Cassie James's Blog: Itz All About Books!!

Sisters of Shadow and Light by Sara B. Larson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars




I have read and loved every single book Sara B. Larson has written including this one.
Sisters of Shadow and Light is a brilliantly imaginative and lush world full of magic, wonder, love, sisterhood, family and action.
Sisters, Zuhra and Inara were raised in a Citadel walled by a magical giant hedge that keeps the outside world away and them in.
The Citadel is all that remains of their father's kind, the Paladins. Beings with great magical powers from another world that came to Vamala (The world the girls live in) to save it from monsters that escaped the Paladin world through a portal.
After existing with the humans for a while, the Citadel was created - a safe haven for Paladins which is also where to portal back to their world resides.
But the Paladins were betrayed by the Human King and were hunted near to extinction. By the end all that's left is Inara and her powerless older sister Zuhra.
The girls were raised in ignorance of not only their legacy but of the world beyond their haven. Any questions or wondering is swiftly silenced by their irrationally very afraid mother who freaks out at anything not normal.
Events transpire that shake their peaceful life apart, a strange curious teenage scholar boy is allowed by the sentient hedge wall for no reason known, the sisters get separated by unforeseen circumstances which leave them to find their hidden strengths and fight hard to be reunited.
There's so many amazing things about this book, the bond of the sisters which is beautiful and deep, the innocence of the girls which isn't sullied by the cruel world, the ways the magic manifest which is quite refreshing and the Gryphon's (Paladin Companions/Pets) which I simply adore!
This is one YA Fantasy book that should not be missed, Fans of Sara B. Larson will not be disappointed.
Sisters of Shadow and Light ends on a cliffhanger that simply demands with a fury, the next book. I can't wait to see what's next for these amazing sisters, I highly recommend this book.




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The Veil of Ashes by S. Usher Evans

My rating: 5 of 5 stars




The Veil of Ashes by S. Usher Evans is the brilliant second book in the Princess Vigilante Series.
The first thing that struck me about this book was how easy it was to get back into it after book one.
The flow and pace is fast and perfect and easing into it was a joy.
The Veil of Ashes begins months after the disastrous betrayal by Ilara. Brynna has been stashed in Celia's camp 'recuperating' but mostly blaming and hating herself for her past mistakes. Meanwhile, Ilara was ruling Forcadel with an iron fist and wrecking the kingdom even more.
Circumstances pushed Brynna out of her funk and back into her kingdom as The Veil once more.
Happy reunions are made and despite her misgivings, a plan to action is made. For the sake of the people, Brynna has to take back the throne.
To do so, Brynna must journey alone to Niemen and get the help and forces of the Niemenian Queen, Katarine's sister.
While leaving Felix and Katarine behind was hard, Brynna does what is best for her kingdom.
The journey is not an easy one, while aptly entertaining for the reader, it was perilous and fraught with many dangers.
Her quest takes her far as things get more complicated. It spans the Kulkan kingdom where alliances are made, the city of Skorsa and the Forcadellan city of Neveri where an impossible mission with not so great odds is left for Brynna.
I love this book so much, it's very fledged out as the author not only impressively build the world further, introduces many new elements that change things such as gunpowder (known to them as Ond) and a powerful hallucinogen.
Nestori mystery is also further broached upon and I loved those tidbits.
The POV of Felix is also no slouch, while a bit more depressing, his futile missions is still very much fun to read.
There might not be too much romance but the action more than makes up for it, the writing is superb and very entrancing.
I won't give away all the secrets but this book is not to be missed, Brynna's journey and character development in this book is so good. Seeing her mature and make the hard decisions is pretty endearing.
The end left me breathless for more because I can easily envision how great the next book in the series is going to be.
I happily recommend The Veil of Ashes, fans of this series will enjoy it a lot.



