A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs Waller | Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5)

A strange thing, words. Once they're said, it's hard to imagine they're untrue.

I wasn't sure what to expect when picking up A Mad, Wicked Folly. Like, at all. Speaking from experience it often feels overdone when it comes down to historical fiction in that era. And, I'll admit it, I was more-so intrigued by the cover art than its timeline. Save it, all the judgment, I've been punishing myself for choosing a book by its pretty cover for years and I have it covered. Despite this, the novel itself appealed to me because it seemed to be one of those cozy, indulgent books you'd pick up to escape the world and relax. A comfort read.

A Mad, Wicked Folly in a nutshell is exactly what I expected it to be. It was fast paced, enjoyable and full of life. But there were plenty of things wrong with it. I enjoyed it. I devoured it. I steadily indulged in it and its characters--but when I was done? I'm sorry say it wasn't something I would feel an itching desire to return to. I think there's a lot of fluffy goodness to be had in it and it's equal parts perfect for a day at the beach or a day by the fire--it's versatile.

In terms of historically accuracy, you can tell that Sharon Biggs Waller did her research and put forth a ton of effort in keeping it true to its timeline. There's just a general tone of realistic life in it that balanced with the fluffy, predictable bits quite well (without making up for it) and you have to give her that. She put forth a tone of vividness that really paints an elegant image of what Vicky is like and where the story could go.

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.

The Young Elites by Marie Lu | Rating: ★★★★☆

"I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside. It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt."

Marie Lu brings us a thoroughly engaging novel, the first in a planned series, that is dark, unique and powerful. It's a thrilling and heart pounding story, the perfect addition to a young adults library. Fans of Marie Lu's other works won't be disappointed and I recommend it regardless of whether you've picked up her past releases. The Young Elites is worth a second glance and will keep your turning until the final pages. It is not to be missed.

First, you should know, that our leading lady (who is one of the most interesting characters I've read in recent releases) has gone through quite a lot of horrors and unfortunate events in her life. This is including her survival of a disease that destroyed, killed, many - Adelina may have survived this blood fever that hit her people, but she certainly isn't untouched. Not only has her mind become darkened by mistreatment that followed her recovery, she's just overall conflicted in many parts of her life. These events, these terrors, have left more than few marks on her and she has quite a dark, calculating side that is incredibly interesting to read. Adeline is the character you've been waiting for, someone that thoroughly intrigues you and captivates your attention the moment you greet her and watch her struggle with, well, everything.

What Might Have Been by Matt Dunn | Rating: ★★☆☆☆

From 2014. This book was won via Goodreads First Read Program. This in no way effects my review or alters my opinions on the novel at hand.

Where to begin, where to begin...

What Might Have Been seemed interesting to me, based upon the plot summary and I had high hopes for it. It wasn't at all what I thought it was going to be and just drove me a little bit mad at times. Our main romance was the highest case of Instalove I've seen and in turn, one that I just couldn't look past. Romance novels aren't always believable and in this stories case, it was too unbelievable for me. I hate that I didn't like it because it's not even that it's a terrible idea filled with terrible writing it just wasn't enough and captivating for me.

I set it down dozens of times and almost didn't finish it. I couldn't do it, it just wasn't my cup of tea. Frankly, it was filled with many face-meet-palm moments that I had to look away countless times because why? WHY, WHY, WHY. I'm not even kidding you guys, this novel frustrated me a great deal and left me feeling like maybe I'm the frustrating one. Maybe I'm over-thinking it and not giving myself the chance to enjoy it. But I'm not going to apologize, I'm not going to insult and I'm not going to say I hated it because hate is such a strong word and my annoyance with this novel wasn't quite at that level.

Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand | Rating: ★★★☆☆ (2.5)

From 2014. This book was won via Goodreads First Read Program. This in no way effects my review or alters my opinions on the novel at hand.

Winter Street is an unfortunate example of a novel with a promising plot, penned by a very talented author, that went horribly wrong. No, maybe not horrible -- just... a lot of lost potential. I couldn't get into it. I couldn't connect with it. Not constantly, anyways, and when it seemed to be getting better it just didn't for me. It was very disappointing because I wanted to love this book, I really did -- I wanted to be able to enjoy it and perhaps find a new favorite, but it just didn't work for me.

It had such a chance to be the perfect, lovely and light holiday-centric read, that's what upsets me the most. Elin's an excellent writer, really, and her stories are the perfect read when you're looking for stories in the genre. But in the end, Winter Street was wasted potential upon wasted potential for me. And even its moments that shined brighter than the rest couldn't save it.

While it follows a families Christmas in various POV's, it often feels like it drags on in areas where it shouldn't. Or just makes you feel like you've missed something. The sparkle is just missing in it. It's not that it's written terribly, because Elin is quite the writer, it's just lackluster. It didn't engage me like I expected. And the ending just frustrated me to no end -- is there a sequel planned? Or was that just it? Because if that's just it for it all... I'm not a very happy camper.

