Daughter of Smoke and Bone Series by Laini Taylor

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Review

When I realized that Ashley and I had not yet reviewed this series on our blog I knew I needed to remedy that. You see, this is one of my most favorite series ever. And I don't give that distinction out easily.  I am obsessed with every one of these books and this story as a whole. In my eyes, they are perfection.

Laini Taylor tells a beautiful story, and she tells it brilliantly. The story is unlike any I have ever read.  It is not your typical angel story at all. It is not your typical anything. I was captivated by the war between Seraphim and Chimera. I grew to love the Chimera first, and later the Seraphim. I was completely and utterly invested in the hope of peaceful future. I found myself consumed by the connection between Akiva and Karou. Their history fascinated me. And all that they had to overcome to be together pulled on my heartstrings. This story had so many emotions at war with each other - love, hate, hope, despair, action, passivity, comfort, fear - it was a roller coaster of feeling. 

Laini Taylor's writing is impressive. The words just flow together and create something delicate and passionate and purposeful. She leaves me in awe and craving more words. And I love the fullness of the story. Laini Taylor does not sacrifice even the smallest detail and although that adds length to the story and slows the pace, it was right for this. Everything comes full circle in the end. The ending was complete and fulfilling and flawless. 

It is rare that I love a set of characters so completely and I  love these characters to my core (except for the bad guys obviously). I didn't think it was possible to care so deeply for so many. Karou is inspiring. Akiva is passionate. Zuzana is vivacious. Mik is romantic. Ziri is resilient. Liraz is devoted. Brimstone is timeless. I could go on and on. This story has one of the most diverse, complex,  delightful, and spirited set of characters that is sure to win you over. 

I can't say enough positive things about Laini Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone series. It is magical, captivating, emotional, suspenseful, unpredictable, fulfilling, beautiful, hopeful, romantic, intense. I recommend this one without reservation. I love it to pieces. 

SERIES REVIEW #119: The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

The Luxe Series by Anna Godbersen

Cutting straight to the point - I was rooting for the wrong characters. But let me introduce them first:

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Elizabeth Holland -

The proper lady, or so she's got everyone believing. Her heart belongs to the coachmen and societal rules be damned.

Elizabeth was pretty much the victim from the beginning. But regardless I was drawn to her because she was nice and friendly, and didn’t think she was above anyone else. Ultimately, she was trying to do right by her friends and family.  Honestly, she was the only one I liked in the first book.

Diana Holland -

The rebellious one, without a care in the world. Well…until she captures the attention of New York’s most eligible bachelor.

Diana didn’t grow on me until the second book. In the first, she was incredibly selfish and made stupid decisions in the name of insta-love. But by the second book, it felt to me like sides were forming. Elizabeth and Diana versus Penelope and Lina. E and D were on the good side, obviously. P and L, well as for them....

Penelope Hayes -

The ruthless go-getter, who will stop at nothing to get what, or who, she wants. Watch out those who stand in her way!

Penelope was portrayed as the bitch from the start when she talks about only being friends with Elizabeth because she was her greatest competition. She caused a lot of trouble in these books and didn't care who she hurt. But I could respect Penelope to some degree. Even if she was merciless she did what she had to do to get what she wanted. And she never pretended to be anything other than what she was.

Lina Broud -

The social climber, whose love for herself knows no bounds. She believes the world has wronged her and she is out to set it right.

LINA! I don’t think I ever hated a character so much. She blamed everything on others and never took responsibility for anything. She harbored hatred for her once friend because the boy she was in lust with was attracted to her instead. She thought the world of herself but had no redeeming qualities. She expected more than she deserved and she was just plain awful. She was immature and delusional and petty and selfish and GOSH I could go on and on. 

Henry Schoonmaker -

The spoiled heir, with no understanding that actions have consequences. I don’t know what these ladies see in him, but apparently it’s worth fighting over.

WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL WITH HENRY. I don't get it. He had the personality of a doorknob and was arrogant and entitled. So what if he’s handsome and rich. There were other boys just as handsome and also rich and TWICE the man Henry is *cough* TEDDY! *cough*. Henry did not deserve all of the fuss and it was kind of irritating that he was the reason everyone was fighting and so many lives were being ruined.

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But back to the story and why it drove me crazy. Basically it was a story about every man for himself. Penelope wanted Henry. Henry and Diana wanted each other. But Henry and Elizabeth were supposed to marry for family reasons. Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Will loved each other. But Lina wanted Will until she just wanted money. It was a mess that at some point turned into Penelope and Lina vs Elizabeth and Diana with Henry dangling somewhere in the middle.

