THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE by V. E. Schwab

“‘France, 1714. A desperate woman makes a desperate deal in the dark – a bargain to live forever but be remembered by none.’ So begins the invisible life of Addie LaRue, a shadow muse to artists throughout history, forgotten friend, confidante and love, slipping away with the morning light. Addie passes through lives, desperate to only leave a trace of herself. Until the day she walks back into a small bookshop in Manhattan and meets Henry, who remembers her. After 300 years, Addie’s life is restarting, but the devil never plays fair. As Henry and Addie’s lives start to intertwine, they must face the consequences of the decisions they’ve made and the prices to be paid. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a dazzling adventure across centuries and continents, across history and art, about a young woman learning how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.”

What is the book about?

Born in France in 1714 Addie LaRue is feels stuck in her life in a small village. She wants to see and experience so many things but hasn’t stepped outside the edges of the village in years. She knows that time is running out and that if she doesn’t do something soon she will find herself trapped in the same boring life as all the other girls and will die without having seen anything. So one day she makes a desperate deal with one of the gods that answer after dark – the very god she was warned not to pray to. For the rest of time, until she is done with her soul and has seen all she wants to see, she will be able to wander the world and truly live, but will never be remembered by anyone she meets. A shadow of a girl, but she will learn to leave her mark as a muse to artists and musicians who will never remember her or how their art came to be. However, after 300 years, something terrifying and magical happens… Addie meets a boy who remembers her. Henry hasn’t forgotten anything about her and it feels like fate for them to meet, but the devil doesn’t play fair and soon it’s clear that they didn’t find each other by chance. They each made a deal and now they have to live with the consequences because once that deal is made, there is no going back.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I had had The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue on my bookshelf for probably over a year and would always remember it was there at a time when I couldn't really pick it up and read it, like when I was in the middle of a huge series or had exams coming up. So when I finished the trilogy I was reading before this and glanced at my shelf with no idea what to read next, I spotted this book and decided to finally dive in. I was both excited and concerned to read the book as I have found that most people either love it or hate it and I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy it. However I decided to give it a chance and to read to the end no matter what I thought (which I usually do with most books even if I am hating them as I hate to stop in the middle and leaving books unfinished). I didn't quite know what to expect but the blurb really interested me and made me think initially that it would be a very subtle story (as compared to my usual wild fantasy books) and it would probably make me cry. I am quite happy to say that it was exactly what I expected and, even though it took me a while to start loving the book, once I got to the end I was completely broken and in love. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I am honestly torn between the 2 main characters of the book, Addie and Henry. I loved Addie because of how brave and smart she was. I loved the ending because of how it showed that Addie wasn’t just a naïve girl who made a deal with the devil but that she was much more cunning and intelligent that anyone ever knew. She lived through centuries and struggled through many situations that no one should ever have to live through, yet she continued on and didn’t give up her soul at the first sign of trouble because of how determined she was to not lose to Luc and to see everything there was to see in the world. I also loved Henry because of how easy it was to relate to him and his situation. All he wanted was to just be loved by everyone and to be enough for everyone because he felt like he was never enough and that he would never find someone who would love him as much as he loved them. He may have been a bit stupid in his decision and might have made a terrible deal, but in the moment he was in pain and just wanted some time with the feeling of being loved. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

There were many parts I liked, however there was one that really stood out to me. Addie had lived for hundreds of years and had seen so many places and magical things, however in this specific part of the book Henry takes her to somewhere where she is once again left amazed at the beauty of the world and how much there is to see. I loved this part because I loved the knowledge that there is always more to see and explore and to know that our world still has secrets that someone who has lived for more than 3 lifetimes can be surprised about. It made me want so desperately to travel and finally see more than just the small area that is my life and I know that I want to be just as amazed by it all as Addie. I also loved how Henry wanted so badly to find something that Addie had never seen before and that he took the time to really think and to show her something so magical.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I don’t think this was the best book I have ever read, but I did enjoy reading it and especially loved the ending. One reason I didn’t really love the book as a whole was because I found it so difficult to get into the book at the beginning and until the end it was quite an uneventful story that I’m sure many people would have found boring. I didn’t hate this as I did find that the subtle story was actually quite enjoyable, however I feel like a lot could have been simplified or left out. On the other hand, one reason I really enjoyed the book was the way the book was structured with all the flashbacks. It was a very gradual way of giving us as the readers the information on both Addie and Henry and what happened in their lives to lead them to make a deal with the devil. I love flashbacks because I love to see what characters were like in the past and I think it is one of the best ways of telling your readers about the character’s past experienced and show them how they came to be who they are. One other thing I loved was the ending. It was one of the most heart-breaking ends I have read and it made me want to lose my memory so I could read the book again just to experience the ending and the emotions I felt while reading it. It might not have been the most conclusive ending and I’m sure that plenty of people hated the fact that there wasn’t much in the form of closure and that the characters didn’t exactly get a happy ending (or really an ending at all), however I really enjoyed it and thought that it really fit with the whole story and the aesthetic of it. The whole book was very subtle and open ended so it felt right to have a very open ended ending where it is clear that their story hasn’t really ended at all and a new chapter has actually begun. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I do recommend this book, especially for those who love romance and contemporary novels, however if you are under 14 or don't enjoy books with no action that take a while to really start and that you may class as 'boring' then this may not be the best book for you.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A heart-breaking and mysterious novel full of romance and intrigue. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

DESTROY THE DAY by Brigid Kemmerer

“Prince Corrick is out of options. Held captive by the vicious Oren Crane, he’s desperate to reunite with Tessa, but will need to ally with the rebel leader Lochlan, who until now wished him dead. An island away, Tessa Cade is heartbroken, angry and doesn’t know who to trust. Until Rian – the man she trusts the least – makes her an offer: aid in a plot to finally oust Oren Crane, then see what the future holds. Meanwhile in Kandala, Harristan is dethroned and on the run. He’s struggling to unite the rebels in his fractured kingdom, but he finds support – and maybe more – in unexpected places. As outside threats loom and the fires of revolution burn from within, time is running out to save their kingdom.”

What is the book about?

Corrick, Tessa and Harristan are all separated and each going through a terrifying journey of their own with very few allies that they can trust. After being thrown from the Dawn Chaser, Corrick was rescued by Oren Crane and his crew and is now being held captive. The only way he can get free and find his way back to Tessa is to follow Oren’s orders and do things he wished he would never have to do again. However, Corrick is not fully alone as he finds himself having to work together with Lochlan, the rebel leader who until now would have taken every opportunity to kill him, and soon he finds that maybe his anger was misplaced and he will find a friend in an unlikely place. Tessa is only an island away, grieving and furious at Rian for his lies and everything that happened. She has been living as far as she possibly could from Rian, with only a guard for company. But she needs to get back home to Kandala and Rian may be her only way out of Ostriary so she will do anything to get his help, even if it means risking herself in a plan to finally get rid of Oren Crane for good. Meanwhile Harristan is not doing much better in Kandala. He has been dethroned and anyone who finds him and turns him in has been promised unbelievable riches. He doesn’t know who to trust and it seems that every time he tried to find allies he finds himself in the same position, no better off than he previously was. However, when it counts he finds allies and may finally have a chance against those who are spreading lies against him, but in order to save what means the most to him he may need to make an impossible decision and one that will mean losing everything he had been fighting to keep. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

