Hunt on Dark Waters By: Katee Robert

I need to give a huge thank you to Netgalley and in turn Penguin for giving me a chance to review this beauty early. I have loved so many books Katee has put out in the past. And was so excited when I found out she was diving into a pirate book. No matter what my tastes change to over the years, I always seem to never get tired of a good ocean adventure, pirate, fantasy themed story.

(I may have turned on the OG Pirates of the Caribbean while I read this, and binged through the original 3 from the series as background haha)

A stern captain meets his witchy match in this captivating first fantasy romance novel in the Crimson Sails series from Katee Robert, the New York Times bestselling author of the TikTok smash-hit Neon Gods.

Evelyn is a witch with a perfect storm of impulses: terrible taste in bed partners, sticky fingers, and a lust for danger. After she steals from her vampire ex and falls through a portal to another realm, she’s fished out of the waters by a band of seafarers and their telekinetic captain. She’s immediately given a choice—join their ship’s crew or die.

Bowen has no memory of his life before he became one of the Cŵn Annwn. He and his band of pirates are bound by vow to patrol through Threshold, the magical sea in between realms, keeping the portals to other worlds safe. When he rescues Evelyn, he doesn’t expect to be attracted to the unflappably brassy pickpocket. The longer he spends in her presence, the more he begins to question if his heart is the next thing she’ll steal.

But as tension heats up between Bowen and Evelyn, the danger at sea escalates as well. Because Evelyn has no intention of keeping her vows to the Cŵn Annwn, and if she betrays the crew, both she and Bowen will pay the ultimate price....

I have been so excited for this book. When I first heard about it and read the synopsis, I knew it was something I was going to want to read. And when Netgalley approved the ARC request, I literally had it sent to my kindle and started within 5 minutes.

Then of course I only made it like 2 chapters in before I had to put it on the backburner for work, and wait until the weekend to actually read it. But man, I flew through it once I had the time to sit down and give it a good couple chunks of my time.

I have a lot of feelings for this book. As I whole I enjoyed it. There was adventure. There was thievery, there was good spicy time. There was even a little mystery and intrigue there. And of course there was pirates and questionable choices galore. Everything that helps to make a good fantasy book.

It was a pretty fast paced read, sometimes too fast at times. But the world was built well, and the characters for the most part were relatable, or at least intriguing. I didn't know much about where the lore for this book was based from, but found my self definitely interested and doing a few Google searches as the book went. I love some good mythology and lore based books. And am always interested in learning more about ones I've not heard of or know little about.

So that was a fun thing I enjoyed that came from this book.

I also really liked the characters in the book. They were all a little flawed in some way or another. And I really appreciated that. It's fun to have strong crazy heroes that can do whatever their hearts desire. But I like when a character has something they need to work on or get better at. Or just something that adds a little flair to them.

I wasn't sure how I felt about Evelyn for a good chunk at the start of the book. (I already struggle with female leads a lot of times in books) And for me she started a little rough. She was definitely feisty and sarcastic. And I liked those sides to her.  But she annoyed me too at times. She was very stuck in her own head and didn't do a lot for me, other then frustrate me with her poor choices. That being said. She got better. And I slowly warmed up to her.

Evelyn started to show her true colors, and actually found something to fight and care for. And her moral compass wasn't quite as off as I originally thought. She had a good sense of humor, and the sassy sarcastic side became almost endearing at times.

I don't mind characters with questionable motives. But I need them to have a reason for them. And until that began to show with Evelyn, I think that's what I struggled with most. So when that was no longer an issue. I adored her, and her thieving ways haha.

On the flip side, we have Bowen. I definitely took to him easier then I did Evelyn. He gave a pretty sound introduction. And I liked his character progression, and he had a decent amount of depth to him that was conveyed quickly.

I appreciated all of the little things that affected him and changed him, and how he maneuvered them all. Plus he and Evelyn had some great chemistry. They brought out the best in each other. And it was once they started interacting, that both of them really began to shine as individual characters too.

I guess the last set of characters I wan to talk about are some of the supporting charters. Lizzie seems like she's got some depth coming that may be interesting to see when the next book comes out. Again, she was one at first that I wasn't exactly drawn to. But she grew on me as it went. And then there were Nox and Dia. We didn't get to see a whole lot from them. But the time they were in the book, I really liked what they added to the story. They gave it just that little something it needed, and provided some commentary and views that I think were needed to give our main crew the depth they were missing.

