Category: YA Review

Caitsbooks Reviews The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black (5 Stars). There's a whole lotta snakes in the background of this image.

The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air #3) by Holly Black – Did It Survive The Hype? (Review)

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This Review Will Contain *Mild* Spoilers for The Cruel Prince and The Wicked King, but there will be NO SPOILERS for The Queen of Nothing.

Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 5/5
Review in a Nutshell: Listen, I’m trash for this series. The Queen of Nothing had a lot to live up to, but it did. It reminded me why this series is so hyped, it proved it deserves every bit of it.

“Let me be feared and never again afraid.”

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// Content Warning: Violence, Death, Assault, Child Abuse/Neglect, War Themes, Murder //

Release Date: 11/19/2019
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Page Count: 309
Premise:

The Wicked King left off with the worst possible cliffhanger ending, with a plot twist I never saw coming. The Queen of Nothing takes place not too long after that ending- Jude has created a life for herself in the mortal world after being exiled, doing odd jobs for other Folk and living with Vivi and Oak. When her sister Taryn returns from Elfhame with shocking news, Jude must delve back into the world of courtly politics and war to help her, even if it means facing the man who betrayed her, the High King Cardan Greenbriar.

“Two paths are before me, but only one leads to victory.”

Read more for all of my thoughts on the conclusion to The Folk of the Air series!!

[ Related: The Wicked King by Holly Black (ARC Review) ]

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Caitsbooks Reviews The Sky Weaver by Kristen Ciccarelli - 5 Stars + Giveaway

The Sky Weaver (Iskari #3) by Kristen Ciccarelli – (Giveaway + Review) – An Epic (And v. Gay) Conclusion!

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Before I get into the review- be sure to read to the end for information on my latest giveaway!!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own! *

Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 4.8/5
Awesomeness Factor: 5/5
Review in a Nutshell: The Sky Weaver is the f/f enemies-to-lovers pirate fantasy I’ve always wanted. This book is breathtaking, and an absolute must-read.

“There was something so soothing about chaos. Something almost beautiful.”

// Content Warning: Violence, Death, PTSD, Animal Abuse, Assault, Torture, Rape Mention, Racism, Kidnapping/Abduction //

Release Date: 11/12/2019
Publisher: HarperTeen
Page Count: 400
Premise:

The Sky Weaver is the third and final book in the Iskari series. It can technically be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the first two books, The Last Namsara and The Caged Queen, as well! This time, we follow two characters. Safire (a familiar face if you’ve read the first two books) is the commandant to her cousin, the King. Her job is to maintain peace and order in Firgaard. Eris has an ability to walk through worlds, which helps her as a thief, but has also made her irreplaceable to the ruthless pirate to whom she owes a debt. Forced to work for him, Eris is sent to the palace to steal a royal jewel, however, when she meets Safire, she finds something more valuable– a worthy opponent in her games.

“You’re not that difficult to figure out, princess. Order, routine, control… these are the things that excite people like you. Not spontaneity. Not beaches and sunsets.”

Read more for all of my thoughts on The Sky Weaver!!

[ Related: The Caged Queen (Iskari #2) by Kristen Ciccarelli – (Giveaway + Review) – Everyone Must Read This Series!]

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Caitsbooks Reviews The Caged Queen, + a Giveaway

The Caged Queen (Iskari #2) by Kristen Ciccarelli – (Giveaway + Review) – Everyone Must Read This Series!

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Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 4.5/5
Review in a Nutshell: Did someone say enemies-to-friends-to-enemies-to-lovers? This book has all the delicious angst you would expect with that type of relationship at the forefront, but it also has so much more. From beautiful writing to beautifully complex characters, this is not a book, or series, you should miss.

“Once there was a girl who loved the sky almost as much as she loved her sister.”

[ Related: The Last Namsara (Iskari #1) by Kristen Ciccarelli – Review ]

// Content Warning: Violence, Death, Assault, Rape Mention, Sexual Harassment, Animal Abuse, War Themes, Murder //

Release Date: 9/25/2018
Publisher: HarperTeen
Page Count: 400
Premise:

Before I get into the plot of this book, I want to specify: This is not a true sequel. This book doesn’t follow Asha and Torwin, but instead follows Roa after the events of The Last Namsara. Also, you can technically read this book without having read The Last Namsara, but why would you do that when The Last Namsara is so amazing? However, if you plan to read The Last Namsara, please go do that right away because there will be major spoilers for it in this review (but don’t worry- no spoilers for The Caged Queen). Also, if you are interested in reading The Last Namsara, or just want your own copy, keep reading (or just scroll down to the bottom of the page to avoid spoilers) to learn about a giveaway I’m hosting!

Okay, let’s talk plot. Roa and her sister Essie were always together. However, tragedy struck when Essie died in a terrible accident. Years later, Essie’s spirit remains in the form of a hawk, but she grows weaker every year and won’t be able to stay with Roa much longer. Roa is desperate to keep Essie with her, but when she discovers a way to bring her back to life, she must decide how far she is willing to go. To save her sister, Roa must kill the one who should have died in her place, Dax, the new king of Firgaard and Roa’s husband. Roa and Dax may have only gotten married so she could save her people, and he could have the reinforcements he needed for his revolt, but is she capable of killing her new husband, even if he is her enemy?

