“Waiting
On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that
spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating. Basically books that are not yet out that we
are dying to get our hands on. This
week’s pick is:
Years
ago, Rachel had a crush on Henry Jones.
The day before she moved away, she ticked a love letter into his
favorite book in his family’s bookshop.
She waited. But Henry never came.
Now
Rachel has returned to the city—and to the bookshop—to work alongside the boy
she’d rather not see, if at all possible, for the rest of her life. But Rachel needs the distraction. Her brother drowned months ago, and she can’t
feel anything anymore.
As
Henry and Rachel work side by side—surrounded by books, watching love stories
unfold, exchanging letters between the pages—they find hope in each other. Because life may be uncontrollable, even
unbearable sometimes. But it’s possible
that words, and love, and second chances are enough.
Why I’m Waiting:
I
read Graffiti Moon (review) what seems like forever ago but I adored it and the way it
was written and am excited to see something new by this author!
What
are you waiting on? Tell me below what
you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it
out.
Hello
everyone! Top Ten Tuesday is just how it
sounds, a topic is picked and we put our Top Ten for that in a post and share
and check out everyone’s answers. Top
Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
The top ten today is: Anticipated
releases for the rest of 2017
Sun Warrior (Tales of the New World #2) by P.C.
Cast 10/17
Wolves & Roses (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum
#1) by Christina Bauer 10/31
The Speaker (Sea of Ink & Gold #2) by Traci
Chee 11/7
Tell me what you think of my list in the
comments below. Which would you
recommend so I know which ones to get first?
Also please link back to your Top Ten as well so I can check out your
list and see what I missed!
Hello
happy readers! This weekend was not as
productive as I would have liked for anything other than sleep and spending
time with my bestie but I finish a book before I got really lazy. That book is a newer, Blank Space (Dirty
South #1) by Alla Kar. This is a NA (New
Adult) book and has adult language and sexual scenes. This is my first book by this author though I
see she has several titles listed on Goodreads and came out a couple months
ago. A copy was provided to me by Swoon
Romance in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Sydney*
Henry is former rich girl who left her families support but not the name as her
party-girl ways bring lots of publicity—the bad kind. She hasn’t been in a serious relationship
instead enjoying casual nights which have lead others to associate her as the
town slut and thus undesirable for anything more in the judgmental southern
town. Cash Jenkins was l about business
with no time to spend on dating but when he is made an offer that would allow
him to expand his business he was listening.
Sydney’s mother, tired of the bad press around her daughter, offers Cash
a deal to date her daughter and bring her good publicity making her respectable
again in exchange for money to expand.
Seems easy enough once he sees a picture and finds himself attracted to
her. What happens next isn’t what either
saw coming.
So
from the start with Sydney I felt bad for her and her attitudes about herself
and wanted for her to learn she was better than what others thought and for her
to tell her parents where to shove it.
She wasn’t taking money from them and provided for herself so I never
did understand why she subjected herself to having anything to do with them let
alone weekly dinners. I wanted her to
say no and stand up for herself but I also could understand the damage that had
been done to her emotionally. It
sucked. Frankie though I adored from the
start as a wonderful friend. Though at
times it did seem a bit less than equal (why you wouldn’t keep your phone
charged or check it at least randomly if you know your friend is going through
something is a no no) but for the most part they are sweet together. I do kind of wish we had a bit more about
Frankie and some of her story that was left unfinished which I figure will go
into more as the series continues.
Then
we move on to Cash. I was a bit slow to
warm up to him. I liked that he was
interested in doing this more because he was attracted to her than because of
her mother’s offer but not so much his reasoning that he was perfectly happy to
use her. Still it didn’t get better at
first, his demanding and domineering personality set me off. While I don’t mind a bit of dominance locking
someone in and holding them captive is not okay, if someone tries to leave and
you prevent that it’s kidnapping not all cute.