The ending to the previous book, Defend the Dawn, was a cliff-hanger ending that left me desperate to start Destroy the Day and find out what would happen next. I had conflicting initial thoughts as I had loved the 2 previous books in this trilogy and was quite confident that this book would be just as amazing and I would love it just as much as the others. However, as this was the last book of the trilogy and I hadn't really loved the ending of the other Brigid Kemmerer series I had read (Cursebreakers), I was terrified to start reading and find that the ending would ruin the series that I had been loving since I started reading. I could kind of feel that the ending wouldn't disappoint but I couldn't be sure. The blurb didn’t give me much more than what I already knew from the previous book, but it did peak my curiosity in some areas and made me much more interested to start reading. As I had started reading the book straight after Defend the Dawn, with no break, I found it so simple to get into the book and had read nearly half without even realising. I was addicted from the very start and was impatiently waiting for the ending to come so I could see what would happen and if I would love it. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was probably Corrick because of how he really became the guy that Tessa knew he was. While he was with Oren Crane he was forced to do things that Cruel Corrick wouldn’t have even hesitated about and in the beginning it was clear that he would have done anything to get back to Tessa, even if that mean sacrificing his humanity and the part of himself that never wanted to be Cruel Corrick. He was in a way forced into the role of King’s Justice and, even though he could have explained everything to his brother, he clearly wanted to protect Harristan from the feelings that he felt every time he made a decision that no one, let alone a 15 year old boy should have had to make. It was clear to me that he used this cruel image of himself as a mask and that in reality he was just the boy that was with Tessa in the workshop and who just wanted to help people. This was made even clearer when he chose to find a way out of the things that Oren wanted him to do and he made this decision not only for Tessa, who always saw the best in him, but also for the part of himself that never wanted to be cruel. When he made this decision, I made mine about who my favourite character was and that didn’t change throughout the rest of the book, though there were several other characters that I liked. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was a series of little moments between Tessa and Erik/Rocco. I loved their whole friendship in this final book and the way that they became so much more than just a guard and the girl he needed to protect. I loved how Tessa started to see him as more of an older brother and he saw her as an annoying little sister too. There weren’t really many friendships shown in the series and that was definitely something that I think the other books really needed, however at least in Destroy the Day I got to see a lot more of those friend/sibling dynamics (also with Lochlan and Corrick). There was something so sweet about how they were both looking out for each other, which may have been linked to the fact that they thought they were the only survivors of the party that travelled from Kandala, and the way that they still managed to lighten things up with some friendly teasing just like true siblings would do.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Destroy the Day was perfect and there was basically nothing that I would have changed. One thing I loved about the book was the plot. It honestly kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and having 3 separate points of view from characters that were each going through their own interesting and shocking plot had me so engrossed in the book. There was no one plot line or perspective that I loved more and definitely none that I was desperate to get through. It was all so amazing and I am so sad that it is finished and I won't ever read anything more about these characters. Another thing I absolutely adored was the ending. I had been absolutely terrified that the ending would not be as good as I was expecting and that it would ruin the whole series, however clearly I shouldn't have worried as it was amazing. It made me feel every emotion possible and had me fully crying. I was torn between throwing the book across the room and hugging it and honestly the plot twist had me completely shocked, which is always great (as that is the purpose of it). It was stunning and I can't wait for any other of this author's books. One final thing that I am obsessed about with the whole series is the map and the covers and the perfectly alliterative titles. I am honestly so happy when I see the books on my shelf because of how perfect they look and I will never stop pointing them out when people ask about my books (or even if they don't!). The map was also a perfect addition to the fantasy series and you wouldn't even believe the amount of time I looked at it to figure out where the characters were. Also in this book the map was even better so that was great. The only thing that I think I really missed in this book and in the whole series in general is the magic that is usually present in fantasy series. It would have made the book even better to have that but even without it I was still in love with Kandala and would have happily been transported to that world. 

Which is your favourite book in The Defy the Night series? (1, 2, or 3)

Overall every single book in the Defy the Night trilogy was absolutely amazing and this is definitely a series I will be forcing my friends to read, hoping they will love it as much as I did. Although all 3 books were absolutely stunning in every respect, I think that my favourite book in this series is probably Destroy the Day (the third and final book). This book was very similar to the previous ones and there wasn’t much that really made me consider it as my favourite, but the few things that did really stood out to me. One thing was that because all 3 of the main characters whose perspectives we are given in the book were separated in this final novel so they didn’t have each other to talk with and spent time with. This meant that they each started to form their own separate bonds and relationships which developed the side characters and main characters and the whole story much more. The relationship between Quint and Harristan wouldn’t have happened if Corrick hadn’t left, the friendship between Lochlan and Corrick (surprisingly) would never have formed if Corrick hadn’t fallen off that boat with him and the connections Tessa formed with Erik and Olive never would have been possible if she had been at Corrick’s side the whole trip in Ostriary. The other books didn’t have much off these relationships with side characters and it felt more like the whole book was being carried by these 3 main characters so that is definitely one thing that made Destroy the Day so much more special. Another thing was the fact that this book connected with me so much more and made me truly feel for the characters. I had felt a connection throughout Defy the Night and Defend the Dawn and had definitely been annoyed at the characters and had definitely smiled from time to time and maybe even laughed or felt sad, however nothing like with this final book. I full on cried and full on laughed and felt true feelings with it which definitely made me love it more. A book’s job is to make you as a reader feel something and this book did its job really well. I honestly can’t believe this story is over and if Brigid Kemmerer ever chooses to dive back into Kandala I will not hesitate to dive in with her. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would 10000% recommend Destroy the Day and the whole Defy the Night series. If you love romance, adventure, fantasy and are ready to cry and scream and be shocked by plot twists then this is the perfect book for you (and it's best for over 14s).

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

The perfect, twisty and emotional conclusion to an amazing fantasy trilogy.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

DEFEND THE DAWN by Brigid Kemmerer

“Revolution is simmering in the kingdom of Kandala. With sickness on the rise and supplies of the precious Moonflower cure running low, King Harristan and Prince Corrick must fight to maintain control. Tessa Cade has gone from masked outlaw to palace adviser – and she’s more determined than ever to help her people. When an emissary from the neighbouring kingdom of Ostriary arrives with an intriguing offer, Tessa must embark on an uncertain journey with Prince Corrick. The voyage could be their only chance to save the kingdom – but it will hold untold danger for Tessa as she navigates perilous waters…and confronts her feelings for Corrick. No one is who they seem to be, and the consequences will be deadly.”

What is the book about?

After stopping a near revolution, Kandala is in a precarious situation. Now the supply of Moonflower is running low and King Harristan and Price Corrick don’t know how long they can keep control and keep things calm in their kingdom. With Tessa’s knowledge on the correct doses of Moonflower, they have a chance of being able to help more people, which is the thing Tessa has always wanted to do, when she was an outlaw and now that she is the king’s adviser and apothecary. However, it is impossible to keep everyone happy and giving Moonflower to the rebels to keep the kingdom safe means making the consuls angry and risking a rebellion from the inside. When an emissary arrives from the neighbouring kingdom of Ostriary, claiming that the King of Ostriary is willing to start trade negotiations, the goods that he is willing to trade make it an intriguing offer and one Kandala cannot turn down. The only way to keep the citizens of Kandala safe is to board the ship with the emissary and come back with supplies, but that means that Corrick and Tessa must embark on a new adventure and leave behind Harristan to keep control of the kingdom on his own. The voyage will be dangerous, not just physically but also emotionally as Tessa navigates both the waters and her feelings for Corrick. Everything seems too good to be true and soon it is clear that not everyone is who they say and the journey will be much more dangerous than they ever thought. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

After finishing Defy the Night I was very intrigued to continue the story and find out what would happen next for Tessa and the royals. It was clear they just barely escaped a revolution, which would have ended with more deaths on both sides of the fight, and if they didn’t keep things under control, next time they wouldn’t be so lucky. My initial thoughts on Defend the Dawn were pretty clear and confident as I had finished the previous book and had been shocked at how much I loved it so I knew that this book was going to be just as good. I was also hoping for more twists and hoping that I wouldn’t see them coming like I had with Defy the Night. Once I started reading I was even surer that I would love the book as I so easily found myself back in the kingdom of Kandala, fully engrossed in a world that wasn’t even real. I finished the book in literally 2 sittings and was soon regretting my decision to read quickly as I was having to move on to the last book and would soon never hear more from the characters I had grown attached to. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

