Frost Like Night

Frost Like Night is the third book in Sara Raasch's Snow Like Ashes series. 

"Angra is alive, his Decay is spreading--and no on is safe.

"Meira will do anything to save her world. With Angra trying to break through her mental defenses, she desperately needs to learn to control her own magic--so when the leader of a mysterious Order from Paisly offers to teach her, she jumps at the chance. But the true solution to stopping the Decay lies in a labyrinth deep beneath the Season Kingdoms. To defeat Angra, Meira will have to enter the labryinth, destroy the very magic she's learning to control--and make the biggest sacrifice of all.

"Mather will do anything to save his queen. He needs to rally the Children of the Thaw, find Meira--and finally tell her how he really feels. But with a plan of attack that leaves no kingdom unscathed and a major betrayal within the ranks, winning the war--and protecting Meira--slips farther and farther out of reach. 

"Ceridwen will do anything to save her people. Angra had her brother killed, stole her kingdom, and made her a prisoner. But when she's freed by an unexpected ally who reveals a shocking truth behind Summer's slave trade, Ceridwen must take action to save her true love and her kingdom, even if it costs her what little she has left. 

"As Angra unleashes the Decay on the world, Meira, Mather, and Ceridwen must bring the kingdoms of Primoria together or lose everything." 

General Thoughts and Plot: Wow that intro seemed really intense. It is the final book in the series and everything comes to a head. In true, "I'm the only one who can do it" fashion, Meira ends up needing to sacrifice herself in order to stop the magic. Not going to lie, I saw the ending a mile and a half away. It was very easy to see where it was going. However, how we got there was pretty neat. Final battle sequence of magically hypnotized armies, travel to find the last few lands we hadn't visited yet because reasons, and somehow saving the world while still looking gorgeous and unharmed. It was a little cheesy with a nice ribbon to tie it all up with, but I guess it gave us what we wanted. 

Theme: The caption above put it in context, a lot of this is about "I will sacrifice myself for the good of my people." Obviously not wanting to die or them to die, but battles must be fought and heroic days must be lead. Again, kind of cheesy, but that's what you get with "end of the world" motifs

Setting: As with before in the series, it's an interesting, if not childish, representations of the four Seasons and four other kingdoms that are easy to get confused.  The labyrinth is pretty cool though. 

Characters: It was cool to get a little more of Angra's backstory, his Angry story. There are so many of those little things where again it almost seems childish. Obviously he's the BBEG, but I like a BBEG who is able to get a little monologuing done so we know his reasonings. I don't think they worked well enough for me though, didn't quiet hit hat power punch that I was hoping for. I did very much enjoy Meira and a certain boy "got back together." Many of the other characters were good too, and I liked the development that supporting cast had, like Theron--though his ending seemed a little... wanting. 

Spice: 3/5 Spicy Chilis. It's been a minute since I've read it and nothing came to mind, so whatever happened wasn't too much that I was disturbed by it. However, other reviews mention things happening, but not explicitly described. So this is where I'm putting it. 

Writing Style: It was alright. Modern, young adult. Easy to read and listen to, but nothing extraordinary.

Overall: It was pretty good. A decent ending for the series. Not my favorite series, maybe top fifteen, but I also read it over a year ago and my feelings probably shifted as parts there weren't as memorable as they could have been. There weren't very many scenes that stuck with me like there were in the first one. There were moments that were good, sure, but I really had to think about this one to remember what was going on. 

Ice Like Fire

 Ice Like Fire is the second book in the Snow Like Ashes series by Sara Raash. 

"It’s been three months since the Winterians were freed and Spring’s king, Angra, disappeared—thanks largely to the help of Cordell.

"Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria’s lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity—with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses—the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell orders the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm’s secrets, Meira plans to use the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe—even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves?

"Mather just wants to be free. The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Januari—leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell’s growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies, he decides to take Winter’s security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken kingdom and protect them from new threats?

"As the web of power and deception weaves tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom—and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter, but for the world."

