A Monsoon Rising

 A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon 400 pages Book 2

Synopsis: Two hearts circle each other in the eye of the storm in this highly anticipated epic fantasy follow-up to the New York Times bestseller, The Hurricane Wars—prepare for more enemies-to-lovers romance, magical adventures, and political schemes in this Southeast Asian-inspired world.

After a lifetime of war, Alaric and Talasyn are thrust into a political marriage between their homelands that was supposed to end the fighting; however, this forced proximity with a sworn foe feels far from peaceful. Now Talasyn must play the part of Alaric’s willing empress while her allies secretly plot to overthrow his reign. But the longer the couple are trapped together, the harder it becomes to deny the slow burn romance crackling like lightning between them. When the time comes to act, can she trust him, or must she ignore her heart for the sake of so many others?

As the master of the Shadowforged Legion, Alaric has trained for battle all his life, but marrying a Lightweaver might be his most dangerous challenge yet. With tensions between nations churning, he needs to focus on the greater threat―the Moonless Dark, a high-stakes cataclysmic magical event that could devour everything. Only he and Talasyn can stop it, with a powerful merging of their unique magic system of light and shadow that they alone can create together. But saving their world from this disaster is a mere preface to his father’s more sinister schemes, and his wife is a burning flame in the darkness, tempting both his loyalties and his desires.

My Thoughts: Once I finished book one, which ended on a cliff hanger, of course I had to pick up book 2! This one was just as good as book one! I loved the battles, the tension, the yearning, and the banter. If you enjoy Star Wars, you will love this book!

The Silence Factory

 The Silence Factory by Bridget Collins 384 pages 

Synopsis: 1820: Sophia Ashmore-Percy reluctantly accompanies her husband James to a remote Greek island, where he searches for rare biological specimens. Once there, however, she sets on her own voyage of discovery—stumbling across the very creature he is looking for, making an unexpected connection with a local woman, and ultimately reconsidering her marriage, life, and own desires.

Decades later, audiologist Henry Latimer is sent to the home of industrialist Sir Edward Ashmore-Percy and tasked with curing the man’s young daughter, Philomel, of her deafness. But Henry, eager to escape a troubled past, quickly becomes obsessed with the fascinating nature of Sir Edward’s business: spinning silk with a rare and magical breed of spiders. The extraordinary silk shields sound, offering respite from bustling streets and noisy neighbors. The result is instant tranquility, as wearers experience a soothing calmness. Yet, those within earshot of the outward-facing silk are subjected to eerie murmurs that amplify with proximity. Bystanders suffer the consequences of this unnerving phenomenon, manifesting in physical and mental afflictions ranging from headaches and drowsiness to severe cases of madness.

As Henry becomes entangled in the allure of the silk and Sir Edward’s charm, he glimpses a more sinister family history. The closer he ventures into the inner circle of Carthmute House, the more he unravels the horrifying underbelly of the silk business.

My Thoughts: I really wanted to like this book, but I did struggle to get through it. I loved the overall themes of this novel: Power, control, and complicity, colonialism, escaping grief, and ethics. I just had a difficult time feeling bogged down with all the scientific talk about the spiders and their silk. I recommend it if you like this type of book, it's worth it to get through to the end. 

The Night Ends with Fire by K.X. Song

 

The Night Ends with Fire by K.X. Song

430 Pages | 2024

Star Rating: ★★★★☆

An instant New York Times and USA Today bestseller!
An Indie Next pick!

Infused with magic and romance, this sweeping fantasy adventure inspired by the legend of Mulan follows a young woman determined to choose her own destiny—even if that means going against everyone she loves.

The Three Kingdoms are at war, but Meilin’s father refuses to answer the imperial draft. Trapped by his opium addiction, he plans to sell Meilin for her dowry. But when Meilin discovers her husband-to-be is another violent, ill-tempered man, she realizes that nothing will change for her unless she takes matters into her own hands.

The very next day, she disguises herself as a boy and enlists in her father’s place.

In the army, Meilin's relentless hard work brings her recognition, friendship—and a growing closeness with Sky, a prince turned training partner. But has she simply exchanged one prison for another? As her kingdom barrels toward destruction, Meilin begins to have visions of a sea dragon spirit that offers her true power and freedom, but with a deadly price.

