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Title: House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City # 1)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hardcover, 816 pages
Published March 3rd 2020 by Bloomsbury Publishing

Synopsis

Bound by blood.
Tempted by desire.
Unleashed by destiny.

Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life—working hard all day and partying all night—until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.

Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose—to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.

As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion—one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it.

With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom—and the power of love.

Source: Goodreads

"There are worse fates than death, you know."
House of Earth and Blood is the latest and a first Adult book by Sarah J. Maas. I'm such a big fan of ACOTAR and TOG series, so knowing a new book that comes from her is auto-buy for me. Personally, I find it difficult to differentiate an Adult and Young Adult books, what I'm only certain is the age difference. To be honest, the first 100 pages did not interest me. It filled me up with too many curse words that I don't find necessary at all. I was even close enough on putting it down and stop reading it. But thankfully, as I moved on with the pages it became engaging to me. 

Crescent City invites readers to different Houses. Each 'house' represents Fae, Angel, Vampyr, Werewolf, Witches, and other creatures. The designation of them also sets them to their standing to Crescent City and how they should handle the law and order. The world-building and the houses are fascinating and a page-turner already.

One of the key things here is Bryce and Danika's friendship. The bond they shared on CCU together with Danika's wolf pack is a wonderful sight. They don't hold anything to each other. Every one of them shared what they have and help each other. Since Bryce is a half-fae and half-human, she was discriminated against by her Fae heritage, it was Danika who was her only friend who accepts her fully. So when Danika and her wolf pack was murdered, it crushed Bryce's world. The whole thing that kept her together ended in a bloody and gruesome murder. I felt Bryce's world shut down and at the same time her determination to seek justice and solve the murder.
"He was a stain against the brightness. A shadow standing against the sun."
Hunt Athalar's entrance to this book was quite a mystery. What I know at first is his rebellion which resulted in him being a slave and became Shadow of Death. But as soon as I saw Bryce and Hunt's teamwork to solve every piece of the puzzle, I got to see a man who dreamed and fought for a world for equality and his undying love to the woman who undeniably believes in him. Knowing Hunt's side of his past was beautiful to read. Seeing Hunt and Bryce unfolds their true nature and feelings to each other was extraordinary.
"Let someone in, give them the power to hurt you, and they'd do exactly that, in the end."
The plot was incredibly unpredictable. There were a lot of points that made this book exceptional. It's not just because of solving the murder, it was seeing how these characters were able to discover the things that they've been hiding all along was also an integral part to destroy and save the world altogether. House of Earth and Blood is one hell of a ride! I was pulled in to this exciting world, interesting characters and the friendship and love that marked this book is breathtaking. 
"Through love, all is possible"
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Title: Summer Shadows (Benedict - Savant#6)
Author: Joss Stirling
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Published July 7th 2016

Synopsis

Summer lives under a terrible shadow. It drains her, manipulates her, and threatens to steal her future.

A high-stakes mission offers a temporary escape. She must use her mind-shadowing abilities to hunt down her target and find the truth.

Hal Robinson is a soldier. He does not get distracted. He wins. But what Hal wants begins to shift once he meets Summer.

They must learn to trust each other if they are going to protect the Savant community. But will their secrets allow them to find a happy ending of their own?

Source: Goodreads

"I guess we all have those things inside us. Best to shine a light on the dark spots. Takes away their power."

Way back in 2012, my cousin introduced me to Finding Sky. I immediately fell in love with this series since then. The characters and their personalities are so unique, not to mention the idea of finding out your soulfinder.  I swear this is one of the most underrated series that I have. 

If you are totally new at this series, I highly suggest if you want paranormal and kick-ass characters this is the book that you should grab. Savant's are people who have exceptional and unique abilities the day they were born, also they are tied to their soulfinder.  A Soulfinder is equal to a soulmate, but there is more to this. Discovering one's soulfinder is tricky and challenging, it's not a simple click that triggers them in an instant. This is what hooked me up from the beginning.

Summer Shadows is the final book of Joss Stirling's Savant series. Majority of the Benedict brother's have found their soulfinders, it is a happy ending if you would think about it. Victor, one of the oldest brother is having conflicts in finding his soulfinder. Summer can see a clearer picture of every Savant's. She's one of the few Savant's that can visit a mind and command them to her will. She can see their innermost pain and despair. Which means there is no hiding when it comes to Summer.