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Chosen Champion by Elise Kova

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Chosen Champion is wonderful!! A feeling of wonder never left me all through reading this book.
While Vortex Vision re-introduced/remade the Air Awakens World, Chosen Champion is a brilliant and dashing adventure that kept me turning the pages eagerly.
Continuing from where the previous book left off, Crown Princess Vi is still working on her magic with her fated companion Taavin while working hard to figure out the location of the next Apex to explore.
The fate of the world still hangs in balance as the Dark God increases in strength, and the White Death spreads across the Solaris empire swiftly.
Elise Kova brilliantly made the tone of this book fun and fast paced despite the very heavy things thee characters have to deal with.
Vi's journey leads her to a nice yet awkward reunion to her mother (My dear Vhalla!!) and her twin brother (Who I love so dearly, especially his relationship with Andru!).
Desperate to save her father and hopefully put an end to the White Death, Vi flees from her family and their army.
On the way to Meru with the steadfast Jayme to find her father and meet Taavin, Vi gets a lot more than she bargained for!.
A thrilling adventure involving many interesting characters, both new and old, learning of many dangerous secrets, a treacherous journey at sea and a grand betrayal.
The ending has me looking forward to what's next, it's not particularly cliffy but it'll certainly keep you thirsting for book 3.
With Chosen Champion, Elise Kova has yet again impressed with her vivid imagination and sense of adventure and the characters transcends their bounds into something unknown.


P.S: Vi and Taavin keep getting cuter! Like I am so loving their journey towards each other.



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Protect the Prince by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and that doesn't in any way influence my opinion on it.




The Crown of Shards series continues with another splendid book!
Protect the Prince begins with Evie's reign as Queen of Bellona begins to face opposition from various factions. I love the way Jennifer Estep crafted this gladiatorial world and it's vivid brutality.
On the day of Everleigh's first formal court session, an assassination attempt in made on her life.
Evie's swagger is one of the things I love about her and it's in full force here as she stylishly trumps the attack. The agent was a member of the Bastard Brigade sent by Maeven on behalf of the Mortan King.
A cat and mouse game ensues between Evie and the nobles in usual form, she barely succeeds in thwarting them while asserting her decision to go to Andvari to secure a treaty with their King in unison against Morta.
The change in scenery not only builds the world further, it also introduced so many more interesting characters with their motives, schemes and drama.
Andvari was everything I expected and more, the effect on Sullivan being back in his kingdom among the Royals and the court changes things between him and Evie. I love their relationship so much so it hurt seeing them go through so much in Protect the Prince.
The action is so worth it and there is so much! Assassination attempts, a hostile court, a traitor in the palace, treason being committed and my favorite relationship dramas.
The way Jennifer Estep writes the female characters in this series is amazing, and many new strong formidable females were introduced.
Also the magic keeps morphing as refreshing brilliant twists and turns come up. Evie's journey personally, magically, romantically and intellectually is fraught with many obstacles but I love her character development.
Fans of the series will squeal at many moments, marvel at the brilliance of these characters and the author behind them.
There are many things I enjoyed about Protect the Prince but most of all is it's pacing! It made me frantic to finish it as so many things kept happening.
The ending was just brilliant! But the road there is a rollercoaster of emotions that will send readers reeling in a good way.
I am so looking forward to Crush the King and what's next for Evie in her war against Morta.
I happily recommend this book.

P.S: Evie being a Winter Queen and her magic makes so much sense by the end of the book! (Sorta).




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Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I received an ARC of this book and it in no way influenced my opinion of it.


Spin the Dawn is a splendid and spectacular addition to the YA genre. The main character drew me in from the very beginning, Maia is a headstrong girl who is a seamstress who learnt the trade from her tailor father who is renowned for his work.
After war befell the kingdom and two of brothers lost their lives to enemy soldiers, their family fell on hard times.
A chance to save her family came when the Emperor announced he was holding a sort of competition looking for the new Royal Tailor. But unfortunately in their kingdom A'landi women are not given the chance for high positions or for much of anything, Maia decides to impersonate her remaining older brother and pretend to be a boy to enter.
Things don't go quite as planned as venomous fellow contestants, the mysterious bride for the emperor from enemy lands and the ever enchanting Lord Enchanter (The Magician of the Emperor) who is way too interested in Maia and always seems to know more than he should, all being to overwhelm Maia.
Before she had left home, Maia's father had given her a scissors that has been in their family for generations with the promise of it being useful for Maia.
It turns out this scissors is magical and it ends up being a game changer for her.
Her trials get heightened when she's tasked with a journey to search for mythical materials to sew dresses fit for a goddess.
There is so many amazing aspects of this book, the background that's both religious and magical and most important the emphasis on fashion.
I love books with fashion in them and Spin the Dawn is no less a masterpiece. Elizabeth Lim has outdone herself.
Not only is the magic well crafted and lush, I also loved the romance. This book is very romantic and there's nothing wrong with that. Maia and Edan contrast so well together and seeing these two characters together is such a joy.
The ending was quite a cliffhanger as the fate of the future is at stake, everything will be different in the next book and I can't wait to sink my mouth in it.