And contrary to what you might expect, there was really no back and forth in terms of which parties were favored in this story. Elizabeth and Diana consistently had it much worse than Penelope and Lina. Penelope and Lina were given more lucky breaks and the right circumstances, whereas, Elizabeth and Diana always had something in their way or another bad thing happen to them.

Now I’m not saying everything went right for Penelope and Lina and everything went wrong for Elizabeth and Diana but I definitely didn’t feel like there was a fair balance. And it kind of sucked out all of the fun. I just became more and more enraged with each book. But I kept on reading hoping that the author would make it up in the end. Now while the ending did kind of set some things right, it wasn’t to the extent that I had hoped. Overall, I was still pretty disappointed. Besides it shouldn’t have taken four books to get there. AND there was one decision in particular that made a main plot line feel completely pointless. I just didn’t get it.

But even if I ignored all of my frustrations with the plot, I can’t say that I loved these characters or the setting much. The setting lacked humor and vibrancy and the characters were shallow and dull. Then again, it’s entirely possible that I am spoiled by books written from the likes of Libba Bray. Or that books in the YA genre have just gotten better (this series was written several years ago). Whatever it was, it all just fell very flat for me.

BUT there were some things I did enjoy. The author starts each book with a glimpse at the end. The first book begins with a funeral. The second, a wedding. And so on. She provides just enough detail that you can eliminate some possibilities but not others until you fill in more details as you read. I thought this was a great way to add suspense and give a peek at what’s to come. Another nice detail was the clippings of newspapers, invitations, letters, rules, etc. that were included at the beginning of each chapter. I love details like this and it was a unique way to provide information in a non-obvious way. The writing and attention to detail definitely showed potential.

But overall, this story was not for me. It would be better suited for a younger audience and should be read for just fun and games and not much else.

To wrap up, here is a glimpse at my thoughts while reading:

Luxe: A decent introduction. The story could really go in any direction at this point. Nothing to illicit strong emotion.

Rumors: The Penelope and Lena show through and through. Elizabeth and Diana were just shat on. The ending BROKE my heart.

Envy: The Hollands are back! OH WAIT NVM! *angry face* Anna Godbsersen don't you dare give her that money. DON"T YOU DARE. (She gets the money) I'm done. Really, could things get any worse?

Splendor: *finds out things can get worse* Wait... THAT'S HOW IT ENDS? Unbelievable.

SERIES REVIEW #79: Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter

Overall, I really enjoyed this series; I went on an audio book binge. I highly recommend the series if you are looking for something very FUN and LIGHT HEARTED.  It reminded me a lot of a TV show, each book for the most part is stand alone with some underlying plot lines and character development through the whole series. It was an awesome blend of spies, friendship, teenage drama, and prep schools. Cammie has a fantastic set of friends that each play an important role in her life and as a spy.

The first three books were less intense than the last two.  I would give the first 3 books three stars and books 4 and 5, four stars.   The 3 stars are not to say I found anything wrong with the book, it was fun but nothing was  that magical, it is not a book I would say you need to read right this minute.  I would definitely recommend this as a beach read.

I'd tell you I Love you But Then I'd have to Kill you-Book 1 is about Cammie’s first boyfriend and the problems that ensue when dating a non-spy.

Cross my Heart Hope to Spy-Book 2 is when we are introduced to Zach, a boy from the male equivalent to the Gallagher Academy. Zach and Cammie have some chemistry :) The boys from Black Thorn are guests at the Gallagher Academy for the semester.

Don't Judge a Girl by her Cover-Book 3 Cammie is with Macey over the summer and they almost get kidnapped by a secret organization seeking revenge on the Gallagher family. (This was probably my least favorite out of the series).

Only the Good Spy Young -Book 4 The storyline really picks up. There is more development and backstory about Zach. I really love the dynamic between Zach and Cammie but want more!  We also learn more about Cammie's father and the secret organization. The story ends with Cammie taking off on a mission of her own to find answers

Out of Sight, Out of Mind - Book 5 is by far the most intense book in the series.   Cammie is found months later with no recollection of what happened in the past months.  The spy aspects of her life really take a toll on her in this book.  Her disappearance effects her relationships with her friends and Zach.

Since I could easily see this series as a TV show, I decided to create a dream cast for The Gallagher Girls. I just couldn't decide on Zach.