I'll jump into some of my thoughts on the story itself. As I said above, I generally liked this book. It had a lot of cool aspects to it, and an original plot. And even with the few downers I said with the characters, as they found themselves, they shined as the story went on.

I'm not gonna say there weren't some things I disliked about this book, but all in all it was a solid a read.

My one probably biggest complaint was that I could tell at about the halfway point that this book wasn't gonna wrap up its story. I was aware there is going to be a part 2. But it's going to be about different characters. And while I'm always up for standalone books in a connected world/universe. I'm not a big fan of seeing what these characters will do from someone else's perspective, when they're story is so pivotal to what is happening in the world of Threshold. I think Lizzie will be a fun character to focus on. She's bad a** in a scary way haha. But as far as Threshold and the Cŵn Annwn are concerned, I want Evelyn and Bowen for that. So I felt like it was kind of a let down to see their story not at least wrap up in a way that could tell the rest of that story on the fringes. And maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised by how Katee writes the 2nd book. She's a great author and I just have to trust her process. It just made things feel rushed and unfinished in a way I wasn't a fan of. And had me watching the pages tick down fully well knowing I wasn't going to get the resolution I wanted. (I can deal with cliff hangers. They drive a reader crazy in the best way. But the switching characters is what throws me here)

Also, there were a few parts of the book that just seemed rushed in general. I don't mind a quick paced book, or even like an insta love situation (Not that that was exactly what this was) But in world building aspects, there was so much to explain and explore, and I would have been super excited to spend some time seeing that and actually exploring on top of the romance and one particular conflict.

I don't know, I feel like I'm talking in circles here. I truly enjoyed this book. There was just something missing I wish I could put in words better without it seeming negative as heck.

So for a positive, I really really liked the world building. Threshold seems like such a cool yet dangerous fantasy world. And the monsters and creatures made my little fantasy DnD loving heart happy. And the way Evelyn uses her witch power is one of the coolest ways I've seen someone do that. It was so unique and original. And was such a neat take on the semantics of using her powers. Honestly she snot the only one with pretty cool powers, but I don't want to spoil too much. Just know, there are some people and creatures that do some really spiffy things in this story. Plus the Cŵn Annwn is just freaking cool. They are scary and intimidating. And just everything I could ask for in a group of a group of pirates. I have more feelings on them as a whole. But again, I don't want to really get into it here so I don't spoil anything. Just know things go much deeper then scary pirates.

Overall I enjoyed this book. I think there were a few misses for me. But nothing was ever enough to make me want to stop reading or consider putting the book down. I mean once I sat down and really started reading it only took me a good 2 days to finish. And that I spent most of my long holiday weekend enjoying this one. And while I said I'm not a fan of the standalone thing on this series. I will definitely be picking up book 2 when it eventually comes out. I'm super excited to see what kinda shenanigans Lizzie gets into and what her character will do now.

Also, if you haven't seen. B&N has a special edition for this book coming out. And the cover for it is freaking BEAUTIFUL! Plus there's some extra bonus content from Katee inside their edition as well. I know that's where I've ordered my finished copy from. And I don't think anyone will regret ordering that pretty.

Hunt on Dark Waters B&N Special Edition

I give HUNT ON DARK WATERS

⭐⭐⭐⭐4 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fourth Wing By: Rebecca Yarros

Ok y'all... Time for me to turn this book blog into a food blog and give you my entire life story before getting to the recipe haha.

If you've followed my blog for a while, and it's definitely been a while. (I realized that this past month marked my 10 year anniversary with my blog. And that totally blew my mind.) You know that I haven't really been around much the last few years though. I'd love to say it was just because I've been busy living my life. And yeah. You could say that was part of it. But I also went through one of the worst mental health crisis I've probably ever had. (And there were a lot of times I didn't even recognize when it was happening most of the time.) I went into teaching in 2019. And yes, at the time, I was just super busy. I had just moved, started a new job, started dating someone new. Things were busy but going so so well. And then like everyone else... 2020 happened. And that was probably the first hit to my mental health. I did not do well being secluded as much as I was. I didn't get to finish my first year teaching. And it put a strain on my relationship as my boyfriend was layed off his job as a result of the shutdowns too.