“What are souls, but stars waiting to be born?”

Read more for all of my thoughts on The Caged Queen, plus information on my giveaway of The Last Namsara!

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Currently Reading: Into the Crooked Place by Alexandra Christo

Currently Reading: Into The Crooked Place by Alexandra Christo – A New Six of Crows?

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I’ve noticed a trend that I only seem to do Currently Reading posts when I’m in reading slumps…

Yeah, I’ve hit another reading slump.

I actually got myself out of the slump for almost a whole month and a half! It was amazing. Truly. I never felt better.

But we’re back.

So as I suffer through this slump, I wanted to talk about Alexandra Christo’s latest book: Into the Crooked Place. I’m around 100 pages into it, and I already feel the need to talk about it.

Stats

Title: Into the Crooked Place
Series: Into the Crooked Place #1
Author: Alexandra Christo
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan)
Page Count: 384
Release Date: 10/8/2019
Premise: Tavia is a busker, selling illegal magic on the streets until she can afford to get herself out of Creije. Wesley is Creije’s underboss, their closest thing to a gangster. Karam is a fighter, making a deadly name for herself. Saxony is a part of the resistance, who is desperate for revenge. When their world is threatened by a new dark magic, these four outsiders must come together to save their home.

Read more for all of my thoughts and predictions for Into The Crooked Place!

[ Related: Currently Reading: We Hunt the Flame (Sands of Arawiya #1) by Hafsah Faizal ]

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Caitsbooks Reviews: The Beautiful by Renee Ahdieh (5 Stars)

The Beautiful (The Beautiful #1) by Renee Ahdieh – I’m Obsessed, But Not Everyone Will Be (ARC Review)

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Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 4.5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 5/5
Review in a Nutshell: This book is definitely not for everyone, but it was perfect for me. Everything from the characters, the setting, and the plot- it was exactly what I wanted it to be, and more.

“We forget our dreams, but nightmares linger with us evermore.”

[ Related: Smoke In The Sun (Flame In The Mist #2) by Renee Ahdieh (Review) ]

[ The Beautiful Cover ]

“There was no way for us to turn back. The tinder has been collected. The match has been struck.
Only one of us can survive the fires of Hell.”

Release Date: 10/8/2019
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Page Count: 448
Premise:
The Beautiful follows Celine as she flees her life in Paris and goes to New Orleans. Staying in the convent, Celine falls in love with the city she’s taken refuge in. But when young girls start being found dead, Celine must delve into the dark underworld of the city to find the murderer.

// Content Warning: Violence, Death, Gun Violence, Torture, Rape Mention, Rape, Murder, Racism, Racist Slurs, Misogyny //

Read more for all of my thoughts on The Beautiful, and why I think it might be divisive!

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Caitsbooks Reviews: The Library of Lost Things by Laura Taylor Namey - 3.5 Stars

The Library of Lost Things by Laura Taylor Namey – A Cute Read, with Depth (ARC Review)

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*All quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change*

Overall: 3.5/5 Stars
Characters: 4/5
Setting: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
Plot and Themes: 3.5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 3.5/5
Review in a Nutshell: The Library of Lost Things is an interesting read that’s a mix between cute romance and heavy family drama.

“The circle never broke. We lived in a home strung across tightropes.”

[ Related: The Burning Shadow (Origin #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout – Funny, Political, and Cute (ARC Review) ]

// Content Warning: Illness (Post-Concussive Syndrome), Mental Illness (Hoarding) //

Release Date: 10/8/2016
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Page Count: 384
Premise:

When Darcy Wells meets Asher Fleet, a former pilot whose dreams seem just out of reach, she doesn’t expect to care for him. For once, she doesn’t want to hide in her books. But after years of protecting her mother’s secret of being a hoarder, Darcy doesn’t know how to let anyone into her cluttered life.

“Holding a real book is like holding something alive. There’s the grit of the pages between your fingers as you turn them. The edges get soft and worn. With a real book, you feel the weight of the story more.”

Read more for all of my thoughts on The Library of Lost Things!

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Caitsbooks Reviews: The Burning Shadow (Origin 2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout - 4 Stars

The Burning Shadow (Origin #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout – Funny, Political, and Cute (ARC Review)

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*All quotes come from the ARC and are subject to change*

Overall: 4/5 Stars
Characters: 4/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 4/5
Awesomeness Factor: 4/5
Review in a Nutshell: The Burning Shadow is a fun read and a great sequel. It’s length definitely makes up for how long I was dying to read it, but it does drag a little bit.

“There are people out there who are so controlled by their hate and their fear that they will not think twice before harming someone in the name of whatever they believe in. Even people you thought you knew.”

