Girl Online by Zoe Sugg Review

Girl Online (Girl Online #1), by Zoe Sugg
Publication: November 25, 2014, by Keywords Press
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 352
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Rating: ½

I had no idea GirlOnline would take off the way it has - I can't believe I now have 5432 followers, thanks so much! - and the thought of opening up to you all about this is terrifying, but here goes...
Penny has a secret.
Under the alias GirlOnline, she blogs about school dramas, boys, her mad, whirlwind family - and the panic attacks she's suffered from lately. When things go from bad to worse, her family whisks her away to New York, where she meets the gorgeous, guitar-strumming Noah. Suddenly Penny is falling in love - and capturing every moment of it on her blog.
But Noah has a secret too. One that threatens to ruin Penny's cover - and her closest friendship - forever.

As blogging is a huge part of my life, as well as reading and my splendid hobbies, I can totally relate to this book. As Penny had, I've always wanted to keep a journal, but if you're like me, it's the most difficult thing in the world to keep. I never would've thought of a blog as a diary, to keep your daily doings all in one for the world to see, anonymously.

Zoe, aka Zoella on YouTube, is one of the most popular beauty gurus out there, and so many young girls worship her as a beauty queen. I LOVE HER. She's adorable and cute and I LOVED HER BOOK! Okay? Okay. I don't care about the ghost writer thing that's going on, she made the plot, it's her ideas, and I don't really feel like those rumours are changing my opinion whatsoever.

This woman is a fabulous author, and it suited her personality and likings! What's better than writing a novel that relates to you and somewhat involves with your actual life and hobbies? This went through picture-perfect romance that may not seem so perfect after all in the end, and although it did have its slow moments, I highly recommend to NEVER STOP READING. My friend read 100 pages and says that it "sucks," and I told her to keep on going because the fluttering butterflies will come and she will get obsessed. Let's all find out that she ends up realizing how amazing this is, as well as the healthy relationship between Penny and Noah, two different young people looking for love but at an unexpected time.

"I look at the Christmas trees and the twinkling lights and the snowflakes shimmering in the air like powdered silver, and I don't feel like I'm in a movie anymore; I feel like I'm in a fairy tale. As we all follow the doorman into the hotel, I cross my fingers and hope it has a really happy ending."

First of all, oh man, what can I possibly say about this? At the time when I read this last week, I had been afraid that I would be shot into a reading slump since everything had been plain Jane, and it was Valentine's Day. Zoe had given us readers the perfect novel to read anytime of the year, whenever you're sad, happy or in a mixed mood that can only be solved with something that you want in your life: this novel.

This all began with Penny, a fifteen year old girl who is going through panic attacks, friendship problems and dating problems. The only way for her to solve these issues is to write her blog, which is slowly becoming viral and popular. When her life gets turned upside down, her wedding-planner parents decide to go to New York for the holidays where Penny will be staying at the best hotel there, where she meets Noah. Noah is a music-loving, amazing person who is unlike anyone back home in England. And it's just the start of something gorgeous, until she finds out that he's not who she thinks he is.

If the book ended off with the way I thought it would, this probably would've gotten a 3 or a 3.5 rating, but then we received A HUGE PLOT TWIST and my insides exploded of shock and utter happiness. I NEVER SAW THAT COMING, and that was how it simply was for most of the book. The plot was pieced to perfection, with a few mishaps and boring sections at the commencing point. Zoe created something from the heart, and I felt all of the feelings that were tried to be portrayed throughout.

"It's hard to believe that was only a week ago—it feels like a whole lifetime. And I feel like a whole new person. I put on the shoes, pick up my bag, and head for the door."

THESE CHARACTERS WERE ABSOLUTELY PERFECT. Penny was someone who was absolutely added with Zoe's personality, and I felt all of her sympathy and I sure had left some guilt for her and her situation in England. Thankfully, she had an amazing best friend and brother (IS THIS A REPRESENTATION OF JOE AND TYLER OAKLEY?) and Noah... Noah was her Alfie. It's so astonishing to see her life coming out in a teen novel that gets me to squirm of joy.