In this book, although I still really loved Corrick, I did find him a bit more annoying. He got so annoyed at Tessa for still seeing his as the boy she had first met and not accepting him as Corrick (which I did understand) and he didn’t even consider than this was just as difficult for her as for him. Because of this I think my favourite character in this book would probably have to be Tessa or even Harristan. I loved how hopeful Tessa was and how she didn’t automatically assume the worst about everyone like Corrick did. Although everyone saw this as Tessa being naïve I saw it more as her not giving up and believing that not everyone is horrible. She had been through so much suffering and still had room for hope and I loved this about her because she was definitely not as cynical as some of the other main characters I have met. Harristan was very similar to Tessa in this way as he also had a lot of hope and cared for his people so much. All he wanted to do was help them, which was made clear at the beginning of the book (another plot twist that I did see coming as well). He believed the best of his people, even when they had staged a revolution that killed many of the people in the Royal Sector in the previous book and he was ready to help lead them as a true king would do, rather than sit and hide and wait for Corrick to come back. I can’t wait to see more of him in the next book and I really hope that neither he nor Tessa lose that hope and light that they have in them, and that Corrick rediscovers his. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part was very clear to me when it came up and I didn’t even need to finish the book to know that no part that would come after was going to be superior to this part. This part was near the end of the book when my favourite and pretty much the only couple in the book finally made up. I had had enough of the drama between them to be honest and was prepared to throw the book across the room if there was one more miscommunication or lack of communication. In Defy the Night there had already been enough drama between them with how much they switched between friends to lovers to enemies to lovers and all I wanted was for things to be perfect between them as I knew they deserved and also I deserved. When finally this all happened near the end of the book the relief and happiness on my face was clear and I knew nothing would beat the emotions that I had felt reading this part. Then the ending came and all of the progress that the couple had made was made futile, but at least I had a moment of happiness and eventually it will have a purpose in the third and final book. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall I really loved Defend the Dawn and am so ready to find out the ending, though also absolutely terrified that Brigid Kemmerer will ruin it like she kind of did with the Cursebreaker series. One thing I really loved about the book was the plot. After reading the first book and seeing how action packed it was I was honestly unsure what could possible happen in this book as Defy the Night had had everything, from revolution to romance. However, when I started to read and realised there would be a whole new adventure, I was even more excited. Now that I think about it nothing much really happened on the boat, however the amount of secrets and tension made it feel like an eventful time (which it certainly was near the end of the book). It also made the book even better to have Harristan’s point of view so we could see what was happening in Kandala while the others were gone and these parts definitely added to the action and tension. Another thing I really enjoyed was the cliff-hanger ending and how much the author toyed with my emotions in these final chapters. I honestly was about to cry and throw the book across the room and then had the shock of realising that it was all just a manipulation and everything was kind of fine. The cliff-hanger had me on the edge of my seat, reaching for the final book, Destroy the Day, before I had even read the last sentence of Defend the Dawn. I am so desperate to find out the ending and have so much hope for this series. One other thing that really surprised me is that this book is written in the first person and it didn’t annoy me in the least. I honestly never thought that at this age I would find a book written in the first person that I would love from the first second I started reading, however when I started Defy the Night I wasn’t annoyed at all and didn’t find it any harder to get into the book. If I’m completely honest because of how much I have been enjoying it I thought for a moment it was written in the third person, but obviously not. Finally, my favourite thing about these books is the absolutely gorgeous covers (honestly they are so amazing) and the way that the 3 books match so perfectly with their alliterative titles. It satisfies my inner perfectionist so much and every time I look at the spines on my shelf I just want to scream at how perfect and gorgeous they are. 

Which book did you like better, the first or the second?

Overall I loved both the books and found that after the amazing Defy the Night, Defend the Dawn definitely met my expectations, however I think the first book (Defy the Night) is definitely my favourite. There aren’t really many differences between the books and not much helped me make my decision, however there was one very small thing that I enjoyed more in the first book than in the second. This is the romance between Tessa and Corrick. I loved the way that both the characters were struggling so much in Defy the Night and that they were shifting between friends to lovers to enemies and then back to lovers. It was so tense and I loved it. It was clear that Tessa was struggling to see Corrick as the boy she had started to fall for and that Corrick was also struggling as he had never opened up to anyone before. Even though it did annoy me that they didn’t just get together quicker, I understood their doubts. However, in Defend the Dawn there were a lot of the same issues when I thought that it had been resolved already at the end of Defy the Night. There was also a lot of miscommunication and lack of communication which I hated. I was definitely very relieved when finally everything was resolved and I just hope that in the final book I don’t have to go through any more issues with the romance because I really just want a happy ending. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend this book and think you should absolutely read it (after Defy the Night of course). It is a great book for those over 14 who enjoy romance, fantasy, retellings and adventure. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A twisty, mind-blowing book whose ending will leave you desperate for the next book. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

DEFY THE NIGHT by Brigid Kemmerer

“In a kingdom where sickness stalks the streets and only the richest can afford a cure, King Harristan and his brother Prince Corrick are forced to rule with an iron fist. Tessa Vade is a masked outlaw marked for death, but she likes it that way. Together with the mysterious, handsome Weston, she robs from the rich to help the poor, distributing medicine to those who need it most. As it becomes clear that the only way to save her people is to assassinate the King, Tessa faces a deadly mission that will take her to the dark heart of the kingdom…and force her to work with the very people she intended to destroy.”

What is the book about?

The kingdom of Kandala a mysterious sickness plagues everyone and with no idea how the disease spreads or where it came from, everyone is panicked. The only known cure for this sickness are Moonflower petals that only grow in 2 of the sectors of the kingdom and they are hard to come by for the poor as they are incredibly expensive so only those with the means can survive the sickness. As a result, smugglers and outlaws now try to steal the petals, either for themselves or to help others and King Harristan and Price Corrick are forced to rule with an iron fist to try to keep their country from destroying itself. Tessa and Wes are 2 of the outlaws, risking their lives to steal Moonflower petals from the rich who have too much and distributing them among the poor who would otherwise already have succumbed to the disease. When Tessa realises that her attempts to save people have been pointless and the only real way to change things is to assassinate the King, she heads off on a mission that will likely be her last. But soon she realises that everything is not as simple as it initially seemed and that now she may have to work with the very people she set out to destroy or she will never be able to save the people of Kandala.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I had really enjoyed another of Brigid Kemmerer’s trilogies (Cursebreakers) and when I found out that she was writing another one I knew I had to have it. I didn’t know what to expect exactly as I had completely forgotten everything about the other books of hers, however I knew that I had really enjoyed them so one thing that I was quite confident about before going into this series was that I was going to love it. Once I had purchased all the books of the series (as I hate not having the complete series and having to wait before jumping in to the next book) it didn’t take long for me to start staring at the series, longing to read the gorgeous books. If I’m completely honest I didn’t even read the blurb before buying these books and just put my faith in the author, however before I started reading it I did give it a glance and it made me even more confident in my initial thoughts as it looked like just the kind of story I would love. When I started reading, I initially did have a few chapters where I had no idea what was going on and wasn’t quite in the world yet (which happens with every fantasy book to be honest). However soon I was completely engrossed in the book and coming up with wacky theories and just longing to see how it would end. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was definitely Wes, though I also loved Tessa and think she is definitely a great, strong and determined female main character. Wes was just so sweet and the fact that all he wanted to do was help people literally broke my heart. The poor guy spent the last few years being hated by everyone because of the things he had done and the only reason he did them was because he didn’t want someone he loved to have to suffer through making those decisions and doing those things. He never wanted to do them, though, and everyone thought that that was just who he was when in reality he was just a boy who was trying to keep others from being hurt. The scene in the Hold literally broke me and all I wanted to do was give him a hug and tell him that it wasn’t his fault and that no matter what he did I would still be there for him. He uses this cruel version of himself as a mask and deep down he is just Wes and all I want is for him to take off the mask and be the sweet guy I know he is. The way he would make Tessa smile, and he would joke around, and he would bring her food in the beginning of the book made me smile and I just want to see more of this side of him. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was probably the scene near the end of the book (pretty much right before everything started to go downhill for the characters – not that it was going amazing well before that) when Tessa and Wes are in their little workshop and finally have a moment to just be their cute little selves. The slow burn friends to lovers to enemies to lovers of this book literally had me on the edge of my seat and I needed a scene where they did something more than just stare at each other and this scene definitely gave me that. When they were interrupted I almost threw the book across the room and honestly am surprised I didn’t. It was such a cutesy scene and I really want more of these so please don’t let the author complicate their relationship any further, these guys have already suffered enough.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall I really loved Defy the Night and I am so ready to read the next book and have this be one of my favourite series. One thing that I loved about the book was the amount of tropes and clichés and stereotypical Young Adult and Fantasy things there were in this book. To a lot of people I’m sure this would have been annoying but to me it was so comforting to read a story that had so many things that I have seen in so many other books. I mean it literally has a teenage girl who has no powers and is a nobody having to try to save the world and a morally grey male she is falling for and hundreds of other elements that are so common for this kind of genre, however that’s why I loved it, because it was like all the other books that I loved. Another thing that I really enjoyed was the Robin Hood element and the fact that it is kind of a retelling but is nothing like the original story and just has similar vibes. It was a lot like that with her other books that I read and I loved it. I haven’t read any books with a Robin Hood retelling before so it definitely gave the book some originality. One other thing that I loved was the sort of plot twist there was. I cannot say anything or else I will spoil it but it definitely gave the book something that most other books don’t have as it wasn’t fully predictable. However, and I am not joking, I was actually able to figure out the truth after the second chapter. Initially it was just a joke and I was just like ‘oh I bet that…’ but when it came true I was honestly shocked at my wizarding skills and I think I have just read far too many YA Fantasy novels but I do not care because it is hands down the best genre. One last slight thing I feel the need to mention is how stunning the covers of this book series are. I am pretty sure I said this about all the covers of the Cursebreaker series but oh my goodness does Brigid Kemmerer know how to pick a gorgeous cover that will have readers squealing. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would absolutely recommend Defy the Night and think it is an amazing fantasy, romance novel. It is perfect for people over 14 who enjoy this genre and I am pretty confident this series is going to be a fast favourite of mine and many others. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An original, action-packed fantasy novel that you will not be able to put down.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE REAPPEARANCE OF RACHEL PRICE by Holly Jackson