Personal pet peeve of mine when someone says NO, even if they are just
denying themselves and secretly want to say yes that is not for the other party
to decide no means no. While trying to
convince someone to change their mind by using your charm and power of
persuasion is one thing in my personal opinion he took it a bit too far on
occasion. Again this could just bother
me a bit more because it is a pet peeve.
That aside as the story progressed I did grow to like him a bit more and
actually wanted things to work out.
After one particular scene in which he really turns a corner.
Overall
the story was a quick read. I enjoyed the authors writing style and I did like
that Cash didn’t try sleeping with her from the start but instead they got to
know one another some first.This let me
grow to like him and also had me rooting for her to resist him.We got to see some depth to the characters,
though I feel we got to know more about Sydney than Cash and what she got to
know of him came in a less intimate way (ie someone else telling) but I look
forward to seeing what will happen from here. There is some good old fashioned country fun happening, things I have done and don't see often in books which made me laugh. I went in not knowing if this was going to be a series or not and it
stands pretty well on its own but there are some things that are left
open.I’m curious to see how the next story will
play out and it’s something I wouldn’t mind continuing on.I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys
some steamy build up and sexy times with a very alpha male/domineering type.
Until
next time…
*my version of the book had the female character
as Sydney but I see it in the description as Shelby.
Welcome
to Stacking the Shelves was created by Tynga and the full details can be found
on her page. Basically you showcase the
books you bought or received each week.
Little, or not so little, weekly book hauls.
Hello
happy readers! Okay so today I am doing
a book and movie review. I finally got
to read Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon which I have been excited to read
since it came out but kept getting pushed back on my TBR. So with the movie coming out I knew I had to
get on it and read it before. So I read
it quickly the weekend it came out and then couldn’t wait to see the movie even
more. So I’ll fire review the book then
the movie.
Book Rating: 5 Stars
This
book is all the feels! We follow Maddy,
a girl with a rare and famous disease that I can’t remember how to spell but is
commonly known as bubble boy syndrome. Allergic
to everything, allergic to the world.
She turns 18 having lived her whole life in this house only seeing her
mother and her nurse Carla regularly.
Her circle of people is limited until one day a moving truck arrives for
the house next door and Maddy locks eyes with Olly. Becoming friends with her isn’t easy given
the restrictions, but as she begins to really understand how small her world is
and what she will risk to live rather than survive.
First
I have to say this book was such a quick read.
I would have finished it in one day had I not started it with only an
hour before having to leave for a prior engagement. I was so interested instantly I wished I
didn’t have plans and I could stay and read.
The chapters are short and compelling and many times even include
drawings and such which really added something extra to it. Plus as Maddy is kept
apart many of the conversations happen over IM and read quickly and the
different medias in the book really helped to bring focus on all the ways one
can have to communicate with the world and yet still be separate from it.
Maddy
is a sweet girl who is happy with her life and stays positive. She wants desperately to be normal and be
able to go out into the world and experience things she can only read about or
watch but she is thankful for what she has.
She loves her mother and Carla, he nurse, and books. Considering her situation she keeps a pretty
positive outlook on life which is impressive.
This helps put things in perspective when you get upset about things in
your life knowing others are staying positive despite their problems. She has struggled with depression in the
past, which is only natural, and tries to stay above it. Olly moves in next door and sees her through
the window but hasn't been able to see her in person so he works to entertain
her through the window for a while. He
is sweet and funny and I adored him. He
had his own struggles in life but he always treated Maddy normally, special to
him but like a normal person. Their
connection and interactions are so cute and sweet it just made my heart swell.
Maddy
and Olly are the point of the book they are the focus. However, I really loved the connection
between her and Carla as well. I enjoyed
how she was so close with her. Her story
with her mother as it hits ups and downs was really a highlight thought as
things progressed and things happen that just had me stuck to the book like
glue. It was a cute and quick book that
was all about relationships and hope and I adore it!