I am so obsessed with the outcome of this novel and I just can't stop thinking about the ending and that amazing romance. The best thing is that there's going to be a SEQUEL. Guys... NOTHING ELSE CAN HAPPEN BETWEEN THEM SINCE EVERYTHING IS NOW PERFECT. Zoe Sugg, you are one talented woman, and I need more from you! #Penoah

Emergent by Rachel Cohn Review

Emergent (Annex #2), by Rachel Cohn
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Dystopia, Science-Fiction, Romance
Pages: 288
Format: Hardcover (Finished Review Copy)
Source: Publisher
Rating: ½

Zhara, the First. Elysia, her clone. On the surface, they are identical. But looks can be deceiving.
When Zhara plays, she plays to win. She thought she had escaped the horrors of Doctor Lusardi's cloning compound. But the nightmare is just beginning. Elysia has taken everything from Zhara-a softer, prettier version of herself and an inescapable reminder of all she's failed at in her life. Now the man Zhara loves has replaced her with Elysia. Zhara will get her clone out of the way, no matter the cost.
Elysia has finally learned the truth: she has a soul. Her First is alive. She knows it hurts Zhara to see her with Alexander, but she can't give him up. The genetically-perfected Aquine has chosen as her as his life mate, and their days together are limited.
Elysia can't remain in the Rave Caves off the shores of Denesme forever. Revolution is brewing on the island paradise. Hundreds of soulless clones remain imprisoned like Elysia once was, slaves to the whims of their owners-wealthy human inhabitants of the island. As a group of clones and humans, led by Alexander, plot an insurrection that will turn Denesme's world upside down, Elysia knows her place is fighting by his side. Terrible sacrifices must be made to defeat Denesme's twisted regime. But even the greatest losses cannot prepare Elysia for the ticking time bomb built into her own programming...

     *A finished review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*

      Let's take a time machine back into time—one year ago. Or actually, a little more than a year ago, to be honest. That was when I read Beta, the first book in the Annex trilogy, and that's where I found one of my most strongest loves, dystopian books. From there, or even a little before that, I've grown to be obsessed with this unique genre where anything is actually possible. Although the wait for Emergent felt extremely long and precious, it was so worth it. Emergent was everything I was looking for in a sequel, and there surely was no signs of second-book-syndrome anywhere nearby, not even a speck.

     "Now, I understand—truly understand—what it means to have a soul, because in this moment, mine feels like it literally just exploded with exhilaration. The feeling spreads to each and every cell in my body, fireworks of joy."

      As most dystopia trilogies are formatted, the first book is where the action makes all of the events prior to happen. It's the starting point and formation. Whatever happens in the second and third books are because of the first. It's like a formula. Many authors decide to follow that formula in order to create sci-fi success.

      At the end of Beta, there was a huge plot-twist that was revealed that would obviously change the sequel's setting and storyline. That was the main thing that struck me the most and made me want this book a hundred times more. As we begin, we're reading in the point-of-view of Zahra, Elysia's First. The beginning basically shows the points in her life that revolve around Elysia, but she herself doesn't even know that she has a clone. In the beginning, she was having a death party and then got resurrected, and woke up. The funny thing is, is that she expected to die at the moment when the pirates found her. Next thing you know, she was brought to a deserted, truly unliveable island where the Emergents are. There, she tries to forget about Xander, the guy who she's loved for her whole life, and decides to move on. And from there, she finds out that she has a Beta, and she's with Xander.

         And of course, that's where Zahra gets fed up and her attitude spews all over the place like lava from a volcano. If you read the first book previously, you'll obviously know that Zahra is the bitchiest bitch around. She's like the Evil Queen from Snow White, after eating twenty poisoned apples and still living. 

          The mind-blowing thing in this situation is that I ended up loving Zahra. She was such a drag queen in the beginning, I must admit, but the magic and personality that Cohn added into her sprouted her into someone better. She even, PSST began a friendship with her Beta—a once in a lifetime opportunity. 