“18-year-old Bel has lived her whole life in the shadow of her mom’s mysterious disappearance. Sixteen years ago, Rachel Price vanished and young Bel was the only witness. Rachel is gone, presumed dead. The case is dragged up from the past when the Price family agrees to a true crime documentary. Bel can’t wait for filming to end, for her life to go back to normal. But them Rachel Price reappears, and life will never be normal again… Lights. Camera. Lies.”

What is the book about?

16 years ago, when Bel Price was barely 2 years old, her mother, Rachel, disappeared. One minute the two of them were walking around the mall together and the next Bel was found alone in the car on the side of the road, the door closed and no sign of Rachel, other than a few of her belongings. The sudden disappearance has haunted the Price family for years, especially the first year when Bel’s father was the police’s prime suspect. Rachel is presumed dead; however they never found any clues as to where she went or what happened to her. For the past few years Bel has been able to pretend that nothing was wrong and that there was never a time when it wasn’t just her and her dad, but now that her dad has agreed to a true crime documentary on Rachel’s disappearance, everything is resurfacing. Bel doesn’t want anything to do with the documentary but she made a promise to her dad and is not about to go back on it. All she wants is for the documentary to be finished, the camera crew to go back to where they came from and her life to go back to normal, with Rachel no longer the topic of everyone’s conversations. However, when Rachel suddenly reappears in the middle of the street, back from the dead and looking just like she did 16 years ago, Bel realises her life will never go back to normal again. Especially as she doesn’t believe a word coming out of Rachel’s mouth and in order to find out the truth she will have to uncover all the deadly secrets her family have kept hidden since that fateful day her mother disappeared…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

The second that I saw that Holly Jackson was writing another book I added The Reappearance of Rachel Price to my Amazon basket, before it even had a front cover. I have absolutely loved every book that Holly Jackson has written and have always been surprised by the plot twists and the secrets that come out so I knew, before I had even looked at the blurb or bought the book, that I was going to love this book just as much. I didn’t know exactly what to expect because the stories are always so shocking, keeping me on the edge of my seat and making me sacrifice all sleep just to be able to uncover the truth, however I knew that it was going to be amazing. When the book finally came out and I bought it I was so excited to start reading, however I wanted to wait for the perfect opportunity to read the book, when I could give it my full attention and do nothing but read the whole day (as I had done when I read Five Survive in one sitting). When I finally read the blurb it excited me even more and within seconds I was started the book anxious to find out what shocking things would happen. Initially I found it a bit hard to get into the book, possibly because I had been reading fantasy books all summer and a mystery was definitely a big jump. However it didn’t take long for me to fully get into it and soon I was flying through.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I don’t really have a favourite character in this book and I really don’t want to have to decide so I just won’t. It isn’t because I liked so many characters that I can’t decide because there were only a few characters that I actually liked because in the end the majority of the main characters were keeping terrible secrets. If I really had to choose I would probably choose one of the side characters (like the ones part of the camera crew) who seemed to be quite sweet, especially Ash who was the only one who really believed Bel and who saw through the wall she built up and how she tried to push people away before they could leave her. I did like Bel but I found her to be a bit annoying at times, and the same thing happened with a few of the other characters. All the characters had their strengths but they also had some weaknesses that deterred me from picking a favourite character.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part was probably near the end when all the secrets came flooding out and suddenly everything made sense. I love this part in most mystery books because I get to finally have the answers to the multitude of questions that have been plaguing me throughout the whole book and I usually get to see if parts of my theory are correct, which always makes me feel like such a wizard when I get something right. Although I wasn’t able to see any of the things in this book before we were told, I still really enjoyed this part of the book because of how it made me feel. The tension and the suspense had me clinging to the book at 1 am desperate to get answers before my eyes stopped working. I was on the edge of my seat for this whole part and the surprise that I got when I found out the truth is the thing that makes me love mystery novels. Since I was little, this has been one of my favourite genres and I am glad to see that I still love them just as much and can still be shocked. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and am just waiting for the next Holly Jackson book to come out so I can buy it and hopefully once again fall in love with one of her books. One thing that I really enjoyed about the book was how the mystery of Rachel’s disappearance and reappearance was being sort of solved by a teenage girl. This was one of the things I also loved in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and I loved seeing it here. The reason I enjoyed it is because in this book in particular it was quite realistic because the further Bel dug the more confused she became and the more she realised she was getting nowhere. It was mainly because she had a theory that she didn’t want to give up and because if she admitted something it would mean losing someone who had never left like her mum. It was so realistic because what teen is going to be able to uncover the truth supper easily when the police couldn’t and it also made the book so much more interesting because there were so many clues but none really started to fit together until the end. Although I really enjoyed the book, I do feel like at the beginning it felt a bit slow and uneventful. I found it a little hard to love it in those first few chapters and at first I was disappointed. Later on it started to pick up and I realise now that I was just impatient, however I do think The Reappearance of Rachel Price is my least favourite of Holly Jackson’s books (though for a least favourite I still really enjoyed it).

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend reading this book and I think it is perfect for readers who love mystery, suspense and secrets. It is best for over 13 and fans of Holly Jackson will definitely love it, though I think her other books are definitely better (so read those too). 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An unputdownable, compelling mystery that will leave you shocked for days. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

END OF DAYS by Susan Ee

“‘After a daring escape from the angels, Penryn and Raffe are on the run.’ They’re both desperate to find a doctor who can reverse the twisted changes inflicted by the angels on Raffe and on Penryn’s sister. As they set off in search of answers, a startling revelation about Raffe’s past unleashes dark forces that threaten them all. When the angels release an apocalyptic nightmare onto humans, both sides are set on a path toward war. As unlikely alliances form and strategies shift, who will emerge victorious? Forced to pick sides in the fight for control of the earthly realm, Raffe and Penryn must choose: their kind, or each other?”

What is the book about?

