Before the Broken Star by Emily King

3 Stars!!

“I believe in monsters. I have seen them take and destroy, suffocate and shred, every sliver of light in the world.” 

Everley lives on borrowed time. The only survivor of her family’s unexplained assassination, she was saved by an ingeniously crafted clockwork heart. But the time she has been gifted- will not last forever. Now, every tick-tock reminds her how little time she has, and quickens her quest to expose Killian, the navy admiral who shattered her world and left her for dead. But Everley’s hunt for justice will be a long and hard-won voyage.

Her journey takes her to a colony on a cursed island, where she will be married off and charged to build the new world. It is here, and beyond, that hidden realms hide, treasures are unearthed, her family secrets are buried, and young love will test the strength of her makeshift heart. When Everley discovers Killian may not be who he seems, her pursuit for truth is bound to his redemption, her tragic history, and her destiny.

I have read Kings previous series The Hundredth Queen and enjoyed it- though it did have its slow moments, it was a decent read with a great plot. I found a few similarities though with this series. Mainly the fact that the MC is forced into a marriage so it kind of threw me off a bit at first but-I enjoyed this book. Although, it did not come without holes. 

I was really invested in the book and starting to get on with the characters but after about the 50 % mark something shifted and it lost my full attention. I kept feeling a little confused - and thought that there were a lot of info dumping moments that were not really needed. Therefore leaving me a little bored. Other than that, it was an enjoyable read- just not my favorite. 

Overall- I am pretty sure I will give the next book in the series a go and look forward to seeing how everything comes together. 

THe Delphi Effect by Rysa Walker

4 Stars!! 

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Anna Morgan has no choice. Resting on a park bench, touching the turnstile at the Metro station—she never knows where she’ll encounter a ghost. She doesn't have a choice. The ghosts are the reason that Anna is thrown from one foster home to the next and in and out of psych wards. 

When a touch of the hand leads her to pick up the ghost of a girl who was murdered- things start to get real serious for Anna. Shes thrown into a government conspiracy, which causes Anna to throw up every wall she has ever built around her mind. But they really cross the line when they kidnap her friend, causing her to be pushed to the limits. 



This was a really cool YA book!! It reminded me of the show The Gifted- and X-Men. It has a paranormal vibe to it more than anything.



I felt immediately drawn to Anna and really enjoyed being in her head. Although- I could not imagine having to live with her ability, it was neat to read it. The book starts out with this girl Molly getting in her head. She was murdered and wants Anna to help her solve it before others can get hurt or killed. 

What starts out as a murder mystery, quickly morphs into a paranormal thriller. I loved that aspect of it. There were more characters than the synopsis provides. The story is about more than just Anna. I really enjoyed a few of the side characters. There is a love interest in this installment and I am totally rooting for my ship to sail!!



I cant wait to see what happen in the next couple books!

The Final Trade by Joe Hart

4 Stars! 
🌟🌟🌟🌟

Zoey is not the girl she once was. She’s watched too many of her friends die at the hands of their captors, been hunted, and returned from the brink of death. Now she is on a journey to find the truth about who she is.

In search of the family she never knew, Zoey learns of personal records in another facility. Zoey and her new friends travel to the missile facility, but among the records, they uncover information that leads to a new foe: the Fae Trade, a carnival of slavery and pain.

Zoey’s journey into the darkest parts of a humans mind- brings her close to the line between good and evil, and the final cost in her quest for justice might be her own humanity. 

This second book was so much better than book 1! There was action and a steady moving pace. There were a few twists, and it was a lot of fun to read. Zoey still jumps the gun on most decisions and shes always finding trouble. 

This time Zoey finds the Fae Trade. A gruesome carnival where men fight to the death to claim one of the remaining women that have been collected. There are new characters introduced. Some you love and some you love to hate. 

Overall I think everything I had issues with in the first book, were redeemed in this one! This is a pretty good series so far and looking forward to The Last City!