           "I can be patient. Paradise will be mine, next time I get there."

       This was like a Lost remake. Probably taking place in the third season, where the action through the island really began. Rachel Cohn truly created a Survival 101 book with sexy romance, thrill and heart-pounding fangirling moments. 

        The only thing that I didn't really like was the beginning. I do wish that the author gave us a better recap on what was happening at the moment. I obviously eventually got it, but it did take a while for me to remember the characters and who was who. It's been more than a year, people.

        The story was honestly so perfect. It's something that would come out of an inspirational person's dream, since it was so smart and logical. There was suspense at the end of every page and I honestly couldn't stop reading. Every word was like something I need to follow by. (OBVIOUSLY NOT THE CRAZY THING THAT ZAHRA DID, DUH.)

        

         

  I just didn't want the end of the book to come. AND IT HAD TO, IT HAD TO. AND NOW I HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER GURGRJGRUHGEOGHEUOK YEAR. *sprouts anger*

         "I only want you when I can have all of you." Aidan places his hand over my heart, which is the one part of me that's in no way ready to give itself to a clone."

         The romance was so agonizing in this book. First of all, because there were so many get-together moments where characters were either (a) pissed because they're with someone else or (b) confused with who they really love. And honestly, that's not a bad thing because Cohn really made everything seem real. This wasn't picture-perfect romance, it was much more realistic and special. I had so many ships, and they all sunk. :(

       

       

      This book actually had it all. What a fantastic comeback from Rachel Cohn—who's books I'm so obsessed with. This was action-packed, gorgeous and even had hints of discrimination and mystery. (What dystopia adds that in?) If you haven't picked up Beta yet, I DARE YOU TO, because you'll need to get ready to be obsessed.

          

Twisted Fate by Norah Olson Review

      

Twisted Fate by Norah Olsen
Published On: January 20, 2015 by HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Mystery/Thriller/Murder, Contemporary
Pages: 259
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Rating: ½

When Alyson meets Graham Copeland, the new boy next door, she instantly feels like he’s a kindred spirit—shy and awkward like her, someone who has trouble making friends. It’s impossible to resist having a crush on him. 
As usual, her sister, Sydney, sees things differently. In Sydney's mind, Graham's odd personality and secretive past scream psychopath, not sweetheart. Her gut is telling her to stay away from him, and to protect a love-struck Alyson from her own naïveté. But despite her instincts, Sydney is surprised to realize that a part of her is drawn to Graham, too. 
And the more Sydney gets to know him, the more she realizes just how right—and wrong—she is about everything.
Perfect for fans of Michelle Hodkin, and E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars, Twisted Fate is an unputdownable novel, teeming with suspense. 

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much!*

   

         And just like that, my experience of reading this gorgeous novel came to an end. I'm sitting here, 10 minutes after finishing the book, thanking and praising the book lords for granting me such a blessed journey with this book. My heart is still racing and I am unable to stop shaking. 

          "Then she told me the worst part. Every night she went over there and he made another film of her. She was becoming his most popular subject, she said. His girl-next-door series. He said he wanted to have a thousand films of her. To film her entire life."

            Twisted Fate has honestly left me with and beyond words. I'm like Eddie Murphy in that hilarious movie, A Thousand Words. I feel like I can only say a few words without spazzing out or wishing for more from fantastic author Norah Olson. She has captured my attention with her fantastic writing and deep storyline that truly is not expected.

            It's really funny, because I actually received this book yesterday in the mail (as I'm writing this) and I was so captivated, thinking about it all during the day today, feeling the need to read it because I needed another psychopathic story to brighten up my day, as they always do. After this, I'm sure that 2015 will be the hit for dark contemporary-thrillers.

