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These are all the books and their review that I have read for the current month. Previous book reviews are listed at the bottom of the page! Click the title to access the Synopsis of the selected book.
Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas
Full Book Review
★★★★★ 5.0
Throne of Glass (Book One of the Throne of Glass Series) by Sarah J. Mass was a phenomenally engaging novel told in third person about an eighteen-year-old assassin, Celaena Sardothien, battling her way in a sadistic competition in order to become the King of Adarlan’s champion⎯ a royal assassin. This novel was so much fun to read, and very easy to get in to. I always struggle getting into a story, however with this novel, I had already found myself laughing on page three. The main characters in this story were Celaena Sardothien, Chaol Westfall, Prince Dorian Havilliard, and Princess Nehemia Ytger. I really loved each of these characters in this novel and how they played a part in the whole plot. Celaena and Nehemia were particularly amazing to read about because they were both such strong, bold, and brave independent women who stood for something so empowering, and knew when justice needed to be brought. They didn’t let the fact that they were women affect how they acted, and they took pride proving everyone around them wrong. I also really loved Chaol and the role he played, and I am looking forward to reading about this particular Captain of the Royal Guard in the next book of the Throne of Glass Series. I didn’t have much interest in Prince Dorian, I felt like he was just there, however he is a lot of readers favorite in this series. The external battle overall was the competition, which I found very displeasing. Not because of the author, but just because I really disliked the king. It was all a sadistic game, that hopefully, Celaena will find justice for. I really loved how the author wrote about the tests that took place in the competition and how she took her time writing about each one. Especially when she added the little twist⎯ when several of the competitors turn up dead. This novel was the perfect balance of the regular word and fantasy. The relationships in this story was so much fun to read about as each of the characters became close with each other. My personal favorite was Chaol and Celaena’s, but soon followed by Nehemia and Celaena’s. I also really enjoyed the set up this novel had. I felt like Sarah J. Maas had an even balance between the outline and the details in this story. She really took her time with each chapter, while still keeping it very interesting. For this particular story, the adventures and problems were the basis for this novel. It’s hard, at least in my case, to find authors who can write about something and so tragic, but still keeps a constant humor. The events in this story weren’t sad, but very exasperating. It definitely kept you on the edge of your toes, and wanting to read more. My favorite character in this novel definitely had to be Chaol. He was very passive, but guarded, and ultimately cared a lot for Celaena. Don’t get me wrong, he didn’t like to display his emotions, but there were a few moments when he let his guard down. I think the characters in this novel can be very relatable. It seemed as though they all went through something that affects their life majorly, but at the same time, they never let the darkness get in the way of their light. Overall, I really liked this novel. It was just so perfect for me, and very refreshing. I am used to reading all kinds of stories were there is a submissive female role, who acts as the damsel in distress. Or, for example, The Selection Series by Kiera Cass, I didn’t particularly like because it was too cliche of a competition for me. Several girls fighting for a prince wasn’t my forte, however, with the Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas, you get a totally different vibe. There’s one dominant female fighting against men, to become an assassin, and she was a strong female lead who didn’t bite her tongue for anyone. While reading other reviews, I found that a lot of people found her to be annoying, immature, petty, vindictive, judgmental, emotionally unstable, etc. It really frustrated me to read these, even though people are entitled to their own opinion. The book starts off from her leaving a death camp that she attended for a year. A death camp! I think anyone would be emotionally affected by that. I mean, it literally was a camp designed for death. Celaena does reveal that she was trained to be an assassin very young and has faced tragic horrors before, and after she was forced to become a killer, at the beginning of the novel. Reading about some of the things she had to do for her leader literally left chills down my spine. So I think she could be cut a little slack if she wants to be pampered a little bit, especially after being sentenced to a death camp. Instead of immature, I found her to be very strong. Only the strong can bring light into dark situations, so I applaud her for that. Specific parts that I liked about this novel were probably the characters. I always anticipated their encounters with each other throughout this story. My least favorite parts doesn’t have to do with the book itself, or the author, just people that I disliked throughout the novel, so I won’t be mentioning those. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a refresher on your cliche female roles, and want an empowering female that is constantly proving her worth. There is romance, but honestly, it’s not even a lot. To be honest, this book probably doesn’t even need Romance as a genre. Also, I would recommend this book to people who just wanted to read a different kind of fantasy story, that balances wonderfully with the real world. Overall, I am definitely excited to read the next novel in this series, and to see how the story will progress. Throne of Glass is definitely a book to remember!
Little Monsters by Kara Thomas
Full Book Review
★★★★☆ 4.45
Little Monsters by Kara Thomas was an engrossing and thrilling novel about a High School Senior, Kacey, trying to make sense of her life, relationships, and the disappearance of her friend, Bailey. Since this was my first mystery/thriller book ever to read, I wasn’t excited going into this book because it was sort of an unfamiliar territory for me, and it took me about half way through the story to really get consumed in the plot. After that though, I couldn’t even put it down. This book was deeply, compulsively satisfying, and I am so happy that I chose this book for my first mystery/thriller read. I felt like all of the characters played a major and huge part in this story, and I wouldn’t even select a few to be considered the main characters because they all play a large role in this story. Of course, there were minor characters, but even the story wouldn’t be the same if the minor characters were taken out. Also, for this particular novel, I feel giving my opinion about some of the characters can give away a major spoiler for this story. Each detail really matters in the book, and it blends beautiful at the end, were you find yourself answering your own questions. I can say that I really liked how Kacey had some mental issues that were revealed quite quickly, and how it played a big role in the disappearance of her friend. I really liked the set up that Kara Thomas gave us for this novel, because this book was not at all predictable. I finished this book literally thinking how much of a genius this author was, and how artfully thought out the whole plot was. My favorite character, I will say, had to definitely be Andrew. There was light humor that he brought out in the beginning of this story, that had me immediately falling in love with his character. It was the simple things that brought a smile to my face, and maybe even a little giggle, because he said the most quirky, nerdy, and hilarious things when you least expected it. I wouldn’t say that all of the characters in this story can be relatable, but I definitely think a few of them can. For example, Kacey’s mental illnesses, or just the fact that she has to move to a new school living the divorced parents life. Overall, even though this is a short review (I am terrified of giving away spoilers), I really enjoyed this novel! It was just so brilliant, and very genuinely sculpted together very beautifully. It’s not confusing, but you do find yourself immediately giving opinions that are answered as the story progresses and is being wrapped up. I will say that I wish the author gave more answers at the end, but I do like how she ended this book nonetheless. I think anyone who is hesitant to the mystery/thriller genre should definitely try picking this one up, because it has me wanting to read more books similar to this one. Also, a patient person would be best reading this book, because mysteries take time to really get into since they have to give you a lot of background information before they can really develop the plot of the mystery or thrilling aspect of the story. Any mystery/thriller loving readers would really enjoy this book also, because it is not predicting in any way shape or form. I found myself giving different predictions throughout the story, because I just truly never knew what was causing all the problems, or the disappearance of Bailey in this story. In conclusion, I don’t know if I will ever be picking up Little Monsters in the future, but I can say that is was an excellent read that I will never forget!
History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera
Full Book Review
★★★★★ 5.0
History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera was a beautiful, heartbreaking, and an emotional whiplash novel about a teen, Griffin, with extreme Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Delusional Disorder. Griffin is a homosexual male, and when his ex boyfriend, Theo, dies in a drowning accident, Theo’s boyfriend, Jackson, is the only one who Giffin can confine in because they both truly understand each others heartbreak. I had to put on the audiobook for the first five pages of this novel because I couldn’t really focus, but the book was still very easy for me to get into. Adam Silvera is such a brilliant author, and did a fantastic job at connecting me with the characters. Even though the description tells you that Theo dies, I still found myself hysterically crying, because the author switches from “History” (past), and “Today” (present). In the first “History” chapter, I felt immediately connected to all of the characters, especially Theo, and couldn’t possibly prepare myself for the chapters that followed. This book is so heartrendingly engaging, and my emotions were all confused while reading this story. I would have full on belly laughs one page, and literally the next I’ll be frantically balling my eyes out. The main characters in this novel were Griffin, Theo, Jackson, and Wade. Griffin, Wade, and Theo were inseparable friends, and were just so hilarious, hence why I was literally uproariously laughing a lot. Even the moments where Griffin and Jackson were grieving with each other were equally memorable, and beautiful. The back and forth with each chapter for present and past didn’t bother me at all, surprisingly. If anything, it made me love the book even more, and I am normally not a fan of chapters that switch between tenses. This book is filled with tragic, and sad events, but I think that is why this story was so amazing to me. I think my favorite character definitely had to be Theo. His humor was just glowing throughout this book, and even all the characters in the story loved his company. He was so quirky, and different. I think these characters can be very relatable, because even I personally know some teenagers who have lost their first love. Even then though, it’s very easy just to relate to their feelings as a teenager. Overall, I strongly really, really loved and enjoyed this novel! I thought it was an absolute amazing book, and I would recommend it to literally everyone, because it was such an important LGBTQIAP+ book to read. One thing I really loved about this book, is that it wasn’t stereotypical at all. Each character was different, and it showed the side of LGBTQIAP+ teenagers with supportive parents. Adam Silvera is a literal genius, and I really loved his writing style. I also really loved the fact that Griffin had mental disorders throughout this story, which gave it a very different feel than various other books I have read. It was very interesting to read about how everyone around him reacted to his mental disorders, and how it affected everyone individually. Overall, I really, really loved and enjoyed History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera, and thought it was such a heartbreaking, yet amazing read that will always have a special place in my heart!
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Full Book Review
★★★★★ 5.0
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher was a psychological thriller about a girl, Hannah Baker, who commits suicide and leaves behind a set of tapes for thirteen people on how their actions led to her ending her life. When it’s Clay Jensen’s turn to receive the tapes, he is horrified to discover the hidden truths, and pain of Hannah Baker, his first love. I loved my decision to read the audiobook for this novel, rather than pick up an actually print copy of it. I learned it’s best to read thrillers via audiobook, because it triples the suspense. Additionally so, it was very easy for me to get into this book, and any free chance I got, I was listening to it. It was very interesting to read about a character listening to tapes, as I was listening to the story. The main characters were Clay Jensen and Hannah Baker, and I won’t reveal any other of the characters because it would be a spoiler for who is all on, or involved in the tapes. This story follows Clay from the moment he received the tapes, to the lessons he learned from hearing Hannah’s story. I feel like the book doesn’t really say much about Clay, even though it is told from his perspective. I could only assume things about him from his words and actions, which I didn’t mind. We, however, learn a lot from Hannah as she tells a very tragic part of her life through the tapes, and my heart hurt so heavy from her stories. I really liked the set up and format for this story, and it was unlike anything I have ever read. I know a lot of people don’t like the idea of a teenager accusing people of her depressive state, but I could totally see where she was coming from. Hannah was a girl who wanted to be heard, but no one would listen. Keep that in mind if you decide to read this story, and things will start falling into place at the end. This is the second mental health book I have ever read, and I can say this is way better than the first one. I think people from the mental health community can definitely relate to Hannah, particularly her emotions. I personally was impacted greatly from this book, and it was really nice to read from the perspective of a person apart of the mental health community, even though she was fictional. I felt as though the author really showed that he knew what it was like for a person with mental health issues, through his characters. Overall, I genuinely adore this novel, and would recommend it to anyone who wants more insight for a person contemplating suicide, or the generally emotions of someone with mental health issues. I think anyone who enjoys thrillers would also love this novel because the suspense will literally keep you from putting the book down, and will definitely have you binge reading. My favorite part of this novel had to be the whole mental health aspect of it, and how we had to learn about her life through tapes. I thought that was a unique twist that the author gave this story. I also strongly love how it ended, and thought it was pure genius of the author to leave us with such a powerful ending, with such a strong meaning. There’s honestly nothing that comes to mind when I try to think of something that I didn’t like about this book, because I personally thought it was such an important read. Additionally, the whole concept had me immediately attached to this story. This is definitely one read that I will forever remember, and recommend to book lovers who want a strong impact in their reading life!
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Full Book Review
★★★★★ 5.0
​Let me just start off saying that The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, is my all time favorite stand alone...yes, it replaced The Fault In Our Stars by John Green (which now is my second most favorite stand alone, of all time). The Hate U Give told the story of sixteen-year-old Starr, who lives in a poor black neighborhood, and attends a fancy suburban prep school. Starr manages to keep the balance between these two worlds, that is, until her childhood best friend, Khalil, is shot and murdered unarmed, by a Police Officer. Starr learns to stand up not only for justice, but for her whole community. She learns countless of valuable lessons through this story, but also learns not to be ashamed of where she comes from, or the color of her skin. This book was extremely easy for me to get into, and I was immediately hooked from page one. This novel was told from the perspective of Starr, who was the main character. Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, the author really gets into the heartbreaking details of injustice, in the heart of Garden Heights. I really enjoyed the relationships in this story, and found myself relating them to my own. Her family were very close, and you can tell that Starr’s parents ultimately really cares for her, and want what’s best for her, after the tragic murder of Khalil. Especially the parts where her dad would try and make her laugh, in the darkest situations. I thoroughly enjoyed the set up, and format of this story, and appreciated this read. I felt as though the author really took her time to describe what is going on, on the Black side of the Black Lives Matter community. This was a very important read, as what is in this story, is what is going on throughout America today. My favorite character in this story, of course, was Starr. I personally could relate to her so much being a biracial African American female, living in a poor black neighborhood, and going to a preppy school. Not only have I witnessed shootings in my neighborhood, but also constant racism from the school I attend, or when I am around, or in, that general area. Not only did I really enjoy the dialect the author choose in this story, but I can also really relate to how the characters speak. It’s a lot slang that I am exposed to daily, and I felt as though I were talking to people in my community, while reading it. Overall, I really loved, and enjoyed this novel! This was such an fantastic read, that I recommend to everyone around the world. As a person of color (POC), I felt very connected to this book, and think that this is a very important read even if you are of a different race. I also could relate to this story very much, and found myself angry, and sad for Starr. We all only want one thing. Justice. I also really loved the Tupac references in this story, and how he was inspiration for the title of this book. Such a fantastic read, that my words can’t put to justice! I highly recommend it, and I will definitely be picking this back up again!
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Full Book Review
★★★★★ 5.0
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell was a captivating, and quirky novel told from the perspective of Cather (Cath), a freshman in college. Cath and her twin sister Wren has done everything together, including writing Simon Snow fanfiction, that is, until they both go to college. With a mentally unstable dad, absence of her mother, and fallout with her sister, Cath is on her own. It’s her goal to finish her fanfiction book “Carry On,” before the final book comes out in the original author, Gemma T. Leslie, series. For me, it was very easy to get into this story. The author got right to the point, and didn’t have any unnecessary parts that were unimportant. It was a beautifully flowing book, and kept my interest throughout. The main characters in this novel are Cath, Levi, Wren, and Reagan. Each of these characters were very distinctive, and unique. Their personalities were all different, and very enjoyable to read. I found myself laughing aloud way too many times whenever these characters would have conversations. Throughout this novel, Cath is immersed in finishing her fanfiction for the thousands of fans obsessed with the ship of Simon and Baz, characters in the original story. I absolutely loved all of the relationships in the novel, and I thought they were absolutely beautiful! They were all so funny, honest, and loved to joke around. Even when they said something kind of mean, they would all just laugh it off! I definitely liked the set up and format this story had, and I think Rainbow Rowell is a literal genius for creating such a brilliant plot for this book. My favorite character in this novel had to be Levi. He was so funny! There was always a smile on his face, and he genuinely loved seeing people happy, and tried his utmost best to make them laugh. He was so peculiar, and was just ultimately a really good friend! I think this story is easy relatable, especially the character Cath. She was always worried about others, and put them before her self. Like most people, the thought of going to college scares her, and there are times were she regrets her decision. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel, and thought it was such a great read! My favorite aspect about this book, had to be the whole general concept. I can definitely relate to being a fangirl, and I loved how the author dedicated this whole to that idea. The plot was great, the characters were fantastic, and it is a easy flowing novel. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a cute enjoyable read, and something to breeze through. Also, if you’re in the mood for a humorous book, I would pick this one up. This is certainly a book to remember, and I will gladly be recommending it to a lot of book lovers!
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