Movie Rating:
5 Stars
So
I saw the movie the first day it came out only six hours after finishing the
book so it was very fresh in my mind. I
enjoyed the movie. It was cute and sweet
and had so many positives and I look forward to seeing it again. They kept to the main part of the story and
most things where the same and I like a movie who does that. They cut some things here and there and added
a few things but the vast majority of the book was there. Also Olly wasn't wearing a black cap most of
the time because he shaved his head which I totally appreciate because Olly was
hot.
One
of my favorite things about the movie and something they were able to do to add
humor and visual interest was during the IM sessions (now texting) was to put
the characters in her fantasy worlds to have the conversations instead of just
reading them. I adored this
concept. And the astronaut was
perfect. This is something the movie did
well. I also love how all of the doodles and drawings in the book are in the end credits! That was a real treat to see!
The
only down side to the movie is that it didn't really mention Maddy's past bout
of depression and how hard it was for her.
It didn't give some deeper context to some matters so in the end when I was
discussing it with my friend who saw it with me having not read the book she
didn't feel my outrage at certain characters as strongly. Without the context and past issues the book
explains looking at the movie I can see it as well.
I
think anyone can really enjoy this movie.
If you read the book you understand some things on a deeper level and
might even, in my opinion, enjoy the movie a bit more. If you haven't read the book you can still go
in and see a sweet movie that makes you all warm inside. I highly recommend it either way.
So
in conclusions I LOVED both the book and the movie and hope you read/see them
both. I'd love to hear your thoughts on
both or either in the comments below!
Hello
happy readers! So today is the 25th
which means it is time for my monthly challenge update and wrap-up. Here is my standing but please don't forget
to share your progress as well!
“Waiting
On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that
spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating. Basically books that are not yet out that we
are dying to get our hands on. This
week’s pick is:
In
the new contemporary from YA star Kasie West, a girl who wins the lottery
learns that money can cause more problems than it solves, especially when love
comes into the picture.
Maddie
doesn’t believe in luck. She’s all about
hard work and planning ahead. But one
night, on a whim, she buys a lottery ticket.
And then, to her astonishment—
She wins!
In
a flash, Maddie’s life is unrecognizable.
No more stressing about college scholarships. Suddenly, she’s talking about renting a
yacht. And being in the spotlight at
school is fun…until rumors start flying, and random people ask her for
loans. Now, Maddie isn’t sure who she
can trust.
Except
for Seth Nguyen, her funny, charming coworker at the local zoo. Seth doesn’t seem aware of Maddie’s big
news. And, for some reason, she doesn’t
want to tell him. But what will happen
if he learns her secret?
With
tons of humor and heart, Kasie West delivers a million-dollar tale of winning,
losing, and falling in love.
Why I’m Waiting:
ApollyCon! I got to just chat and hang out with her for
a while and we talked about all kinds of things so her personality alone makes
me want to check out her work. But this
is also so adorable cute and I can just imagine some things since who hasn’t
thought about what would happen if they won!
I’m still hoping and wishing I win.
What
are you waiting on? Tell me below what
you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it
out.
Hello
happy readers! So today I'm pleased to
be reviewing a new Ink Monster release, the latest in the Beholder series by
Christina Bauer, Cherished (Beholder #3).
I have reviewed the previous books Cursed and Concealed and of course
have loved them so I was eagerly looking forward to this one. I always look forward to new books by the
author. Cherished is out Tuesday May 30th so make
sure to check out your copy! I received
an early ARC from NetGalley and the publishers for an honest review. Spoilers for the first two books, duh.
Rating: 5 Loaded Totem Rings
When
we left off in Concealed I was a bit heartbroken. I didn't see how it was possible that Rowan
had betrayed Elea like that. That he
could be so sweet and amazing to her but really be engaged to her friend
Amelia. Our Elea already has trust
issues given what her former best friend, Tristan did to her. Still they defeated the Tsar and the Vicomte
and she is back home on her farm where she wanted to be. Running Braddock Farm is supposed to be her
life but after the past few years it's a bit less than she's used to, even with
her flirty friend Philippe there to keep her company. So when someone comes calling trying to kill
her it gives her a bit of the excitement she has grown used to. Shujaa is a Changed One who has hybrid magic
and promises he will ruin her and kill Rowan.