Penryn and Raffe escaped the angels after almost not making it out alive and Penryn has managed to find her sister, now getting close to being able to get her family together and find them a safe place to be. Raffe has once again gotten his wings back, but finds himself in the same position as he was when he first met Penryn, trying to find a doctor to put his wings back on him before time runs out. Penryn also needs a doctor for her little sister Paige or else she may starve to death or become a true monster. As they set off in search of a doctor, Penryn learns new things about Raffe’s past and meet creatures that should have just stayed in the past. Meanwhile, things are getting worse with the angels as they fight over who becomes the new Messenger and Raffe needs to get back soon before the title goes to the most undeserving archangel. Things are just getting worse as more apocalyptic creatures appear and it is clear that the end is near and an all-out war is going to begin. It is clear the fight will be between their two species, so Penryn and Raffe will have to choose: their own kind, or each other…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I am not joking when I say that I immediately grabbed this book when I finished the last page of World After and just started to read it without hesitation. I was so intrigued to find out more and I needed to see how the book would end, although I did like how calm the ending was and how the characters got a little moment of peace. I didn’t really think too much on my initial thoughts on the book as mainly I was just desperate to read on and flowed straight into it, however I was sure that I was going to like it (if it ended happily) and that it was going to be an epic read. When I started I was initially worried that I would have a slight delay in getting really into the book as I had had with the other books; however I didn’t get stuck at the beginning. This book was much easier to read from the very start and I jumped right in as the book perfectly flowed from the previous one and it was like I never even left their world. I loved it from the very start and now I am just sad that it had to end.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was probably Penryn again and there was one main scene that made this decision clear to me. Penryn finally had what she had been fighting for throughout the whole trilogy: her family back together on their way to safety. She had wanted that for so long and could have just kept going and kept that perfect moment and been safe for the rest of time because she knew that soon everything would end and she trusted Raffe to do the right thing. However then she was presented with a choice: keep running with her family or save the people of the Resistance. She could have kept going, she should have kept going, but Penryn was a stupid and brave and heroic girl and her choice was clear the moment she was presented with it. She came such a long way from the girl who would let the whole world burn for her sister to the girl who was willing to risk her own life for others. She had lost all hope in humanity, thinking no one was willing to help each other, that it was everyone for themselves, but she was the one who restored that faith for others. She made her decision because she was a hero and because she trusted Raffe and knew that he would never hurt her or anyone else. She was the perfect hero, the one the world needed and she proved it in this moment and all the ones that came after.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

I loved so many parts of the book and there are so many scenes I will never forget, however there are a couple that stood out much more to me. It’s really hard to explain without spoiling anything so my wording might be a bit cryptic and confusing if you haven’t read the book, but I’d rather do it like this than spoil the book. My favourite parts occurred when Penryn and Raffe went to try to find some people to help them, some people that Raffe had known in the past and who he thought he could save and that then they could save him and Penryn. The reason I loved this is because they saw what was so obvious between the two of them that both of them (especially Raffe) were trying to ignore and push down because they both knew that it could never be and that it would never last. It was so funny to see how they asked Raffe so many questions about her and when he answered one thing they knew that he meant something else. When he got so pissed at them for showing an interest in his girl (though he had just said she wasn’t his) I nearly died. And then later when it was just the two of them flying around they took the time to pretend that just for a while their romance wasn’t forbidden and that for a while they could just be 2 people who wanted each other. That part was just perfect and I will never forget it. I loved this whole experience and I just wish I coul read it again for the first time.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed reading End of Days and thought it was the perfect ending for this trilogy, however there were a couple things I wish had been done differently. One thing I really loved about the book was the romance which took a real turn in this book. In both the previous books all I wanted and the one thing I was waiting for was a true romance. The tension between the couple was clear and the teasing and banter was absolutely perfect but I desperately wanted more. I didn’t get any of that in World After and that really annoyed me, however I finally got my wish in this last book. One specific scene near the beginning of the book nearly killed me and then later on there were so many moments were I was just dying from joy. There were also many moments where I was so annoyed and wanted to slap some sense into the characters, however overall the whole romance was enough to destroy me. Another thing I really loved about the book was the plot. After reading the first 2 books I was honestly confused at how all this would end and what could really happen in this book. The main thing in the series was Penryn trying to find her sister and get her family to safety and Raffe trying to get his wings back so he could go back to the angels and now that they both had what they wanted (or were about to get it) I was so unclear on what would happen but what did happen was absolutely perfect. The twists and turn, the new characters and the stuff about the past were things I could never have predicted. The final thing that I loved but also had a few conflicting feelings about was the ending. I loved the ending because of what it meant for Penryn and Raffe and how it showed how far they both came, especially Raffe who gave up what meant most to him in the world for Penryn because he finally realised that the most important thing was her. I got what I wanted after so long and it was absolutely perfect, however I wanted more so badly. The build up to the final scene was absolutely incredible and I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the entire time waiting for the ending that I wished for but also dreading it wouldn’t end like I wanted. However, I think that the author could have spent a bit more time on the actual ending scene because it felt a little rushed and anticlimactic. I got the ending that I wanted but I wasn’t willing to accept that the book was finished when I reached the ending and that I would never know anything else about the characters I grew to love. I needed more closure (which I later got by making a board on Pinterest) and I just wish that the book could have been a little longer.  

Which is your favourite book in the Penryn & the End of Days series? (1, 2, or 3)

I enjoyed all three of the books in this series and found that I loved them practically equally, however I would probably say that End of Days (the third and final book) was my favourite one. Although the ending left much to be desired and I didn’t feel like the series was fully complete when I finished, as if there was something missing, I still found that I preferred it to the other 2 books. It had everything I had loved throughout the series, like the ridiculously short chapters that made me feel like I was flying through the book and it was a floppy paperback which I love (if you know, you know). It also had the perfect banter between Penryn and Raffe that I lived for and had seriously missed in World After. However this book also had so much more, things that I hadn’t had in the other books and that I had been wanting for so long. One main thing was the romance which honestly developed so much and made me want to just squeal and hug the book. So many scenes will live in my mind rent free for the rest of my life and this couple will forever be one of my favourites. Another thing was also how many new things popped up in this final book and how it didn’t make it feel at all like it was rushed or everything was being fit into a very small book. The plot felt so much more action packed than the previous books and I just loved it. This whole trilogy has been amazing and I know that I will never not recommend it.

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend this book and this whole trilogy. It was absolutely amazing and it is the perfect read for those who love romance (though it is slow burn) and adventure and lots of shocking and crazy moments.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

The epic conclusion to a fantastic fantasy and romance series that will leave you thinking about it for days.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

WORLD AFTER by Susan Ee

“‘The survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what’s left of the modern world.’ When a group of people capture Penryn’s sister Paige, thinking she’s a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. As Penryn searches the streets of San Francisco looking for her, she’s drawn into the heart of the angels’ secret plans, where she learns the horrifying extent to which they a willing to go. Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can’t re-join the angels, but when faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?”

What is the book about?

Penryn managed to find her sister after searching for so long with Raffe, but now she isn’t sure if that was the best idea as her sister isn’t who she was before. Whatever the angels did to her while they had her captive has left her a shell of her former self and many see her as a monster. Penryn feels kind of safe now, in the Resistance headquarters with her family, but she misses Raffe and she knows the feeling of safety won’t last, especially when it is made clear that her family doesn’t really belong there. When a group of Resistance people capture Paige, Penryn’s sister, thinking she is a monster, the situation ends in a massacre and Penryn loses Paige again. Penryn must now once again hit the streets of San Francisco to look for her, but this time with different company. As she tries to find her, she finds herself once again in the middle of the angels and discovers the angels’ secret plans for Earth and how far they are willing to go to see them completed. Meanwhile, Raffe is searching for his wings, his only hope of ever being able to go back home and being accepted by his friends. If he doesn’t get them back he won’t ever be able to re-join the angels, but when he has to choose between his wings and Penryn, which will mean more to him?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Angelfall ended in such an emotional and stressful cliff-hanger that had me reaching for World After instantly, desperate to find out what would happen now that Penryn and Raffe were separated. My initial thoughts on the book were pretty similar to the thoughts I had for the first book, though now that I had already read one of the books I was definitely more confident about my expectations. I was pretty confident that I would enjoy the book and that it would be really good, even though I was prepared to have a rather rough start to the book, like I had had with Angelfall. I knew that once I got through a few chapters I would fully fall in love with the book and there would be no going back. I honestly finished the book in 2 sittings because once I started to read it was like everything started to flow and sitting to read a few chapter would turn into reading half the book. In the beginning I did kind of feel a little weird, however it definitely took less time to get used to the book than with Angelfall and I was soon reaching the end reaching for the final book to complete the series. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I think in this book my favourite character was also Penryn because of how brave (though some will see it as stupidity) she is. There is one particular part in this book where it was clear to me that Penryn was one of the bravest and kindest humans I have ever met and it was definitely the part where I knew that she was my favourite. At this part of the book Penryn has the opportunity to run in the opposite direction of the danger and to protect her family in the process, however if she does run she will leave behind many innocent strangers to suffer and probably die at the hands of angels and the creatures they created. Anyone else would have immediately run away and wouldn’t have even considered helping others as most humans I know are all about themselves and aren’t willing to sacrifice their lives for other people, especially strangers. However, Penryn is not one of those people and seeing her risk everything to help a few more people made me admire her so much and definitely made me believe a little that there are good people in the world (even if she is just a fictional character).

