DNF: The Medium by CJ Archer

Author: CJ Archer

Title: The Medium

Series: Emily Chambers Spirit Medium Trilogy #1

Genre: Fantasy, YA, Paranormal Romance, Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 261

Published: June 30, 2012

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Seventeen year-old spirit medium Emily Chambers has a problem. Actually, she has several. As if seeing dead people isn't a big enough social disadvantage, she also has to contend with an escaped demon and a handsome ghost with a secret past. And then there's the question of her parentage. Being born an entire year after her father's death (yes, a year) and without the pale skin of other respectable English ladies, Emily is as much a mystery as the dead boy assigned to her.

Jacob Beaufort's spirit has been unable to crossover since his death. It might have something to do with the fact he was murdered. Or it might not. All he knows is, he has been assigned by the Otherworld's administrators to a girl named Emily. A girl who can see and touch him. A girl who released a shape-shifting demon into the mortal realm. Together they must send the demon back before it wreaks havoc on London. It should be a simple assignment, but they soon learn there's nothing simple when a live girl and a dead boy fall in love.

Review:

This won the vote for DNF 2nd Chance. I was excited to give it another chance. It just sounds SO good. 

Whelp....

This just isn't for me, I guess. I got a couple of pages further than when I tossed the towel last time. 

Jacob was nice enough, and he was kinda cool. Emily? Eh. 

I just didn't care enough to push through and see how it all ends. I tried, though, but just not the book for me. 

DNF still. Bummer.

Audiobook Review: Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Author: Kendare Blake

Narrator: Amy Landon
Title: Three Dark Crowns

Series: Three Dark Crowns #1

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published: September 20, 2016
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

When kingdom come, there will be one.

In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born—three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins.

The last queen standing gets the crown.

Review:

First book club book of 2026! Weeeeeee!

Here we follow three sisters. All three are queens and equal heirs to the crown, and all are magical. However, there can only be one queen to rule them all. Mirabella is an elemental. Katharine is a poisoner who can ingest poisons. Arsinoe is a naturalist. This will be a fight to the death on the night of the sisters' 16th birthday. 

How cool is this concept? Def royals meets fantasy meets Hunger Games. Loved the idea and the concept. I wouldn't want to live here, but the powers would be lovely. I guess I would just want to be a civilian. I wouldn't make a good queen. 

The execution of the story was...okay. It was so slow and so dry in the beginning. Yes, we are learning about the sisters and the world and the rules, etc. However, it took forever for anything to really happen. Plus, we had a lot of POVs going on. Not just the queens, but a lot of their friends, etc. Sure, I didn't mind getting a glimpse of the world, but I think I would've liked this more if it were just the queens' POVs. 

Also, I did the audio of this. I wonder if I would've appreciated the multiple POVs if I did the ebook/physical book of it. It would've been easier to follow along. There were a couple of times I was confused about who was saying what. I had to rewind a couple of times. Don't get me wrong, the narrator is good! I have listened to her before, but so many POVs and soooo many characters, it is hard to have a different voice for each person. 

OMG, the end. I need to read book 2. Dayum. 

Oh! There was another scene a few pages back that had me audibly gasp! Holy cannoli batman!

Overall, I did enjoy myself while listening to this. I think I would've liked it more if I did a different format and/or if we have less POVs. I do want to read book 2 because things have HEATED up. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #2

- Library Love #3

Audiobook Review: Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce

Author: Kristy Boyce

Narrator: Abigail Reno
Title: Dating and Dragons

Series: Gaming and Romance #2

Genre: YA, Romance, Contemporary Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published: December 31, 2024
Where I Got It: My shelf (gift)

Summary: 

Quinn Norton is starting over at a new high school and hopes that joining a D&D game will be the trick to making friends. The plan sounds even better when she’s invited into a group that includes Logan Weber, the cute and charming guy she met on her first day of class. But this isn’t your average D&D campaign— this group livestreams their games and enforces strict rules: no phones allowed, and no dating other group members.