The final book takes us far from London. Afghanistan is the center place of the event here. With Victor's sudden expedition alone to find his soulfinder, Summer is the only one who can trace him. She joined Benedict's to help them to find Victor, along with this, they are teamed with Robinson's. Lucas, Scott and Hal Robinson are an elite soldiers. Summer and Hal's personality are totally different and contradicting. I already felt an enemies-to-lovers from this point, and I was already interested to see when I saw how these characters adapt to each other.

"In retrospect, when I look at the bad in the world, very often I find there is some mercy at work under it all,  some good that can be drawn out of it."
It is fast-paced, exciting, and hypnotizing. It's not only Summer and Hal that I only had a peek of how life-changing it is to find a soulfinder. I also saw all of Benedict's soulfinder bond which I find an absolute page-turner. Summer Shadow is much more action-packed, fun and romantic! 
*images are from Pinterest*


Title: The Betrothed (The Betrothed # 1)
Author: Kiera Cass
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Expected publication: May 5th 2020 by HarperCollins Children's Books

Synopsis

When King Jameson declares his love for Lady Hollis Brite, Hollis is shocked—and thrilled. After all, she’s grown up at Keresken Castle, vying for the king’s attention alongside other daughters of the nobility. Capturing his heart is a dream come true.

But Hollis soon realizes that falling in love with a king and being crowned queen may not be the happily ever after she thought it would be. And when she meets a commoner with the mysterious power to see right into her heart, she finds that the future she really wants is one that she never thought to imagine.

Source: Goodreads

eARC received from Harper Teen via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review

"The most valuable thing you can own is the assurance of your place in someone's heart."
The Betrothed is the latest book of Kiera Cass after several years. I have only read The Selection and The Elite from her Selection series but I do have the other books on my TBR. Even though I have only read 2 of her books, I do love them. The world and the characters are fantastic! So knowing Kiera Cass released a new book, I'm one of the readers who are eager to see the cover and synopsis. The cover, as usual, is shimmering gold! I am absolutely in love with it and it is intriguing.

Some readers would say that it is identical to The Selection, but once you get into this book, you will see a noticeable difference and how Kiera Cass changed the course of each of its characters. This follows Hollis Brite whose undeniable beauty captured the eyes of King Jameson, a young King. One thing to say about this is Kiera Cass's world-building. It is set in a fictional world with divided countries. Jameson is the crowned King of Coroa and every King needs a Queen. Coroan ladies seek his love to be the next Queen. Most importantly, there is no televised competition here, unlike The Selection. 

"If you wish to stand next to the fire, by all means. You're the one who'll be burned." 
King Jameson and Hollis's love can be your perfect happy ending story. But there's more to it. The Betrothed deepened the conflicts of love and being a part of royalty. It is mesmerizing to see the interiors of Coroa and its tradition. Kiera Cass already made me feel welcomed inside, to be honest. Hollis slowly unravels what's beneath a jeweled crown. A lady is forced to be controlled by a King. Beyond the perfect dress and parties is where Hollis felt a false love.

This is where Silas enters, a man from Isolte. Hollis's first encounter with Silas felt like she was bound to a spell. I love Silas's devotion and protectiveness to his family. I don't typically fall for the soft-hearted character, but Silas is an exception. Jameson and Silas have a different ideology of love. Silas's love is all about devotion and loyalty while Jameson's love is aggressive, controlling, with a bit of obsession. I'm not sure if I can consider it as a love triangle since Hollis, on the course of events, falls truly in love with Silas. I do love seeing these two men approach to love in their own ways.

I have to say the plot is quite predictable here. As I learn the character's personality, I was able to see their next move. But it did not hinder my enjoyment of reading it. Because reaching the climax is the very one thing that I did not foresee in this book and I did not expect that Kiera Cass can flip the tables so hard.