While seeing him is the last thing she wants to do, if hybrid magic is
involved she knows he is her best chance of defeating this new evil. That's all, not that she still has feelings
for him or anything.
I
admit when the last one ended, while I loved the book and series I was a bit
heartbroken and didn't understand how Rowan could have done what he did. I had no idea how things could be fixed, how
he would be able to redeem himself in my eyes after that. I was well and truly worried I wouldn’t be
able to enjoy Rowan again. I clearly
didn't have enough faith in the author because the way this story plays out I
totally love Rowan still. So yes Elea
and Rowan, I still ship them and love them so hard. Elea is still strong as ever and no matter
how much her training tells her to not show emotions or be ruled by hear heart
she isn't very good at that. I love that
she is one to think with her head but she also lets her emotions show unlike a
good little Necromancer. She has an
entire army she brought back from the dead that want to follow her and she
wants nothing to do with that. She isn't
power hungry like so many other leaders she just wants to find her own slice of
happiness. While Rowan is the leader of
his people who are fickle to say the least and still even when they doubt him
and cheer for another to rule he is strong and continues to fight for his
people.
The
chemistry is there from the start. Even
before they see one another again you can feel it in the air and while you hate
that he is engaged to Amelia I kept hoping he was right and there was an explanation
that would make it better. I just love the
magic these two create and not just the hybrid magic. One thing I love about them together is that
they are equals, they may want to protect one another but they are equals. I really enjoy a romance that has each on
equal footing and where the man accepts his partner is kick butt and doesn't
need to sit the fighting out.
We
also get to see more into Caster life.
Some of the traditions and prophecies they live by. It becomes clear that some things have
different meanings and rules. We also
get to meet more of the Casters including Rowans brothers and even his
mother. Some we clearly like more than
others. For instance I just adore little
Jicho. Zoriah not so much. Anywho this is all because of Viktor, yes
even banishing him for a second time hasn't stopped his destruction as he left
behind totems to continue his work. This
man is seriously one bad dude.
There
is plenty of character moments for sure as Elea fights to figure out what life
she really wants but this is a battle story and there is lots of action and
fighting happening. These characters we
love so much never get a break because they are always needed to face some big
bad. I love this story so much and while
there is still so much that has me concerned from the ending I can't wait to
see what happens. I also have a few
questions left unanswered. So I'm ready
for book four, Crowned.
Welcome
to Stacking the Shelves was created by Tynga and the full details can be found
on her page. Basically you showcase the
books you bought or received each week.
Little, or not so little, weekly book hauls.
Hello
happy readers! I hope you all have a
good weekend planned. I hope to finish
Everything, Everything today and hopefully see the movie this week so I can
share all my thought about it with you.
So far I'm loving the book. But
today I'm going to discuss my thoughts and feels on a new release, The LoveInterest by Cale Dietrich, a new kind of story that I had been
anticipating. The Love Interest came out
this week May 16th. I received an ARC of
this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Rating: 4 Stars
There
is a secret organization that creates spies, Love Interests, that get close to
people who are important or have power so they can get all their secrets. They typically come in two forms: Nice, boy next door type, or Bad, dark and
brooding, giving the target options to ensure they pick one. Nice Caden and Bad Dylan are picked for
Juliet and after some modifications are ready to try and win her heart and
their lives. Because this is the first
time they get to go out into the world but though they are well trained and
motivated, the one not chosen dies, being in the world they find unexpected
complications, feelings that could jeopardize their lives.
So
this book was really interesting. It
takes some of the things in other books or even shows that make us swoon over
the romance/characters and turns them around.
