The Siren by Kiera Cass | Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2.5)

“There’s always room for love. Even if it’s as small as a crack in the door.”

As someone who has been a massive fan of Kiera Cass since the second I finished her The Selection series, it will come as no surprise to hear me say that I had looked forward to reading the revised edition of her first novel The Siren. It was only doubly appealing to think of all the mythology, the romance and the soothing and delectable tone her writing takes on.

Say what you will about the simplicity of it all, there’s just something so damn fun and appealing about the way her stories unfold. Kiera Cass is a romantic at heart and manages to put a hint of suspense in everything. If anything, this is something we should keep in mind–her prose is deeply satisfying in all its flaws and The Siren, though at times dull and rushed, is still a page turner and a simple read.

In fact, while it wasn’t my favorite read this year nor my favorite release by her, it is a grand addition to your summer reading list. There’s no guilt in reading it and it won’t take readers long to complete it.

The Siren is a tale of forbidden love, with mythology here and there to keep things going. I have to admit, I expected more of it and wished for more development. Sometimes, I felt the characters were likable but merely there and the dreamy tone didn’t offer much to help me. I also wasn’t that pleased by the relationship we witnessed–it was sweet, but a little too rushed and I just couldn’t get into it.

Haven (TWP #1) by A.R. Ivanovich | Rating: ★★★☆☆

“Forget the crumbled ruins of a broken yesterday.”

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

I have a lot of conflicting emotions about Haven. I enjoyed it and read it quite quickly, though it did have flaws in it, I will say that first. Its flaws aren’t always definite, though, and I do intend on reading the remaining sequels because it’s quite captivating in spite of its weaker point.

Haven is the sort of novel that readers can devour in one or two sittings and it is quite addicting. In a more descriptive way, I have to admit that Haven is dark and luckily it has a cast of characters that are pretty great. When I think of what I’d read in Haven, I think of a mysterious world and darkness and a group of likable characters.

I think that A.R. Ivanovich’s writing is excellent and the world she’s built for readers is unique and very fascinating. A.R.’s genres mix up in the book which keeps things fresh and often interesting; readers staying on their toes for the duration of it.

Plus, her writing is so descriptive that it’s easy to see our settings. It has a lot of potential to continue with the world building and will give readers a taste of what is to come in future installments. I found it to be very easy to envision parts of Katelyn’s home and the world outside of it.

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare | Rating: ★★★★★

“There is no pretending," Jace said with absolute clarity. "I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then.”

City of Glass was the original end to the then-planned-trilogy The Mortal Instruments. As action packed, mysterious and sexy as the previous two books, we find our favorite Shadowhunters and Downworlders battling it out with Valentine one last time in an effort to end his terror. But as always, things aren’t always what they seem; surprising plot twists, revelations and characters come about in unexpected ways. And tears will be shed at the loss of a character.

Clary has big plans at the start of City of Glass but she isn’t the only one with a thing or two up her sleeves. Strong, witty and intelligent as always Clary is on point and undeniably a teenager. Her actions all reflect that from the start. At the beginning of the novel, we see our favorite feisty redhead explore the options to save her mother as she prepares to go to the Shadowhunters home country, Idris, with the Lightwoods.

The first bump of the series? Her supposed brother and secret crush Jace is attempting to leave without her, to keep her safe. In these moments he calls the only person who would want to protect Clary as he would: Simon. In spite of the two teen boys’ differences, they both love Clary and want to keep her from harms way as much as they can.

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare | Rating: ★★★★★

“There's no need to clarify my finger snap," said Magnus. "The implication was clear in the snap itself.”

Cassandra Clare’s brilliantly fun and dashing The Mortal Instruments series continues with its first sequel City of Ashes; immediately following the events of its sarcastic and dark predecessor. After being introduced to this world, these characters, and watching a world of mystery unfold, readers were left grappling for the next installment.

So many things left us questioning what could possibly happen next; what each previous revelation means for the overall plot flow. It is just as vivid, thrilling, mysterious and twisty as City of Bones–there’s a whole world of magic out there just beyond our reach and we’ve only dipped our toes into it.

We left off with quite a bit on our plates. Joceyln’s lies, and her reasoning, Clary’s unusual gift, family connections as well as romance, demons, Downworlders, history, the mortal cup and so much more.

With Jocelyn seemingly asleep, Valentine growing stronger and building an army of his own, the world seems just a bit more dangerous than it was before.

