Ashley

AshleyWhile not one of my favorites from Ella Fields it was a solid easy read. The author's emotional depth always knocks it out of the park for me. She can make me feel things from the first chapter. Still, I wanted more from this book, especially more world-building. Colvin and Fia heated the story quite nicely. They also weren't innocent and perfect. Colvin's story really pulled at my heartstrings. I loved how his clothes were always a mess with food and tea stains. It made him even more charming and real. And his obsession with Fai had my heart racing. The **** was an A+++. Oh, feral Fai. I loved her character as well. She was very relatable bringing all those wild animals home haha. The dynamic of their relationship was just beautiful. I even loved the jealousy. Even so, I needed all that effort for the character depth in the world building too. The plot fixed itself too neatly at the end and felt rushed as well. Like I have said before though Ella Fields is one of those authors that I will read anything they put out there.

AshleyHonestly, I'm too old for this to hold my interest but I wanted to know the differences between it and the movie. Especially after I watched Miyazaki's film twenty times. Kiki is a very relatable character and while she didn't have neglectful parents she did go off into the world to learn things on her own. So I felt a close kinship with her in that. Kiki learned valuable lessons and made mistakes along the way. I enjoyed her sidekick and all the friends she made. My only suggestion is that this story should be read on a full moon by the ocean if you have one.

AshleyEpic!!! Three exclamation marks epic. The Raven Scholar started with betrayal and mischievous fun and didn't let up till the last page. Honestly, my jaw dropped within the first few chapters. The history was a lot to take in but I just stuck with it and the author did an incredible job of keeping me in the story. Sometimes I came back to myself not knowing how long I had been gone. Neema and Cain. Never in my life have I seen a couple so perfect yet so messy. They knew each other better than they knew themselves and the author displayed it so lovely. While their relationship was in the far background of the story it couldn't help but glow through the pages. I wanted so much more but I respected the author's ability to make me beg. Neema itched to correct people and spew out facts. Cain's ability to use this against her was masterfully done and Neema could spot his tricks from across the room. Their dynamic stole my breath. There is a huge mystery at the center of the chaos and competition. Pieces don't fit and characters are out of place. Good luck guessing. I was thrown for a loop on multiple occasions and that is not easily done. I loved every minute of it and was thrilled to admit defeat. It was astounding that only a few days passed in the story. I felt like I was gone for months that's how epic Antiona's writing was. Characters grew and plots thickened, all while I was falling in love with her words. Ever so many chapters you get to fly with the Ravens and it made my heart sing. It felt like I was a spectator in the grandstand. I could not figure out where this story was heading and for the life of me how there could be two more books. Oh, just you wait. Sit back and relax you don't want to miss this. I have to leave this review talking about Cain. He loves being in the spotlight so I will oblige. Cain is that idiotic character you can't stand to love. You know the one that makes jokes in the face of death, tells you he loves you while you're getting chaseD

AshleyFor those who thought there would be romance and a story well prepared to be disappointed. The story was pretty good though. No just me? Yes, I want a story and some Alien pickle why is that such a bad thing? My biggest issue was that we were introduced to a sweet couple who took things torturously slow like I like but then hardly ever saw each other. Rose was a very complex character. While I thought it crazy at times her honor and trustworthiness were off the charts. Jallan was stoic and gentle. I couldn't get enough of these two. Like literally because I was denied the chance. The romance left a lot to be desired. And sadly when they do get together it isn't much more than a closed-door scene. No im not still upset about it. The story itself was intriguing and thought-provoking. Still, it was stressful as hell. Rose never got a moments peace and neither did the reader. I also heard over and over and over again about all her expensive smuggled gear and toiletries. The music was an interesting cultural difference. I was on the fence about starting book two but it didn't sound much more different than book one and the reviews say there is even less romance so that will be a no for me.

AshleyThis book shocked me. I mean it actually had a story if you can believe it. Sadly it seems you have to forgo the **** if you want this. There was just one scene....... in the epilogue. Why can't I have the things that I want? *crying* On another note this was a breath of fresh air. For one Keria had a husband that she loved and hold the phone she was in her 40s. I don't know about you but I'm sick of the single early 20-somethings with no ties to Earth stealing up all the eligible alien males. I really enjoyed Emily Sutton's country accent. And while we are on the southern note the added religious stuff was out of place in the story. Keira was a joy to follow. She has had a good life till now and knew this was her end and embraced it. Still, after Keria was safe she tried to slowly fade away. I absolutely glowed when Dar made her fight to live. "My name isn't this ass." Hahaha. The love story was a super slow slow burn but it was heartwarming and so sweet I got a toothache. Aweeeee "My Keria". I can't even begin to tell you how much I love pets and Ickus was a precious poisonous little baby. So dang cute. I loved the dynamic here though it could have been longer and more in-depth this was definitely a rare find. "The love is different, not less."

AshleyThe first half was very promising. For an Alien romance, this book actually had substance and a plot which is ultra rare. Octavia was an amazing captain. She did all she could for her crew and even picked up on their small shifts in emotions. I really loved watching her crack heads both alien and human alike. The plot was mysterious and interesting but there still wasn't enough depth in it. I would have loved to learn more cultural quirks about the Volovians. I did enjoy Torrance as well. The moments between the two were very heated but a super long time coming and mostly just lust which should have been a lot quicker. Honestly, the blood oath felt like a lame excuse to push back on being together. All in all, it was an easy read I just felt it needed a bit more bulk and a lot less cooking. I did appreciate how every food wasn't the greatest thing she had ever tasted. Definitely more realistic expectations. It still bugs me that the couple danced around each other for more than half the story though. Maybe banter would have livened it up. Still, it was a breath of fresh air. ----Quote---- “Thank you for the suggestion, General Fletcher.” The words were exquisitely polite, but my tone screamed, Now kindly hurl yourself into the nearest star. And every time I stepped over the tray at my door, I got a little stab of vicious satisfaction. The meal bar I ate tasted extra delicious with a side of spite.