With the future of the Three Kingdoms hanging in the balance, Meilin will need to decide whom to trust—Sky, who inspires her loyalty and love; the sea dragon spirit, who has his own murky agenda; or an infuriating enemy prince who makes her question everything she once knew—about her kingdom and about her own heart.

How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days by Jessie Sylva

 

How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days

352 Pages | 2026

Star Rating: ★★★☆☆

A halfling and a goblin must learn to love each other despite their differences in this cozy fantasy romance, brimming with warmth and popular romance tropes―perfect for fans of The Honey Witch and The Spellshop.

What if cottagecore and goblincore fell in love?

When a halfling, Pansy, and a goblin, Ren, each think they've inherited the same cottage, they make a bargain: they'll live in the house together and whoever is driven out first forfeits their ownership.

Amidst forced proximity and cultural misunderstandings, the two begin to fall in love.

But when the cottage―and their communities―are threatened by a common enemy, the duo must learn to trust each other, and convince goblins and halflings to band together to oust a tall intruder.

Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen Volumes 1-5 by Hiromi Sato (Author), Kamome Shirahama (Creator)

 Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen Volumes 1-5 by Hiromi Sato (Author) and Kamome Shirahama (Creator) | 802 Pages Total | 2023-2024

160 Pages | 2023

Witch Hat Atelier is back in this culinary spinoff that lets readers try their hand at recreating a variety of sumptuous recipes. This time, the magic is in the kitchen as Qifrey and the gang whip up everything from sizzling stews to crackling croquettes. Ideal for both existing fans of the main series and newcomers looking for an easily "disgestible" introduction to the world of Witch Hat.

Evening falls on Qifrey’s atelier, and Coco and her fellow witches-in-training take to their beds. In the quiet of midnight, Qifrey and Olruggio are finally free to pursue their culinary experiments. The kitchen comes alive as they whip up puddings, stews, parfaits, and jellies, and when the sun rises, Coco and the gang are there to savor every bite!

Includes a variety of real sweet and savory recipes with step-by-step instructions.

160 Pages | 2024

BACK TO THE CUTTING BOARD

It’s not easy running a magical atelier. Between teaching their apprentices and crafting exotic contraptions, witches Qifrey and Olruggio barely have a quiet moment during the day. What better place to unwind than in the kitchen, where the only limit on their imagination is the contents of their pantry? Just a sprinkle of salt here, a dash of pepper there...and the second course is served!

Includes a variety of real sweet and savory recipes with step-by-step instructions.

160 Pages | 2024

THE PERFECT PICK-ME-UP

Whether morning, noon, or night, at home or away from the atelier, witches Qifrey and Olruggio never fail to bring delicious, healthy meals to the table. Then again, sometimes an indulgent snack is just the thing to get four young apprentices through a magic lesson. Baked Glittersweet? Chasenut pancakes? These sweet delights have oh-so-sweet ends!

Includes a variety of real sweet and savory recipes with step-by-step instructions.

162 Pages | 2024

The atelier's four apprentices come home in triumph from the Great Hall after passing the second test in the Pentacle of Proving. What manner of mystical meal might their mentors be concocting to celebrate this achievement? Discover the wonder of a witch's kitchen, where the magic is as marvelous as it is nutritious! Includes a variety of real sweet and savory recipes with step-by-step instructions.

160 Pages | 2024

Even the most cultured palate has its likes and dislikes, and young apprentices are no exception. So when Qifrey receives a gift of bottled Starchovies from his former master, he and Olruggio will have to work their usual magic to transform these pungent delicacies into a kid-friendly meal. Whether it's Starchovies or Cuttlekris, no ingredient is too exotic for a couple of kitchen witches! Includes a variety of real sweet and savory recipes with step-by-step instructions.

Witch Hat Atelier Volumes 1-14 by Kamome Shirahama

 Witch Hat Atelier Volumes 1-14 by Kamome Shirahama | 2539 Pages Total | 2019-2026

208 Pages. 2019

A TOUCH OF MAGIC In a world where everyone takes wonders like magic spells and dragons for granted, Coco is a girl with a simple dream: She wants to be a witch. But everybody knows magicians are born, not made, and Coco was not born with a gift for magic. Resigned to her un-magical life, Coco is about to give up on her dream to become a witch…until the day she meets Qifrey, a mysterious, traveling magician. After secretly seeing Qifrey perform magic in a way she’s never seen before, Coco soon learns what everybody “knows” might not be the truth, and discovers that her magical dream may not be as far away as it may seem…

                                                                         

192 Pages. 2019

TRIAL BY FIRE Join Coco as she continues her spellbinding journey of magic and discovery! After traveling to the mystical township of Kalhn with her new master to buy a casting wand, a strange, masked witch transports Coco and her three sister apprentices to an eerily quiet city. But they soon find out that they’re not alone, and they encounter a ferocious dragon! Do these fledgling witches have what it takes to defeat the fire-breathing beast, or will their plans and lives go up in flames?!

190 Pages. 2019

AN INKY INVESTIGATION Cast yourself into the world of witch es as Qifrey chases after the dark mysteries of the Brimmed Caps! With some quick thinking and ingenuity, Coco and her fellow classmates use their growing magic skills to save some locals from a grim fate. But this triumph nearly turns to tragedy as the Knights Moralis threaten the young witches with severe punishment for disturbing the natural order of magic. Qifrey convinces the Knights to overlook this issue, but a peculiar happening related to this incident puts him onto the trail of the same forbidden magic that brought Coco into his atelier. This may be Qifrey’s only chance to come into contact with the Brimmed Caps, but is he in over his head to engage in this treacherous pursuit on his own?

188 Pages. 2019

"TWISTED PATHS Can Coco and her friends pass their most harrowing test yet? Or will the nefarious Brimmed Caps end their journey towards witch-hood?! Now that Coco has been fully accepted into Qifrey’s Atelier, it’s time for her and her colleagues to move onto the next test: The Sincerity of the Shield. Passing the test involves escorting some feathery friends to their nesting grounds, which sounds simple enough, except that the path before the young witches is a winding road filled with ancient magical traps! The test must also be completed in a group, and there’s one witch-in-training from outside of Qifrey’s atelier who doesn’t seem to have the confidence to make the cut. To top it all off, a Brimmed Cap lurks in the shadows, waiting to attack…"

188 Pages. 2020

In a world where everyone takes wonders like magic spells and dragons for granted, Coco is a girl with a simple dream: She wants to be a witch. But everybody knows magicians are born, not made, and Coco was not born with the gift for magic. She's resigned to her un-magical life, until a traveling magician passes through her village, and Coco learns what what everybody "knows" might not be the truth.

174 pages. 2020

Coco and her peers follow Olruggio and Luluci as they deftly ferry a wounded Qifrey to the underwater Great Hall where witches gather. To their surprise, Beldaruit of the Three Wise Ones awaits the young apprentices at the bottom of the ocean... And he's willing to offer another trial after Agott's and Richeh's was cut short. But the spells and tests of Beldaruit are as much a mystery to unfold as his past, and Coco may be the only one who can put the pieces together and close in on the startling truth...

173 Pages. 2020

As the new trial comes to an end, one of Coco's rewards from Beldaruit the Wise is the story of Qifrey's past and how he came to desire the mysteries of magic. Feeling a connection with her own desire to save her mother, Coco departs for the source of all answers: the Tower of Tomes. But it is a perilous journey to make on her own, and the secrets held within could sway even the most virtuous of witches...

162 Pages. 2021

After finding success together in their second trials, Coco and her friends return to the warmth of the atelier. Before long, they are approached by Tartah from Kalhn, and he needs their help setting up shop at the thrilling witches' festival, Silver Eve! But to design a contraption to sell there, the young students must consider the power of magic -- at once delightful, beneficial, and potentially harmful. As Coco makes preparations alongside Tartah, she's reunited with Custas, a boy who was saved by Coco once before, but is convinced that luck will never shine on him again...

178 Pages. 2022

AT THE BORDERLINE

With their magic contraptions in hand, Coco and her friends head to Ezrest for the annual festival, Silver Eve! The cobblestone streets of the crown city are lined with vibrant tents, and visitors from across the land partake in reunions and greetings anew. Here, witches, royals, the Knights Moralis, and even the Three Wise converge -- each party carrying with them their private motivations and powerful histories. However, the bright lights and merriment lure in the uninvited as well...