So let’s start with connections thus far:

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski | Rating: ★★★★★

“Sometimes you think you want something,” Arin told him, “when in reality you need to let it go.”

Marie Rutkoski is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of action packed fantasy in young adult literature. She captures this fantastical and dangerous world of her so vividly, her characters so crystal clear and romantic. It’s easy to see the hype beyond this world and all the sparks that come with it–Marie has a talent of drawing you in within the first few pages and her characters refuse to let you go.

The Winner’s Crime has been on my most anticipated reads since finishing the first installment in the trilogy, The Winner’s Curse, and I’ve been taking my sweet time reading it. And because the previous book was such a massively captivating read, The Winner’s Crime had a great deal to live up to.

Because let’s face it, when you have such a solid start to a promising series, there’s a certain level of difficulty in capturing the magic of the previous book and expanded onto it. Sequels can be very hit-or-miss.

After such a delightful introduction, I wasn’t so sure that it could get any better–but Marie knocked me right off my game multiple times and proved that yes, it can get better, and yes–she was only just getting started.

About a Girl by Sarah McCarry | Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5)

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

If there is one thing you must know before picking up a novel written by Sarah McCarry: it’s that her writing is extraordinarily unique and real. She makes sure that her descriptions are on point and that nothing is left out. Everything is well thought out and planned and while it shows promise in her writing it sometimes come off as cold and dull and there were more than a few parts in the story I had to sit it down because I got bored. In all the good qualities of her writing, it’s often at the back of your mind that it’s very ramble filled. I have a bit of mixed emotions on this book because as good as it was in its highlights, I felt like I wanted more from it by the ending.

As for her characters? They are intelligent and intense in all the right ways; so very realistic in terms of their personality. I promise you that upon reading her works, you will feel a great deal of emotions towards her characters (good and bad) and the plots that follow, even if the outcome of it all disappoints you in one way or another. About A Girl feeds on your curiosity and brings you into the story instantly. One thing I found particularly good about the story is how often it reminded what it’s like to be a teenager; so curious, so hormonal, so sure of yourself and unsure at the same time.

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien | Rating: ★★★★★

"Advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise, and all courses may run ill.”

It took me quite a while to see it, but in recent months I’ve finally seen the light when it comes to this delightful adventure that J.R.R. Tolkien provided for us. The middle-earth is a much beloved world of fantasy that will continue to delight generations to come and once again, reminds me what it’s like to believe in a world so magical and mysterious. There’s nothing quite like this world Tolkien created for us and it welcomes us back each time, embracing us like an old friend.

The Fellowship of the Ring, the first in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, naturally reads similar to The Hobbit and for me it feels as warm and comfortable as your favorite childhood bedtime story. There’s something about this world and these adventures that brings a fantasy to live and transport you to a childlike state of mind. It’s an absolute gift to literature and I can’t believe I went much of my life without getting into it.

My favorite part of The Hobbit was Bilbo and I was absolutely delighted by the character making appearances throughout this story as well. He’s such a fun character to read about and I loved his ‘last hurrah’ at the shire before handing over his home and more to Frodo. Fortunately for us, Frodo is just as loveable as Bilbo and really makes me love both hobbits all the more in his adventures and troubles. How awesome are hobbits?! C'mon!

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski | Rating: ★★★★★

“Happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous.”

From 2014. The Winner's Curse is the first book in a planned trilogy by the wonderful Marie Rutkoski and all I can say, right now, is WOW. If there's only one word I can use to review this story it's, seriously, wow. Marie's imagination, the world and its history she crafted, is one that cannot be described coherently. I literally can't explain it without babbling in a tone that is the scariest form of fangirl.

But I can say this: it is one of the best young adult fantasy novels I've ever read and keeps its readers thoroughly engaged until its final pages. I promise you, you will be so invested in this story that you simply will not be able to bring yourself to put it down. Beautifully crafted and warm, it gives you all the feelings a good book should and is a stellar start to what is shaping up to be one of the best young adult trilogies in present time.

The Winner's Curse is a vivid, thrilling, fantasy ride that tells us a tale of war, forbidden love, loss and tragedy. Not only is the world fascinating and well crafted, the characters are intriguing and larger that life -- they are sexy, they are strong and they are among the most fascinating I've ever read. They come to life right before your eyes and make it so it's impossible to not love them, regardless of flaws and obstacles. And, by series end, betrayal.