"If you were standing where I am, you would understand. It's terrifying to discover that freedom is not what you thought. That love is not what you thought." 
As Hollis realizes the true picture and sacrifices of becoming a Queen,  Hollis's determination to change her fate is one of the highlights of The Betrothed. Entering the royalty can be hard but leaving it is a series of tenfold obstacles. The Betrothed is surprisingly a kind of book you should read if you want to see the curtains behind every royalty. Kiera Cass's characters are cunning and brave and reaching the end craves me for more events. The Betrothed is your one-stop to a romantic and deceitful royal love story. The love between Hollis, Silas and Jameson is a delight! It's fast-paced and the characters evolved gracefully!
*images are from Pinterest*


Title: King of Scars (Nikolai Duology #1)
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Published January 29, 2019, by Imprint

Synopsis

Nikolai Lantsov has always had a gift for the impossible. No one knows what he endured in his country’s bloody civil war—and he intends to keep it that way. Now, as enemies gather at his weakened borders, the young king must find a way to refill Ravka’s coffers, forge new alliances, and stop a rising threat to the once-great Grisha Army.

Yet with every day a dark magic within him grows stronger, threatening to destroy all he has built. With the help of a young monk and a legendary Grisha Squaller, Nikolai will journey to the places in Ravka where the deepest magic survives to vanquish the terrible legacy inside him. He will risk everything to save his country and himself. But some secrets aren’t meant to stay buried—and some wounds aren’t meant to heal.

Source: Goodreads

"Stop punishing yourself for being someone with a heart. You cannot protect yourself from suffering. To live is to grieve. You are not protecting yourself by shutting yourself off from the world. You are limiting yourself."

King of Scars happened after Ruin and Rising - the last book of Shadow and Bone Trilogy. So I would highly recommend you read the first 3 books for the ultimate pleasure of knowing all of the characters involved before and after the Shadow Fold. 

Nikolai Lantsov, the King of Ravka, is on the verge of developing several connections to further establish and maintain peace for Ravka. They have defeated The Darkling but the remnants of the war still lurk within each of them. There were a lot of political issues in this book and I loved how Nikolai and Zoya handle it. They both have their own ways to control people but they still sync to what they wanted to do which makes it really fun to read. 

“It's not exciting if nothing can go wrong.”
King of Scars highlights Nikolai's struggle to control the monster inside him. There are multiple POVs in the book. Reading Nikolai's POV, on the nights that he transforms into the monster he doesn't want to be is quite painful to see. The monster inside him truly knows what are his deepest thoughts. You will see a king who fights the thoughts in his head in order to save Ravka, the one that always needs to be saved, the one that always wants a sacrifice. But above all that, I am in awe of how Nikolai handles this kind of situation. It's hard to fully function when every night you unleash a monster and by day you are in front of Kings and Princesses. 

But aside from this, you will see Nina's journey after the events of Six of Crows. Well, we all know what happened to Matthias and up to this day, that one still freaking hurts!!! Nina is also on a battle with herself. She has to let go of Matthias which is the one thing she never imagined to happen. But it did and Nina has to confront all of these emotions bottled up inside of her. 

Another one here is Zoya, Nikolai's commander who was once a part of The Darkling's Second Army. Now, this is one of my favorites here. I was really surprised that I will adore this character.  In this book, I got to know more about her. Starting from the simple country girl to the Grisha who once adored and fight for The Darkling. I can see clearly how her character became stern and composed because of what happened throughout her life. The struggle to live, a chance to be accepted, and a fight to win and be recognized. I can see all of those things in Zoya and I was surprised with myself of how I loved it.
“Everyone mourns the first blossom.
Who will grieve the rest who fall?”
The King of Scars isn't just about battling the monsters inside, this time it's about playing God. It twists the odds to reclaim a battle that was once lost and the character's faith to the Saints to whom they should be praying for. This book also battles one's belief about the people they are obsessed with and the sacrifices that will be made to achieve it. The adventure, political issues, and even a Grisha's true powers, the King of Scars is truly a five-star book to me!

*images are from Pinterest*


Title: Chain of Gold (The Last Hours # 1)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐
Published March 3rd 2020 by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Thank you National Bookstore for giving me a copy of Chain of Gold. I will always be grateful to you! ❤

Synopsis:

Chain of Gold is the first novel in a new trilogy that stars the Shadowhunters of Edwardian London.

Welcome to Edwardian London, a time of electric lights and long shadows, the celebration of artistic beauty and the wild pursuit of pleasure, with demons waiting in the dark. For years there has been peace in the Shadowhunter world. James and Lucie Herondale, children of the famous Will and Tessa, have grown up in an idyll with their loving friends and family, listening to stories of good defeating evil and love conquering all. But everything changes when the Blackthorn and Carstairs families come to London…and so does a remorseless and inescapable plague.