General Thoughts: It has been a little over a year since I read this and when I first realized that this was on the list, I had a hard time remembering what it was about. Upon further reflection, I did remember that it got rather political. Fights between Winter and Cordell, Meira and Theron, Mather getting himself in trouble. It was a good audiobook and an interesting story, but middle books can be hard to make exceptional, or so I've found. 

Plot: I will not end up doing this justice. I simply don't remember much beyond them going to different countries and trying to get people to believe that the BBEG is still around and pulling strings. I do remember some vice between Meira and Theron and that Mather acted like an idiot. I also remember Meira being pulled in many different directions and that her thought process was interesting and I liked how she figured out how to fix her problems. There were a bunch of "must find the thing" moments in each of the cities they visited and she was able to get help along the way. I do remember that the end was really good. With all the puzzle pieces back together and finding out that the BBEG had his fingers in many pies it made for a really good cliffhanger amongst all the blood. 

Setting: The Snow Like Ashes books have a very simple map though an interesting world that has developed from that map. Each country is so different that different cultures have to bloom from them. Summer was very interesting, though I didn't appreciate all of their social norms, though I hope there wouldn't be many who would. Although, the fact that Summer, Winter, Spring, and Autumn are always that season is kind of basic. It is nice that the other non-season countries are different, but it can be confusing especially when they aren't actually in those countries. 

Characters: I don't have anything bad to say about any of them as far as I can remember. There were some that were annoying or I was glad to see die, but as a character that's what they were supposed to do. Meira had many moments of growth and her fight to figure out what "Being Queen of Januari" meant and that fight continued on into the third book, so I believe. Mather goes about learning more about how not to be an idiot, which I'm grateful for. I was rooting for him to win out his love triangle. Theron has his moments, but he starts slipping into an antagonist roll, though not the main antagonist as the BBEG because he is constantly butting heads with Meira though he has sound ideas as well. 

Spice: 2/5 Spicy Chilis. I remember there being more than flirtations, I mean Meira and Theron are/were engaged to be married. I remember them kissing at least once in the first one, I think. As the book goes on, their love for one another dwindles considerably. Mather coming up into this love triangle again doesn't really happen because he's too far away, though he does love her and tries to save her toward the end. There isn't much of any opportunity to show it. 

Writing Style: It is a very modern, young adult book. Simple in writing. Simple metaphor and similes. Not very poetic or lyrical. Nothing particularly stands out compared to other young adult books. 

Overall: It was a decent book, definitely a middle of the series book where there are parts that are easily forgotten. The ending was pretty cool and had some unexpected parts. I probably wouldn't want to reread this one again on it's own. If I was wanting the series, then yes, but there weren't any  moments the I felt I needed to read again because it was just that good. 

Tress of the Emerald Sea

Tress of the Emerald Sea has become one of it not my top favorite Brandon Sanderson book. This is one of his "Secret Projects" and is a standalone Cosmere book.

"The only life Tress has known on her island home in the emerald-green ocean has been a simple one, with simple pleasures of collecting cups brought by sailors from faraway lands and listening to stories told by her friend Charlie. But when his father takes him on a voyage to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and see the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea. Amid the spore oceans where pirates abound, can Tress leave her simple life behind and make her own place sailing a sea where a singe drop of water can mean instant death?"

General Thoughts: Brandon Sanderson has a way of creating the most amazing worlds. Spore oceans where you can instantly die just by breathing it in. Crazy! He always has a way of capturing the most amazing and extremely bazar ideas and making something entertaining and thought provoking. And the fact that he wrote this for his wife makes me so happy.

Plot: In the Postscript that he wrote at the end of Tress, he said he wrote this out of the question of "What if Buttercup went after Westley?" Speaking of The Princess Bride, Brandon takes us on a trip in a crazy Cosmere world where a girl goes to find the man she loves and becomes a pirate long the way. But because there is no hard magic system on this planet, we have a crazy planet (somewhat similar to Sixth of Dusk if I remember correctly). The story is told through the voice of Hoid who we see jumping worlds all throughout the Cosmere and sticking his fingers into all kinds of pies. 

