REVIEW: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas
Format: ebook
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Duration: 699 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“…what we think to be our greatest weakness can sometimes be our biggest strength. And that the most unlikely person can alter the course of history.”

Page 309, A Court of Wings and Ruin

Synopsis

Feyre is back in the clutches of the Spring court – but she has a plan up her sleeves. Even though it is difficult to be so far from Rhys, she knows what needs to be done. The third installment of this series goes through the difficulties with making alliances with neighboring courts so they can still thrive after the war with Hybern, how Elain and Nesta are handling being made from the cauldron, and the actual war itself.

Review

After all of the heat and excitement I was feeling from A Court of Mist and Fury, I was definitely excited to jump right into this book. I hate to say this but this book did not live up to the first two.

1 – I felt like some parts were kind of slow and dragged on. The book was quite long so it really could have been cut down a considerable amount.

2- A lot of the lines were overused. I can’t even begin to count how many times someone used a “vulgar gesture” or “mate.” It would have been better to just start leaving it out after it was used a couple times or use something else instead.

In the end, the book did have some great parts that still made it earn 4 stars out of 5 from me. I love Rhys and Feyre’s relationship as well as the friendships within the night court, and the humor sprinkled throughout the book. I am currently reading book #3.1 A Court of Frost and Starlight. I plan on starting Sarah J. Maas’s other series – Throne of Glass. This series is definitely well worth reading despite this book not being as strong as the 2nd.

“And I wondered if the road ahead – the road to true peace – would perhaps be the hardest and longest one yet.”

Page 689, A Court of Wings and Ruin

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Have you read this series? How did you feel about the 3rd book compared to the others? Have you read Throne of Glass? Which series did you think was better?

WWW Wednesday 3

What I am currently reading

The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen
Sarah Dessen has seriously been one of my favorite authors since middle school. This book so far seems like the perfect summertime read – with a balance of romance, seriousness, and lightheartedness.
Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
I saw good things about this book but I’m not entirely impressed with it. I am not sure if I will continue with the story after this – it really depends on if the rest of the book entices me.

What I recently finished

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

You know how much I have been LOVING this series lately. But I hate to say that this 3rd book did not live up to the 2nd book. It was still excellent but I have a few qualms with it. That’s why . I decided to read The Rest of the Story before finishing this series and reading A Court of Frost and Starlight.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

I enjoyed this cute audiobook! You can check out my full review.

What I am reading next

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
I was on hold for this audiobook from my library and I just got it! Definitely looking forward to it.
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
I know I put this on last week but definitely going to get to it!
The Selection by Kiera Cass
I plan to start this series for a book battle! I’ve heard really good things.

I have been in an Asian Drama/movie slump since May BUT I have started to watch again! So I will include my updates in this post too.

What I am currently watching

Toumei na Yurikago (JP)
I found this drama on a list of Slice of Life-type dramas. It’s about a girl in nursing school who starts working at an OBGYN clinic where she has the opportunity to see life and death. It’s really interesting and emotional! Also – only 10 episodes so it was a good drama to get myself back in the groove of things.

What I recently finished watching

Office (KR)
Honestly, I was not impressed with this movie. I was so confused about what was going on.
[SPOILER:] my fiance interpreted it as the boss killed himself then possessed the worker girl? It just was not clear at all and all over the place.

What I am watching next

Shoplifters (JP)
I have been planning to watch this movie for so long that I just have to do it! It has won awards and has received a lot of praise.
Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu (JP)
I saw this list on a list for top rated Heisei era dramas and decided to give it a try next!

REVIEW: Eleanor & Park

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Young Adult, Romance
Duration: 328 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Holding Eleanor’s hand was like holding a butterfly. Or a heartbeat. Like holding something complete, and completely alive.”

Synopsis

Being the new kid in school is never easy, especially for Eleanor with her eccentric style. The first day on the bus when no one else was offering a place for her to sit, parked moved over and that spot became her official bus spot. They didn’t speak to each other but eventually Park realized that Eleanor would read his comics over his shoulder. He started giving some to take home along with music to listen to. This story is about how their relationship blossoms despite Eleanor’s hardships at home.