162 Pages. 2022

FOR THOSE IN NEED

During their heated reunion, Custas introduces his old friends to Ininia, a girl who is loyal to one of the Brimmed Caps. Suddenly, the young witch binds Coco and Tartah to a promise: The two must partake in the Silver Eve Procession. But to do so, they must conjure up a new spell, and quickly. As the weight of many secrets bears down on her, Coco cannot turn to Qifrey or her friends. When she happens upon Dagda, she sees his chest is marked with a forbidden magic...

162 Pages. 2023

THE BRIGHTEST MINDS

Silver Eve, a time for witches and normal folk to come together, nears its final day. At the procession, witches from all walks will have an opportunity to secure an audience with the king--if they display an exceptional spell. In an attempt to help Dagda and Custas, Coco desperately tries to concoct something but becomes frozen with fear. The only one who sees her in crisis is Agott, whose aid might bring them closer to the king...but farther from everything they once knew.

194 Pages. 2024

Coco and Agott spun a well-received spectacle at the Silver Eve procession, but the wonder is quickly dispelled when an enormous terror descends upon the streets of Ezrest. The crowd is thrown into a frenzy, and the Knights Moralis, the King, and the Wise Ones rush forth to keep destruction at bay. Coco turns to Qifrey about Custas and Dagda, but no one's safety can be guaranteed once the intentions of all are laid bare under the starry sky

192 Pages. 2025

The true mastermind responsible for the havoc in Ezrest is subdued at last, but not without exacting a heavy price on Coco. She is still eager to rejoin the search for Custas, and fortunately Beldaruit knows just the spell to allow her to do so without overworrying Qifrey. Meanwhile, the other witches are called to where they are most needed in the aftermath. As strings of fate never meant to interact are further entangled, the starlight reveals society's true nature.

176 Pages. 2026

At long last, Dagda and Custas are back together, reunited in the medical tower. All they should have to do now is wait for the doctors to treat them. But at that moment, Qifrey has a terrible premonition. Meanwhile, Coco has a plan to defend the town from the rampaging valance leeches. But it's a long shot that'll need all the town's witches to work together… (All Summaries courtesy of Amazon).

THE MIDNIGHT BOOK CLUB by EMILY W. ANDERSON

 THE MIDNIGHT BOOK CLUB by EMILY W. ANDERSON (Pgs 371)

Goodreads: 

If you could rewrite the story of your own life, would you be brave enough to take a chance at true love?

When writer Aurelia Lyndham inherits a London bookshop from her beloved aunt, she assumes the whispers she hears late at night are nothing more than her imagination-or a talkative burglar. She never expected that the shop was home to characters who could step straight out of the pages of classic novels and into her life.

Spending every night with the cast of Sense and Sensibility, Little Women, and Anna Karenina may not ignite her personal life, but it certainly unlocks her long-standing writer's block. As she sets out to rewrite a character's tragic ending, Aurelia discovers that she just might be on the path to crafting her own happy ending, too.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series.

THE ELSEWHERE EXPRESS by SAMANTHA SOTTO YAMBAO

 THE ELSEWHERE EXPRESS by SAMANTHA SOTTO YAMBAO (Pgs 432)

Goodreads Revies: You can’t buy a ticket for the Elsewhere Express. Appearing only to those whose lives are adrift, it’s a magical train carrying very rare and special cargo: a sense of purpose, peace, and belonging.

Raya is one of those lost souls. She had dreamed of being a songwriter, but when her brother died, she gave up on her dream and started living his instead.

One day on the subway, as her thoughts wander, she’s swept off to the Elsewhere Express. There she meets Q, a charming, handsome artist who, like her, has lost his place in the world.

Together they find a train full of wonders, from a boarding car that’s also a meadow to a dining car where passengers can picnic on lily pads to a bar where jellyfish and whales swim through pink clouds.

But they also discover that the train harbors secrets—and danger: A mysterious stranger has stowed away and brought with him a dark, malignant magic that threatens to destroy the train.

But in investigating the stowaway's identity, Raya also finds herself drawing closer to the ultimate question: What is her life's true purpose—and might Q be connected to it?

This books was so beautiful, between the cover and interior art, plus the sprayed edges, it was sometimes hard to concentrate on actually reading it! But I did, and I really enjoyed it, I do appreciate this author.