Theme: Much of this book, I think is about standing up for yourself and not letting the world pass you by. So much of Tress' life has been hearing of everyone else's adventures and watching them as they leave, but now she gets the opportunity to go and do something for herself to save someone that she loves. Step out of your comfort zone and make it bigger. 

Setting: As said before, Brandon has a way with words and worlds. Each of the worlds I've read about have been so extremely different. Ash falling from the Sky, the sun killing everything every day, ghosts that will kill you in a Forest called Hell, a different forest that will kill you, sand that is magic, violent storms that cleanse the world and light it at the same time, and many others in the Cosmere let alone the others that aren't there (such as chalk drawings in a steampunk world that try to kill you, and where superheroes are the bad guys.) This is no different. Different colored spores that can blow up, kill you by breathing them in, and a menagerie of other things. It was fun to escape into this different world. 

Characters: Our narrator is Hoid and I loved having be so. He is also a character here, but not as prevalent as one might suppose. Tress and her new crewmates were fun and different. And they were all just a joy to be around. 

Spice: 1/5 because it's an adventure romance and I think they might kiss at the end. But I could be wrong about that. 

Writing Style: I love the way Brandon Sanderson writes. He is my favorite author and there are very few books of his that I don't like. They are easy to read, some might say too easy, and it flows so well. He isn't as eloquent and poetic as some might right, but when it really counts he pulls out all the stops. He writes a lot of words and not all of them are perfect, but they paint such amazing pictures in my head that I don't mind. 

Overall: It's one of my top three books of his. I will most definitely be reading it again soon. 

Jane Eyre

 Apparently it has been quite a few years since I've read or listened to Jane Eyre, and I'm glad I made this journey again. 

Young, plain Jane is orphaned. Forced to live with her uncles wife and children, she is abused and neglected. Her strong will and temperament are then bridled at Lowood Academy. There she makes friends with the teachers and other pupils. Death pays a visit on a large scale at the Academy, which brings sorrow and a heightening of the presence of God into Jane's life. Fully grown and educated, Jane decides to take her academic learning into a career as a governess. She finds a position at Thornfield Hall and enjoys the small society there. With only the master of the house, her pupil, and the servants in attendance, she begins to find a home at Thornfield and has found a friendship with the master of the house, Mr. Rochester. Their relationship starts to become more than simply governess and master, and he eventually proposes marriage. She begins to let her bridled passions and true character unwind. But fate has a strange turn and all is not as it seems at Thornfield Hall. 

There are reasons why this book has been well loved for nearly 180 years. The characters with their foils, the gothic mystery, the fairytale, the love story, view of God, and symbolism are amazingly well done. 

Jane has probably become my favorite character, almost ever. She is bold and brash where and with whom she finds it appropriate. She has her fault of probably being too easily led, by those who mean well and those who are manipulating a situation -- though part of me wonders how much of that was do to the time and what was expected of women 180 years ago and how much was her character, I don't have an answer yet on that. I love how she is religious and learns, as we all should, about forgiveness and charity and service to others. Those aren't often what is written about now without seeming pompous or prudish. I love how she stands up for what she believes to be right even though it hurts her greatly. She chose not to stay with Mr. Rochester for important reasons. She holds her ground with Mr. Rivers and, though she comes close, she doesn't recant her opinions and holds her ground. She knows what she wants, especially in the long term, and doesn't let herself be trodden on or manipulated by others feelings and wants. She is and has a strong character! I mean, come on! She says, "Oh, I will give my heart to God. You do not want it!" Bold as brass! <3 Love it. 

Mr. Rochester is an interesting character too. Similar to Jane, he's not handsome (which is cool because how many characters are often portrayed as the most beautiful person ever in the whole world or time? It's unrelatable for a large portion of society.) He's loud, has strong opinions, and is rather grumpy (though given his circumstances, it's understandable), sometimes I think he talks more than Jane -- which does make the relationship they have in the beginning a little hard to believe, though that might just be because I need to pay better attention -- but he sees that she is smart and thoughtful. He is proud, which is his biggest fault, but throughout the course of the story he finds himself extremely humbled. I love the way Charlotte Bronte words his devotion for Jane. His love is palpable on the page. It is beautiful, kind, and honest. 