Fast forward to 2021. School was back in, but it was rough. We were in and out so many times, kids and parents were awful, and cracks in the leadership of the school and district were turning into gapping holes. But I was able to start going out and doing some stuff again too. I took on a second job that I loved for some extra cash even. So that did help. Got to finally meet my boyfriends parents. And then the end of May devastated me in a way I couldn't have prepared for. I was given incorrect test results from my doctor and not only did I wind up being down with the sickness. But because I was told I had been negative, I also stopped quarantining, went back to school, and got my best friend and my boyfriend sick. It knocked me down for a good week or so. But my best friend wound up with walking pneumonia, and my boyfriend was put in the hospital on a vent for 14 days, and spent 2 months in the hospital. The amount of guilt that plagued me was astronomical. He had a couple really close calls while vented. And we literally had to fight the hospital for care for 2 months after he got a hospital born infection that they refused to acknowledge or fix. That led to him struggling to walk or move the entire time and when we did get to home he was on IV antibiotics with in home nursing for a little over a month (While I was back in school working again.) And still has muscle spasms from incorrect proning procedures. During all of that I was forced to quit my 2nd job, as I had to be up at the hospital pretty much 24/7 (if I wasn't my boyfriends mom was there) as we didn't trust the hospital anymore (there's a lot more to it. At one point a nurse almost double dosed him the narcotics he was on after coming from the vent and pushing heart/blood pressure meds when his heart rate would go up from the pain from the infection to mask that was what was happening.) We were very thankful for our advocate and for an amazing PT department that went to bat for us. As all of this was happening. We were also in the process of about to be moving in together. So it was a lot.

I also found out I was getting moved from gen ed SpEd to a contained special education classroom (which if things hadn't been so crazy I would have been ecstatic about. That is where my love and passion is. But it was a big change on top of all the other stuff.) I did wind up finding a tribe there though. I met the most amazing set of ladies that had my back and supported me. And 2 and a half years later are still very good friends. Which leads me back to the stress of school. When I tell you our school systems are broken. I mean it. And that was even more clear to me in special needs. I worked in both a mild/moderate class, as well as a severe/profound class. My kids were absolutely amazing for the most part, but we were severely understaffed, and did have one child that was very violent for lack of a better description. We had no support, we were getting scratched, hit, things thrown at us, classrooms torn up, keeping other children safe, getting bathroom related "stuff" thrown at us and on us. It was hell. And eventually drove away that amazing team I loved so much (veteran special needs teachers that had been teaching for 10 years with certifications in behavior management among other things) But the absolute lack of support and being blamed for it all was too much. I sadly wasn't in a position I could leave though. And fast forward to the next school year end of 2022 beginning of 2023. The new teachers that were brought in to work with us were lied to about the situation. They really had no idea what they were doing as no one gave any sort of guidance or help (are you seeing a pattern yet?) and things just went from bad to worse. I came home so many days covered in bruises and scratches or in tears. Had filed out numerous work injury reports, had a sprained foot that took several months in a boot to heal. And many days would collapse after getting home only waking up when my boy friend would come get me for dinner.

And I shut down hard during this time. Even my best friend and I would hardly talk. (To the point I hadn't realized how isolated I had made myself. That was until my besties partner pointed out to me a couple weeks ago how glad she was we finally were spending time together and how much my friend had missed me. Talk about a kick to the gut. But she was right. And I needed to hear it.) I wasn't cleaning the apartment any more then the basics I need to survive like laundry and dishes. It caused many issues with my boyfriend and me.

It was bad. But at some point I finally decided I was done. With the encouragement of my friends and family and a lot of guidance from one of my previous colleagues, I decided to make the jump from being in a classroom to practicing behavior therapy. I spent 6 months getting my certification and started taking clients after school and over the summer. And fell in love with it. I get to work with the same kids that I adore at school in a 1 on 1 environment. But under much more controlled circumstances and with people that provide support and guidance. (So everything I wasn't getting in school)

So I made the jump to it full time and left the school.

It has been one of the hardest decisions as I do truly love school despite all the horrible. But has prompted me to perusing my personal education again and putting myself in a position to be doing a job I love with a paycheck I can survive on (Teaching pays nothing. Don't be fooled. It is just one more facet that was broken in a failing system)

But what I meant for all of this, was to explain that because of all this. I have struggled something horrible. After 2020 hit I literally couldn't pick up a book. I tried so many times, to only get 1 or 2 pages in and get so overwhelmed. I was able to listen to one or 2 audiobooks over the last couple years. But when I say 1 or 2. I literally mean like I could count them on one hand.