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

I loved so many parts of the book, however there is no argument over the fact that my favourite part was definitely when Penryn and Raffe were reunited. I spent the whole book just wishing that they would find their way back to each other and at several points they were so close to it that I wanted to just scream so when it finally happened I was just over the moon. It was just such a sweet part of the book, especially the way that Raffe was so conflicted about whether it was really her or not and to see the poor guy struggle with all the feelings that he had in that moment was just so cute (he literally nearly ruined everything for himself because he was frozen in place!). Then I loved how easily they got back to their old relationship and their loving banter and it just made me feel so happy. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I thought that World After was an amazing book and I can’t wait to read the final book. One thing I loved about the book, and have loved about the previous book too, was the short chapters. These chapters were so absolutely perfect and made the book literally fly by. I always find that books with short chapters are so much quicker and easier to read and this book definitely made me feel that way. In like 10 minutes I had already read 5 chapters and it felt amazing to make so much progress with the book and definitely made me more likely to keep reading. Another thing I loved was the ending because of how it was kind of happy but also had a cliff-hanger. I really loved the way that Penryn described how, even if it was just for a moment, in that moment right at the end she felt safe and it just made me so happy to see the characters so calm and happy, even if I knew it wouldn’t last long as the next book would mess that all up. The cliff-hanger part of it was also great as it made me so excited to read the final book and definitely made the flow from this book to the third book much easier. However, although the book was amazing and I really enjoyed it, there were a few things I didn’t like about the book. One thing was the fact that it was written in the first person. I definitely got a bit more used to it especially after reading the whole of Angelfall in the first person, but it still felt so weird and I definitely would have preferred it to be in the third person. Another thing was that for the majority of the book my favourite couple had to be separated. It really annoyed me that I couldn’t have more of the amazing moments with the banter and any of the sweet moments between them when it was clear that they were fighting their feelings for each other. That is something I definitely would have liked to see more of and hope I will see more of in the final book.

Which book did you like better, the first or the second?

I loved both Angelfall and World After and definitely have high hopes for the final book because of this; however I would probably say that I preferred the first book (Angelfall) to the second book. There wasn’t really many reasons for my decision as both books were very similar with the same short chapters and first person narrative, however there was one very big difference between the 2 books which made my decision for me. The reason I preferred Angelfall was because Penryn and Raffe were together for basically the whole book when, in World After, the couple were together for a very short amount of time at the end. This meant that the second book in the trilogy didn’t have the banter between them that made me squeal and was just so entertaining and also it didn’t have any of the cute scenes where it was clear that they both felt something for each other. That is literally the only reason I would say Angelfall was my favourite as the writing and plot and everything else was so perfect in both books, however it is a big thing that I definitely noticed while reading. Now I just can’t wait to see what happens in End of Days and I hope to see so much more of Penryn and Raffe together.

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend reading this book (after Angelfall) and I think it is the perfect read for those (over 15) who enjoy fantasy, dystopian fiction and adventure, with a great sprinkle of romance.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An addictive and perfect sequel full of mystery, romance and adventure.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

ANGELFALL by Susan Ee

“It has been six weeks since the angels of the apocalypse destroyed the world as we know it. Only pockets of humanity remain. Savage street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When they fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back. Including making a deal with the enemy.”

What is the book about?

Six weeks ago, with no warning and no idea as to why, angels came down and destroyed the world. Now, only pockets of humanity remain as people struggle to survive. Nothing we were used to rely on works anymore, anything electrical and phones has stopped working, leaving most people helpless with no idea how to survive. Money holds no value and most people have had to turn to inhumane methods in order to protect their families. During the day people live in fear from the street gangs that rule the streets and keep control of everything, robbing the regular people of anything to eat or to help them survive. Once the sun sets a different fear rules – a fear of the supernatural, of the angels of the apocalypse. Penryn is the one in charge of protecting her little family: her mentally unstable mother and her disabled sister. All she wants is to keep them safe, but when she finally decides it’s time for them to leave their apartment and find somewhere safer, everything goes wrong. They encounter some angels who take her helpless little sister and now Penryn will do anything to get her back, including making a deal with the enemy, who may be the only one with the knowledge she needs to find her sister. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I first bought Angelfall and the other books in this trilogy a few years ago and didn’t even know anything about the books at the time. If I’m completely honest I only purchased the books because I needed to get a giant book purchase up to £40 for free delivery and the books were on the ‘similar to books in your basket’ section. I didn’t even read the blurb and just decided it would be interesting to read and then proceeded to completely forget about their existence, as I do with most of my books (I have an extreme addiction!). However, a few months ago my friend was telling me about a few books she was keen to read and she mentioned Angelfall and something clicked in my brain and I remembered owning the series. Then I made the decision to pick up the book and have a look at the blurb and at a few reviews and I became very intrigued and excited to read the books, so I moved them to the top of my to-read list. It seemed like my kind of book as it had a few of the elements I always love. I was so interested to start reading and so confident, especially after my friend said she wanted to try them too. However, at the beginning when I started to read I was a bit disappointed. For some reason I found the book a bit hard to get into at the start, but soon it started to lighten up and my initial thoughts about it were soon confirmed. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I think my favourite character was probably Penryn because she was such a realistic human. When she lost her sister and needed to get help from her enemy, she initially was prepared to use rather inhumane methods to get it. She didn’t try to hide what her desperation was turning her into and she made it clear that her sister was her priority and she didn’t care how she got to her. It was so realistic because I know, even though we would want to say that this wouldn’t happen to us, if it had happened to anyone of us we would have been prepared to sacrifice all our morals to get back someone we loved. It was also so clear that most of the time Penryn had no idea what she was doing and was just hoping that things would work out. And obviously she didn’t know what she was doing because she was just a teenager who 6 weeks ago had been going shopping with friends and relied on her phone for everything. Penryn was a very flawed main character, however that’s what made her a great main character and her loyalty to people made her a main character that I definitely admired. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part was definitely at the end of the book when it was clear that wat Raffe had said to Penryn earlier wasn’t the slightest bit true. Even though I already was pretty confident that what he had said wasn’t true before it even got to this part, the reassurance was definitely nice and made me much more excited to continue with the story. It was such an emotional and very annoying part because of what Raffe believed in that moment and how I was the only one who knew that it wasn’t true. I just wanted to scream at him but just had to sit there watching as the two characters got separated and watch as Raffe believed they would never see each other again. But I also loved this part because it made it clear that the romance I so wanted to happen was definitely going to happen, even though both characters clearly wanted to deny any feelings they had for each other.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall I really enjoyed Angelfall and now I can’t wait to read the second book in the trilogy and continue with the adventure. One thing that I really enjoyed about the story was how it was so different and yet so similar to some of the books that I have read and enjoyed. It had the same vibes as the dystopian fiction/fantasy books I have read, where the world is ending and it seems like it is up to a teenager to figure out how to fix everything. However it was also different as Penryn only wanted to save her sister and get back to her family and had no intention of saving the world, even though I’m pretty confident that is how the series is going to end. Another thing I loved about the book was the romance. Although there wasn’t really any romance, it was so clear where it was going between the characters as it was so predictable and I loved it. The enemies to lovers that I know is coming is one of the biggest reasons I am continuing the series and I have high hopes for it so it better meet my expectations. Although I did really enjoy the book, there were a few things that I didn’t love. One thing was that the book was written in the first person. After reading so many books in the third person I think now I’m just so used to it that anything else feels weird. Also I definitely prefer it when the book is written in the third person as I get to watch over all the characters and see more than I would if it were in the first person. However, after a while I got used to it and didn’t hate it any more. The second thing was that it took me a little while to get into the book and I found it hard to read in the beginning. I think that this may have been because of the first person writing but it might have also been because I found it a bit confusing in the beginning as I didn’t really know what was happening or why. Gradually I got into it and I started to get answers to my questions, however in the beginning I found the book a bit disappointing. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would recommend this book and I think it is a great book for lovers of fantasy, romance and adventure. I think it’s best for readers over 15, but I know anyone will enjoy it (if they have the patience to keep with it at the start).