The Last Girl (The Dominion Trilogy) by Joe Hart

3 Stars  🌟🌟🌟 Fear feeds the worst in all of us. It drives the most despicable of our natures to the surface.  A mysterious epidemic happens worldwide that causes the reduction in the births of baby girls. Scientists and Governments scramble to find the reason for this. Fast Forward 25 years and there is still no answer and an entire generation grows up with a population of fewer than a thousand women. Zoey and 6 other women are housed in a scientific compound that claims to be doing research on the girls. For 20 years, she’s been removed from her family, treated as a test subject, and locked away—told only that the virus has wiped out the rest of the world’s population. Captivity is the only life Zoey has ever known, and escaping her heavily armed captors is no easy task, but she’s determined to leave before she is subjected to the next round of tests…a program that no other woman has ever returned from. Even if she’s successful, Zoey has no idea what she’ll encounter in the strange new world beyond the facility’s walls. Winning her freedom will take brutality she never imagined she possessed, as well as all her strength and cunning—but Zoey is ready for war. I really love a good dystopian novel. I enjoy reading about how people become survivors and learn to live without all the spoils that we have in reality. This book had a great plot but a lot of holes. It had parts that were really good and others that moved pretty slow. The last 100 pages or so got really exciting and thats what gives me hope for the rest of the series.  I did enjoy this book for the most part. I did not like the fact that these 6 women could not all get along. The more I read it didn't bother me much but initially it sorta didn't make sense for them to fight, rather- maybe have them ban together and team up?? I dont know... but that was my main issue. The characters also lacked something Im not sure what maybe a little depth? It took most of the book for me to care a whole lot for these characters.  I think this was a decent enough start to what could be a great series. I am looking forward to trying the next book and see where it goes!

A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

4 Stars!!
"Curse this world for what it does to the daughters. Curse it for making us strong through loss and pain, our hearts torn from our chests again and again. Curse it for forcing us to endure.”

Tahir has done it again. She is ruthless with the chaos, and doesn't hold back when it comes to the action! This installment for me was action packed, slow in a few places and even though its book 3, it felt like a middle book. It suffered, in my opinion- with keeping my attention in some parts. There was also a good bit of info dumping.

I really enjoyed this read, but not as much as the first two. I'm pretty sure all will be back in flowing order in the final book, but I feel as if this book did what it needed to do, except for Elias. For me, he just didn't seem like a huge part of this book, and I missed that aspect. He is my favorite character and even though I know he was floating with the Ghost Homies...


I still missed him. There were a lot of moments, when it was Elias's POV that I felt like I was reading Strange the Dreamer. It had that magical, dream like feel to it, and I loved it!

My heart broke wide open over Helene and Laia. They both keep fighting so hard and it really is so great to read these two women as their characters continue to grow and become stronger- without male influence.

The plot twists had me shook- and I once again... am in denial about the cliffhanger. I just can not wait to see what the last installment has to offer!!

A Torch Against The Night by Sabaa Tahir

5 Stars!!

“Don't lock yourself away from those who care about you because you think you'll hurt them or they'll hurt you. What point is there in being human if you don't let yourself feel anything?”



Bleeding Hells !! 

This was my second time reading this book!! I read this back in 2016 and I had a general idea of what happened, but I forgot a lot of key things. So, I am so glad I took the time to re-read this to prepare for Reaper (book 3). 

This was definitely Helene's Book. She was a pain to read in book 1 and annoyed me to no end... but she shined in this book! We get to see why she is the way she is, and get to dive deeper into her character. Turns out not only is she a bad ass.. but shes got some pretty rad healing abilities. 

For me this installment was setting up the magic. Showing everyone's hand- and their power. We start to learn, along with the characters about their secrets. There were a ton of plot twists and the cliffhanger... dont even get me started... 



it broke me .. all over again, just like the first time. All those feels resurfaced. 

I loved that the author chose to expand the mythology in this world, and we get to see new obstacles along with more heartbreak and despair. Tahir does not hold back when it comes to her characters.. We feel right along with them as they struggle and prevail. 

I know I said this was Helene's book, but for me my favorite characters would have to be Elias and Laia. They hold their own and they are the characters who I am the most invested in. I love character driven stories and this series certainly fits that criteria. I highly recommend this series and can not wait to dive into the next one!!