         

              If you honestly close your eyes and imagine this story in your mind's way, you won't picture it as it is written. How is that possible, you may ask? It just is—because it's Norah Olson. This is her debut YA novel, and I've felt like I've never read anything like this. It's so easy to describe her work by not spoiling anything because there's just so much to say. I could be sitting here writing and talking for hours and hours and gushing about this excellence and I still won't be even close to finished. 

               "And the films. I can barely describe them to you... It makes me want to... It makes you sick to think that this is the world we live in. That all this was going on in this beautiful treelined neighborhood among all these decent people."

              As many stories begin, we're introduced to a small-town setting—where most dark contemporaries happen. Sisters Allyson and Sydney don't really have a connection, as they are both complete opposites. Allyson is the pale beauty of the duo and quiet while Sydney smokes, and is a complete gothic rebel. But what happens when a boy gets in between them and pushes them even farther apart? What happens when he's not even close to their fate.

             

                I'm just going to give you a hint here—you'll need to brace yourself for a loss. And it's tragic, horrible, but fitting and unexpected. I just am not able to speak a word and hint about my love for this concept. It began off so simple and sweet, and you'll probably be starting off thinking that this is a regular contemporary romance novel. But there's so much more to it and what happens later... you'll end up realizing that the hints all led up to something.

                 "I remember it so clearly, the day that would change our lives forever: watching the moving van pull out of the driveway of the big old post-and-beam house across the driveway. It was the nicest house in the neighborhood."

                 After reading, I've come to realize that this book was all about fate and luck, as the title notes. You never know if one encounter will change your life forever—and if one situation will put you in an even-worse situation that will stun you forever.

               I must say that this book was like an artistic piece—certainly not like something Graham would come up with. It was sweet, sour, bittersweet, and sculpted to perfection, minus a little chip on the nose. But as the cheesy thing is always noted, imperfections are perfections. So why not choose to read such a gracious novel? Why would you let it go because of one small miniature problem of not enough suspense? The thing is, you won't let it go. 

                The utterly most brilliant thing in the book were the characters. I found that I built a bond with both Sydney and Allyson, and Olson has given us a mixture of two different blends of personalities that just suited this book perfectly. Sure, they made mistakes, but that's why I must say that we had a blend of fantastic characters that fitted the masterpiece. Even sure, the psychopath was a nice diverse character for a change. Just kidding, he gave me panic attacks.

         

       




          I must say, this book was everything I was looking for in a perfect dark contemporary. There were so many points-of-view that made sense, and I was captivated from the inner first page, no, let me say outer. Forget about the half star, let's rate it a 5!

Made For You, by Melissa Marr Review

Made for You, by Melissa Marr

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Contemporary

Rating: 5/5 stars

Publication: September 16, 2014, by HarperCollins

Format: Hardcover Edition (borrowed)




Goodreads Summary: Bestselling author of the Wicked Lovely books Melissa Marr’s first contemporary YA novel is a twisted southern gothic tale of obsession, romance, and murder. A killer is obsessed with Eva Tilling. Can she stop him, or will he claim her?

When Eva Tilling wakes up in the hospital, she’s confused—who in her sleepy little North Carolina town could have hit her with their car? And why? But before she can consider the question, she finds that she’s awoken with a strange new skill: the ability to foresee people’s deaths when they touch her. While she is recovering from the hit-and-run, Nate, an old flame, reappears, and the two must traverse their rocky past as they figure out how to use Eva’s power to keep her friends—and themselves—alive. But while Eva and Nate grow closer, the killer grows increasingly frantic in his attempt to get to Eva.

For the first time, New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr has applied her extraordinary talent to contemporary realism. Chilling twists, unrequited obsession, and high-stakes romance drive this Gothic, racy thriller—a story of small-town oppression and salvation. Melissa’s fans, and every YA reader, will find its wild ride enthralling.

Review:

   *sits at desk, squealing like a maniac* So at the moment, I am in a fuss and am writing my reviews that I need to accomplish writing, and I am literally cheering and yelling and fangirling because I've finally gotten to write this review.