And that has been the first thing I've noticed now that I've finally quit, and removed myself from such a toxic situation. I want to read again. I tackled 2 audio books in the last month. (And yes that seems like a small amount, but right now it's huge for me) I've started really cleaning and decluttering again too.

And I finally realized just how bad of a toll the last 4 years have taken on me. But I'm realizing what I missed and what to do again finally too.

I turned 30 in June too, and I have to say I really hope this is a new start to me getting back to the things I love with a new job I love more.

So I hope you enjoy this review 😘

Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

So after so long of not reading or listening to audiobooks, I've had this one on the back burner since its release. And now I'm kicking myself for waiting so dang long to start it. (Although from what I've heard, the audio was pretty terrible at first, so maybe it was good I waited until after they updated it)

With driving to clients now for work I'm back to having a lot of driving time to fill. So I decided to use some of my ever building Audible credits to scoop this one up and start (I also tend to like high fantasy books in audio over book form too. Audio's just hold my attention better for all the world building and whatnot.)

And yes I have been paying for Audible for these last 3 years. And just accumulate until I've maxed out then find something to buy (Usually JLA books) to hopefully eventually read.

But anyhoo, I am so glad I started this one. I immediately got sucked into this story. Violet was such a compelling character, and she is just someone I bonded with and wanted to see what would happen to her. Maybe its her relationship with her family or her being thrust into an impossible situation that made me want to keep going. But I felt like it was so easy to place myself in her world and I didn't get stuck trying to push through the world building so many other fantasy books spend chapters creating. Yarros did an amazing job building that world, but she let me create it in my head at her guidance. And it was such a refreshing read because of it.

I really liked the brutalness of this story. A lot of times authors have a tendency to create brutal worlds, but then shelter their characters from it and keep the world directly around them soft. But Yarros made the brutal world just as brutal around Violet as well. She never had things easy because of main character plot armor. Yes she had others around her to help her. But Yarros wasn't afraid to make you feel scared or worried for Violet. Or even just the emotions Violet was feeling in general. It gave a sense of urgency and mystery to the book that I enjoyed a lot. And the romance. ALL THE ROMANCE!!!!

Which comes to my next point... This book was SPICY 🔥🔥🔥

The romance and tension in this book was sooooooo good. I was dying for Violet to make a move on a particular spicy character throughout the book. But there were a few I could have hoped for. I'll let y'all discover who it may be for yourselves 😜

But speaking of the males in this book. There were several that I thought really made an impact on the story. Of course there is Xaden.

He just checked all those boxes for me haha. (I'm trying to write this spoiler free. And it is hard. So HARD!)

It wasn't just that Yarros wrote his as such a hunk. But it was the many different sides to this guy and how deep his personality went. He was one I just wanted to pick to pieces and see what makes him tick. And I enjoyed a character that really made me feel uneasy but comforted at the same time. He gave off a lot of mystery. But also was one I felt like I had pegged from the page we meet him.

I also really really liked Liam. Again. I won't get into a ton of details. Because I don't want to give away too many details. But he was just one of those characters you immediately like and attach to. And truly is such a good addition to the story and flow of things. You grow to love him so much (At least I did) And I loved how deep Yarros was able to make a character that wasn't always in the spotlight. Honestly that goes for a lot of the characters in this book. Most of Violets inner circle could fall into this category. I appreciate the time and detail that was spent on them, and that they didn't become too much filler or overrun the main story line.

if I'm talking about everyone else I guess I should also mention Dain. I have a love hate relationship with this character. Him and Xaden both are characters that want attention. But for very different reasons. And I really liked the contrast between the two of them. Plus, and I say this a vaguely as possible... I really appreciated what Dain stands for as the story progresses. I think many people don't understand why a character like him is so important to recognize and interact with. That sometimes a good thing can be too much. Or love and fear can blur lines and hold us hostage instead of helping us to grow. I give a little more detail here because I've been Dain at times. I told y'all my story about why I've been missing from the book world recently. And when my boyfriend got sick and was recovering. I became so on guard and ready to defend and fight (Especially after our awful experience at the hospital and me literally fighting a broken system for him). That I didn't give him the freedom and space to be himself or find his autonomy again when he was healed and able to take care of himself. I had to relearn how to be his partner and not his advocate. And that was a very hard lesson. And did cause stress in our relationship I regret forcing on him. (I've always been the "mom" in my groups... I'm always the one with the thing you need or wiling to go do the thing. My best friend tells me I "teacher" people now instead of "mom" them haha.) So that tendency is already there. I just took it to a much more intense level. And it was a very weird feeling to see myself reflecting in a character in a story like this. I mean I'm definitely not gonna relate to riding a dragon or fighting a griffin haha.