The Gothic and supernatural elements of this book are the best thing for it. It gives the ghosts the prowl the Hall so much more life and vivacity than I think could have been done in any other setting. It gives strong tones of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen -- though Austen was a satire of Gothic literature in her time. This Gothic atmosphere only ever lends itself to the story and bolsters it up. 

I think the mystery of Thornfield Hall is what most people remember of Jane Eyre today. "Vampyres" and fires are pivotal points in this story and they are so well written. Just... *chefs kiss * it's so well done. 

I have no problems with this book. It was well written. The writing, though older and potentially longwinded, is elegant and only give to the story. It is written in a "more modern" tone as opposed to even Jane Austen which was written 30 years previously which made it considerably easier to dive into. 

I'm extremely interested in finding the many depictions of this story that have been produced. I know plays have been done and I own a movie, but I have a need for more. 

I love it. I love it. I love it. 

In finding a cover of Jane Eyre for this post, I was in awe of how many beautiful (sometimes funny) covers were published. Here are some of my favorite ones. 

Some of these covers, though, make no sense whatsoever or are just completely inaccurate.

He looks really creepy here.... Um... Excuse you, dude! 

I mean, what is this? It definitely screams 1840s Gothic Classic to me... right... 

Grip of the Shadow Plague

 It takes a really good writer to make the reader cry for more than five pages over and over again and when you think you've got a handle on your emotions just to get kicked in the emotional teeth again. Thanks Brandon Mull. I needed a salty shower just on my face this morning. 

Kendra and Seth are still at their grandparents house for the summer. It is too risky to send them home yet because the Society of the Evening Star is still out to get them. And now it seems that even Fablehaven isn't safe anymore. Now creatures of light are turning dark from this unknown plague and they don't know why. Kendra has also been issued an invitation to join the Knights of the Dawn and help them retrieve more artifacts. Kendra and Warren go down to Arizona with other members of the Knights of the Dawn. The others at Fablehaven have found that not only has this dark plague attacked the creatures, but it can also turn human's into shadows that now only Seth can see. More and more creatures at Fablehaven are being infected and there are very few sanctuaries left for anyone. 

This was a very good book. There were times when I most defiantly didn't want to put it down and I wanted to read on even if my son wasn't too thrilled about it. (Yes I might have dragged him to the book against his will, but I really wanted to know what was going to happen.) It was well written with good pacing that kept us well engaged. There was a part that I pretty much knew for sure what was going to happen (which I was right), but it didn't stop the emotions from flowing over their banks. Well done Mr. Mull.

I've come to very much love these characters. I still have my suspicions about one or two of them, but I'm very intrigued to see what will happen to them in the future. All of them have their own personalities that they stick to and are endearing. I loved the development of new characters that we got to interact with, specifically a mustached twirling gent whom I like very much. 

I very much am excited to read the next book and will probably try to make my son listen to some of it during Christmas break even though "reading is just before we go to school, mom!" We'll see, my son, we'll see. 

Rise of the Evening Star

 Rise of the Evening Star is the second book in the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull  and it is "interesting, strange, and silly" says my son. 

A year has passed since the events of the first Fablehaven book. Kendra has had some interesting side effects of being kissed by all the fairies and can now see into the into the magical realm without aid. After an incident at school and potential bad guys hanging around, Grandma Sorenson convinces Kendra and Seth's parents to let them come visit and help Grandpa who just broke his leg thus also keeping the kids out of harms way. But now Fablehaven is in jeopardy again. The Society of the Evening Star is working to get five ancient artifacts that are hidden on different preserves so then they can release demon. Fablehaven has such an artifact. But now there is a traitor amongst those at Fablehaven and they don't know who it is. 