AshleyThe author said it best. "It's about a woman who tries her best, an errant knight who falls in love with her, and a precious limestone gargoyle. It's about what we lose and what we gain, the arduous journey of self-discovery-the painful, beautiful burden of living." The atmosphere of this story swept me away to another place and another time. It enthralled and enticed me closer. When I finally realized it, it was too late. The bond between sisters is a feeling that is hard to explain but this book shows it beautifully. Whispers in the dark, the moon watching, warm hands clasped, fever dancing. A magical bond that can never be broken. The author mentioned she put a lot of herself in the book and it shows. I feel like she bared her soul to her readers and held nothing back. I admire her immensely. This story passed judgment and the words rang true. I saw a lot of myself in Six. Starting to question the world around me. I was told I was special enough. It was heartfelt and sad watching Six open her eyes. We get to watch her experience things for the first time and find the beauty that people take for granted. The gargoyle is my new best friend. He was quirky and funny as hell. Also, Maud made my chest burn with envy at her motherly affection. Rory was wonderful I don't know else to explain it. He was judgmental and a brute but also knew how to apologize when at fault. He pushed Six the way she needed to be. The chemistry was a slow-burning furnace. The atmosphere. I have to mention it again because it was such a compliment to the story and filled every crevice of my mind. It was like all things were in perpetual moonlight with Six alone at the center and her companions anchoring her to the world. Did I mention this cover was a photoshoot? I mean it is already gorgeous but that blew my mind.

AshleyThis was my least favorite floor so far. It was interesting but a little messy. The most intriguing part was that the Crawlers had to work together in sections. Still, just the name of Hump Towns establishments nearly made up for it. The story is still bananas and fun. Donut got left behind on occasions though and that my friend is an outrage. Carl is very crafty and witty to boot. Never really sure what he will get up to next. While the final act was a bit slow the end result was well worth the wait. We are starting to see the gears behind the dungeon now and the consequences of getting out of line. There is a revolution on the horizon and I don't know what will become of Carl and Donut when the dust settles. How far will they get? Will they destroy the syndicate? What will happen to Earth? So many questions still. ----Quotes---- "Carl I changed my mind I would rather be buried alive." "5% they has to be worse than this smote business."

AshleyCaution: If you care at all for these characters and this story do not read past this trilogy. I looked up spoilers myself to help my sanity. Let's just say I was in a rage and also relieved I didn't waste time making it to book nine. While I am highly impressed with Anne Bishop's writing, she seems to not care a lick for her readers. Exhibit A: One hundred pages in before Jaenelle and Daemon reunite and let me tell you it was a big letdown. Also if you thought that you were diligent enough to get thru 900+ pages and deserve a reward you are not going to find it here. After spending years being tortured, broken, and taken away from one another when Jeanelle and Daemon finally do get together she avoids him. I just can't with this. This series almost put me into the twisted kingdom with all its gaslighting. Again there are way too many characters in this story to the point where it was impossible to care for them. But I don't hate the series as a whole I'm just disappointed. The characters you do get to know are amazing and the character growth is unmatched. World-building, plot, magic, this is a well-established place and it shows. There are beautiful, heartwarming, funny, tragic moments. Moments that made my blood sing with battle. But I'm disappointed. Why show us a glimpse of this fated love and never let us relish in it? Why show us these amazing characters if they get shoved out of the spotlight for someone who isn't essential to the plot? The main thing I can't get over is everyone letting Hekatah and Dorothea live. Hekatah should have been killed 50,000 years ago and then Dorothea wouldn't have even been a thing. None of this would have and Saetan has only held back because she was the mother of his three sons. Oh, and let me refresh your memory Hekatah slaughtered the last baby as soon as it was born. Yep chopped it to pieces and then handed it to Daddy. That is not a good enough reason for me. How many more children died or worse because of Saetan?

AshleyI don't want to continue this series. I have to. It feels like constant destruction is taking place around me and I need to find a way out even though I feel hopeless. It's honestly taken a toll on my mental health. So I think I have figured something out. Jeanelle never has a pov. She has faith in adults from the very beginning. So we aren't even privileged to know what she is about when Jeanelle leaves for days. This is so relatable it hurts. She is my Kindred in all things. Jeanelle has been putting so much on her shoulders that she is constantly burning out. Daemon of course suffered needlessly in this book and we barely get to see him which was unpleasant. A lot of things happened that could have been avoided if Saetan's honor hadn't gotten in the way. There were warm times too but they were overshadowed by all the harsh reality. I'm worried to read the next book. It gets so depressing at times I think about quitting. I cried and cried. The side characters became even more daunting this time around. I have made a list though the author is pretty good at reminding me who they are sometimes. Still, I can't get attached to many of them because they are lost in the crowd and my brain is constantly trying to recognize them. Again I got more A Court Of Thorns and Roses chills while reading. Lucivar reminds me of Cassian and Daemon, Rysand. Well, I'm going to try to write down most of the heartwarming parts to try to block out the bad. Lucivar showing up made my heart soar. He felt more like Big Brother Lucivar aggravating the mess out of a little girl who could decide to mist him at any moment. I thought at one point he would murder every young-blooded male that tried to talk to Jaenelle. Also, I'm pretty sure Saetan lost a few centuries oof his life raising her. Mrs. Beale grew on me even more. Her big temperament coward anyone no matter what jewel they held. We did get to see more of Jaenelle's life though. I love the way she wrangles fire-breathing males.