But I really appreciate all of the dynamic personalities and talents Yarros was able to fit into these pages. She gave us so much. And the story never became wordy or drawn out. And so many charters evoked emotions from me. Definitely good and bad ones.

In general the whole story was very much like this. My bookish spidy powers picked up on several plot points and twists. But I was also surprised by a few I brushed off or dismissed. Or flat out didn't see coming. Plus the romance, action, suspense, tension, and fantasy were all done so spectacularly. This was an immersive world and story, and i cannot wait until Iron Flame comes out in a couple months. I'm dying to see what will happen next.

I should add a little about Violet herself I guess too. I liked her. It's not a secret I tend to not relate or enjoy the female characters in these books as much as I like the guys. Sometimes they are just too emotional or have very unbalanced writing. But Violet is an exception to that. She is written well. She has depth, she has facets and personality. She even has times she drives me crazy. But I love her for it. She is fierce and soft but knows what she wants and is willing to work her tail off for it. She definitely has some plot armor going on. But lets be honest, who doesn't? I loved watching her discover herself. This wasn't a coming of age. But it was a coming into ones self. And that was portrayed so well in this book. Plus how can I not love a fellow book nerd? haha

And I almost forgot to mention the mother fluffing DRAGONS!

Again, I won't go into too much. Trying to stay as spoiler free as possible. But the dragons were so cool in this book. Like all of them. The personalities and unpredictability of them is such a cool thing to play with. And you can definitely tell these people are living in the dragons word. Not the other way around. But also, I really like the autonomy they have over what happens to them and how they choose to interact. I love fantasy. But I've never been a dragon fantasy kind of person. Those books typically start falling into that realm of renaissance theming and all that. Or even Game of Thrones type. And I just struggle with those. Not so say that this world isn't reminiscent in ways. But I liked the more contemporary feel this book had, without going too into the "tech" side of contemporary and modern. And still holding an old world feel. (That probably sounds contradictory *sigh) But just know. The dragons are cool. And have just as much personality and depth as any of the other characters in this story.

Also. I just want to add, the last like 4 chapters?????? OMG I am still not sure I've processed them properly. They made me want to cry, the rage, to cheer.... It was a lot of emotions and feelings to cope with as the page numbers kept counting down haha. But worth the torment for!

I give FOURTH WING

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Soul In Darkness By: Wendy Higgins

I cannot tell y'all how excited I am to the chance to read and review this book early. I want to give a huge thank you to Wendy for getting this pretty sent out.
And I highly suggest all of you go out and grab yourselves a copy when it hits shelves February 12, 2019

I know the tear has just started too, but this has been my favorite 2019 has brought so far haha

Wendy is one of those authors for me that I rarely even need to read the book description to know I will be buying her next book. She could put a wrinkled napkin with some writing on it in my hand, and I would probably gush over it haha
I've gotten the chance to meet Wendy a few times now (She was actually the first author I ever went to a book signing for too)

But she is one of the nicest and most adorable people I have met. So don't think my review is bias or anything haha

People travel from afar to the small isle in the Aegean Sea hoping for a single glimpse of Princess Psyche. Their adoration for the mortal woman is so all-consuming that citizens begin to shower her with the very gifts and offerings they once left at the alter of Venus, goddess of love and beauty. 

But gods are known for their jealousy.

Cupid, the god of love, takes pleasure in causing strife and mischief in the lives of humans. He uses love as a weapon, humoring in the weakness of people at the whims of their feelings. When his mother Venus approaches him about punishing the human girl who dares to steal her offerings and affections from the people, Cupid gladly accepts. 

Psyche's punishment is to be given to a mysterious creature who only comes to her in the dark of night under the pact that she will never lay eyes on him. She is terrified of this stranger, who the oracle described as a serpent. Her mate, however, is masterful in his dealings with his bride. He takes his time, morphing her fears into different sensations completely. 

Based on the Roman/Greek mythology of Cupid and Psyche by Lucius Apuleius, New York Times bestseller Wendy Higgins brings the tale to life, weaving layers that show exactly how a sacrificial lamb can be enchanted by an unseen monster.