My son and I really enjoyed this a lot. There were many funny moments, amongst the serious ones, that made my son laugh a lot. The story was very engaging. The many creatures and bad guys they encountered were different and I didn't know what to expect for the most part. 

It was great to see Seth having learned his lesson from the last book. He isn't as foolhardy and reckless, and while he does things the grownups don't particularly like he does them for good reasons and with a tendency for caution instead having his guns blazing. Kendra also ends up drawing on her brother's courage for support which is big of her to see this good quality in her brother. 

I have my predictions which are starting to accrue and it will be fun to see if I'm right or if I'm wrong. 

Rhythm of War

 The fourth installment of the Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson was amazing. 

The world of Roshar has turned on it's head. The Desolation is here and the enemy is at their front door. Traitors have been found amongst their ranks and countries around the world are being taken over or willingly joining the enemy which can mean doom for Dalinar and his Knights Radiant. Queen Navani is sent to deal with the ever day of Urithiru and is constantly propelling the inventors forward to help end the war.  In a year of fighting, Kaladin and his Windrunners have found honor in the enemies they have been fighting and an old friend turned traitor causes a lot of havoc for the once Bridgeboy who suffers heavily with PTSD. Refugees flee including Kaladin's parents and war abounds. Adolin and Shallan must travel to Shadesmere and must convince the Honorspren to join their cause so there can be more Windrunners to defeat the constant stream of enemies. And not all of the enemies are what they appear. All want the war to be over and some of the enemy are will to help Dalinar's side instead of the Old Gods. 

This was a very exciting story and one that went in a direction that I didn't think it was going to. I read this book well after it came out and knew of some spoilers, so I was able to not cry at a certain point, but I was wholeheartedly unprepared for what came after and how touching it was that tears streamed down my face at the lakeside. So well written just like everything Brandon Sanderson does write. 

I love how Brandon isn't scared to touch some hot topics, specifically mental illness. He doesn't just skim this lake, he dives in and gives voice to people's legitimate troubles. It's not just a "happy" story of war and everyone is willing to kill everyone else to win. It's the after affects of so many hard situations that change us. It's the coming to terms with those circumstances. Brandon does what Kaladin does in bringing the sufferers into the light instead of hidden away in dark holes inside a mountain. He also shows us that not everyone is as black and white as they might appear on the outside. People have ulterier motives and will likely surprise you when they are given the chance. 

These character arches are amazing in that they are sticky, people slide into old habits, they think they are doing the right thing just to find out that it might not have been so right. It feels so real and makes me want to write like him. 

Warbreaker

 Rereading this one was one of the best ideas. 

Siri was the left over princess, but suddenly she is the most important person in two kingdoms. Instead of Vivenna, the important sister the perfect princesses, Siri is chosen to marry the Godking to stop a war. Thrown into unknown politics and told she isn't supposed to even talk to her new husband, Siri is extremely over her head. Vivenna knows how out of her depths Siri is and goes to to save her, but now her only contact is dying of a horrible sickness and she is now on her own. Vasher is also in town with his own reasons to get into people's business. 

The characters in this story are amazing. I think the growth that the main characters go through and how drastically they can change when circumstances require it, shows the reader that we can all do hard things, things we never believed we could ever do--I'm especially looking at you Vivenna. 

The magic system is unlike any I've seen anywhere else and there are so many possibilities. To have your magic powered by your Breath and the colors around you is ingenious. As for all of Brandon's magic systems, it is extremely well thought out and although it takes us a while to get a full description of what potentially could happen (as opposed to Mistborn which gives us the explanation right up front) we get the jist of it enough to not have us be totally lost. I very much appreciate the rules being laid out and having hard and fast rules as opposed to other books with magic where it takes a few nonsensical words of "Power," a wiggle of the fingers, and some form of intent and absolutely anything or nothing can happen. Those other kinds of magic systems seem cheaper to me and can get the writer out of situations they otherwise wouldn't be able to logically get themselves out of. For Breath and it's magic systems, there are rules that can't be broken and yet also many facets that help them to do amazing things. They are tools used for many ways but there are still impossibilities that must be worked around. It's good, thought-out worldbuilding which I very much enjoy. 