Quinn is willing to accept the rules, even if it makes Logan off-limits. And she quickly learns that doing so won’t be a problem, since Logan goes from charismatic to insufferable as soon as she agrees to join. As their bickering—and bantering—intensifies inside and outside the game, Quinn can’t help wondering: Is Logan’s infuriating behavior a smokescreen for hidden feelings? Quinn is risking it all, and the twenty-sided dice are rolling!

Review:

I was given this as a giftie because I had really loved book 1. It was so fun.

Here we have Quinn and Logan. Quinn is starting over at a new high school and hopes that joining a D&D game will be the trick to starting this new life with new friends. This sounds like a perfect plan when she notices that Logan is part of the group. He was nothing but smiles and kindness on her first day. This group has special and strict rules since they live stream their sessions: no phones and no dating other group members. She quickly learns the no-dating rule won't be a problem since Logan went from charming to insufferable as soon as he finds out she is joining the group. As their bickering and bantering intensify, Quinn can't help but wonder....is Logan's jerk behavior a smokescreen to hidden feelings? Would it be worth Quinn finding out?

This can be read as a standalone. This doesn't really tie into the other book. Different group and different school. There are some cameos, but you can read this one without the other one. Bummer, but oh well. 

This was very sweet, and I loved everyone. I especially loved Quinn's granny. She was hilarious and fun! She had me in stitches. I want to be her when I grow up!!!!!

Quinn was sweet. The girl needs some therapy, though. Her last group of friends was TOXIC with a capital T. 

Logan, once you see past the asshole-ness, is very sweet as well. Very charming. No wonder he plays a bard so well. 

There were a couple of little plot "twists" that were added. Sure, I get WHY...drama baby, drama...but it just bogged down the story a bit for my liking. I do not think it was necessary to add more fuel to the angst and pining for these two. Gah. Poor Quinn.

The narrator did a good job. All her teen boy voices were very similar, so you really have to focus and listen. But other than that - I liked her. She did well. 

In the end, I enjoyed this a lot. A nice new group of teens finding love in D&D and finding love at the table. The "live streaming" was a nice element. I hope we see them in the next book. Even a cameo would be nice. 

4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #1

Audiobook Review: Last Dragon Standing by Rachel Aaron

Author: Rachel Aaron
Narrator: Vikas Adam
Title: Last Dragon Standing
Series: Heartstrikers #5  
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, UF, YA
Format: Audiobook 
Published: March 1, 2018
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Dear Reader,

There is no way to write a blurb for this final book without spoiling all of the others. Suffice it to say, mysteries resolve, dragons war, pigeons abound, and Julius must risk himself in ways he never dreamed possible as Bob’s grand plan finally comes to fruition.

But the Great Seer of the Heartstrikers isn’t the only one whose schemes are nearing completion. The Nameless End is coming, and even the machinations of the world’s most brilliant dragon seer might not be enough to stop it. As the world comes crashing down, it’s up Julius to prove what he’s always known: that seers can be wrong, and Nice Dragons don’t always finish last.

Review:

*sniff* We are at the end. I love this series so much. 

Everything comes together at the end. The future is uncertain. It will be up to Julius and his allies, friends, and family to save the world from the Nameless End. 

Everyone is together and fighting side-by-side. All of Julius' niceness has brought these dragons, humans, and more together. It's honestly beautiful. Even with all the characters the author did a great job not making it confusing or overwhelming. The narrator did a wonderful job too using all the different voices. Beautiful blend that made a great story. 

I am so sad to be at the end of the series again, but it was great reading this again. I honestly forgot some of the details so it was nice revisiting and seeing how they did it. 

Awww Justin. I wish we had more of him but there were so many faces running around. I hope we get a short story or something with Justin finding a HEA ;)

Bob!!! 

Julius you nice bean you!!!

Chelsea!! Squeeee. 

Amazing narration as per normal. 

This is a must-read series for sure. 