Awww this book. I always look forward to one of Wendy's stories. She writes the most amazing ones. Especially these re-tellings. Between this now, and the The Great Hunt duet. I cannot wait to see where her awesome head will go on the next retell.

But where to start on this actual book. It's easy to say it's designed wonderfully. Since the basis of it is already laid out so well. But the way Wendy spun it. How she created it into her own story was great. She gave so much more depth and feeling to these ancient characters. And I loved getting swept up in this book. And boy did I.
Less then 2 days pretty much is all it took. And that was having to work and sleep mixed into my reading time haha.

My favorite thing about this book by far was Psyche herself. If you've read the actual tale of her and cupid.... she was a kind hearted beautiful girl. But this version and expansion of her just made it that much better. She was fierce and strong. And so kind and caring. And you couldn't help but want to cheer for her with each accomplishment. And gasp at each challenge. Maybe because she's a mortal in this story. And that mortality shines though and can be relatable. She isn't some crazy mystic being the way any of the immortals are. And she still has those human characteristics that allow us to show sympathy and relate.

Cupid wasn't so bad either haha. I loved his personality, the quick whit and charm he shown. And yet how protective and loyal he could be to those he loved. Plus he's a God of love after all. He has that whole hot and brooding thing going for him too haha.

But also something else I really enjoyed in this book. Was the sense of looking deeper than what you can see. To trust yourself and your instincts. And not let what other tell you, or even your own mind sway you. That even when we have an option of something in out heads, it doesn't make it so.
That idea of blind love. That actions and our feelings are so much more powerful then our opinions.

All in all. I have to say this book just had it all for me. The romance, suspense, cunning, and the flow of just an amazing story.

I cannot wait for this book to be out so everyone can get the chance to read it. It should be one that's at the top of your to buy list ❤

I without a doubt give SOUL IN DARKNESS
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Cruel Prince By: Holly Black

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Y'all ready for my next audio review? Because this has been the book that pulled me- from my slump.

And good news, Book 2 THE WICKED KING comes out today! (1-8-19)

Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.

As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

(Original Review Written Jan 3, 2019)

Oh! My! Goodness!!!

So I have had this book on my to-read list for a while now. My Audible wish list too (since I tend to like these fantasies on audio more most of the time)

And finally had a decent amount of credits built up and this book was on the 2-for-1 credit sale. So of course.... I finally downloaded it haha.

And I'm so glad I did. I'm just sad I have 5 more days until the next one comes out now still haha.

I started this one while on my way home to Florida for New Years. And played it the entire drive there and halfway back. Along with some headphone time between haha. I just didn't want to stop listening. The story itself was so good. And the narrator was amazing. I loved her portrayal of Jude. And her voice was just perfect for the character and story.

Also. The story itself was so detailed and fast paced. I kept just waiting to hear what was going to happen. And this book left me constantly guessing and trying to predict everything that was going to happen.

And then there is Jude and Cardan. And the whole cast of characters to be honest, that made this story so good in my eye.

All of them added so much to it. Offering little tidbits here and there. Showing how their individual personalities played so well together and helped to shape who they became or reacted with one another.

But specifically I want to talk Cardan and Jude. Duh haha.

I know it's become common knowledge I don't usually take well to female characters. And there were definitely things about Jude I disliked through the story. But I really did enjoy her character. She was feisty and strong willed, and just a plain ol' bada** haha.

I loved that even when she was at her most scared she used that to fuel her determination on.And then would comeback twice as strong to any of her adversaries, all the while being quick and cunning.

But the thing I liked the most about her I think,was her determination. She got knocked down so many times. And even when she was scared to death, she just revised her plan, and kept going. She admitted to her fears, and then learned from them.

While also showing that she could sometimes be vulnerable too. That sometimes even the strongest person has regular character flaws, or can be vulnerable to matters of the heart and family.

And I appreciated that in a character.

She didn't always make the right choices either. Sometimes she let her head or heart rule her actions (And these were the moments that just made me want to smack her haha) But I enjoyed that flaw in her, smacking aside.

So often these main characters in these fantasy stories are portrayed as these smart and instant-heroes. They just know what to do and how to do it with no training or guidance. And then there is Jude, who, while has had some of both, is still just a teenage girl. Trying to figure her way in the world. And making decisions that may be good or bad, even at times reckless and hasty. And I really really liked that. That she had flaws, was flawed.