Lots of cultural references and the like as well as fun times about set
pieces and scripted lines and the like.
It had a really great story happening through it. I liked the idea of seeing a romance, one I
admit I would have been rooting for had the story been from say Juliet's POV,
and seeing the base logistics of it as a job rather than a romance. Seriously this is interesting and something
I've never read before so high cheers for that.
We follow Caden who has been raised in this life, training for this
chance to make his chosen fall for him and live his life as a spy. He doesn't really consider himself Nice, he
just knew that was what he'd be picked as and learned to play into it and
struggles with how he has “not nice” thoughts and reactions at times. He also realizes he is gay. Not super ideal when you’re trying to win the
girl.
The
whole concept of a basically raising spies is always appealing but to raise
them to be turned into the perfect match for someone is just insane. Pitting a
Nice and a Bad against one another gives new depth to a “love triangle” for
sure. I really liked the double life he
was living and how it had different concepts of things and the book really
intrigued me and flew by as I read it.
It was so different but at the same time familiar and I loved how it
balanced those lines and made me think about so many other books all at once.
Overall
I really liked this book and would highly recommend it and the only drawback
for me was the ending. It wasn’t a bad ending
by any means I enjoyed how things happened and the like it was more that the
first part of the book was a quick read but it wasn’t rushed and the end felt a
bit rushed. Like once you hit around 80%
it just hits warp speed. Again it’s not
bad just I kind of wish things had been taken a bit slower and given the same
care and depth as the rest of the book.
Like there is a lot of action happening and part of me appreciates the
book keeping up the adrenaline and it matching the mood of the scene I also
want more. It’s the end and I don’t want
it to feel rushed, especially with some of the revelations that happen. I’m just needy like that.
I
enjoyed the book and I’m glad I read it.
It is a stand-alone which is also nice.
I would recommend it to anyone as there is something that pretty much
anyone can get behind and enjoy.
“Waiting
On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that
spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating. Basically books that are not yet out that we
are dying to get our hands on. This
week’s pick is:
Leave
it to the heroes to save the world—villains just want to rule the world.
In
this unique YA anthology, thirteen acclaimed, bestselling authors team up with
thirteen influential BookTubers to reimagine fairytales from the oft-misunderstood
villains’ points of view.
These
fractured, unconventional spins on classics like “Medusa,” Sherlock Holmes, and
“Jack and the Beanstalk” provide a behind-the-curtain look at villains’ acts of
vengeance, defiance, and rage—and the pain, heartbreak, and sorrow that spurned
them on. No fairy tale will ever seem
quite the same again!
Why I’m Waiting:
So
there are a ton of authors I enjoy taking part in this anthology but more so I
love the idea of them teaming up with BookTubers several of which I follow and
watch their videos! It just seems like a
fun read.
What
are you waiting on? Tell me below what
you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it
out.
Hello
happy readers! I made it a whole week
without purchasing any books, hence why no Stacking the Shelves this
weekend. Color me surprised myself I sat
down to do my post and realized I didn’t have any. I did go to a mini Harry Potter event in St.
Augustine and got to road trip with my BFF so that worked out! I also hope everyone enjoyed Mother’s Day be
it as a child or a mother (including pet moms) I spent the day with mine and
made her some cookies. I also had the
chance to listen to some of my new audiobooks on the drive to and from which
worked out nicely. Today I’d like to
discuss the book/series I finished; Rise of Fire (Reign of Fire #2) by Sophie Jordan.
Rating: 3.5 - 4 Stars
I
reviewed the first book Reign of Shadows (here) last month having finished the
audiobook in one sitting. I dove into
the second audiobook knowing I couldn’t finish in one sitting, despite how
appealing it was and the story might have wanted me to do so. I started it at work and work comes first there
but I did manage to get a good chuck finished and then listened in a couple
more chucks to finish it up. Stopping
each time was hard as the story kept you listening. I highly enjoyed the two narrators for Luna
and Fowlers POV’s the same ones that did the first book so cheers for
continuity.