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Vortex Visions by Elise Kova

My rating: 5 of 5 stars




Vortex Visions is an epic new beginning. In standard form, Elise Kova welcomes readers both old and new into the Air Awakens world splendidly.
Vortex Visions was unsurprisingly great, after Air Awakens I expected nothing short of another epic saga and she totally delivered.
Vi Solaris was raised far away from her birth family in the capital city of the North, Soricium. As a descendant of some of the most powerful Firebearers in history, she is expected to have manifested signs of strong magic but unfortunately the best she can do is light a small fire. The well of magic within her has always remained inaccessible.
Kept in the North well past when she should have been reunited with her family, self doubt and rumors plague Vi. A deadly disease spreading across the Solaris Empire adds to her list of troubles.
Her life is turned upside down as her magic awakens in an unexpected way and changes everything she thought she knew. Revelations show the fate of not just the Solaris Empire but the world beyond may lay on her young shoulders.
The tutelage of a mysterious and enigmatic figure shows her wonders she's never knew and broadens her scope of the world at large. The magical connection she shares with this stranger is deep and destiny propels their futures towards the same path.
Dark tidings of rising evil and forthcoming doom darkens her days as she prepares to face the future and the Empire she stands to inherit.
Attempts are made against her life, Her right to rule is scrutinized and the new magic within her proves to be unstable and hard to control, the daughter of Vhalla Yarl and Aldrik Solaris will be pushed to her limit and she will either make or break their world.
I love the way Elise Kova broadens this world by introducing new fresh original content that blends well with the history already known. Her imagination knows no bounds and it makes this book so much more unique and amazing.
There are so many charming and lovely characters, the every shiny ray of sunshine Ellene who is this series breakout character (I just freaking love her so much), the steadfast Jayme, the awkward Andru who is quite an interesting character and my favorite precious Taavin who I will guard with my whole heart.
Old readers and new will happily devour Vortex Visions, Elise Kova has once more created another hit series.
A worthy successor series, Vortex Visions takes everything great from Air Awakens and transcends into a greater form on a broad level.

P.S: This book will make you evaluate everything you think you know about Air Awakens and you will marvel at Elise Kova's genius.



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Upon a Burning Throne by Ashok K. Banker

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I received an ARC of this book and it doesn't in any way influence my opinion on it.