5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Justin

Least Favorite Character(s): The Nameless End of course. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #48

Book Review: Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

Author: Kristen Ciccarelli

Title: Heartless Hunter

Series: The Crimson Moth #1

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, YA

Format: ebook

Pages: 411

Published: February 20, 2024

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

On the night Rune’s life changed forever, blood ran in the streets. Now, in the aftermath of a devastating revolution, witches have been diminished from powerful rulers to outcasts ruthlessly hunted due to their waning magic, and Rune must hide what she is.

Spending her days pretending to be nothing more than a vapid young socialite, Rune spends her nights as the Crimson Moth, a witch vigilante who rescues her kind from being purged. When a rescue goes wrong, she decides to throw the witch hunters off her scent and gain the intel she desperately needs by courting the handsome Gideon Sharpe - a notorious and unforgiving witch hunter loyal to the revolution - who she can't help but find herself falling for.

Gideon loathes the decadence and superficiality Rune represents, but when he learns the Crimson Moth has been using Rune’s merchant ships to smuggle renegade witches out of the republic, he inserts himself into her social circles by pretending to court her right back. He soon realizes that beneath her beauty and shallow façade, is someone fiercely intelligent and tender who feels like his perfect match. Except, what if she’s the very villain he’s been hunting?

Review:

This is the next pick for book club! 

Here we follow Rune and Gideon. Everyone's lives changed dramatically after the revolution. The witches have been removed from power and have been turned into hunted outcasts. Rune must hide who she is and what she does so she can stay alive and save as many witches as she can from being executed. She spends her days as a spoiled and vapid socialite. She needs intel and the best way to do that is by courting Gideon who is the country's best witch hunter and her best friend's brother. After learning that Rune's own ship had witches it on it, Gideon suspects her of being a witch so he starts courting her back to investigate.

I LOVED the concept of this one. So very French Revolution-like. Very fresh and cool. I also loved the concept of the witches in this world. 

As much as I enjoyed the concept of the story, I struggled a bit with this one. Mainly for the fact I hated Gideon and Rune. I ended up adoring Alex though and thought she'd be better off with him, but who am I?

Gideon is an ass. Sure he has his whole reason for wanting witches dead. I get it, but damn that one scene! Grrrr.

Rune...she was an idiot. How did she survive this long? And she was a meanie. 

Alex was a sweet bean! He didn't deserve a mean friend like Rune and a mean brother like Gideon. 

There was a glimmer of hope when Gideon and Rune seemed to get along and had that one scene together. BUT it was quickly and utterly destroyed. The romance wasn't strong at all. All hate. I feel like we needed more scenes with them being in love. 

And that ending? Sure I am a touch curious to see what happens next but I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO mad right now so we'll have to see. GAH! *goes to chuck book but then realizes it is an ebook and is on my cell phone and my poor cell phone doesn't deserve being chucked*

Honestly, I think if this was just a fantasy and not labeled as a romance I would've liked it better. I was expecting more romancing in this booked labeled as a romance. Yes, yes, this is a enemies-to-lovers but there was no real "TO". The moment they are both in love with each other was just a blink. And how do we come back from an ending like the ending that just happened?

I am super curious to see how the others of book club liked this book.

On one hand, I loved the story and the concept and the world. Super cool and fresh. On the other hand, though, the romance was a hard fail for me. The characters are assholes (not sweet Alex) and how on Earth do they find love after the conclusion of the this story? I might read book 2 someday. 

Rating? Oh lordie I have been dreading this moment..................................................I'll be nice and give it a 3. ONLY for the fact that if I pretend this isn't a romance it was a fun story. I loved the world and the witches. Plus Alex was a gem and deserved better. 