Review

This book was written in a very raw and beautiful way. I loved that it displayed both POVs – as Eleanor and Park, so you could see how they each view each other. This story had some points that just made me smile and giggle. I think the biggest let down of this book was how it built up to the end and then just kind of deflated – it could have been soo much better. But if you enjoy sweet romances that have a more real vibe – this book was very adorable.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

REVIEW: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

“Not consort, not wife. Feyre is High Lady of the Night Court.” My equal in every way,”

Page 620, A Court of Mist and Fury
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Format: ebook
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis

The 2nd book in the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series picks up with Feyre reliving her nightmares from Under the Mountain while living in the Spring Court. Tamlin has confined her to the house and property out of being overprotective and she is planning her wedding with the help of Ignathe, a high priestess. When the wedding day finally comes, Feyre is wearing a dress she hates and is hesitating completely going to Tamlin to say their vows. In her head she is screaming for someone to save her – so, right on time Rhysand shows up to take her for a week as condition of their bargain. Feyre is resistant at first while in the Night Court but when she goes back to the Spring Court, she realizes that Tamlin does not try to understand what is going on with her. The last thing she wants is to be locked up for her safety – but Tamlin does not listen to her. The last straw was when Tamlin shielded her into the palace and she was so upset Rhysand set his cousin, Mor, to take her back to the Night Court. He gives her a choice to stay in the Night Court of go back to the Spring Court whenever she wants. Which begins her adventures with the Night Court.

Review

At this point, I am about halfway through with the 3rd book. So far – this has to be my favorite book in the series. I read it constantly and finished it in 5 days. There isn’t a moment of down time. the author beautifully shows Feyre and Rhysand’s relationship blossom and you can immediately tell how different it is between them compared to Feyre and Tamlin. How Rhysand is so patient to wait for her to come around and treats her like an equal. There are also some very steamy scenes 😉.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

WWW Wednesday 3

What I am currently reading

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
This book is reminiscent of an adorable 80’s love story that makes jokes that crack me up and makes me smile like I’m crazy. It is just such a cute book so far!
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
You guys already KNOW how OBSESSED with this series I am right now. I finished the 2nd book this weekend and am working through book 3. Such an amazing series. If you have been holding out on it – GO READ IT NOW.

What I recently finished reading

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass & A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

I read 11 birthdays for a challenge I am doing and it was only okay – I think because it’s a bit too young for me.

A Court of Mist and Fury is (so far) my favorite book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series and I can’t wait to write a review on it!

what I am reading next

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
You know I have to finish this series.
Marked by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast
This is my next audiobook from the library! I see it has a lot of love around this series so I am excited!

REVIEW: A Court of Thorns and Roses

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Format: Ebook
Duration: 432 pages
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Don’t feel bad for one moment about doing what brings you joy.”

Synopsis

Feyre originally grew up in a wealthy home with her 2 sisters but when her father could not pay back debtors they were forced to live in poverty. She turned into the sole provider for her family – without her they wouldn’t have the food she hunted or the push to cut firewood to keep warm. One day while hunting desperate after a few days of not eating, she ran into a wolf that was about to steal the deer she was going to kill. So, she ended up killing the deer and the wolf to sell the wolf pelt for money and use the deer for food. The day after a Faerie came to her home terrifying her family – stating that the wolf she killed was a faerie so there was only 2 choices – he could kill her or she could live out the rest of her days in Prythian, land of the faeries. She ended up going with him the Prythian unsure if she made the right choice. This book follows Feyre’s adventure learning about the faeries she’s living with and what is engulfing their land.

Review

This series was recommended to me in a book FB group. The person told me to immediately put all 3 of the books in the series on hold at the library because it’s so good that you’ll want to read the next one right away. So I listened to her wise words and she definitely wasn’t wrong.

This book is such an adventure from start to finish. I was upset because when I was looking at the 2nd book on GR I accidentally read some of the synopsis and it spoiled what happened for me. BUT there was still so much anticipation and lead up to the ending.

This book will not disappoint you if you love fantasy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Pity those who don’t feel anything at all”

REVIEW: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Format: Audiobook
Duration: 342 pages
Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis

Jason Dessen lives a simple life as a physics professor at a community college with the woman he loves and their son. When he is invited to celebrate his college roommate’s nomination for his work in physics, he thinks about how he could’ve won a prize in physics if he chose his career over his home life 15 years ago. After the celebration he is kidnapped by someone who claims to have been watching him his whole life and he is forced to drive to a bunker in the middle of nowhere. His captor shoots him up with an unknown substance and he knocks out and wakes up in a completely different place with people greeting him and asking about where he’s been. He immediately understands things are not as they should be and escapes to find answers.