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An action-packed story set in a post-apocalyptic world, with the perfect sprinkling of romance and fantasy.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

STARS ABOVE by Marissa Meyer

 

“‘The enchantment continues...’ The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories – and secrets – that are wondrous, vicious and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realise their destinies?”

What is the book about?

This book is made up of a collection of short stories set in the same world as the Lunar Chronicles. It has some that have been published before and others that are completely new. Most of the stories are prequels to some of the books and give some much needed insight into how some of the characters got to where they were in the main series. How did Cress find herself alone on the satellite? How did Cinder end up in the care of Michelle Benoit, Scarlet's grandmother? What happened after when she was taken by Garan and how did she end up being treated so badly by her step family? How did Carswell Thorne end up a being a criminal mastermind at such a young age? What happened to Wolf and how did he become one of the soldiers of the Queen's army? All these questions will finally be answered in this book, with a further glimpse into the universe of the Lunar Chronicles through an extra story with new characters. Also get a glimpse into the future after the events of Winter and see the characters you love get ready for a much anticipated wedding. A great collection of stories, all of which you will love.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I was definitely keen to read this book and my initial thoughts were that the book was going to be incredible and that I was going to enjoy reading all these stories immensely. I was so confident about Stars Above and was desperate to start reading it. I always love to get more information on the characters and for some reason it's always so much more interesting and enjoyable if it's given in a separate story or as a flashback of sorts so I knew that this short story collection was for me. I started it almost instantly after Winter, desperate to not lose contact with the characters and stories that had been my main focus these last few days. After looking at what we're the contents of the book and which stories I was going to get to read I was even more excited, especially for the final story that would let me see the characters after the events of the final novel. I didn't quite know what to expect of each of the stories, and they were definitely short, but I was not wrong about loving them all and I found it was so easy to get into the stories and find myself in the world that I wasn't quite ready to leave yet. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I honestly don't think I can pick a favourite character in this book as the book was filled with many different short stories that all highlighted a different character. I got to see all the characters that I loved and got to find out so much more about them. This book wasn't like the main books in the series where one character (usually the one whose name was in the title) was highlighted more so I was able to pick a favourite more easily. I also didn't really have enough time with the characters in this book to really get a strong idea about who I loved best. However, one that I did find that I liked more or maybe I sympathised with more was probably Cress. Her story After Sunshine Passes By about how 9 year old Cress ended up on the satellite broke my heart and it made me like her more. This is because I got to see how hopeful and innocent she was and how she still believed that she would one day be accepted on Luna. It showed me just how far she came from that little girl to the strong woman without whom the others would never have been able to defeat Levana. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

As this book was more of a collection of stories I will choose my favourite story rather than favourite part. My favourite short story was definitely Something Old, Something New. One reason that I loved it more than all the other stories was probably because it was the only story that was an epilogue to the books and not a prequel to a particular book or character or a completely new story. I definitely needed more of the character after finishing Winter as I didn't feel like I was quite done with them and with the series. Although all the stories were good this one definitely holds a special part of my heart as it added more love to some characters I was already attached to and it also gave me more closure. I also got to see something that I was definitely hoping would happen and I didn't think I'd get to see. It was a story that made me feel so much love and I honestly felt like I was in tears all the time I was reading it. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Stars Above was a great book and I really enjoyed reading it. One reason I really liked it was because it's existence meant that I wasn't fully done with the Lunar Chronicles after Winter and meant that I got to have a few more moments with the characters and the stories that I absolutely loved. I got more closure and I got so much more information that I now know that I couldn't have lived without. I didn't want the series to end and this final book filled with stories about the characters of the main series made it so much easier for me to let go. Another reason I really loved this short story collection was that I not only got so many prequels to the main books and got to see the characters at a much younger age, but I also got to see the characters a couple years after the events of Winter. I loved the prequels because it filled in a few of the gaps and gave me the opportunity to see the actual story instead of just having been told for a second what happened. However I definitely loved the epilogue more because I got the hope that in the end all the characters would have their proper happy endings and that one couple had already gotten it. It let me keep imagining the joyful endings that I wanted for each of the characters and I loved it. This book was the perfect way to finish on the series and although I am still sad that I won't get to see the characters more I am definitely happy with how it all ended. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend this book. It is the perfect addition for lovers of the Lunar Chronicles series and has so much of the stuff that you will have enjoyed in the main books, like romance and more fairy tale retellings. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A great collection of stories filled with extra information that you will devour and love. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

WINTER by Marissa Meyer

“‘Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters?’ Princess Winter is admired for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breath-taking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana. Winter despises her stepmother and knows Levana won't approve of her feelings for he childhood friend, the handsome palice guard Jacin. But Winter isn't as weak Levana believes her to be, and she's been undermining her stepmother's wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even find the power to launch a revolution and win a war that's been raging for far too long.”

What is the book about?

Princess Winter has no royal blood and can never be queen but her stepmother still believes she is a threat because of how much the people love her. They all admire her for her beauty, kindness and grace despite the scars that Levana inflicted on her to try to hide that the young princess was growing even more beautiful than her. Winter is also believed to be weak and crazy because she is unwilling to use her Lunar powers like everyone else on Luna. She doesn't want to manipulate anyone and people see this as weakness instead of strength. Everyone, including her closest friend Jacin (a royal guard who she wishes would be more than just her friend, even though her stepmother would never allow it), believes she needs protecting and she is helpless and useless, but she is so much stronger than they think. When she finds herself in the presence of the cyborg Cinder and her allies, Winter realises she might even be strong enough to help with the revolution and be able to help finally win the war against Levana. The final battle is coming and, if they win, Cinder, Winter and their friends will finally be free of Levana and will get their happy endings. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I was very excited to read this final book in the Lunar Chronicles series, though I was also sad to finally see it end. I didn't quite know what to expect of this final (very chunky) book but I was quite confident that I would enjoy it and would find it to be just as good as all the previous books in the series. Before I started reading the Lunar Chronicles series I wasn't quite sure what to expect and I didn't realise what an adventure it would be. When I saw that Rach of the books had a title that reflected a new female main character that would be introduced I was initially worried that the books wouldn't really flow into each other and that it would be individual stories, just like most of the fairy tale retellings I've read have been like. However, by the time I got to the end of Cress I was no longer worried and was so happy to find that this series had been so much more interesting and enjoyable than I ever thought it would be. I knew Winter would be great and I was surprised at how quickly I started to love the book, especially as I had found it more difficult to start each book and get back into the flow of things. This last book was amazing and I am so sad to see it all end. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character in this book was definitely Winter, though I loved many other characters in the book and whole series. Winter was a bit of an odd girl and was definitely going mad from not using her Lunar powers for years. However, when she wasn't hallucinating, there were many moments where it was clear why this girl was loved by the whole of Luna. She was kind and sweet and also incredibly brave and smart. The fact that she chose not to use her powers was one of the clear pieces of evidence for this, as she chose to sacrifice her own mind, her own life, so that she would never hurt or manipulate anyone again. The story of why she stopped using her power was so heartbreaking, but it was clear that she was happy with her decision and she would never manipulate anyone for her own gain, even if she lost her mind in her process. Secondly, when she was faced with a chance to overthrow her stepmother and put a better queen on the throne, she was ready and she didn't back down. She might have been crazy to some and her decisions may have seemed absurd, but she knew what she was doing. The hope she had for her people and the belief she possessed that everyone could be good, even the monsters Levana created made me love her even more. She was brave and crazy, but her strange quirks just made me love her more. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