Favorite Character(s): Alex

Least Favorite Character(s): everyone else

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #27

Book Review: Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh

Author: Chloe Walsh

Title: Binding 13

Series: Boys of Tommen #1

Genre: YA Romance, Contemporary, Sports

Format: ebook

Pages: 626

Published: July 18, 2018

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

He wants to save her. She wants to hide. She's damaged. He's determined. Fate brought them together. Love binds them. Johnny Kavanagh has everything going for him. On the rugby pitch, he's a force to be reckoned with, even plagued with a hidden injury. Everyone knows he's heading straight for the top—but that means there's no room for mistakes or distractions. Not even the shy new girl at Tommen College, the one with the sad eyes and hidden bruises. He needs to stay focused, keep his cool, and not let anything get in the way of the bigger picture.  Except before he knows it, this lonely girl has become his only picture. Life has never been easy for Shannon Lynch. Bullied and tortured, she arrives at Tommen College mid-way through the school year praying for a fresh start and desperate to shake off the demons that plague her. But when she meets the notorious Johnny Kavanagh on her first day, her plans to keep a low profile are at serious risk. As they fall into a complicated friendship and grapple with their undeniable chemistry, hidden pain and complicated secrets threaten to be their undoing—but Johnny won't give up on Shannon. No matter what it might cost them both.

Review:

This was a picked by a member of my community over on my Twitch account (Carole_Rae). 

Here we follow Shannon and Johnny. Shannon has not had the best go of it. She was relentlessly bullied at her school, her dad is terrible, and her mom is working so much. She finally convinces her mom to let her go to the private school just to have a fresh start and reconnect with old friends. Her plan is to keep a low profile and just get through school. However, when she meets Johnny all her plans are destroyed. They fall into a complicated friendship and deny any sort of chemistry. Johnny wants more but he'll take what he can get...for now. 

This was really, really, really long. I enjoyed the story for what it was but man....it needed some trimming. Some scenes felt like they were NEVER going to end. Some scenes didn't seem to help the plot move forward at all. Honestly, just shaving 50-100 pages would've helped the story immensely.

Nooooow don't get it twisted...I love a good slow burn. I love watching people deny their feelings and then finally overcome themselves and just be together. It's great! But man the slow burn here sometimes felt like watching paint dry. However, I will say that when I felt like giving up some scenes would happen and I would be hooked again. The author did a good job keeping you reading even with the slowness. 

The characters also helped keep my attention. They were sweet kids who deserved happiness. I just wanted them to be in love though. Shannon especially needs solid love man. I can't believe the bullying she witnessed. It was ASSAULT in many cases. Yes, I was bullied in school but MAN. 

Nice side characters too. I loved Shannon's one brother. He was an angel. 

All-in-all, I did like the story and characters. But the length was too much. It really killed some of the story for me. I think a nice edit was needed. Maybe 50 or 100 pages could've been shaved off. The flow would get so slowed down that I felt like we were wadding in a puddle. I'll give this 3 stars overall. The characters and some scenes really did help me stay attached to the story. 

Favorite Character(s): Shannon and Johnny

Least Favorite Character(s): Too many people to count. So many mean people

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #21

Audiobook Review: Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce

Author: Kristy Boyce

Narrator: Eva Kaminsky

Title: Dungeons and Drama

Series: Dungeons and Drama #1

Genre: Romance, YA, Contemporary

Format: Audiobook

Published:  January 9, 2024

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

When it comes to romance, sometimes it doesn't hurt to play games. A fun YA romcom full of fake dating hijinks!

Musical lover Riley has big aspirations to become a director on Broadway. Crucial to this plan is to bring back her high school’s spring musical, but when Riley takes her mom’s car without permission, she's grounded and stuck with the worst punishment: spending her after-school hours working at her dad’s game shop.

Riley can't waste her time working when she has a musical to save, so she convinces Nathan—a nerdy teen employee—to cover her shifts and, in exchange, she’ll flirt with him to make his gamer-girl crush jealous.

But Riley didn’t realize that meant joining Nathan's Dungeons & Dragons game…or that role playing would be so fun. Soon, Riley starts to think that flirting with Nathan doesn't require as much acting as she would've thought...

Review:

This was picked for book club, plus, I've had my eyes on this so I was excited to see it get selected. Weeee. 