We
left off Reign of Shadows in a huge cliffhanger. Dwellers had just taken Fowler down into the
earth and Luna dove in after to save him even though she was confused and made
at him for having not told her h was the son of the man who killed her parents
sooner. She had left him and took off on
her own but he had found her and saved her but she isn’t a damsel in
distress. She may be blind but she sees
more than most and I love how this could be a handicapped and really limit Luna
but it only makes her stronger in a world of darkness. Fowler knows how strong she is and respects
that about her knowing she is capable but still he wants to protect her when he
can because that is who he is, and that is what she means to him. I just adore their dynamic. They save one another. They don’t leave the other behind to danger
but stand together or go after one another.
Both
Luna and Fowler have a claim to Relhok in their own way and that makes them
wanted. When Fowler is injured and Lagonia soldiers offer them to help they
have to risk someone knowing them or risk Fowler’s life. Outside of Relhok they discover that every
kingdom has its darkness. I liked
getting to see another kingdom and see the people. While the first story took place in Relhok we
didn’t see much of the inner city it was mostly the outskirts in the wild/open
so seeing more from the inner safety of a city was a contrast. It makes you wonder which dangers are worse
dwellers or the evil of man.
This
book is also the end of the series as far as I can tell. I didn’t know if that was going to be the
case or not and it leaves you thinking it couldn’t possibly end (or was going
to end in another horrible cliff hanger like ending) as you get closer to the
end with so few minutes/pages left. It
seems impossible to end but then as it happens it just clicks. Part of me thinks it was a bit anti-climactic
but the other part of me thinks it was an awesome twist that just made me laugh
so I’m conflicted a bit here. Would I have
liked more? Yes. Can I still enjoy the duology as is with the
ending? Also yes. Would
I recommend the series? Yes. I enjoyed the overall story and while I think
I did enjoy Reign of Fire more than the conclusion I did enjoy the series and
they were such quick listens I think anyone can fly through them for easy
enjoyment.
“Waiting
On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that
spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating. Basically books that are not yet out that we
are dying to get our hands on. This
week’s pick is:
Loved (House of Night Other World #1) by P.C. Cast
& Kristin Cast
Out: 7/11
From Goodreads:
It’s
Zoey’s eighteenth birthmas and the Nerd Herd has been scattered across the
country busily adulting for almost a year when Stark calls them back to Tulsa
to surprise Z. But all is not well in
T-town. Strange, dark signs are
appearing—could it be possible Neferet is stirring? Not willing to chance disaster striking
again, Zoey calls on her newly reunited friends to circle with her and add a
layer of protection over Neferet’s grotto jail.
Easy-peasy, right?
Wrong. Nothing at the House of Night is ever as it
seems.
With
rabid red vampyres closing in, Zoey and the Nerd Herd must come together again
and battle evil. But a year is a long
time. Have these old friends grown too
far apart?
When
the world fractures and allies become enemies, will darkness devour friendships
or will light save those she’s loved?
Why I’m Waiting:
Auto-buy
author. This is one of those series that
I first got into when I started reading again and the Nerd Herd will forever
hold a place in my heart!
What
are you waiting on? Tell me below what
you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it
out.
Hello
happy readers! I got had a bit of an internet problem yesterday and couldn't get this uploaded but better a day late than not at all. So this weekend I was
able to finish another audiobook, I have been really enjoying my listening
time. This book was none other than MoonChosen (Tales of a New World #1) by P.C. Cast.
I originally received a digital copy from NetGalley back as it was
released, seriously I had requested it forever before but they approved me the
week or so after release when I had given up hope and took on other reviews so
it got pushed to the back burner. I like this author, the House of Night series
was one of the series I first dove into when I started reading again and it
lead me to her other series (Goddess Summoning and Partholon) which I adored
even more making her an auto-buy author.