      Well, you should, you wonderful people, because THIS BOOK WAS FANTASTICALLY AMAZING AND I AM LEFT WITHOUT WORDS AND AM STILL TAKING DEEP BREATHS AND WHEEZES UNTIL THIS DAY. 

        Made for You was unbelievably amazing. Melissa Marr writing contemporary? I think that she's done an even better job than of writing paranormal. This woman is a legendary writer. 

        You: So what the fudge happened in this book that made it so worthwhile and amazing?

        Me: 

           Except it was exactly a murder... it all began with an obsession and some crazy thoughts, that geared to the richest girl in town, and the most popular one, Eva Tilling. She's the most popular girl in school, and certainly has parents that are the most known, and is part of one of the founding families in their small town in North Carolina. Eva wakes up in the hospital, and has no idea what has happened. She's all bandaged up, and has broken her leg. And then she sees herself in the mirror, and that ruins everything. She is notified that she was struck and hit in a hit and run, and no one has any idea of who could've done this to her and why. Was it by accident, or on purpose? The thing is, Eva is well liked and there was never any fuss to complain about. But everything is not what it seems... as it usually is. What happens when you were "made for someone?"

       

            This was one hell of a thrill ride. That was the first sentence that I literally thought of when finishing this book, and I guess that everyone will be thinking that. At the same time, this was a crazy mystery/thriller and somewhat of a paranormal romance, but I'd stay away from that thought because it certainly wasn't anything close to what Melissa originally wrote about in her previous novels. She began off with a gorgeous premise and a few interesting points of view. 

             You'll probably think that you know what will happen. I was so damn sure that I knew who it was. Who "Judge" was. It made perfect sense. And then the ending came, and I was like:

          AHSHFGRIJGJ[EHGJGEDHGIHE. WOW. WHO LITERALLY SAW THAT COMING?! I can't imagine how people admit that they saw that ending coming. You literally have to be Nancy Drew to figure that out.

           So yes, everything about this book was perfect. The plot was unbelievable and I was glued to the book and was unable to let it go until I finished it. Now, when does that happen to me? Rarely, I tell you. I've read Marr's books in the past and never have been even close to being intrigued as I was here. This was some serious plot-making. 

           JUDGE WAS CREEPY AS FUDGE.

            I got so creeped out by him. Reading the POV of a psychopath killer is unbelievably weird. I literally thought of that clown from IT when reading his POV. And then when he came to the hospital and left the flowe—yeah I was screwed. AND WHEN WE FOUND OUT WHO HE WAS—I'll never get over it. (I have a crazy fear of clowns so I am closing my eyes while adding that gif in).

              And Eva was your average posh-country princess that you're picturing in your head. But at the same time, she was smart, kick-ass and totally not naive. She wasn't broken, and she was strong while all of those crazy events were happening... TO HER. I don't know how she did it, honestly.

               That ending was fabulous, as I already said a thousand times during this review, I NEVER SAW IT COMING. HOWHOWHOWHOW? I don't know, and I seriously don't know how Marr was capable of writing such a perfect book, I felt it coming down from the heavens. Definite favourite of 2014, right next to Dissonance.

Criminal, by Terra Elan McVoy Review

Criminal, by Terra Elan McVoy

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery/Thriller/Murder

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Publication: May 7, 2013, by Simon Pulse

Format: Paperback Edition (borrowed)




Goodreads Summary: A searing and gripping read that explores the depths of desperation true love can inspire, from the author of Being Friends with Boys.

Nikki’s life is far from perfect, but at least she has Dee. Her friends tell her that Dee is no good, but Nikki can’t imagine herself without him. He’s hot, he’s dangerous, he has her initials tattooed over his heart, and she loves him more than anything. There’s nothing Nikki wouldn’t do for Dee. Absolutely nothing.

So when Dee pulls Nikki into a crime—a crime that ends in murder—Nikki tells herself that it’s all for true love. Nothing can break them apart. Not the police. Not the arrest that lands Nikki in jail. Not even the investigators who want her to testify against him.