I will start this review by thanking Ashok Banker for fighting to get this book out in the world. This book is not just a book you read, It's a book that you digest, ruminate over and enjoy thoroughly.
Those new to his writing like I am will be so intrigued by the intricate attention to detail and perfect melding of so many plots and characters. Also big thank you to John Joseph Adams for realizing how special this book is.
Upon A Burning Throne is a long and lovely book and I finished it in a day and a half. To the annoyance of my family I hardly put this book down and ignored some bodily functions because I just had to read what comes next.
Upon A Burning Throne chronicles (yes that particular word) the Krushan Family the rulers of the Burnt Empire. The world Ashok has built is a very vast, rich and lush civilization with many cultures, norms and ways of life which are not skimmed over but aptly detailed and explained. Each page of this book evokes emotions, I had gone through a maelstrom of feelings by the time I was done with this book (Most good though that ending....... JAWDROPPING!).
The Burnt Empire is ruled by the Krushans who are made up of Jilana the Dowager Empress, Vrath the Prince Regent (Who is a badass demigod and devout man), along with the pregnant Princess daughters-in-law of Jilana, Ember and Umber.
The two children of these women are to be the new heirs to the throne. Any child born of the Royal family meant to be heir has to for through a magical trial after birth to prove his/her legitimacy to the right of the throne.
This time not only does the two boys get chosen as heirs but there's also a third child chosen who is born from and exiled dangerous member of the Royal family.
The two boys are each born with what the Burnt Empire sees as disabilities, Adri the elder is blind and Shvate the younger is an albino who is very sensitive to sunlight.
These events will lead to a shift in the fabric of the world.
The heirs will have to prove they're capable of ruling the Burnt Empire and shouldering the large responsibilities that come with it while dealing with their own issues, supernatural forces of darkness and familial problems.
All the while the gods manipulate the mortals and make the world their giant chessboard.
The story isn't just isolated to these characters, there is a vast pool of characters with various interesting storylines that intersect to form one big brilliant astonishing web. This book can aptly be compared to Game of Thrones in it's scope and deviousness of it's villains and yes it's also quite bloody at times.
There are so many aspects of this book I love, here are some highlights:
-The women. There is an abundance of amazing, badass and strong women in this series. Even matriarchal kingdoms. Princesses are warriors and battle strategists, they slay in battle and rule as mothers. The main female characters are complex and are also as much important to the grand scheme of things although at times their role is mostly facilitating certain things into certain places for future purposes.
-The Writing. It's so vividly detailed I easily picture every single scene perfectly.
-The magic/gods/chosen ones/nasty powerful enemy, I love the way it all plays out like an epic tale.
-That beautiful resplendent cover!!!
-The culture of the Krushans/their law. They're so honourable although they sure love their battles.
-The Foreshadowing, oh yes many things are heavily teased and they're so well executed the anticipation is sweet.
-The fact that the main characters overcome what things that should hinder their life and burn brightly.
-The Indian culture this book is inspired by.
There's many more things I loved that I can't even remember but I assure you that everything about this book will implore you to love it.
Warning though, this is not a happy book, It will draw you in, chew you, devour you and spit you out regardless of your feelings and you will be ready to do it all over again. This book is a nice way to start this year as it reminds me why I love books.
The passion and imagination of the author is so obvious in many scenes, the battles, cultures, mythical beings and descriptions.
I could go on gushing about this book but not do it justice so I'll begin to close my review by saying Upon A Burning Throne is a book you'll see characters grow, learn, make mistakes, fight, give birth to their own children thus setting prophecies in motion and through it all you will love every single thing.
So many things happen that I can't cover but it's all on an epic scale fantasy lovers will adore and as an avid fantasy fan, I happily recommend this book.
I can't wait for the next book because that cliffhanger ending has got me in my feelings.



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Nocturna by Maya Motayne

My rating: 5 of 5 stars




Nocturna is a lush book that is filled with magic and redemption.
The premise of this book is so darned amazing and it totally delivers.
Prince Alfehr of San Cristobal is a fraud, or at least he feels like one. Now the Crown Prince of the kingdom since his older brother Dez was lost and presumed dead in an assassination attack. Alfie has never been one to take on responsibility, he's always been more interested in conquering the intricacies of magic and learning as much as he can. But the loss of his brother drove him down a dark path to prove Dez is still alive. To the dark underbelly of the kingdom where the poor languish and the criminals thrive, he goes. His path leads him to Finn, a scrappy thief who has the power to change her face into anything she wishes. This makes her an expert at disappearing and thieving. But Alfie and Finn are linked when their paths collide due to unfortunate events that's unavoidable. The consequences of their action leading to an ancient evil being unleashed on San Cristobal with the intent of devouring and spreading darkness.
One thing I love about this book is the system of magic, I love refreshing ideas of portraying it and this book so does that. The Spanish element makes it so much better as it gives it a deeper meaning.
The world building of the kingdom is quite vast but very aptly detailed. Envisioning the story as it goes poses no problem at all, the pace makes for such an easy read.
The action is nonstop as they have to keep moving to stop so many disasters.
Another theme I love about this book is the battle between the darkness and light in everyone. Decisions we make and our perspectives of ourselves really matter especially how others sees us. Sometimes all you just need is one person seeing you for who you are and that belief getting you through tough times.
The main characters struggle with this ideal and it's very nicely set up.
The camaraderie is so superb it so makes up for the slow burn of their romance. The chemistry between Finn and Alfie is so hot and obvious they're magic together.
Nocturna is a diverse gem, I love the various number of characters with differing backgrounds and motives.
Maya Motayne has outdone herself with her debut and YA Fantasy fans will love it. I happily recommend it. I see great things for this series.

P.S: It was so much fun seeing a Latinx kingdom in YA Fantasy, I'd so love more.



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A Dress for the Wicked by Autumn Krause

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I received an ARC of this book but it doesn't in any way influence my opinion on it.



