Christina

I read this in one night and I feel like that says a lot about whether I enjoyed this book or not because it's not exactly short. I love a good Beauty and the Beast retelling and this is my favorite one I've read so far.

This could have become a love triangle book, but it didn't, so I was happy about that. In fact, despite the aim of the main characters being falling in love to break the curse, there was very little romance for most of the book, which was fine.

The main issue I had with it was that I didn't really feel very connected to any of the characters except for Grey, and the main joy I find that I get from most books comes from me connecting to characters emotionally. I definitely liked Grey, I found him complex and I know there was more going on underneath the surface. I can't wait for the next book because I want to find out more and I want him to be happy. 💔

Also of note: the main character has cerebral palsy and it was really cool reading a story from her perspective.

I loved how this story wasn't your typical Valentine's Day romance. The characters were well thought out and it was really fun to read. Personally, I wasn't expecting the story to go the way it did but I loved that it surprised me. I found myself wishing to know what would happen next, but also satisfied that it ended the way it did.

I'm not quite finished this yet, but I feel like I need to get some thoughts down. First off, a large part of me choosing this book was the fact that Charlie Bowater did the cover art, and she is just fantastic. This book is so beautiful, so I automatically give it a star just for that.

The writing is very well done, it's very clean, descriptions are nice, dialogue is clever. I enjoyed many of the technical aspects of this book. I just found that I had a hard time reading it. I can sit down and read a 500+ page book in a night (see Illuminae, though formatting is different). But this mere 297 has been so tough. I find myself slogging through the journey that Rook and Isobel go on, dragging my feet, getting distracted.

These lovebirds went from 0 mph to MADLY IN LOVE BREAKING ALL THE LAWS in like 2 seconds. But that's not even my main issue. It's the fact that Isobel doesn't want to drink from the well and become fae because she will lose her ability to paint. But um...ahem....Isobel darling, won't you lose the ability to paint if you are dead? Which is what you will be if you refuse to drink? I just think this book was too much of a journey story, not enough action, and as clever and funny as Isobel can be at times, first person may not have been the best narration choice because her mind isn't interesting enough to keep me engaged when not much actually happens throughout the story.

Regardless, I definitely didn't hate the book. I just didn't love it as much as I had hoped to, and that's ok. Glad I read it, really appreciated the writing and definitely appreciated the cover art. I'll keep an eye out for more from Margaret Rogerson.

I've enjoyed these books quite a bit. The story is so original, the characters are likable and none of them annoy me (often I find that an issue when I read Ya fiction for some reason). I really appreciate the history/fantasy aspects and Maggie Stiefvater has an excellent style of writing. Very glad I picked up these books.

Oh Lord help me I loved these books so much. Now that I'm finished I feel like something important has been torn away from me. Must find another book to fill the void. I feel like this series was just beautifully done. The story, the writing, the concept...it was all so clean. The bond between characters brought me to tears, they were so real to me.
Anoshe ❤️

2019 reread: I. Am. Again. A. Mess. Of. Human. Emotion. Sobs continuously I should just read these books every 6 months.

I. Am. A. Mess. Of. Human. Emotion. I did not expect to like these books. At the start of the first book I was so nervous, getting major Anne Rice Sleeping Beauty vibes but I thought it might be more scary. Now here I am having just finished book two at 3am...silently screaming because my husband is asleep in bed next to me and I don't want to wake him up.

I'm the type of reader who often doesn't give a shit about what's happening in a book as long as I can get emotionally invested in a character. I will say I'm emotionally close to multiple characters in this series and it both makes my heart swell with joy, and tears me apart with worry for them because some real shady shit is going on.

I am so anxious to read the third book but, just like when I was a kid at the start of summer vacation, dreading the end.

I just don't think Rainbow Rowell could write a book I wouldn't like. She could write about the correct method for dividing fractions and I'd probably read it twice. This book was one of my favorites that she's written. The magic system is so neat, and very original (my favorite spell is “these aren't the droids you're looking for”). I'm someone who typically becomes very emotionally attached to characters, and let me tell you, I had a great time with this book. Just. So. Much. Love.

This book was a good, fast read that I had trouble putting down. There were a few things about it that I didn't love, and it might just be me being super picky. I had trouble deciding 3 vs 4 stars...ended up going with 4 because the book really did intrigue me and yes, I will probably read the next on in the series.
Things I loved:
-the fresh look on a new magic scene, the bruja/brujo culture is really awesome and I want to know more about it!
-The family dynamic, the really amazing use of family as being a part of you, a source of strength- even if Alex couldn't see it at first.
-the cover is gorgeous
-the whole idea of the story is really neat, and very original.

Things I didn't love:
-the flippin' love triangle- though really, it wasn't a huge part of the book so I guess not TOO bad.
-I want more character development. My favorite books are ones where I become emotionally attached to the characters. I just felt like I either didn't know anyone well enough, or couldn't relate enough to anyone for that to happen.
-Maybe the book could have been a little longer, in order to flesh out some of the many characters, or go into a little more detail regarding the world.

I don't want to spoil anything so I won't delve too much deeper. It's definitely a book I'd recommend to others, because I did enjoy it. I just didn't enjoy it quite as much as I thought I would.

This was such a fun book. I loved both Royce, and Hadrian. I definitely have a new fictional character crush. Ugh. Didn't need another one of those. Gwen has a very special place in my heart as well. She kicks ass. Without actually kicking ass... Unlike Royce and Hadrian. The verbal exchanges between those two had me laughing out loud. Cannot wait for the next book to get to my house. If I could meet the UPS driver halfway so I could get it sooner, I totally would.

Ok. The cover art for this book is horrendous. It was recommended to me based on some other books that I like, and, wanting an escape from reality, I finally decided to give it a try. I had a few issues with it but finished it in 24 hours and wasn't bored at all.

Definitely a bit of that soulmate action that usually I don't like but the way it's presented here doesn't equal insta-love, which is cool. The characters have to get to know each other and don't just dive into head over heels love despite their magic bond shenanigans.

I'd also like to see less male overbearing protectiveness and more female kicking ass action. I think the main female character has the potential so I'm hopeful that in the next books, she gains some backbone and starts effing up some bad guys.