The whole of Winter was so good and I loved reading every second of it, however I definitely have a favourite part and it's definitely the very end after the final confrontation in the book. I don't want to say much about it as I don't want to spoil anything but the main reason I loved it was because of how I felt reading it. It was perfect and beautiful and I found that everything fell into place so well and everything that I wanted came true. It could have gone so wrong but it didn't. It honestly made me feel so happy and just the feeling I got when reading it was enough to make me love it. There were loads of other moments in the book where I felt the same joy, like when characters were reunited after ages apart, however this was one of the biggest. I loved it and I honestly am so glad it didn't end as disastrously as it could have done becaus I don't think I could have taken it. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and loved finally reaching the end of this amazing series, though I am sad to finally see it go. One thing that I really loved about the book was how every character that I had met and every one of the main characters that I had grown to love came together in this final book. It felt so surreal to see how all of these characters found their way back to each other in the end, for the final battle, despite the many times they found themselves being separated and tortured in different ways. It was perfect that in the end they all came back together to make their final stand against Levana. It would all end in that moment, one way or another, but at least they were all together. Another thing that I really liked was the romance and how each of the couples that I had started to ship finally become canon. Even though I didn't get many romantic scenes throughout these 4 books, this final book had the final perfect scenes that actually mattered and that was more than enough to make me happy, though I wish I could see more of the characters. Although Winter was an amazing book and the ending was (mostly) perfect, there was one slight thing that made it a little less intense and perfect. In the end, I found it to be a little bit underwhelming and I didn't enjoy how the final battle, the one that had been built up throughout the book ended. I also found that it was a little unrealistic that after fighting for their lives for months and constantly finding themselves in life or death situations, no one actually died, at least none of the important characters. Although I'm not complaining that I didn't have the heartbreaking experience of losing another fictional friend, it definitely made the reading experience a bit unrealistic and disappointing. I find that the best books are those that break my heart and there could have definitely been more of that in this book. 

Which is your favourite book in the Lunar Chronicles series? (1, 2, 3 or 4)

Overall, I really loved reading the whole Lunar Chronicles series and I found that I enjoyed every one of the 4 books, however I think that my favourite book is probably Cress. One reason I enjoyed Cress more than the other books was that it was the first book where it felt like the real story and the real war had begun. It was clear that they weren't just planning anymore and they had started to execute their plan and begin to try to bring down Queen Levana. Although Winter clearly also had all these elements and was the main book with the plan starting to take place, I definitely found that I enjoyed Cress more than Winter. I found that Winter was a lot harder to read as it was a lot thicker and obviously took much longer to read because of this. Not only that but I found that I was slightly disappointed by the ending of the final novel and it could have been a more interesting final confrontation. However, overall Winter was great, but I just found that Cress stood out more to me and it was definitely my favourite. Honestly I'm just sad to see the series end and am so surprised at how much I enjoyed it, especially as I wasn't quite sure about it before I started.

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend reading Winter and the whole Lunar Chronicles series in general. These are the perfect books for lovers of romance, dystopian fiction and fairy tale retellings with a twist. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

The stunning and action-packed final novel of a romance and dystopian fiction series.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

FAIREST by Marissa Meyer

“‘Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?’ Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story – a story that has never been told . . . until now.”

What is the book about?

This short novella gives readers a glimpse into Levana's life before and as she gradually became the tyrant queen that we have grown to hate throughout the first 3 books of the Lunar Chronicles series. Levana was the youngest child, her older sister Channary was the one destined to be Queen of Luna. However, since she was old enough to understand what being queen meant she knew that she could and would be a much better queen than her sister, who couldn't care less about politics or their people. Not only that but she has always been confident that her sister didn't deserve the power and respect that would come with her new title as she is as cruel as she is beautiful. Ever since Levana could walk her sister tortured her and used her for her own enjoyment to the point that Levana has to use glamour constantly to cover the scars that her sister left on her after one traumatising day. Levana has her own story and it doesn't appear like she has always been as cruel and violent as we all thought. She may be the villain of Cinder's story, but she is the victim in her own story. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Initially I was a little annoyed that I had to read a novella before getting to the fourth and final novel in the Lunar Chronicles series, Winter. I was very keen to continue reading and find out how the story that just kept getting better would finally end, and I was so desperate that I considered leaving Fairest until after I read the final book in the main series. However, after reading the blurb of the book and finding out what the novella was actually about I was intrigued to read it. I didn't know what to expect but I knew I would enjoy it and I was very interested to find out the truth about Levana and what led her to become the cruel leader that will stop at nothing to get everything she wants. Soon my initial thoughts changed and I was no longer annoyed and much more excited to read it. Once I started reading I found it a little hard to get used to the novella as there were none of the characters that I had grown used to, however I soon got used to and found that I was enjoying it as much as the actual novels in the series. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I don't think I could choose a favourite character in this novella without it being partly a lie. It feels so wrong to say that I liked Levana after all she did and it is also clearly a lie. Even though I feel so bad for her and I know she would be a much better person if she hadn't been treated so badly since she was a child she is still a monster. Most of what she did she thought she was justified in doing and she made some very questionable decisions but every time she claimed she was doing it for the good of her kingdom. I know deep down she felt like she was good but slowly she turned into a monster and I cannot honestly say that I liked her. Even the other 'good' characters weren't exactly good and treated Levana so badly when all she was was just a child who had never felt love. Evret who strung her along for 10 years without telling her that he would never love her, when it was clear she believed that they could be happy together. Winter who would never address her directly, even when all she did was try to give her a mother. Her sister who tortured her and called her ugly since she was little and made her live in her shadow. Her parents who clearly didn't do any good parenting. Everyone in this book thought themselves to be good and thought they were fighting against the villain but it was clear that the villain was herself just a victim. No one deserves the title as my favourite character. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

I honestly cannot pick a favourite part because this whole novella was just torture and threatened to tear me apart at any moment. In every single part of the book there was something so so sad that I could not keep out of my mind. The main theme throughout the whole book was that Levana just wanted to be happy and at every moment it was clear that she thought she was getting her happiness. When she married the love of her life without knowing he would never love her back, when her sister died and she realised she would finally get the chance to be queen, even if it was just for 12 years, when she killed her niece believing it was for the best and she would get to keep her role as leader of Luna, the thing that meant so much to her. She never even realised that she never actually had any of that. She spent years believing she had everything she could ever want and need and she didn't realise till the end that it was all a lie. I felt so bad for her and how she had been tortured and manipulated by everyone and had never had the protection and loved that she so craved. Every part was so tragic and I can't in good conscience choose a favourite part of such a sad book.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this short story and I soon found myself believing that maybe Levana was just misunderstood. One reason I really enjoyed the novella was because I got a glimpse into the past and some much needed information on the supposed villain of the Lunar Chronicles series. I always love when books have flashbacks and for some reason they are always my favourite parts. I love being able to see the characters that I have grown to really know as their younger selves and to see what made them who they are. However, I love novellas set in the past even more because it's a whole book dedicated to exactly what I said above. This book was exactly that but it was also so much more because it was a short story on the life of Queen Levana, the villain for all intents and purposes. This leads me on to another reason why I loved this book: it made me feel sorry for Levana. After everything she has done and everything that she is hoping to achieve I never thought anything, not even a whole story about her past, could change my mind on what a cruel and unfeeling woman she is. Although I still stand by these beliefs, I also know that she is also just a victim herself and one that has been mistreated by those who should have cared for her since she was young. Learning what her sister did to her broke my heart and how she continued to use the scars that she had against her and call her ugly when she is really just injured and broken was enough to leave me in tears. Although I won't condone her reactions and everything she did after that, she was just trying to protect herself and her people. She honestly thought that she was the best person to be Queen and if she let her young niece rule then she was sentencing her people to a terrible future. She did what she thought was right and, no matter how messed up it was, she sacrificed so much for Luna, including the one person she loved more than anything. The poor girl had never known love before and did everything she could to try to get someone to love her and when she realised that would never happen she gave everything up and threw herself into her role as queen and turned herself into a monster for what she thought was the good of her people. It was a great novella that left me feeling so much for this cruel Lunar Queen and I now don't know what to think. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend that anyone who has enjoyed reading the Lunar Chronicles series or is interested in starting it should read this short story. It offers some great new information and is full of all the stuff that you would love in the main novels of the series. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A short story full of romance and heartbreak that will leave you thinking that maybe there is never a villain, only victims that react differently to their suffering. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego