REVIEW: A Court of Mist and Fury (Court of Thorns and Roses #2) by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book in the Court of Thorns and Roses series picks up right where the first one left off. Feyre is back at the Spring Court after having barely survived the devastation Under the Mountain, but things are very, very different now. Her new immortal strength, along with everything she endured Under the Mountain, has made her into a very different person from who she was before. Now struggling to escape the suffocating, virtual prison Tamlin has placed her in, Feyre feels she's destined for something more, and is determined to help save both Fae and human from the horrors that lie ahead.

I enjoyed this second book even more than the first, and really began to enjoy Feyre's character even more as she came into her own. I was so happy when Feyre and Rhysand finally got together. I knew that was destined from the previous book, and his story of when he knew was so heart-rending. The ending? LOVED IT! And knew I needed to jump right into book 3 as soon as this one ended.

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REVIEW: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Feyre is torn from her family and dragged off to the faerie realm, all she knows is based only the stories she's heard growing up. But she soon discovers that while some of the stories have an ounce of truth to them, not all that live in the realm are the cold, heartless animals she'd been led to believe. And when she opens her heart to her captor, Tamlin, her world is indeed changed for the better, even as danger lies around every corner.

I originally read this book awhile back in 2015, but couldn't remember how it ended (nor had I done a written review), so I wanted to reread it again before starting the others in this series. I think I enjoyed it more the second time around, gobbling it up in only 5 days vs a month the previous time. The author has a very descriptive prose that allowed me to immerse myself in the beautiful, magical world she created... well, sometimes beautiful, but other times quite dark and scary as well. And I felt like I was right there next to Feyre seeing everything through her eyes. I'm anxiously looking forward to see what happens with Feyre and Tamlin next... and while Rhysand was indeed a "bad guy" even he got to me, so I'm also looking forward to finding out what became of him too since we were left with a bit of a cliffhanger there.

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REVIEW: In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's 1918 and the world is on the brink of collapse. People are dying from the Spanish Flu or being shipped overseas to die in the war over there. The Spiritualism movement is in full swing in the US and 16 year old Mary Shelley Black watches as desperate mourners flock to séances and spirit photographers for comfort. She never believed in ghosts herself, but when her childhood sweetheart, who had went off to war, begins to appear to her, she starts to question her previous beliefs. But what does he really want, and how is she supposed to help?

This is the second book I've ready by Cat Winters, the other being The Cure for Dreaming which I also enjoyed very much. She has such an evocative style of writing that really pulls you in and makes you feel as if you're right there living everything right alongside Mary Shelley. The depictions of the Spanish Influenza had so many parallels to our recent COVID-19 virus, but it also made me realize that the Spanish Flu was soooo much worse! I guess since medicine wasn't as advanced then, it would make sense that more people died. I really enjoy it when a book not only tells a very interesting story, but also teaches me a thing or two!

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REVIEW: Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's 1860s London and life is hard in the Borough. So when a con man who goes by the moniker of Gentleman proposes a scheme to swindle a rich heiress out of her fortune, young thief Susan Tinder is happy to oblige, especially if it means it'll help her family. But all is not as it seems and inevitably things don't go as intended. I can't say too much without spoilers, but suffice to say, there were many twists and turns, and surprising plot twists, that kept me deeply engrossed in this engaging story.

This is the second book I read by Sarah Waters, the first being Tipping the Velvet and I enjoyed this one just as much as the first. The author really kept me on my toes with all her surprises and I appreciate that even when things weren't spelled out fully, and the reader was left to intuit certain things, it was eventually all spelled out in the end.. for those who may not have been paying close attention. A fantastic read, highly recommended!

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REVIEW: Jigglyspot and the Zero Intellect by P.D. Alleva

Jigglyspot and the Zero Intellect by P.D. Alleva
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cannibalistic killer clowns, Aliens, Demons... all this and more within the pages of this book. I received an ARC directly from the author and wasn't sure how I'd feel about it going in. It's definitely not for the feint of heart, and while I love a good horror movie, I usually can't watch the gory parts. But honestly this was so very engaging and action packed that I didn't really have time to dwell on the gory bits.

Most of the characters in this book you're gonna love to hate! While I didn't really feel a kinship with any of them, except maybe Kera, in no way did that keep me from wanting to see what crazy, depraved thing was gonna happen next. And some of it was downright disturbing! LOL

Buckle up and get ready for a wild, scary, and sadistic ride!

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