James Herondale longs for a great love, and thinks he has found it in the beautiful, mysterious Grace Blackthorn. Cordelia Carstairs is desperate to become a hero, save her family from ruin, and keep her secret love for James hidden. When disaster strikes the Shadowhunters, James, Cordelia and their friends are plunged into a wild adventure which will reveal dark and incredible powers, and the true cruel price of being a hero…and falling in love.

Source: Goodreads

The Last Hours is the new Shadowhunter installment of Cassandra Clare. The first book is Chain of Gold which highlights Cordelia, James, Lucie, Matthew, Anna and the rest of new offsprings of the Shadowhunters. Everyone who has read The Infernal Devices trilogy or even just took a sneak peak of the Family Tree knows that Will and Tessa got married and they have two kids, James and Lucie. 

I would like to start first that seeing Will and Tessa this time as parents makes me extremely happy. Their love seeing extended to James and Lucie is a sight to behold. *insert Will calling Daddy now* They are now parents to a skillful Shadowhunters and let’s say they also inherit their humor and wits.

Now, moving on to the spotlight here, Cordelia Carstairs. Cordelia wants justice to her father’s trial. A loving daughter who only to reclaim the honor of her family that they might totally loss. Right off the bat, Cordelia amused me. She knows what she wanted but she wanted to acquire it in her own way, not they way her mothers wants it. Which is to wed at some high family name of a Shadowhunter that will shield her from all of the damage. 
“I would like to be a hero.”
James and Lucie Herondale has formed an attachment to Jesse and Grace Blackthorn. James has fallen in love to Grace or maybe just the idea of falling in love with her and Lucie is the only one who can see and communicate to Jesse. Chain of Gold also introduces us to Matthew Fairchild, James’s parabatai, Thomas, Anna and Christopher Lightwood. They are called Merry Thieves and each of them has their own role that they play on the story. They have their strength and weaknesses which then supports to the another one. I love how this friendship is well-balanced and enjoyable to read. 

As James deepened his affection to Grace, Grace on the other hand has set her goal in a different manner. Personally, I find it hard to read Grace’s next steps. She is unpredictable and a dangerous character which thickens the plot.
“How was it possible to feel such agony when someone’s name was mentioned, yet forget them in duress?”
One of the cool things of Chain of Gold is Cordelia’s attachment to Cortana. A powerful sword which only a chooses a worthy Carstairs to behold her. I truly liked the idea how Cordelia binds herself to Cortana almost like an air she needs to breathe in order to live. Her brother, Alastair is also one of the characters that I find myself hard to read. Obviously he cares about the Carstairs name, but along with it is a fragile heart that yearns to be taken good care of. I do love his tactful words of advice. 
“You should think less about making people like you, and more about making them owe you.”
Unfolding the mysteries of James’s heritage is the eventful parts of Chain of Gold. The chapters build a lot of tension to the characters and at the same time, their hearts are involved. Sacrifices were made to heal the damage that the demons has been done and James and Cordelia are contemplating the true meaning of their emotions. I have fallen in love in each of these characters.
“That it was probably better this happened sooner, and that it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all, and all that. But it’s all rot, isn’t it?”
Chain of Gold is truly another book series that I will definitely get a grip on. The twist and turns of the characters emotions, the shadows and the demons that circles them makes this book intriguing. I am so ready to read the next book, which I need to wait for next year. Ah, the waiting game begins. Hahahaha! I can’t help myself to feel so invested to James and Cordelia on to this book. Once again, Cassandra Clare captured my heart to this new series!













2019 has been a good year to me. I had ups and downs throughout the year but I was able to manage it fortunately. It was also a good year wherein I was able to finish some of a great books that I’ve been wanting to read for so long. What I wanted to highlight here are my top 5 books that made my 2019 so very great!


Dare I say more? The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black it is! The Folk of the Air series surprised me a lot. I did not expect to fall in love with Cardan because of his character from the start, but as the book progresses I started to fall for him and the Fae politics is really interesting. Deadly interesting.


I had Kingdom Of Ash on my hands for a very long time. From the moment it was released, I instantly bought it. But when I got it, I was so afraid to end it. Like bidding a sweet goodbye to these powerful characters that I loved. Last year, I finally accepted that it is time to read the end. Holy Gods, the ending did not disappoint me. It was full of sacrifices, forgiveness, acceptance and moving on to welcome new beginnings. It was a sweet kiss to end the series.


