HUGE thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me an e-arc of one of my most anticipated releases of 2022.
Violet Made of Thorns is a dark fairytale filled with court politics, deception, harrowing battles, and difficult choices. Violet is morally grey all the way. She's selfish, knows it, and doesn't shy away from it. As Seer, she finds herself a pawn of the king, telling prophecies to help shape his story and build his empire, but also to help her own selfish gain.
Taken away to court at a young age, Violet and the kingdom are battling with a wicked prophecy foretold by the previous Seer. This weaves in a tale of enemies to lovers.
I'm excited to see what happens in the next installment of the duology.
This story is perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince, Kingdom of the Wicked. I believe it is listed as YA, but does border NA d/t language. No explicit spicy scenes.
5 out of 5 stars for Gallant.
It does border on middle grade mixed with YA.
This is a story about Olivia, who is an orphan living at a girls boarding school. She is also mute. She can also see ghosts. She doesn't fit in with the other girls and longs to find a place in the world where she belongs. This is a story about discovering yourself, finding your place in the world, and finding your bravery.
Olivia gets a letter calling her away to Gallant, her family home. She meets a whole new cast of characters and her adventure starts.
I loved the way that Schwab captured the voice of a young girl in this novel. She captures the innocence while also showing the young girls growth throughout her journey.
Olivia is a clever, brave girl, and the conclusion of the novel was at both times heartbreaking and satisfying.
I highly recommend this novel.
Lyndall Clipstone wrote one of my favorite books of last year: Lakesedge. A stunning, atmospheric, gothic story about a townsgirl named Leta and the monster in the woods.
I was ecstatic when I was able to get an e-arc of Forestfall, my most anticipated sequel of THIS year. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the chance to read this.
Forestfall picks up where Lakesedge left off, with Leta dealing with the decision/sacrifice she made to save those she loves and Rowan's grief over losing her. We get two POVs throughout this book from Leta and Rowan. Our supporting cast grows and new monsters/Gods get introduced to us, which I really enjoyed.
Leta is adjusting to her new live in the World Under and her the new dynamic in her relationship with the Lord Under. I really enjoyed seeing her relationship with the Lord Under grow and their dynamic shift as she comes to understand her feelings for him and his power. She continues to be the tough, headstrong, independent character she has been throughout Lakesedge, but we also see her struggle with the decision she's made and the ones she makes in this book to get back to her home.
I know he's the villain, but I love the Lord Under. He's such an interesting character and his dynamic with Leta I found charming.
Clipstone's rich, lush, atmospheric writing continues through this book as I hoped it would. It was overall a strong sequel and I look foward to seeing what else she writes.
Thanks to NetGalley for the copy of this manga.
5 STAR READ.
I loved this manga. As someone who has spent a LOT of time playing WoW, I have definitely wondered what it would be like to be transported into that world and “play” from the inside.
This story follows Grevillea, as she wakes up and finds herself queen of the Arachnea. A faction from the game she has spent hundreds of hours playing.
She has to learn about the world first hand, and discover if she is truly in the game, or another world, or has gone mad. I loved the concept throughout the book of the hive mind.
This book does have violence and gore. I think the way it was incorporated was integral to the story and our protagonist brings in talks of ethics with each fight.
Can't wait to read the next volumes!
An excellent paranormal thriller. I really liked the authors writing, the pacing, the story. The twists were fantastic. I really cared about the characters. I've never actually enjoyed a book with two timelines before, and this was the first one I read where I wasn't bored with it. I will read the remainder of her works – great book!