Yeah this one hits too close to home

[ Related: The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout (ARC Review) ]

// Content Warning: Violence, Death, Gun Violence, Mature Content, Murder, Illness, Xenophobia //

Release Date: 10/8/2019
Publisher: Tor Teen
Page Count: 649
Premise:

The Burning Shadow is the sequel to The Darkest Star. After the revelations of the first book, Evie must come to terms with everything she has learned, and piece together the missing pieces of her memory. Meanwhile, a new virus is spreading to humans and people believe it’s linked to the luxen. With panic spreading, peace between luxens and humans seems harder and harder to maintain.

”All I wanted to do is eat a damn grilled cheese sandwich, eat some freaking soup, and be normal for five seconds…”

( me )

Read more for all of my thoughts on The Burning Shadow!

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Caitsbooks Review and Giveaway: Crier's War by Nina Varela (5 Stars)

Crier’s War (Crier’s War #1) by Nina Varela – Giveaway + Review!!

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Before I get into this review, I want to talk about the giveaway! I’ll be giving away a copy of Crier’s War to one person. The giveaway ends on October 8th, so enter now for a chance to win!!! All details on how to enter are down below, after the review!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own! *

Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 4.5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 4.5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 4.5/5
Review in a Nutshell: The second I heard this book was LGBTQ+, I put it on my TBR, but I never expected to love with the writing, world, and characters as much as I did.

“Justice was a god, and Ayla didn’t believe in such childish things.
She believed in blood.”

[ Related: Book Release Round Up – 16 LGBTQ+ 2019 Releases ]

// Content Warning: Violence, Death, War Themes, Murder, Mental Illness //

Release Date: 10/1/2019
Publisher: HarperTeen
Page Count: 448
Premise:
The Automae, once created to be the playthings of humans, now rule Rabu, with humans as their servants. Ayla’s family was killed by the Automae when she was a child, and now she serves the House of the Sovereign waiting for her chance to get her revenge and take away his family. Crier is the Sovereign’s daughter, Made to be his heir, but after her betrothal to Scyre Kinok, she realizes that there is much about her kingdom, their history, and herself, that she doesn’t know.

“‘Humanity is how you act, my lady,’ said Jezen. ‘Not how you were Made.’”

Read more for all of my thoughts on Crier’s War, plus all of the info on the giveaway!!

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Caitsbooks Reviews: When She Reigns (Fallen Isles #3) by Jodi Meadows - 3.5 Stars

When She Reigns (Fallen Isles #3) by Jodi Meadows – Dragons and Anxiety: How Could This Go Wrong? (Review)

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Overall: 3.5/5 Stars
Characters: 3/5
Setting: 3.5/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Plot and Themes: 3/5
Awesomeness Factor: 3/5
Review in a Nutshell: When She Reigns delivers on its promises of dragons, but at the cost of some of its other aspects. That said, I still enjoyed it.

“Hate cannot abide where many stand in love.”

(This exact line is said a million times. I think I’ll be saying it in my sleep)

[ Related: As She Ascends (Fallen Isles #2) by Jodi Meadows (Review) ]

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// Content Warning: Violence, Death, Torture (Mention), Panic Attacks, Anxiety, Animal Abuse, Animal Death, War Themes, Murder, Mental Illness //

Release Date: 9/10/2019
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Page Count: 496
Premise:
When She Reigns is the third and final book in the Fallen Isles trilogy. It takes place shortly after the devastating ending of As She Ascends, and follows Mira and her friends as she tries to find a way to save her people and her home.

“Love survives death.”

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Caitsbooks Reviews Graceling by Kristen Cashore - 3.75 Stars

Graceling by Kristen Cashore – Is It As Good As People Say? (Review)

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Overall: 3.75/5 Stars
Characters: 4/5
Setting: 3.5/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Plot and Themes: 4/5
Awesomeness Factor: 3.75/5
Review in a Nutshell: I went into this book with crazy high expectations, and while it didn’t quite meet all of them, it was still a great read.

“Mercy was more frightening than murder, because it was harder.”

[ Related: August Favorites & My September TBR ]

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// Content Warning: Violence, Death, Torture, Animal Death, Murder, Incest (hinted at), Pedophelia (hinted at), sexual assault (hinted at), Human Trafficking (Mention) //

Release Date: 10/01/2008
Publisher: Harcort
Page Count: 471
Premise:
Katsa is a Graceling. She was born with an innate gift. Except, while some people were Graced with fighting, telepathy, or music, Katsa was Graced with killing. Used as the king’s pawn, Katsa is sent across the kingdom threatening and torturing whoever the king tells her to, but what he doesn’t know is that she has her own missions, helping those who need it. On one of those missions, she meets Po, the youngest prince of a faraway kingdom. The two of them must work together to solve a mystery that threatens his family, but they didn’t expect to fall in love, or uncover a secret that threatens everything they know.

“When a monster stopped behaving like a monster, did it stop being a monster? Did it become something else?”

Read more for all of my thoughts on Graceling!

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