Here we follow Riley who is a teenage drama queen. She loves the stage and loves musicals; she dreams of becoming a stage director one day. However, all that comes crashing down when she takes her mom's car without permission to a show. As punishment, she now has to work after school hours at her dad's game shop. In order to get some of her shifts covered so she can work on the school musical (plus keep her ex from knowing she is single STILL) , she strikes a deal with Nathan. She will help make his crush jealous by flirting with him if he pretends to be her boyfriend when her ex shows up and cover a couple of shifts. He agrees, but she has to join his D&D game. Little will she know that she will fall for D&D and for Nathan.

This was simply adorable. I really enjoyed it and I couldn't stop listening to it. As a girl who loves both musicals and D&D this was such a fun combo and seeing the two worlds come together. LOVE. 

The characters are fun even though Riley's selfishness drove me to insanity sometimes. At the core of it, she is a nice girl....just a typical teen who is obsessed with herself and what she wants. 

Nathan was a sweet boy but again...there were times he was stuck on only what he wanted.

Teens. *rolls eyes*

Even though this was a YA, it didn't feel cringey YA like some of them can. You know what I mean. It felt real and had some depth and it was enjoyable. It was a very cute and sweet. It took a while for these two to become more which worked great for the story. 

The narrator was fantastic. Perfect voices for everyone and her singing was cute. 

But yes, I adored this story. 5 stars from me for sure. 

- Favorite Character(s): Nathan

- Least Favorite Character(s): Paul

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #17

- Library love #9

- Romance Reading #14 (Fake Dating trope)

Audiobook Review: The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Narrator: Michael Kramer

Title: The Well of Ascension

Series: The Mistborn Saga #2

Genre: Fantasy, YA, SciFi

Format: Audiobook

Published:  August 21, 2007

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

The impossible has been accomplished. The Lord Ruler—the man who claimed to be god incarnate and brutally ruled the world for a thousand years—has been vanquished. But Kelsier, the hero who masterminded that triumph, is dead too, and now the awesome task of building a new world has been left to his young protégé, Vin, the former street urchin who is now the most powerful Mistborn in the land, and to the idealistic young nobleman she loves.

As Kelsier's protégé and slayer of the Lord Ruler she is now venerated by a budding new religion, a distinction that makes her intensely uncomfortable. Even more worrying, the mists have begun behaving strangely since the Lord Ruler died, and seem to harbor a strange vaporous entity that haunts her.

Stopping assassins may keep Vin's Mistborn skills sharp, but it's the least of her problems. Luthadel, the largest city of the former empire, doesn't run itself, and Vin and the other members of Kelsier's crew, who lead the revolution, must learn a whole new set of practical and political skills to help. It certainly won't get easier with three armies - one of them composed of ferocious giants - now vying to conquer the city, and no sign of the Lord Ruler's hidden cache of atium, the rarest and most powerful allomantic metal.

As the siege of Luthadel tightens, an ancient legend seems to offer a glimmer of hope. But even if it really exists, no one knows where to find the Well of Ascension or what manner of power it bestows.

Review:

After the end of book 1, I knew I had to get my hands on book 2. I'm still mad at the fate of a certain character from book 1, but I still had to read on. 

Please note....this review (along with the summary) may have some major spoilers!

The Lord Ruler is dead. However, the work is not done. With Kelsier gone as well, his crew is left behind to start building a new world. Between assassins, politics, threats of war...you would think that this crew has their hands full. But lets add the mists acting weird and becoming dangerous. As a war is brewing, an ancient legend seems to be their only glimmer of hope. If it exists and if it actually is good.

The beginning was rough. Lots and lots and lots of talking. There was also a lot of politic games here and a lot of Vin and Eland going on and on about how they think the other doesn't like them anymore and if they are worthy of them. Gag. And omg Vin...just wear the dress. You can be a kickass beyotch AND wear a dress. I wanted to shake them both!!!!!

After a certain point, things got tense and interesting again. War is coming from all fronts. Everyone wants a piece of the city and want the power that is inside. Other powers can smell the infighting between Eland and the other nobles so why not take it for their own? Fools the lot of them. Poor Eland is just too nice for his own good. 

OMG the last 25% had me in tears! Spoiler...not spoiler...war does come. Not everyone survives. My poor heart!!!!!!