Rating: 4.5
Stars
I
mentioned I had a digital copy, well I ended up using a credit and got the
audiobook after my best friend couldn’t stop texting me about how she LOVED
this book and stayed up all night to read it once she started. This was high praise and I was down to start
but my reading had been slow due to some headaches and travel so I figured
audiobook was the way to go. I am so
glad I listened to this one as well if only for the comparisons with said
friend in saying the names which had us laughing at one pups name in particular. The narrator did a good job with the
narration and distinguishing the voices of the characters.
I
went into this story not knowing much just that it had a beautiful cover, an
auto-buy author, and that it focused on a new world with a conflict between two
different groups and that there was going to be a loveable pup in there
somewhere. This was all I needed to
know. I enjoyed
the multiple POVs in general but even more so in that they were each from
different characters in different clans/tribes and we were able to see how each
one functioned from the inside as well as from the outside. The Earth Walkers are kind people who have to
be cleansed by their Moon Woman every few nights to keep the women from turning
into deep depression and the men into something else but they as a whole work
as a community nicely but to the Companions they are animals who can't care for
themselves. The Companions are tree
living people who have these cities above the ground and bond with pups and
have all these awesome things but to the Earth Walkers they are simply the evil
ones who raid their lands and kidnap or kill their people. Seeing from both Mari and Nik gave insights
into both and showcased the highs and lows of each. We also got to see some bits and pieces into
the Skin Stealers as well and frankly those chapters were just creepy as can be
but again insightful to the story.
We
learned a lot about both cultures in the story but I'm curious to learn more
about both clans/tribes. We also learn
about another group towards the end, those who live in the mountains and bond
with lynx like the companions do with pups.
I have to admit this whole idea was so fascinating because I love
animals and the idea of bonding with one pup or what is so amazing. The pups are generally Sheppard's or terriers
and having had a couple of German Sheppards growing up this made me super
nostalgic (I'm also looking at pups myself as I finally am finished with
apartment living and have a place with a yard) for my old babies. Not all Companions have a pup but the pups
that are mentioned they are totally characters in their own right and I was
more nervous/upset if any danger befell them than anything else. Though as they are characters and there are
many in the story there is some animals that are injured in the story so I should
say that is a warning for some.
As
with many of her books Cast has a strong reliance on strong female characters
and those whom lead their people. I love
this about her books. I also love the
different takes on their beliefs from taking power from the moon or the sun or
some other things I won't mention each group has similarities but have somehow
become so vastly different. I loved
seeing Nik and Mari trying to figure one another out and to break through the
misconceptions they had of one another. Nik
isn't the most likeable at first he thinks a bit too highly of himself but that
quickly changes as we get to know him better and he develops a new
understanding for things. Mari I instantly
felt for with her situation. Loving her
mother and her people but being forced to hide her true self for so long and
always feeling trapped. Her journey was
intense. Rigel is my favorite character though
if I'm honest. Yes he is a pup and he
doesn't speak but when he was in the chapters I would get all "awe what a
sweetie" vibes and wish I could reach into the story to pet him. They are the main characters for sure but I also
adored some of the side characters like Sora whom if I'm honest I related to in
many ways that my best friend and me discussed while I listened. Even O'Bryan and his optimism and
kindheartedness made him a favorite of mine when he was in scenes.
This
new world is set before us and so many things have started with the potential
for so much more. I can't wait to see
what happens in the next book because this one just really set the stage for
the world, the characters, and what is at stake. I can't wait to get my hands on the physical
copy to go along with my audiobook because I know the one thing I missed out on
were the beautiful images between chapters (I scanned my BFF's book after to
see) so I highly recommend the listening experience but also the beautiful
pictures in the physical copy! I'd love
to hear what you think of this new world and series and would you rather be a Earth
Walker or Companion (and if so to a
terrier, sheppard, or lynx) or what?
Personally I would struggle between a sheppard and a lynx but would be
happy with either!
Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley 