THE BRIDE TEST BY HELEN HOANG! THIS BOOK AWAKENED ME TO MY WHOLE CORE. The romance, plot twist, and culture representation is on point! Instantly, Helen Hoang became one of my once-book-is-released-add-to-cart-it-is author. She is magnificent to show the vulnerability of the characters and there are steamy hot, intoxicating parts that I am so damn addicted.


I am so damn proud to finish this one. I was a big fan of The Night Circus a long time ago and when it was revealed that she has a new book coming out, I have high hopes about it. The Starless Sea is magical and a mysterious kind of book. There was a lot of tales foretold and I liked it very much. I was even surprised there is a soft touch of LGBT on this book. In every angle, I gripped too much on reaching the end.


Strange the Dreamer is my first Laini Taylor book. I think we can all relate to Lazlo Strange. He infinitely loves books and he knows the limits and boundaries that books can make. Sarai and Lazlo’s encounter is like a Romeo and Juliet on me. It was kind of a forbidden love but damn the execution was splendid. I now get it why people are so obsessed to Laini Taylor. 


Well, those are the books that made my 2019 so magical! There are a lot of great releases on 2020 and I am so eager to read them all! Hopefully I will meet my 2020 Reading Challenge this time. 





*images are from Pinterest*


Title: Song of the Crimson Flower
Author: Julie C. Dao
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Published November 5th 2019 by Philomel

Synopsis:

From the acclaimed author of Forest of a Thousand Lanterns comes a fantastical new tale of darkness and love, in which magical bonds are stronger than blood.

Will love break the spell? After cruelly rejecting Bao, the poor physician's apprentice who loves her, Lan, a wealthy nobleman's daughter, regrets her actions. So when she finds Bao's prized flute floating in his boat near her house, she takes it into her care, not knowing that his soul has been trapped inside it by an evil witch, who cursed Bao, telling him that only love will set him free. Though Bao now despises her, Lan vows to make amends and help break the spell.

Together, the two travel across the continent, finding themselves in the presence of greatness in the forms of the Great Forest's Empress Jade and Commander Wei. They journey with Wei, getting tangled in the webs of war, blood magic, and romance along the way. Will Lan and Bao begin to break the spell that's been placed upon them? Or will they be doomed to live out their lives with black magic running through their veins?

He might not know how the rest of his life would look, but he knew he would never be alone again. They would figure it out together.
Julie Dao’s latest book Song of the Crimson Flower deeply surprised me! I wasn’t expecting that my heart will be invested right at the end of the book. It’s fast-paced that you can definitely enjoy. I admit from the beginning I did not like the characters at all.

You really don’t need to read the first two books, Forest of a Thousand Lanterns and Kingdom of Blazing Phoenix. But it would be helpful and more enjoyable to read if you were able to. There were some context on Song of the Crimson Flower which goes back from the very beginning, Xi Feng and Jade. It feels like coming home to those characters that I loved!

Song of the Crimson Flower introduces its readers to Bao and Lan. Two characters which are not from the same cast. Bao is an orphan and Lan is a daughter of Minister Vu. You can see the clear picture that their family status are worlds apart. At first, I did not see how these characters will develop themselves along with Bao who was suddenly casted with a curse. Now, this made me really curious how they will progress. 

What I infinitely love about Julie Dao is how she expresses her Vietnamese heritage. The worldbuilding always amuses me. She knows how to pinpoint to her readers what are the greatest view into the world that our minds can perceive easily.

Even though it is fast-paced, Bao and Lan’s relationship is gentle and slow on their expedition to cure Bao’s curse. It is melodic actually. I can see the nuances of their feelings. And it was a wonderful sight to me. Seeing both of them defy all odds about love is one of the highlights of this book. Finishing Song of the Crimson Flower enchanted me effortlessly about love, compassion, forgiveness and bravery. Once more, Julie Dao wrote another suprising book to dive in her readers to a Vietnamese YA folklore. This book is more than just breaking a spell, it shows to its readers how love can blossom from time to time no matter what the circumstances are.






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Hi guys! Welcome to my book blog! I am Leslie Lagman from Philippines. Here you can see my bookish thoughts and fangirl moments, so please bear with those kind of things. I post YA Book reviews to be precise.

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