look forward to seeing where this relationship goes, and how it grows. 

Once again, we have an outstanding storyline. Once again, I was not bored for a second. And once again, I flew threw the pages in a matter of a day or two. There is just something about this world, and these characters, that Tahereh has poured her heart and soul into that has me feeling all sorts of ways. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - amazing author, amazing writing skills, amazing stories. I hope the next three books bring just as much passion and strength as this book has and as the previous two have. 10/10 recommend this series to those both young and old.

Rating: 5/5 Devils!

Can't Wait Wednesday #2

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. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here! 

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This week I am super excited to hear that the fourth installment in the Shatter Me series is coming out in March! I have absolutely LOVED all three of these books and so I am highly anticipating seeing what Tahereh Mafi does with this next chapter!

Title: Restore Me

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Publication Date: March 6th, 2018

Publisher: HarperCollins

Summary by Goodreads.

Juliette Ferrars thought she'd won. She took over Sector 45, was named the new Supreme Commander, and now has Warner by her side. But she's still the girl with the ability to kill with a single touch—and now she's got the whole world in the palm of her hand. When tragedy hits, who will she become? Will she be able to control the power she wields and use it for good? 

Can't Wait Wednesday #1

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here, at 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. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you're continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

This is the first time that I will be participating the weekly book blog meme, Can't-Wait Wednesday! I think this is an awesome meme for me because it's going to allow me to really delve deep into upcoming releases! More for my TBR pile! YAY! 

Lol, so without further ado, one of the books that I am MOST excited about is:

Title: Say You'll Remember Me

Author: Katy McGarry

Publication Date: January 30th, 2018

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Summary by Goodreads.

When Drix was convicted of a crime--one he didn't commit--he thought his life was over. But opportunity came with the new Second Chance Program, the governor's newest pet project to get delinquents off the streets, rehabilitated and back into society. 

Drix knows this is his chance to get his life back on track, even if it means being paraded in front of reporters for a while.
Elle knows she lives a life of privilege. As the governor's daughter, she can open doors with her name alone. But the expectations and pressure to be someone she isn't may be too much to handle. She wants to follow her own path, whatever that means.

When Drix and Elle meet, their connection is immediate, but so are their problems. Drix is not the type of boy Elle's parents have in mind for her, and Elle is not the kind of girl who can understand Drix's messy life.

Fighting against a society that can't imagine them together, Drix and Elle must push themselves--Drix to confront the truth of the robbery, and Elle to assert her independence--and each other to finally get what they deserve.