The Dragon Republic

 The Dragon Republic bk 2 by R. F. Kuang 654 pages

Synopsis: In the aftermath of the Third Poppy War, shaman and warrior Rin is on the run: haunted by the atrocity she committed to end the war, addicted to opium, and hiding from the murderous commands of her vengeful god, the fiery Phoenix. Her only reason for living is to get revenge on the traitorous Empress who sold out Nikan to their enemies.

With no other options, Rin joins forces with the powerful Dragon Warlord, who has a plan to conquer Nikan, unseat the Empress, and create a new Republic. Rin throws herself into his war. After all, making war is all she knows how to do.

But the Empress is a more powerful foe than she appears, and the Dragon Warlord’s motivations are not as democratic as they seem. The more Rin learns, the more she fears her love for Nikan will drive her away from every ally and lead her to rely more and more on the Phoenix’s deadly power. Because there is nothing she won’t sacrifice for her country and her vengeance.

My Thoughts: This book was just as rough to read as the first in the trilogy, "The Poppy Wars". This book is very war heavy and pretty graphic, but it's also a very very good book series. This book is based on actual historical events, but with a fantasy twist. Rin is a wonderful main character and the aftermath of book one, how she deals with her emotions, and learning new things. We have amazing supporting characters. We lose even more characters, essentially not one character is safe in this author's hands and its a gut wrenching read, but so good. 

Beyond the Highland Mist

 Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning 400 pages

Synopsis: He would sell his warrior soul to possess her...
An alluring laird...
He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart—until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm's length—but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.
A prisoner in time...
She had a perfect "no" on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love. Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne's reservations were no match for Hawk's determination to keep her by his side...

My thoughts: This book was not my cup of tea. If you do like the mass paperback romance books of the 90's that have beautiful Scottish men and magic, this book is for you. The time travel seemed like an after thought and I just wasn't into it, I read it for a book club and will not be continuing the series. 

Through Gates of Garnet and Gold (Wayward Children #11) by Seanan McGuire

 Through Gates of Garnet and Gold (Wayward Children #11) by Seanan McGuire-148 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

After Nancy was cast out of the Halls of the Dead and forced to enroll at Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children, she never believed she'd find her door again, and when she did, she didn't look back. She disappeared from the school to resume her place in the Halls, never intending to return.

Years have passed. A darkness has descended on the Halls, and the living statues who populate them are dying at the hands of the already dead. The Lord and Lady who rule the land are helpless to stop the slaughter, forcing Nancy to leave the Halls again, this time on purpose, as she attempts to seek much-needed help from her former schoolmates.

But who would volunteer to quest in a world where the dead roam freely?

And why are the dead so intent on adding to their number?

Thoughts: I've really enjoyed reading all of the previous books in this series. I like that Nancy is back and we get more of her story. There's also a surprise return from another former student at Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children. Overall, I liked this one and I continue to enjoy this series. I hope McGuire continues to write books in this series. 

The Midnight Library

 The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 288 pages

Synopsis: Between life and death there is a library.

When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change.

The books in the Midnight Library enable Nora to live as if she had done things differently. With the help of an old friend, she can now undo every one of her regrets as she tries to work out her perfect life. But things aren't always what she imagined they'd be, and soon her choices place the library and herself in extreme danger.

Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: what is the best way to live?

My Thoughts: A few of my favorite quotes:

“You’re overthinking it.’ ‘I have anxiety. I have no other type of thinking available.”

“She realised that you could be as honest as possible in life, but people only see the truth if it is close enough to their reality.”

This book was such a good book, I wasn't expecting it to be. I loved the idea of getting to explore multiple different lives, of what could have been. Though the moral is the life you have should be cherished and don't live life with regrets. 

For the Wolf

 For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten 437 pages

Synopsis: As the only Second Daughter born in centuries, Red has one purpose—to be sacrificed to the Wolf in the Wood in the hope he'll return the world's captured gods.

Red is almost relieved to go. Plagued by a dangerous power she can't control, at least she knows that in the Wilderwood, she can't hurt those she loves. Again.

But the legends lie. The Wolf is a man, not a monster. Her magic is a calling, not a curse. And if she doesn't learn how to use it, the monsters the gods have become will swallow the Wilderwood—and her world—whole.