The first time I read the book (this is my second), I thought that the ending happened too quickly, that maybe there could have been another chapter or three to elongate the suspense. However, upon this second reading, I enjoyed it so much more and the ending, although somewhat abrupt, didn't feel like it wasn't warranted. Each of the characters got their moments of doing something great--Lightsong you will forever be in my heart--and empowering which end up changing what will be happening in the future for the world and off-world for the Cosmere as a whole. 

I know that Brandon is going to write a sequel to this story, and while he's had this one out for well over a decade, I believe he's "close" to starting this next project. Brandon writes fast and consistently so we won't be waiting for it never to happen (which happens for other writers where their series' go unfinished). It might take another few years, but all of Brandon's readers are eagerly await for the next Warbreaker book. 

Anne of Green Gables

 Anne of Green Gables is a series I've never read before, but a set of movies that I loved. 

Anne is an orphan who is sent to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Anne is known for her imagination, which throws the Cuthbert siblings for a loop. Always talking and getting lost in thought. Learning to live with this adventurous, airheaded, proud, red head has become they have ever had. 

It is a very simple and straightforward book. Not some grand adventure but the adventure of everyday life for a very imaginative girl. Dealing with school, friends, constant misunderstandings, and bitter rivals with boys are the plot of the book. 

The book is mostly about characters. Becoming friends with Diana, rivals with Gilbert, Matthew and Marilla. They are the moments she has with the people around her. 

This books a light and full of character. I very much love it. 

The "Anne of Green Gables" movie with Meagan Fallows is the best. They are the most accurate to the book. Meagan is a fantastic Anne who makes her endearing as well as accurate to the book. "Anne with an 'E'" is no such representation. I very much dislike that one and could only watch a few episodes before I very willingly put it down. 

Stepsister

Stepsister is a story of what happens after Cinderella and her prince glide away to their castle and "live happily ever after."

Isabelle cut off her toes to try and fit into that slipper, her sister Octavia cut off her heel. Now they are known as the ugly stepsisters and are somehow supposed to still function in their village society. Not only do they have those repercussions, but there is now a war going on that is infiltrating their part of France and Fate and Chance are fighting for her life, and on top of it all, Isabelle wants to change. She wants to be better and the whole world is literally crashing down on her. Can Ella's fairy godmother help even an ugly stepsister like her?

This is a big time "girl power" book. For people who like Tamora Pierce, you will like this. This book contains many themes and morals to the story all trying to empower women and empower self in general. Finding yourself and being okay with yourself, especially when it may go against what tradition or society dictates. I'm sure many young women and young adults enjoy this book and can feel motivated to do more by reading it.

I very much enjoyed the characters and how different they developed. Though, now that I think of it, it seems like the only people who really changed except for Isabelle... So that was lacking a little. But over all they were fun characters to read about. Chance is probably one of my favorites. Jennifer Donnelly could have a lot of fun with the Grimm Fairy Tales with Chance and the Fates. And because of how well this one was written, I'd read them too.

I thought it was well done. Read well. I don't have really any problems with it, except that some might think that it was too preachy to the "girl power" side. But because it had basic self-empowerment, I can let it slide and happily enjoy the book.

A Great and Terrible Beauty

I've had this book for years and only finally was able to read it. And I have mixed feelings about it.

in 1895,Gemma witnesses the murder of her mother, the murderer was some kind of shadow. How can she explain that to anyone? Months pass and she is sent to live in an all girls school and learn how to be a lady and curb her boisterous tendencies. Making friends is hard and making enemies is far too easy. To top it all off, shadows and ghost stories haunt her. She finds a diary of a girl who used to go to the same school and saw the same things she did; this girl had the same odd powers Gemma seems to be acquiring. What is is going on and who is the strange boy who followed her from India all the way to England?