And then we have Cardan... *Sigh*

He's such a complex thing. One that took me a bit to unravel as I listened to this audio actually. I'm usually pretty good at figuring out plot points and charter motives. It's typically my superpower of sorts haha. But this boy had me taking my time trying to fit each piece with the next. Every time I had him pegged down (Or what I thought was having him pegged) Something would change, and I'd be reevaluating my original guess.

And I liked that. I like the plot points or characters that can stump me. It happens so little for me sometimes with how overly-analytically I look at books most of the time.

But I think the thing that constantly tripped me up with Cardan was I could never figure out his motives. He could be cruel and vengeful one moment, and then completely docile and almost kind in others. And I couldn't decide which was the true prince, and which was an act he was putting on.

I liked that he was multidimensional. It added a lotto his part in the story. And why the ending is so gasp worthy I think (Even though I did have that part figured out haha)

I just wish we would have gotten more of him through the story. There would be times the story centered around the drama with him. And then we would get these huge breaks where he would maybe just be there in passing. And I think that caused the reader to lose some of the feelings they needed to build for him. To really be able to sympathize. It probably wasn't until about halfway through that you really start to see the pieces fit, and begin to really understand him and his motives, or lack there of at times too. And I just wish he played a bigger part through more of the book.

And I want to just touch really quick on a couple of the other characters. Like Vivi, Taryn, Locke, even Madoc and Dain.

They add so much to this story. I honestly couldn't believe how well Holly was able to write such complex characters as them in such a small amount of time. It takes so much development to give us characters like them. And each of them played such big parts in this story. And I didn't feel like any of them was underdeveloped or rushed. There was so much behind the scenes things happening with all of them. And none of the plot was ever lost. And I just really want to say how much I appreciated that in the story. It made all the betrayals and shocks that much more powerful when they happened.

And one last thing.... Locke... GAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Ok, I think I'm done haha

This book was just perfect. And I cant wait for book 2 to be out!

I give THE CRUEL PRINCE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

To Kill A Kingdom By: Alexandra Christo

I am so excited to get to share my review with all of you today of TO KILL A KINGDOM.

It has been one of my favorite reads this summer, and any time I get to do a plug for an audio makes it an even better day.

I highly suggest anyone wanting to start this book to go over and grab the audio from somewhere like Audible. It makes the story so much better, and FYI, the narrators on this one are freaking amazing.

Any time I have a high fantasy like this, the best way to read them I've discovered, is to listen to the audio. It just brings so much life to the stories.

But even if you're a traditional book reader. You still need to go pick this baby up. I'm telling you. It will so be worth it. Hit up the closest book store or library as soon as you can! 😉😉😉

Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most—a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever.

The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby—it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good—But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy?

I have been dying for a good fantasy book for so long. and had been holding onto my latest audio credit until I found the perfect one.

And last week I fianlly decided to give this baby a chance, when I knew I wouldn't be able to read for a good week. because I was having Lasik surgery on my eyes.

And let me just tell you. this one drew me on so fast.

And not just because it's a lose version of a retelling of The Little Mermaid or anything like that. (Which I mean, did pull me in when I first read the description when the book first released)

But this story just pulls you in so quickly. Lira and Elian are such well developed and relatable characters. And the narrators for both did such an amazing job bringing them to life. I found myself rooting for them and their family and friends.

And I liked how the romance in this book wasnt forced or happened to quickly. It was such a slow build that made the payoff much more worth it.

Also, there is so much sarcasm and whitty-ness almost between all the characters. they all tease and poke fun. But yet still care and are willing to lay down their lives for each other at the same time. And I loved the dynamics that were built between them all.

I especially loved how well developed and likable most of the main secondary characters were. Like Elian's crew and Lira's cousin. They weren't just bare basics and thrown in there to beef up the story. Each of them offered so much to the book as a whole. And I can really appreciate when an author can do things like that.

Plus... This book is just such a fun and imaginative fantasy story. I truly enjoyed listening and finding put what was going to happen next. And was in awe of the great world building done. I obviously didn't have a map like most hard copies of fantasy books would have. And yet I could still picture perfectly the track the characters made through the story. And all the different kingdoms, and the things that made them unique.

This story was just such a thrilling pull you in kinda story. And even in my groggy and sore state after my surgery I still found myself wanting to pop in my headphones and find out what the next chapter held.

And once I was cleared to drive again mid week. This book has been my constant companion for the driving I do for work. 

I without a shadow of a doubt give TO KILL A KINGDOM

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