The book does end on a HUGE cliffhanger. I already requested book 3 from the library because I HAVE to know what is going to happen. Things are going to get dicey. 

I hope I get the audiobook, because I'm enjoying his style. However...I requested for all three (physical, ebook, and audio) so we'll see what comes first. Per the app I have WEEKS before any will be ready. This series is popular still. 

All-in-all, I did enjoy this. Once things got going, you can't stop reading. I had to know what was going to happen. Who will live? Who will die? WHAT IS IN THE CITY!? WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE MISTS! WILL VIN JUST WEAR THE FING DRESS? 

I'll give this 3 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): Eland

- Least Favorite Character(s): Straff and the one who betrayed everyone (no name - will keep it a spoiler)

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #16

- Library love #8

Graphic Novel Review: Heartstopper V5 by Alice Oseman

Author: Alice Oseman

Title: Heartstopper

Series: Heartstopper #5

Genre: LGBT, YA, Romance, Graphic Novel

Format: ebook

Pages: 336

Published: December 7, 2023

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. The bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel about life, love, and everything that happens in between: this is the fifth volume of the much-loved HEARTSTOPPER series.

Nick and Charlie are very much in love. They've finally said those three little words, and Charlie has almost persuaded his mum to let him sleep over at Nick's house ... But with Nick going off to university next year, is everything about to change?

Review:

Book 5!!!! Weeeee!

We continue on Nick's and Charlie's journey of love and awkward teen years. Nick is a year older and is going off to university next year. What university? How far? Will their love be able to make it? At the same time of Nick deciding where he wants to go, Charlie is still battling his demons. 

Now that I have this finished....I'll have to wait for the next one. UGH wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen????? The ending left me needing to know what is going to happen. I guess I have the show I can finish (gah. I only did season 1...so behind).

I hope they can stay together, but it is hard being school sweethearts and then college...especially if the go far away for college. I do worry about them and what the future holds. 

Seeing Charlie blossom is amazing. He's had a journey and I'm so happy to see him finally loving himself. 

We got to see some other subplots and character development with our sides. It didn't take away from our mains. Beautifully done!

The art is cute and perfect. 

My only issue is that it felt....slow. Lots of repetition. Enjoyable overall, but my eye did twitch a little bit. Yes, I get we are seeing their inner monologue, but it did get....old. 

I can't wait for the next one. I believe the next one might be the finale....or close to the finale. 

4 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Amusing

Reading Challenges: 

- Library Love #35

Book Review: Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Author: Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Title: Apprentice to the Villain

Series: Assistant to the Villain #2

Genre: Fantasy, YA, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 368

Published: August 8, 2024

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

NOTICE TO STAFF: There has been a disturbing increase in cheeriness, sprightly behavior, and overall optimism of late. Please resume your former dark, ominous terrors at your earliest convenience. ―Mgmt

Evie Sage has never been happier to be the assistant to The Villain. Who would have thought that working for an outrageously handsome (shhh, bad for his brand) evil overlord would be so rewarding? Still, the business of being bad is demanding, the forces of good are annoyingly persistent, and said forbidding boss is somewhat…er, out-of-evil-office.

But Rennedawn is in grave trouble, and all signs―Kingsley’s included―point to catastrophe. Something peculiar is happening with the kingdom’s magic, and it’s made The Villain’s manor vulnerable to their enemies...including their nemesis, the king.

Now it’s time for Evie to face her greatest challenge: protecting The Villain’s lair, all of his nefarious works, and maybe (provided no one finds out) the entire kingdom. No pressure, Evie.

It’s time to step out of her comfort zone and learn new skills. Like treason. Dagger work. Conspiring with the enemy. It’s all so…so…delightfully fun.

But what happens when the assistant to The Villain is ready to become his apprentice?

Review:

When I finished book 1 I HAD to get book 2 read. I was on the waitlist and I was 7th in line. To my surprise it came WAY quicker than I thought. Weeeeee!