But what if Dee had motives that Nikki knew nothing about? Nikki’s love for Dee is supposed to be unconditional…but even true love has a limit. And Nikki just might have reached hers.

Review:

  

           I FINALLY LOVED A BOOK BY THIS AUTHOR! *squeals* I've actually given McVoy's books a chance so many times and I was always left disappointed. With this one, I promised myself that if I didn't enjoy it whatsoever, it'd be my last chance ever. I guess fate was scared of me letting this author's books go...

           

        Criminal was seriously epic. It gave me heart-stopping moments throughout the whole novel that never let me go until the end, plot twists that I never saw coming, and so many "OMG" moments that I couldn't believe were happening. 

    Nikki is afraid—that's all she's been since that day happened. But at least she has Dee, right? As her best friend and only home drifts apart because of the police, Nikki finds that she's all on her own, until they come to her house. She's found guilty and is placed into prison, eagerly waiting for trial. The days feel like months, and the weeks feel like years. Nikki feels like she has to fight to get out, just so she can be with Dee, one of the only people who really loves her. And what about Dee's motives? Secrets are secrets, and criminals are criminals. Together, they repose something far more powerful.

            

       We all rarely read a book that takes place in a prison. When you think about it, not much can go on in there in order to create a novel, basically. But the amazing thing about this book was that it worked. And it worked extremely well, far more than I could've ever imagined. The concept and mystery flowed so well together, and by the end, we were left with no need to ask any questions. 

            Surprisingly, the writing was like devouring your favourite food—100 pieces of it, over and over again. I felt like I was in the need to read this in one sitting no matter what, and I did. This was my Friday-night read, and I sat there after squealing and giggling because I was the happiest person to see how good it ended up being. The plot was so well written—it certainly deserves an Oscar Award for best plot of 2013.

             Nikki portrayed an excellent story through her thoughts. I loved reading through her narration, her POV, and she made the story a hundred times better, believe it or not. Her character was somebody who I will remember forever, as being one of the truest female heroines in a mystery novel. She made the story seem real, and she proved that this could absolutely happen in real life. The poor girl went through so much, and adding to that, her feelings and emotions were all over the place because she was spared, used, and left behind alone. And all of the blame was left on her, a criminal who wasn't even supposed to become one.  Her message was shown to us more real than ever.

             My only negative-exception that my attention span paid attention to was Dee. His motive and personality just didn't work with me. It became too cheesy. We all knew from the moment that he was introduced that he had something going on with him behind the scenes. And when it was released, I wasn't surprised. I expected a twist with his story, perhaps something psychological, but instead we ended up with an average guy's story, but in a more obsessive matter. *frowns* 

             In conclusion, I am probably the happiest person alive right now. This book was honestly amazing, and I seriously thank fate for getting me to pick it up. It was everything I've wanted in a mystery novel for a long time. Enjoy this, it's a gorgeous read.

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas Review: IDEALLY AWESOME.

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3), by Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, High Fantasy, Romance, Action

Rating: 4/5 stars

Publication: September 2, 2014, by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Format: Hardcover Edition




Goodreads Summary: Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy. 

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

Review:

Beware of spoilers below. Just warning ya. ;)

"It was like being underwater again. Like charging into Nehemia's room and finding that beautiful body mutilated on the bed. Like seeing Galan Ashryver, beloved and brave, riding off into the sunset to the cheers of his people."

WOW. WOW. WOW. I'm sitting here, speechless and unable to put my thoughts together after this one hell of a thrill-ride. *takes 5 deep breaths* I don't know what to say, think, act, or be after reading this book. 600 pages of awesomeness? Yes, you've got it right here.

