Review: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Genre: Mythology
Publication: 2/7/2017 by W.W. Norton & Company
Pages: 304 Pages
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars
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Goodreads Summary
Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of giants, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. From Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerges the gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to dupe others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.

My Thoughts
I am going to start by saying that this book was definitely not for me. There will be lots of people that will love this book, I am just not one of them. If this audiobook wasn't as short as it was I would have DNF'd it. I was just lost the whole time I was listening to it. I couldn't follow any of the stories which was really disappointing. I would have probably understood it better if I had actually read the book but Neil Gaiman narrates the audiobook himself which is something I usually really love (and he is a fantastic audiobook narrator).

I did like how the Gods talked to each other, it was funny but still suited the myths they were in. I did chuckle a time or too. I could tell it was well written but it just didn't mesh with me. I would recommend that you read the physical copy of this one and if you think this kind of thing is up your alley check it out. It just wasn't for me unfortunately.

Review: A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab

Genre: Fantasy
Series: Shades of Magic #3
Publication: 2/21/2017 by Tor Books
Pages: 642 Pages
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
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Goodreads Summary: 
Witness the fate of beloved heroes - and enemies.

THE BALANCE OF POWER HAS FINALLY TIPPED...
The precarious equilibrium among four Londons has reached its breaking point. Once brimming with the red vivacity of magic, darkness casts a shadow over the Maresh Empire, leaving a space for another London to rise.

WHO WILL CRUMBLE?
Kell - once assumed to be the last surviving Antari - begins to waver under the pressure of competing loyalties. And in the wake of tragedy, can Arnes survive?

WHO WILL RISE?
Lila Bard, once a commonplace - but never common - thief, has survived and flourished through a series of magical trials. But now she must learn to control the magic, before it bleeds her dry. Meanwhile, the disgraced Captain Alucard Emery of the Night Spire collects his crew, attempting a race against time to acquire the impossible.

WHO WILL TAKE CONTROL?

And an ancient enemy returns to claim a crown while a fallen hero tries to save a world in decay.

My Thoughts
This book is everything. I am obsessed with this series and this finale exceeded my expectations! I was on the edge of my seat the entire book, hoping that all my babies make it through. Everything comes to a head in this last book and stakes are raised. It's been ages since I have been obsessed with a series like I am with this one.

The characters in this series are amazing. I loved every single one of them. I even came to love one character that I didn't think was even possible to love. V.E. Schwab knows how to write a character that you shouldn't love but you just do. This book also has great representation of LGBT characters and their romance was everything you want in a good romance.

I listened to this book on audiobook. The narrators for this book were fantastic and I highly recommend it. I finished listening to this book as I walked into school and I let out an audible squeal. Which everyone around me heard and looked at me like I was crazy. I will recommend this series until the cows come home. I can't wait to start re-reading it.

Review: Windwitch by Susan Dennard

Genre: Fantasy
Series: The Witchlands #2
Publication: 01/10/2017 by Tor Teen
Pages: 394 Pages
Format: Hardback
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
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Goodreads Summary:
Sometimes our enemies are also our only allies…

After an explosion destroys his ship, the world believes Prince Merik, Windwitch, is dead. Scarred yet alive, Merik is determined to prove his sister’s treachery. Upon reaching the royal capital, crowded with refugees, he haunts the streets, fighting for the weak—which leads to whispers of a disfigured demigod, the Fury, who brings justice to the oppressed.

When the Bloodwitch Aeduan discovers a bounty on Iseult, he makes sure to be the first to find her—yet in a surprise twist, Iseult offers him a deal. She will return money stolen from him, if he locates Safi. Now they must work together to cross the Witchlands, while constantly wondering, who will betray whom first?

After a surprise attack and shipwreck, Safi and the Empress of Marstok barely escape with their lives. Alone in a land of pirates, every moment balances on a knife’s edge—especially when the pirates’ next move could unleash war upon the Witchlands.

My Thoughts
This series is exactly what I am looking for. It's my favourite kind of fantasy and I have been very much enjoying it. I was so excited to get back into this word and get to know our characters more. We have 5 different points of view in this instalment and I was interested in reading from all of them. The one character I am having a hard time connecting to is Merik. Especially in this book, I felt him to be distant and his sections were my least favourite. Dennard is doing something really interesting with his character though and I am excited to see where she takes him.

I really liked hearing from Merik's sister Vivia. Getting her point of view really helps to see a different side to the politics. She is a strong female leader, her father is still king but she is making most of the political decisions. I really loved her character and can't wait to see more.

I was happy with this instalment in the series. It was a strong sequel and I enjoyed it more than the first book for sure. I attached to many of these characters and can't wait to see what happens next. There are is still a long way to go in the series and I really want to know what happens to these characters right now!

Review: A List of Cages by Robin Roe

An advanced copy was provided to me by Disney-Hyperion and Netgalley for an honest review. 

Genre: Contemporary
Publication: January 10, 2017 by Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 320 Pages
Source: eARC
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
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Goodreads Summary
When Adam Blake lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he's got it made. Sure, it means a lot of sitting around, which isn't easy for a guy with ADHD, but he can't complain, since he gets to spend the period texting all his friends. Then the doctor asks him to track down the troubled freshman who keeps dodging her, and Adam discovers that the boy is Julian--the foster brother he hasn't seen in five years.

Adam is ecstatic to be reunited. At first, Julian seems like the boy he once knew. He's still kind hearted. He still writes stories and loves picture books meant for little kids. But as they spend more time together, Adam realizes that Julian is keeping secrets, like where he hides during the middle of the day, and what's really going on inside his house. Adam is determined to help him, but his involvement could cost both boys their lives.

My Thoughts:
My heart is still reeling from this story. I didn't really know what to expect when I started this book, but what I got was a very impactful story that I won't soon forget. Once I did get into the story, I found that it did follow certain beats which were fairly predictable but the story itself is still very good and worth the read.

I loved the characters in this book, which is good because it is a character driven story. You just feel for Julian this entire book, his life so far has been tragic and your heart breaks for him. This book also covers a wide range of important topics, the main ones being mental illness, friendship and abuse. They are portrayed extremely well and you are really able to stand in both Julian's and Adam's shoes.

My only one main complaint is that I found it fairly predictable, it follows some pretty standard beats. I wasn't overly surprised by anything but that being said, I was never bored. I loved how the characters grew throughout the book and their view of the their situations changed. It felt natural and organic. All in all, I highly recommend this book. It covers some very important topics and I can see why so many people are excited about this book.

This book is released on January 10! Go check it out.