Kirsty Cabot

This a great book to show children like my own that princes and princesses aren't always “Disney”. The illustrations are beautiful. A great way to open conversations about race. It also introduces saying hello in 3 African languages which was brill.

Dropped a star because the fairy tale itself isn't great, a prince going out looking for a princess until he finds the one that pleases him most, the mum tests her to make sure she meets the right standard. I like to think that the marriage was on mutual agreement.

4.5 Stars.

I really loved this series. It kept me hooked throughout the whole series. I enjoyed the characters - in book 2 I was a bit frustrated with Lila's charachter but she redeemed a bit more in this final book. Schwab did a great job of bringing nearly all the threads to a satisfying wrap up.

The thread for me that didn't quite do it for me was Alucard and Rhy, I reeeeeeeeallly wanted a public acknowledgement of their relationship. I was impressed with how Schwab wrote their relationship throughout the books, but just felt that at the end there, that final leap, without the need for hiding, pretense or excuse, I wished they could've been written in as publically together. That's where my final half star went!

Overall really recommend the series. I listened to the Audible audiobooks. I really enjoyed the narration, and although there was a jarring switch between from book 1 to book 2 & 3, I do love Kramer and Reading so it didn't take long getting used to.

I have grown up with the bond films, but this is the first time I've ever read one. I got my copy of Casino Royale via World Book Night 2013, and was excited to get reading. I really enjoyed the book, it has a really good balance of action, mystery, love, emotions, and detail. Will definitely be getting “Live and Let Die”!