An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

I finished reading this book the other. I finally gave in to temptation and bought the hardbook cover. Let me tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. 

"Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free. Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear."

I was enthralled with the description of this book. I knew I wanted to read it, but I didn't want it to end. So I eventually gave in and started it. I was immediately sucked in to their world and ached for their troubles and trials. 

It was hard to not feel pain for Laia and her circumstances. She was so young, and had already lost so much at such an age. And to witness the atrocities that she saw, was hard. I have to say that she was a very courageous character and I was very impressed with all that she withstood. There were several times when I wanted to slap her and knock some sense into her. But, overall, I liked her. 

Elias. What more can I say about him. Other than the fact that he is a very complicated person/character. I was shocked at what he had been through himself. I felt for him. In every sense of the word. There was so much that he wanted, yet everything was just out of his fingers reach, literally. 

The connections and relationships that these characters developed were wonderful. I was rooting for Laia and Elias from the very beginning (how stupid of me, right?). There are other characters that I would rather not talk about, because, well that would mean that they meant something to both Elias and Laia, and we (meaning "I") don't want that. I'd rather be oblivious to those feelings. 

I have to say that I was very impressed with Sabaa Tahir. She did an amazing job creating this wonderful yet dreadful world. A world where there is evil and nasty things and people that are willing to hurt those that are helpless. A world where you serve your Emperor with Mind, Body and Soul before serving yourself and those you "love". A world where EVERYONE is a prisoner in one way or another. 

I literally ached as I neared the end of this book. I didn't want that last page to arrive so soon, yet it did. I was however happy with how it ended. I was happy that Laia was the one that rescued Elias, and that he would have to help her rescue her brother. 

Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs

I thoroughly enjoyed the other books in this series, but I LOVED this hard book cover. It was beautiful and amazing. It was absolutely stunning. 

This book was the beautiful end to this series. I was amazed by the journey that each individual took to get to their end. They were so brave and beautiful. 

Jacob was able to develop his abilities and was able to become the hero that his grandfather knew him to be. I loved what he was able to accomplish in the end. 

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

I loved this book even more than the first one. Miss Peregrine's Home, we learn about the children and what peculiarities they have. In this one, they all take us on adventures, to try and save their Ymbrynes that have been captured. It's pretty brave of those children, because although some are decades old, they only appear to be several years old.

Those amazing children were so brave to leave their own loop and risk aging forward in order to save Miss P. We were able to meet many more characters in this book that were pretty interesting. Like Mr. Addison - the talking dog, whom plays an important role through out the end of this book, and the next. 

The friendships and relationships that develop in this book were absolutely beautiful. It was nice to see how the children took care of each other, how they genuinely cared for each. And how far they went to protect each other. 

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I had been hesitant to start this book, because I wasn't completely sure about the story line. I believe it took my about 3 years to finally dive in.

I'm so happy that I finally did. It took me a little bit to understand what was happening, because there was only slight action at the beginning, I don't even know that you can call it action. But it certainly is something that causes a great turn in the book. 

I loved the characters and their abilities/peculiarities! Jacob goes off and has an adventure while discovering the truth about his grandfather and realizing things about his self. It was most certainly entertaining and kept me at the edge of my seat, trying to discover what would happen next. 

I loved meeting all the characters that were introduced to us, and what they were able to do. 

Hold On by Kristen Ashley

I can’t believe that our journey with the folks of the Burg is over. Like completely over, unless Ms. Kristen Ashley decides to gift us with some of their children’s story, like say… No & Addie J or maybe Jack Colton & Angie Callahan… Gah!!! 

No but seriously, this book was an absolute beauty work of art. I always enjoyed Cher. It totally sucked what Dennis Lowe did to her. It sucked that she got dragged into the mess that he created because of her looks, but she was totally awesome. I loved that she gained a WHOLE NEW FAMILY out of the mess. I loved that she was willing to do anything for her son, to provide for him. She was a total awesome heroine. 

Now, Garrett Merrick? I always wondered about him, and his issues. It sucked that he was going through his problems, and that he literally let go of his “true love” – wife Mia. But, at the same time, I’m happy that he did. Because there would be no Cher and Merry or Merry and Cher. 

I loved that they were able to build a foundation of friendship before they began anything or any kind of relationship. And it sort of just happened that way. Cher was always “one of the boys” because she was a tough chick who could hang with the guys, and would rather do that then go shopping with the girls. So yes, the building a friendship and actually getting to know the other person was great! Once they finally hooked up, it was absolutely beautiful. My heart kind of broke at first. I thought that she was going to have to chase him there for a minute, but am glad that it didn’t happen that way. Thanks to some trouble that presented itself to Cher, Merry was able to realize that he wanted to start a relationship with her. And like any Alpha male, he threw down for her. He made her business his. He got involved and wouldn’t take NO for an answer. 