We continue where we left off. Things happen and Evie and the Villain are back at it. Evie has never been happier in her life as being an assistant to the Villain. She also can't get him out of her head. Romance will have to wait since Rennedawn and all of magic is in grave trouble. Evie, her boss, and her co-workers will have to step out of their comfort zones and be the heroes. 

The end of the last book had me so upset! Such a cliffie! Luckily I got this and I'm a happy bean. The ending for this one was slightly cliff-hanger-ish....but not as bad so I'm amused. I still want to get my hands on book 3 asap but I can wait a bit. 

The romance is sooooo slow but it works for them. They have issues and there is a LOT going on. All of magic and Rennedawn need help. 

Lots of twists and turns here. I didn't want to stop reading but life gets busy so it took longer than I wanted to finish this. 

I enjoyed this much more than book 1. Surprising I know!!! Book 2s are so 50/50. Sophomore curse and all. 

There were a couple of cringey moments but it is a slight YA so it  comes with the category. 

But yes. I'm enjoying this series and I recommend it if you like fantasy, comedy, and a splash of romance. 4 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Better

Reading Challenges: 

- Library Love #31

Book Review: The Last Unicorn by Peter S Beagle

Author: Peter S Beagle

Title: The Last Unicorn

Genre: Fantasy, YA, classics, SciFi

Format: paperback

Pages: 304

Published: March 1, 1968

Where I Got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

The unicorn discovers that she is the last unicorn in the world, and sets off to find the others. She meets Schmendrick the Magician—whose magic seldom works, and never as he intended—when he rescues her from Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival, where only some of the mythical beasts displayed are illusions. They are joined by Molly Grue, who believes in legends despite her experiences with a Robin Hood wannabe and his unmerry men. Ahead wait King Haggard and his Red Bull, who banished unicorns from the land.

Review:

Been meaning to read this for YEARS but just never did it. I received this as a gift a couple years back so I was excited to read it! (*cough* so was my puppy Wallace. He got some nibbles on it. D:) 

Our story follows a unicorn who discovers she is the last unicorn in the world. She can't and won't believe it, so she sets off on an adventure to find others. On the way she meets Schmendrick the Magician whose magic seldom works. They become fast friends and companions after he rescues her from Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival. They soon meet up with Molly Grue who believes in legends. They find out that King Haggard and his Red Bull are the reasons behind the other unicorns disappearing. It will be up to these three to save the unicorns and bring them back to the land. 

When I was growing up I watched this movie a million times. I always fast forwarded it during a certain scene because it was scary, but I loved this movie so much. I even have watched it a time or two as an adult. Honestly, I'm ashamed I didn't read the book sooner, but oh well. 

Sighs. Let's get it over with....................

I wish I loved the book as much as I loved the movie, but it didn't feel as magical to me. The writing style had all the makings of a great writer, but I just struggled hardcore with this classic. Now, the beginning was beautiful and fantastic. However, I felt that as the story progressed he started trying too hard. There were times it felt forced. 

I never connected with anyone but the unicorn. The other characters felt 2D. The Unicorn never acted human and she didn't need to....she's a unicorn! The humans though? Eh. Meh. Boo. 

Did I enjoy the story overall though? Sure. I loved watching the unicorn make her way through this terrible world of cruddy humans. She was truly the best character. However, with a flat supporting cast and the author really trying to make this lyrical and beautiful.....it felt hollow in some parts.

I will say I am glad I read this. As with all book to movie adaptions, things are left out. I'm glad I got to read more of the lore and now I may understand the movie a bit more. That was nice. 

All-in-all, I wish I had liked this more. I did enjoy the journey by the end, but I didn't love this as the movie. The supporting cast were not as magical as the unicorn. The writing prose was lovely, but at times it felt like he was trying too hard. This is a classic and I do recommend people who loved the movie to read this. There are additional things shown here. More lore. More story. Will I read book 2? Probably not. 

I shall stamp this with 2 stars.