Review

When I first started reading this book I was in utter disbelief about everything that was happening is Jason’s life. It left me on the edge of my seat curiously waiting to see how Jason decided to emerge from this mess. I loved learning about the new worlds he was visiting and imagining how crazy that would be to have the ability to do that.

In the end, this book made me really think about how everything happens for a reason and all the choices I have made up until this point have been the right ones. It’s really easy to look back and be curious about the path not taken, but it is beneficial to realize that it is all for the best. One of my most difficult decisions within the past few years was deciding where to go to podiatry school. After a few months in NYC I was questioning if I made the right choice – school was tough, NYC was not everything I thought it would be, and I missed having a network of support with my friends. Now, I know there were definitely good reasons to come here and I absolutely do not regret it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Did you read this book? What did you think about it? Did you learn any life lessons from it?

WWW Wednesday 2

What I am currently reading

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
When I heard about this book I wasn’t sure if it was something I would like. So far I have thoroughly enjoyed it and it really makes you think.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Mass
I have only heard excellent things about this series and I see why! It is so full of adventure that it takes you to a whole new world.

What I recently finished reading

Love a La Mode by Stephanie Kate Strohm (Read my REVIEW)
Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
When Lock Every Door came out I started hearing about it everywhere. I had never read a book by Riley Sager before but after finishing Lock Every Door I was wondering where he has been my whole life! I saw a lot of readers saying they enjoyed his other works more but I thought Lock Every Door was excellent and I look forward to reading his other books. I can’t wait to write my review on it too.

What I Am reading next

This is a good question because I’m not entirely sure. I know Netgalley is doing their reviewathon for the month of August and I definitely have some ARCs to catch up on. I have also been suspending my library books so I don’t have a bunch become available at once.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
This is #2 in the series since I am loving the first one right now!
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
My next audiobook from my library that’s becoming available
Gypsy Secrets by J. L. Vampa
My first ARC outside of GR! Her books aren’t well known (yet) and I LOVED the first one! I can’t wait to make a post and introduce you all to J. L. Vampa.

REVIEW: Scythe by Neil Shusterman

Scythe by Neil Shusterman
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Duration: 435 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Without the threat of suffering, we can’t experience true joy. The best we get is pleasatness.

Scythe, Page 192

Synopsis

Citra and Rowan are unremarkable, normal teenagers until they both encounter Scythe Faraday in different ways. Scythe Faraday notices that they have a certain kind of compassion in them – so he decides he wants to take them on as scythe apprentices. Citra and Rowan are abhorred about the idea at first – who would want a life where their job is to be “death.” A very necessary job, but one where everyone fears you in an age where mortality doesn’t exist. After a few months of training they attend their first conclave – a congregation of the areas scythes that includes meetings and the apprentices being tested. Scythe Godddard, someone who believes his method is the future of scythedom, brings up a proposition that only Citra or Rowan can become a scythe and whoever wins needs to glean (kill) the other. The story follows this predicament and how they try to work around it.

Review

I always really enjoy books like these – it reminds of hunger games and maze runner. It is always a crazy and entertaining adventure. The characters work really well together and there is a hint of romance but it definitely does not precede the entire story. It is more of the beauty of friendship and how they can be clever to get around the hand that was dealt to them. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading the next one.

“The longer we live, the quicker the days seem to pass. How troublesome that is when we live forever”

Scythe, page 293

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Did you read this book? What do you think?

REVIEW: Love à la Mode by Stephanie Kate Strohm

Love à la Mode by Stephanie Kate Strohm
Genre: YA, Romance
Duration: 304 pages
Format: Audiobook
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis

Rosie and Henry happened to be seated near each other on a flight from Chicago to France. They start talking because Rosie is reading Henry’s culinary magazine over his shoulder. He is smitten by how beautiful Rosie is and promises to give her the magazine once he is finished. After exiting the plane they realize that they are headed to the same place – Denis Laurent’s culinary school in Paris. This book shows their hardships in culinary school and the blossoming of a relationship together.

Review

This book had a lot of fun moments but Henry really frustrated me at times. His mother was pushing him to get excellent grades while Henry was pushing himself to be an excellent chef. This in turn burned Henry out and when Rosie was worried about him he kept her in the dark. There would’ve been no harm in explaining to her about the pressure he was being put under. Then when Bodie Tal – a student with a famous chef father started talking to Rosie, Henry would get so upset and just bottle it inside and blame Rosie. If he didn’t have these anger issues I would have enjoyed the romance more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Have you read this book? What did you think?