I really liked the historical representation that was depicted her. A life of a lady was not an easy one and many felt silenced and purchased for potential wedding contracts. The idea of "lay back and think of England" instead of making love to a spouse is one of the many ways that this is shown here--nothing graphic though I guess there is some nudity which is probably unneeded. The idea of being a quiet, proper "lady" is very prominent and has many of the girls feeling stifled. So before all of their independence is snatched away they will occasionally do things that would get them in serious trouble if they are caught: necking is a gypsy boy, stealing the priest's wine/whiskey reserves, getting up at all hours of the night, going into the woods for meetings/gypsy fortune telling/whatever else. Then Gemma introduces her strange power to some of the girls and more craziness happens. But the idea of being stifled, silenced, and putting on a fake smile with even worse conversations only about "the weather and the queens health" was something that they had to deal with back then and now too in some instances though not as dramatically. It's sad and Libba Bray portrays that very well.

I think the characters were well developed and each was different and developed enough that I understood. I enjoyed learning about them and at times I felt very sorry for them. The characters were a very strong reason I finished the book.

That being said, I almost didn't finish. I am not an occult fan. This had a feel of the Salem Witch Trials to me, tarot cards, talking to the dead through medians, sacrifices to give black shadow/spirits power, and other witchy things was turning me off for a lot of it. I don't read it, because "bad ju ju feelings" are a thing and I don't need it around me. I did finish it though because the plot was very good. It was a very engaging read that had me turning pages quickly. I finished it in less than a week.

It is a good book and written very well. The reason I gave it a four instead of five stars would be because of the occult theme and the fact that it got a bit darker than I wanted. I can see this series being a good one that has many people very engaged, but as this moment I'm not going to be picked up the next one, sadly.

Scarlet

UPDATE: In honor of finishing the book Winter, by Marissa Meyer, I am posting up my reviews of two of the previous novels that I'd read a while ago. The first book in the Lunar Chronicles is Cinder, which I've reviewed previously and is a great read. If follows Cinder in a futuristic Cinderella story. However at the end of the book, she finds herself in prison instead of with her prince charming, a drastic change of events, right?

In the sequel, Scarlet, we follow Little Red Riding Hood in her attempt to find her grandmother who has disappeared. Scarlet lives on her farm in France and meets up with this burly, odd man who has never eaten a tomato in his life.  Wolf *hint hint* insists on joining her while she goes to Paris to find her grandma. They end up hitting it off and she starts falling for him until things turn for the worst. Wolf ends up belonging to a Pack of Lunar Special Agents who are sent to massacre millions as well as get information about Cinder from Scarlet's grandmother.

Cinder, having just found out she's the Lunar Princess Selene, needs to find out more. With the help of a thief, pilot, extraordinaire, Carswell Thorne, who helped her escape from prison in New Beijing, they fly in his stolen spaceship to France to investigate Cinder's past that she can't remember. Scarlet's grandmother is the best one to ask as she was a military pilot who has something to do with her escape, however, she's missing.

I think this was better the second time through. The relationship between Wolf and Scarlet was originally obnoxious and weird with him being Alpha of his pack and she has an Alpha personality... However, this I like the way the wolf is side of things is presented, "she snarled" and other such things slid into her personality descriptions that mimic him and help them come together as a couple.

Scarlet is a strong, and resourceful woman who doesn't take nonsense from anyone. She has her vulnerable moments where she can get beat around by real bad guys and where she gets taken in by mind manipulations. But she is a very determined and willing to stand up for the people whom she loves. Wolf, I know, can have a personality that can be domineering and can be manipulative. Reasons are given as to why he is still a good guy and not just one of the Big Bad Wolves. He's different than the rest of the canine toothed, rip-your-throats-out-as-soon-as-sniff-you kind of guys. He's different because he loves her. Somewhat cliche and originally why I listed this as my least favorite of the Lunar Chronicles. But I'm mostly able to look past it. Mostly.

I also really enjoy Cinder's side of things and the development she went through. Still very much moving and progressing individually while having her own challenges of finding out who she really is.

But much like Cinder, Scarlet is well written and captivating. Her descriptions are well done and it flowed really well even when jumping from different characters points of view. This is a book you can easily get sucked in and not want to come out.