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Fair

Graphic Novel Review: Heartstopper V4 by Alice Osema

Author & Illustrator: Alice Osema
Title: Heartstopper

Series: Heartstopper Volume 4
Genre: Graphic Novel, LGBT, YA, Contemporary, Romance
Format: ebook

Pages: 320
Published: May 6, 2021
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Charlie didn't think Nick could ever like him back, but now they're officially boyfriends. Charlie's beginning to feel ready to say those three little words: I love you.

Review: 

I'm loving this series SO much. It's so dang sweet and....real. 

We continue following Charlie and Nick on their journey of young love. Things get a little heavier in this one. 

Not only do they want to scream "I LOVE YOU" to each other, but both are so scared and unsure.....we also get to glimpse at some of their demons. They both don't have the perfect family life. Charlie's mom is having a hard time trusting him. Nick's brother is a monster and his dad is absent. He's a 1 time a year father. 

We also dive into Charlie's mental health issues and eating issues. I'm sure a lot of it stems from that whole year he was bullied to the point the police should've been involved. Poor kid....Charlie is so sweet and didn't deserve that at all. :( 

Don't get it twisted...even with the heavier plotline here it is still light and YA. It just made their world seem more real....and it makes you adore them even more. You want them to be happy and have the perfect life. We all know life isn't like that though......

But yes. This is still really good and I want more! MORE PLEASE!

5 stars. I loved that it went a little darker and we get to see more behind each character. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Beautiful

Challenge(s):

-  Library Love #22

2-in-1 Review: Of Swine and Roses & Retribution Clause

Author: Ilona Andrews

Narrator: Hillary Huber 

Title: Of Swine and Roses

Series: World of Kate Daniels

Genre: Short Story, UF, Paranormal Romance, YA, Novella

Format: Audiobook

Published: August 13, 2009

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

A young adult short story about a girl, a pig, some magic, and the worst date ever.

Chad Thurman is a thug, who carries brass knuckles in both pockets and lays magic traps for intruders into “his” neighborhood. The last thing Alena Kornov wants to do is to go on the date with him. But when her family pressures her, she can’t say no. Now the ice-cream is absent, the pig is running for its life, and we won’t even mention the dead guy…

Review:

That title!!!! I snorted like a piggie. I was excited to get started on this one. 

We have poor Alena who is being forced to go on a date with a dude named Chad (you know it's going to go bad based on the name alone). He is a thug and his morals are questionable. After a crappy movie and no ice cream...she finds herself trying to save a pig that Chad is out to murder. 

This was rough in the beginning. I get you don't want to upset a local family, but forcing her to go on a date with Chad? Ew. Bad parenting right there. 

The date was crappy and I was so worried she was going to fall head over heels in love with this punk. Bleh. Spoiler....she doesn't. Yayy!

Things got better but the beginning was rough because I was so worried about our girl. 

The narrator did a great job. Perfect for everyone. 

This was cute. Not my favorites of the shorts, but I loved the ending. 

3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Cute

 

Author: Ilona Andrews

Narrator: Michael Glenn

Title: Retribution Clause

Series: World of Kate Daniels #6.7

Genre: UF, Short Stories, Paranormal Romance, Novella

Format: Audiobook

Published: June 5, 2012

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Saiman's cousin, Adam—a frost giant and also an insurance adjuster—and his enigmatic partner, Siroun, set out on an impossible mission to enforce a client's Retribution Clause; that is, to kill the person who killed her.

Review:

Chipping away at all the shorts from the Kate Daniels series!! I came across this one next. Slightly worried because they are new characters.

We have Adam who is Saiman's cousin. He's a frost giant and also an insurance adjuster. His partner is Siroun. They are set out on an impossible mission to enforce a client's Retribution Clause....kill the person who killed her. 

How fun!!!! Adam was cool and I liked Siroun. I hope there are more of their stories out there! 

What a cool concept. I guess even in worlds like this we need insurance adjusters ;) 

Loved every moment of this story. 

The narrator was wonderful and brought everyone to life. 

All-in-all this was cool and fun. Slightly different, but in a refreshing way. 5 outta 5. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Lively

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #39 & 40