As you may or may not have known, this series has SO MANY FANS. There's only a few authors who can grab a reader and intrigue them so easily, and that's what Sarah J. Maas simply does to me, and to thousands of other people. Almost every single review I've read on a book from this series is strictly a rave and fangirled. 4-5 stars, usually. Thankfully I began reading this series a little late, so the Crown of Midnight cliffhanger and book-hangover was worth it to wait for another couple of weeks. But now, I'm dying here. *joins the club of crying, bawling, and angry people*

Eh. I can't believe it's all over—for now, at least. I spent only a few hours tearing through this novel (at once in one sitting) because I loved it too much. I felt that Sarah's writing is so coincidental (in a good way) and she purposely creates such horrifying cliffhangers because she wants us to be in mutual pain. Either way, I still love and heart you, Sarah, Celaena, Chaol, Dorian, and Rowan. :)

So really, *thinks hard* where does this book began. As Part One, Heir of Ash comes into, Celaena is now at her destination, Wendlyn. Crown of Midnight left off with a crazy cliffhanger and suspenseful ending that we couldn't let go, and we're fast-forwarded into a little off into the future from the past's events. This chick, as we'd expect her to be, has been alone, but strong during this time although the truth behind her and her destiny is boggling her mind to this day. Once she arrives, she meets Rowan, fae prince and warrior, and he hates her immediately. The rumours behind her "assassin past" lies beneath her, and there are some people who know, which can possibly change everything. 

Although romance wasn't a large aspect of this book, Maas of course had to add it in because we all love Chaol, Dorian, and now ROWAN. Damn. Who'd expect another bunch of awesome characters to be added in?

"For the better part of half an hour, the creatures fought in the rainy dark, until those wretched shrieks, turned victorious, and the unearthly roars sounded no more. Celaena and Rowan held tight to each other and did not dare close their eyes for the entirety of the night."

Okay. I ship them a little, but I'm still Team CHAOL AND DORIAN. No doubt about it. But finally, Celaena has someone who is so similar and alike to her that she can confide and confess anything to them without some secrets and love mysteries. There were the romance moments between them, though, but I found that it didn't change anything between her and the other men.

Just like the other books, the feels came back. And they hit me HARD. I have to admit that I wasn't crying or anything, but I went through such jittery mood swings and anger and frustration and basically all the feels that you have been hit with in the previous books times TEN. 

So that does make me think... *twirls moustache* Do feels get me to give the book a higher rating? Absolutely, and the feels in this one probably gave this book a point five better as well.

I felt like I was on fire for more than half of the time while reading this. I DESERVED THE HEIR. *laughs to self* Get it, heir of fire? I'm on fire? xD

This book was huge, no lies. Not everyone can go through a 600-paged book so easily, but I just had to because my love for this series is undying. It almost had everything I was looking for from a sequel to CoM. Character-development—ten thousand checkmarks, perfect plot—almost, action—YESYESYES!

Sarah introduced us to two main new characters, with a couple side ones. But really, both Rowan and Manon has their own POVs as well as Celaena and Chaol. Rowan was kick-ass, but sweet and sympathetic at the same time. He suited Celaena perfectly, but I cannot see anything possibly more than just a strong bond and friendship. *twiddles fingers together* Manon was a little too sensible, but you know, she added some sass into the novel—not that we didn't have enough of it beforehand. 

Celaena was Celaena—perfection and my role model, Chaol was hot, steamy, and wanting, but I wish we had more Dorian. Damn, he was only mentioned a few times, and there were no large scenes incorporated with him. Does this mean that there will never be anything between him and Celaena?

"Aedion began roaring—roaring and cursing at the king, thrashing against his chains, but the guards hauled him away, and Chaol was too stunned to do anything other than watch the rest of Sorscha's body topple to the ground. And then Dorian, still screaming, was scrambling through the blood toward it—toward her head, as if he could put it back. As if he could piece her together."

I think my love for Dorian is crazy and there's a tiny chance that I might love him more than I adore Chaol, and maybe that's why this went to a four star rating? 

In the end, this series is #1 and beyond for me. Sarah J. Maas is my favourite author—she stuns me during every chapter, page, sentence, and word that she writes. I guess that's the magic of writing a book that makes you want to fight for a heir of fire.