I think that what got me the most was that he fell in love with her son Ethan at the same time that he was falling in love with Cher. It was absolutely beautiful and wonderful. They were able to develop a relationship and bond over men stuff. And that boy, the way that he cared for his mother, and the things that he did for her, were just wow. He was definitely an awesome kid. 

Like any KA book; you get some action out of this book. Not like the others, but there is still some that keep your heart racing and wondering what is going to happen. But don’t fret it. She takes care of her business. (And by her, I mean KA!)

Now, can I talk about that Epilogue! It was amazing and wonderful and beautiful. I couldn’t stop my tears. I still feel the fullness in my heart after reading so much beauty! She completely outdid herself. Never in my wildest dreams, did I ever expect the beauty that she gave us. But she did, and for that I am thankful!!! 

So thank you Kristen Ashley, for your wonderful talents of creating beautiful worlds, with beautiful people and sharing those with us. And showing us how to love and appreciate reading and books. You have a gift; and that is to bring people (women in particular) together and allowing them to fall in love with your dreams!! 

Your Faithful Reader and Fellow Rock Chick!!! 

The Paper Swan by Leylah Attar

I’ve been contemplating writing this review since I finished reading the book. I have a complete and total swirl of emotions. 

They say it takes 21 days to form a habit. 

They lie.

For 21 days she held on.

But on Day 22, she would have given anything for the sweet slumber of death.

Because on Day 22, she realizes that her only way out means certain death for one of the two men she loves. 

I was completely enthralled with this book and the story line. You’re immediately thrown into the story at the beginning of the book. 

“I hadn’t planned on wearing statement heels on the runway to death, but if this was it, if I was going to be killed by some random psycho with a thirst for blood, what better way to go down than with red-soled ‘fuck yous’ to my murdered?”

I went into this book completely blind, not knowing what to expect. There are several bloggers that I follow and they all said the same thing. GO IN BLIND. TRUST this Author and her book. I am so glad that I did. 

I can’t say much about the book without giving anything away. I can say that I absolutely loved the heroine. She was so strong and brave and had so much courage. My heart broke for her several times. I had mixed emotions about another character, but in the end, everything makes sense.

“Because when we love, we carry it on the inside, and we can turn on its light even in our darkest moments. The deeper we love, the brighter it shines.”

I have to say that all in all, it was an absolutely beautiful love story. The trials that the characters were dealt were gut-wrenching. They all struggled, but fortunately were able to overcome their obstacles. 

I absolute LOVED one person… 

“’Are you calling me and ugly duckling?’… ‘No. I’m just…’ He cupped his groin and jumped back instinctively. He didn’t like the way this little girl had him hopping around like a bunny rabbit. ‘You know what you are? You’re a big bully. You kick me, you spy on me, you walk in and out of here without my permission, and now you’re trying to intimidate me.’ They glared at each other, her hands on her hips, and him guarding his balls.”

I laughed so hard.  

Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headly

I was originally recommended this book when it first released (actually before it released). A friend of mine knows of my passion for reading and thought that it would be a good read for me. I went out and bought it, and actually sat on it for some time. 

I finally decided to start it this weekend. And holy hell. I’m not sure why I waited so long to read this. When I first started looking into this book, I kept hearing that it had almost like a Stardust and Peter Pan twist to it, but not really. I couldn’t really comprehend it. But once I started it, I got it! 

We meet Aza Ray, who is literally deathly ill. I mean, she’s like legit dying. She can’t breathe. No one knows what is wrong with her, or how to help her because there has never been a case like hers before. But despite her illness, she’s a pretty incredible person. She knows what’s going to happen to her and she accepts it, or as much as she can for an almost 16 year old teenager. 

I have to say that I was completely impressed with this book. The story line was unique, although it’s compared to other known books/stories; it’s not though. The journey that we travel on is one that completely sucks you in and doesn’t let you go. I kept reading and wondering what in the world was happening and how things were going to turn out. 

We don’t really get a whole world building / creation in this book; but it’s okay. You don’t really need it. Not when you have they types of characters and their descriptions. At least for me, they were good enough. I think the way that she describes them is what sucks you right in. I mean, a beautiful (in a strange way) boy that is blue (who by the way happens to be named Dai)? I was a little scared that we would get some kind of Love Triangle (you know, with Jason, Dai & Aza Ray), but alas, it doesn’t happen. There is a connection between her and both boys individually that she can’t really explain. And that’s okay. 

I was thrilled with a lot of things, and confused at the same time. Needless to say that I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book – which we don’t even know the name of. All I know is that it will be released some time in 2016 (a whole year from now). Bummer.