If there's a sequel in the works than perhaps this stories potential will be fulfilled. Even though I wasn't intrigued by it, I'd be willing to give a sequel my attention to see if it's improvements make the story worth more than it is. I would be interested to see a real ending for it. Maybe it's one of those stories that just doesn't settle with you the first time reading it. Maybe it's just me, but it just didn't do much for me by the stories end.

The Witch Narratives Reincarnation (Land of Enchantment Trilogy #1) by Belinda Vasquez Garcia | Rating: ★★★★☆

“I fear nothing. Neither you nor any of your kind can hurt me. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but humanity will never break me.”

From 2014. This book was won via Goodreads First Read Program. This in no way effects my review or alters my opinions on the novel at hand.

Okay... so, let me just think of two words to describe this excellent book. Oh, yes! I've got it! WHOA and UNDERRATED. Seriously, I'm so in love. This is the perfect introduction to the series and it will blow your god damned mind. I'm telling you -- I couldn't stop talking about it or thinking about it after I flipped the final pages. I'm still recovering from it. I'll probably still be gushing about it next year or the year after that and... Oh, God, I'm rambling. Can I have more, now? Please?

It started off a bit slow for me, I couldn't connect with it at the very start of it for whatever reason, but when it got into its groove I'm telling you guys -- it got into its groove. I have to include that there are a lot of things that are triggering in it, so while I enjoyed it, I feel the need to warn you that topics in here may include: death, incest and sexual abuse. Please, please, do not put yourself in harms way if any of these topics have the potential to bring in unfortunate memories for you.

That being said. Belinda's writing skills, her detailing, are on an entire level of excellence when it comes down to how she wrote this, the world she describes is breathtaking and frightening it chills you to the bone. It's the excellent addition to anyone's bookshelves if you, like me, love any and all things witchy and are craving something with more diversity, more chills and more intrigue than what the genre often has to offer.

Minerva Day by Christie Keele | Rating: ★★★☆☆

From 2014. This book was won via Goodreads First Read Program. This in no way effects my review or alters my opinions on the novel at hand. Minerva Day is the perfect example of a book that deserves more hype than it's given. It's a real page turner with many twists and turns that you never know quite what to think, what's really happened and what direction you'll be pulled in next. It's chilling, it's haunting and it really, really keeps you intrigued as you try to navigate the minds of its character.

With its touchy subject matter to the excellent writing featured inside, there simply isn't enough said about the novel. While it has its flaws and won't be for everyone, it's truly an excellent read for those who enjoy darkness and mystery and all the baggage that comes with such stories. It captures a creepy tone perfectly and keeps you interested with its twists and turns and how the story plays out keeps you reading until it ends.

Minerva is fuzzy on two major tragic events in her life, due to her struggle with mental illness: her husbands death, four years ago, and her grandson's disappearance while they were at a carnival. It's an unforgettable ride and there's not much I can add to my review without revealing too much. But what will you learn by stories end...

I can't tell you. I won't lie to yourself and say you aren't left feeling you wanted more from it. I am not going to lie and say that this novel will connect with you or make you feel good. It's purpose is not to make you happy, it's purpose is to intrigue you and bring you into the thick of it all, through the haze that is mental illness and memory and tragedy. It captures the trickiness of it all perfectly and I wanted more.

That being said, it's a great addition to anyone's library who likes thrills and chills and mysteries and diving deep into the mind of someone so unlike yourself. Minerva Day perfectly captures the darkness of it all through rich writing that leaves a mark on you for days after finishing.

Island of a Thousand Mirrors by Nayomi Munaweera | Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5)

“When a bone breaks, it heals stronger in the cracks. I realize this is what is happening to her heart.”

From 2014. As a note, this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for a review. This does not effect my opinions in any way. Island of a Thousand Mirrors in one word? Heartbreaking. It is not something to read if you are light of heart and do not think you can handle it. And although I didn't know much of the subject/location before reading it, I walked away with a better understand and knowledge of the violence and happenings in this part of the world. Sri Lanka has quite the history, it will leave you reeling for days after you learn of the events that took place.

It's all written very sharp and there are many things that could be triggering. It's as beautifully written as the story itself is tragic and shocking. Violence against women, the struggles and horror of it all; the cruelty of many. It isn't exactly an easy read to take in and at times you need to walk away and contemplate all that you've learned. The detailing is incredible and informative and done at a pace that is easy to follow but still hard to read due to the horrifying nature of it all.