Fashion is a setting that hasn't been too explored in Young Adult Fantasy and I am glad that it's been broached through amazing books such as A Dress for the Wicked.
I had such high expectations getting into this and it surpassed every single one, I finished it in a matter of hours. I gave up dinner to devour this gem and those who know me knows I love my food.
A Dress for the Wicked chronicles the journey of Emmaline Watkins who is a country girl with big dreams of storming the fashion scene with her grand designs, but the limitations of her background is quite much.
Her golden opportunity comes when the most prestigious fashion house in Europe, the Avon-upon-Kynt Fashion House throws a competition to allow for the first time a country girl into their prestigious ranks to further compete for a more permanent post in the House.
Emmy sneaks from her disapproving mother and seizes this opportunity, despite a few hurdles, She gets in due to the force of her sheer will and her obvious talent.
This being just the beginning of her journey, Emmy has to join five other noble girls with positions in Society to compete for the honor to learn from the infamous Head of the House, Madam Jolène as the main design apprentice.
Not only is this life changing but it's everything Emmy has ever wanted
They will partake in challenges and be ranked based on their designs and results.
It begins as you might imagine, with the girls drawing lines of battle, betrayal and sabotage ensuing and tentative alliances formed. But one thing I love about this book is how it then comes to subvert cliche and everything you think will happen changes, I loved the twists that happens as it totally changes everything for these characters while letting them emerge free and come into their own. A very good underlying theme in this book is the strength of women and just how much they can achieve if they band together to shatter the glass ceiling.
Emmaline is pushed to her very limits as everything seems to be against her even the reason for being at the House.
Going on in the back ground is a war between basically the more Practical (those who wish to be done with what they think of as frivolities) and the Revelers (those who revel in the beauty of life and the resplendence Fashion offers).
The worldbuilding is pretty good as it painted such a vivid picture and was the perfect setting for the story.
It's a nice blend of the Victorian Era with a Fashion oriented trend.
With all the craziness in her life, Emmy manages to find love and gets attracted to an up and coming reporter Tristan Grayson who is sweet, charming, roguish and beguiling in ways the country boys aren't. He is one of the few people to have Emmy's back, and while their romance is not the main plot, I do like how it's sweet and adorable.
There's also many secrets hidden, some that even connects Emmaline's past to the Fashion House.
So much happens but I really love how the book ended, whetting the appetite yet leaving room for more as these characters have more stories to tell.
A Dress for the Wicked is a love letter to fashion, it's evident in every single word, in every description and in every single design. This book will endear you and suck you in. It aptly comes to life in the mind.
I thank Autumn Krause for this glorious masterpiece, I will cherish this book
I happily recommend this book, It should adorn readers shelves everywhere.

P.S: The cover designee deserves a standing ovation, that cover represents everything good about this book and is so appealing, I can't wait to have the hardcover in my grabby hands.



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Beyond Time: The Kairos Files by K.S. Hall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars




K.S. Hall continues the amazing Kairos Files series with a new breathtaking installment.
Beyond Time chronicles Grace's sojourn into a future which is so very much different from her present and much more bleaker.
The future is one in which the Vagaries have taken over the US and slowly dominating the rest of the world. This was made possible by them blocking pathways in time and controlling every travel and literally everything else.
Grace reconnects with her aunt Clara as she strives to survive in this dreadful time. K. S. Hall totally reinvented things in a refreshing way especially with the new intriguing characters introduced.
Clara is the leader of a group of rebel Kairos who live underground in the mines to hide from the Vagaries while being a huge thorn in their side.
Grace's appearance might just turn the tide of the war towards the Kairos.
Life with the group wasn't easy to ease into as suspicion of Grace was among the rebels. Their world is not one where you trust someone before they prove themselves. Plus Clara who is their leader doting on a newcomer whose identity was not revealed to them (That information is very dangerous plus there's the Ambitus issue) caused jealousy.
Grace practices using the Ambitus to no avail but does achieve varying results. Away from everything she knows and everyone she loves, Grace is pushed to her limits and will have to find out just how tough she can be.
I love the Cloak and Dagger feel of this book, there so many aspects of it that work. The new worldbuilding, the new characters and their compelling backstories.
The action is superb, the pace is fast and easy to absorb and the writing is top notch as usual.
The road ending was a grand adventure and the ending itself while a cliffhanger, was very intriguing as it combines many aspects of the series together.
I love this series and happily recommend it. There isn't much time travelling shenanigans but there's a lot going in that's so much fun.

P.S:If you thought you knew everything about this series, guess again. Some shocking revelations totally changed this for Grace in this book.



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