My Thoughts: It did take a while for me to get into this book. I'm not sure if it was because I just wasn't in the mood for it or if it was just too chock full of information. I did love the idea of the Wilderwood. I do love that this is a mix of Beauty and the Beast, Snow White, and Little Red Reding Hood. 

Stars Above

 Stars Above by Marissa Meyer 400 pages

Synopsis: The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories—and secrets—that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies? With nine stories—five of which have never before been published—and an excerpt from Marissa Meyer’s novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

My Thoughts: This was a nice little epilogue for everyone. I did enjoy reading it. It's not necessary to read and it was a little long, but I did enjoy it. I loved getting back stories of several of the characters we didn't know much about.

The Thirteenth Child

 The Thirteenth Child  by Erin A Craig 498 pages

Synopsis: Hazel Trépas has always known she wasn’t like the rest of her siblings. A thirteenth child, promised away to one of the gods, she spends her childhood waiting for her godfather—Merrick, the Dreaded End—to arrive.

When he does, he lays out exactly how he’s planned Hazel’s future. She will become a great healer, known throughout the kingdom for her precision and skill. To aid her endeavors, Merrick blesses Hazel with a gift, the ability to instantly deduce the exact cure needed to treat the sick.

But all gifts come with a price. Hazel can see when Death has claimed a patient—when all hope is gone—and is tasked to end their suffering, permanently. Haunted by the ghosts of those she’s killed, Hazel longs to run. But destiny brings her to the royal court, where she meets Leo, a rakish prince with a disdain for everything and everyone. And it’s where Hazel faces her biggest dilemma yet—to save the life of a king marked to die. Hazel knows what she is meant to do and knows what her heart is urging her toward, but what will happen if she goes against the will of Death?

From the astonishing mind of Erin A. Craig comes the breathtaking fairy tale retelling readers have been waiting for— what does a life well-lived mean, and how do we justify the impossible choices we make for the ones we love?

My Thoughts: This book, while the story sounded interesting, fell a bit flat for me. I loved Merrick, he was trying to be a good godfather, but ultimately Gods don't understand humans. Hazel was a great main character, but since she was so young (which Merrick didn't seem to realized) she did make mistakes and wasn't taught how to be like a god. 

Winter

 Winter by Marissa Meyer 827 pages

 Synopsis:  Princess Winter is admired for her grace, kindness and beauty, despite the scars on her face. She's said to be even more breath-taking than her stepmother, Queen Levana...

When Winter develops feelings for the handsome palace guard, Jacin, she fears the evil Queen will crush their romance before it has a chance to begin.

But there are stirrings against the Queen across the land. 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.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter claim their happily ever afters by defeating Levana once and for all?

My Thoughts: I love Winter and how crazy she is! This poor girl, despite how awful Levana has treated her, she decided to NOT use the Lunar gift and instead went mad. Winter is a very strong character and such a wonderful character. I love how everything ties together at the end. 

Fairest

 Fairest by Marissa Meyer 272 pages

Synopsis: Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who is 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.

Marissa Meyer spins yet another unforgettable tale about love and war, deceit and death. 

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved getting Levana's backstory. She was such an interesting character. It also shows how one can grow up and the consequences of the actions of how she grew up and the work she didn't do to heal herself shows how damaging it can be.

 

Cress

 Cress by Marissa Meyer 552 pages 

Synopsis: In this third book in the Lunar Chronicles, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, now with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they're plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army. 

Their best hope lies with Cress, a girl imprisoned on a satellite since childhood who's only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she's just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue of Cress goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a higher price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has.

My Thoughts: Book 3 did not disappoint. I love Cress as a character. She grows so much in this book. Rapunzel is one of my favorite stories and this book did not disappoint on the retelling of her story. Queen Levana continues to be a wonderful villain. 

Scarlet

 Scarlet by Marissa Meyer 464 pages

Synopsis: Cinder is back and trying to break out of prison―even though she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive if she does―in this second installment from Marissa Meyer.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother, or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana.

My Thoughts: This book was based off of the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood and it did NOT disappoint! All of the characters are hilarious. I loved being able to focus on another character in the same world, but continue the story from the first book and the first character we were introduced to.