Honestly, I found my heart breaking on more than one occasion the more I read and learned. This is what makes the novel itself a gift. Everything about it was captured in a breathtaking manner. It's a difficult feeling to describe, but it's source is one that is easy to pinpoint: when an author explores the truth and tragedy of the world, and opens your eyes, you know that you've found an excellent read.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn | Rating: ★★★★☆

"There’s something disturbing about recalling a warm memory and feeling utterly cold.”

You've heard all the buzz, haven't you? If you haven't, you're clearly just not listening. Gone Girl is one of the books in recent years that everyone is talking about. It's dishy. It's twisted. It's over the top. It's creepy. It's crazy. It's a blast that will leave you scratching your head in wonder. Gillian has cemented her place in pop culture references by penning a novel that has spawned the phrase: "I'm going to Gone Girl myself!" and has delighted readers in a frightening-soap-opera-chills sort of way.

It leaves you cringing as it takes you into the mind of a dull-incredibly-jerky husband and his out of her mind, yet completely clever, wife. Although it may drag at times, although you won't necessarily like the characters a good chunk of the time, it's a still an entertaining and oddly disturbing read. Gillian Flynn writes in a manner that can be, at times, too much but still is quite the ride. It'll throw you flat on your ass several times only to draw you right back into the plot without much of a chance to breathe.

For a lot of people, myself included, it was impossible to put down. Some of the narration had my eyes rolling to the maximum and other parts left me with chills. It's not always frightening in the horror sort of way, but it does leave you reeling psychologically -- especially when you step into the mind of Amy Dunne. Amy is one terrifying, excellent, intelligent villain and it's refreshing for me to see such a character.

Where She Went by Gayle Forman | Rating: ★★★★★

“It would’ve been easier to die. It’s not that I want to be dead now. I don’t. I have a lot in my life that I get satisfaction from, that I love. But some days, especially in the beginning, it was so hard. And I couldn’t help but think that it would’ve been so much simpler to go with the rest of them. But you—you asked me to stay. You begged me to stay. You stood over me and you made a promise to me, as sacred as any vow.”

Sequels can be often difficult to garner attention. It’s no easy task attempting to keep the magic of previous installments and allow the appropriate amount of growth in characters to make the story realistic as it can be. Gayle Forman, naturally, does so gracefully in the sequel to her bestselling and beloved novel If I Stay.

Whiles If I Stay focuses on the thin life between life and and deathand the loss of nearly your entire world; Where She Went focuses more on the aftermath of those it touched as well as discovering how to live in a world of grief. It reminds us all that life goes on and that thought tragedy strikes you down, it isn’t impossible to move forward. Mia has to discover herself again; relearn many things and figure out how to live again.

Ensnared by A.G Howard | Rating: ★★★★★

I am wind.
I am fury.
I am pandemonium.

In this vivid conclusion to one of my favorite series, Ensnared captures the brilliance of the two previous books and wraps up the dark fantasy in a way that is sure to satisfy fans of the trilogy. I, for one, don’t have much to complain about except the fact that Splintered is done.

Can you believe it’s nearly over? No more Alyssa? No more Morpheus? No more Jeb? No more of this deliciously dark Wonderland? What?! I really hate to say goodbye! Alas… all good things must come to an end. And never has there been a more fitting end than Ensnared.

By the epilogue, we have our conclusion, we have our answers and we have a memorable ending to an incredibly unique and underrated trilogy. It will tug on your heartstrings, it will make your heart race and leave you twirling in the midst of dark and intriguing plots. Ensnared certainly goes out with a bang.

A.G Howard, once again, blows me away with her hypnotic and slightly creepy take on Wonderland. Not many authors can pull off revisions to a classic work and make it her own, but she has an undeniable style to her writing and characters that makes it so very possible. You can see these images come to life instantly and find yourself unable to put it down.

Day 21 (The Hundred #2) by Kass Morgan | Rating: ★★★☆☆

The sequel to The 100 is nearly here (out September 16th!) and I’ve had the privilege of reading it already, an eGalley provided by NetGalley. Thanks, guys! And guess what? It is MUCH better than the first of the series. I’ll tell you guys one thing: I think this book series is shaping up to be much better than the start let on — and I, for one, can’t wait!

I know you can’t, either.

That being said: Day 21 picks up right where we had left off in the previous installment and continues rotation in the different point of views. This time around, the transition seems much smoother as we move through the suspense within each plot and we’re introduced to a few new characters, or at least shown the names of some of the others who came down to earth.

Yes, Kass Morgan has seemed to get right into the groove — truly — in the latest chapter of this story of survival.

Bellamy and Clarke shippers, rejoice! This novel has quite a few moments for the two of them as they enter a bit of a journey together at the start of the novel and continue on. Although their relationship is rushed and at times drama threatens to come between them as they fall for one another, there are many fans who will be pleased to see whether or not these two will get together or not. In all truth, their relationship is nice to read and perfect for the target age group, but there a lot of flaws within their development that many people will be less than pleased to read.