Girls With Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young

4.5 Stars!! 

"Demonstrate your value to those in attendance by showing how appealing a beautiful, obedient girl can be. Hold your tongue. Bat your eyes. Smile. Be best."

Just imagine for a minute if.... the dark and sadistic world of West World....


AND Handmaid's Tale....


HAD A BABY..... it would be something like- Girls With Sharp Sticks!! 

In Girls With Sharp Sticks, we are thrown into a world that seems to be on the edge of a New Wave of Dystopia. While the normal world still goes on outside the gates of Innovations Academy.. Something unworldly is happening in the Academy. 

The Academy, a prestigious reforming school for girls are taught the “essentials” to become obedient submissive wives, homemakers, etc. The girls are not allowed to question the men or "guardians." Report cards measure beauty, compliance, poise, decorum and an attitude of obedience. 

A sudden departure from one of the girls, puts Philomena and the rest of the girls on edge. Lennon Rose left without a goodbye or shoes. This starts a search for answers they didn't even know they needed! As the search begins, Mena starts to see things a little bit clearer. 

She starts to see the lingering touches, the possessiveness, hears the crude comments, and notices how the girls are being basically brainwashed and programmed to do as these men say.



This really pushes the girls closer together, even more than before, to get to the bottom of what is happening. 

The girls are treated so terrible, and its really sad bc at first none of them realize that the way they are treated is wrong. They are physically and emotionally abused and looked upon like cattle. They are limited to learning only certain things, and have no free will or freedom. 



“They’ve trained you not to believe what you’re told by others. You have to come to it on your own. I can’t wake you, Philomena.” 



TIME TO WAKE UP GIRLS!!!

I absolutely ate this little nugget up!!! There is a little something in this for everyone! Its a little mix of dystopian, sci-fi, action, mystery, and a very small bit of romance- if that's even what you would call it! The only thing that I had issues with was- I thought it could have been executed a little better - and if there would have been some heavy action scenes that would have been fab- but I guess we cant always get what we want :P Other than that, I adored it and cant wait for the next book!

Allied by, Amy Tintera

3 Stars!!
There comes a time when we have to accept that people make their own choices, and we’re not responsible for those choices, even if they’re our family.

This is the most mellow Fantasy series I have ever read. The characters, even when at war- were really just chill for the most part. Its been a while since I have read the first two of the series but I remembered the story line and what was happening. For whatever reason, I really enjoyed those two way more than this one.

The writing was still fantastic and I enjoyed the end of the story- it just seemed to drag a little more than the others and the ending was a little predictable.

I appreciated seeing the romance blossom a little more in Allied, and we got to see how the two races would end up working together in the end.

Overall- this book was enjoyable it just went a little too slow for me or maybe just not much was happening, compared to the others in the series. I still recommend this book and the entire series! Totally worth the read :P

Kings Warrior by Frost Kay (Book 4)

5 Stars!!  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You are a champion, a warrior.” He looked her straight in the eye. “You are not the victim. You’re a survivor.” Book 1-Rebels Blade- 4 Stars!! Book 2-Crowns Shield- 4.5 Stars!! Book 3-Enemys Queen- 4 Stars!! Book 4-Kings Warrior- 5 Stars!! YALL!! Book 4 melted my heart like WAX! Everything I have been waiting for and hoping for started to unfold and happen in this book and I am beyond thrilled with it!! Revolution and war come with a price in the fourth volume of The Aermian Feuds. After escaping from the warlord- Sage, Jasmine, and Blaise are all in rough shape. Blaise isn't as tormented as Sage and Jasmine and quickly jumps into training and getting prepared for the coming war. Sage and Tehl have been through so much and they are brought back together once more, to try and gain some sort of connection. They both have had their hearts put to the test. I was so impressed with the way Kay handled bringing these two characters together. Tehl is a TRUE cinnamon bun. His character has grown so much over the course of the books! Literally there are some dark heavy moments but handled with so much care my heart almost BURST. I cried big fat ugly tears. I don't want to say too much since this is an ongoing series- But, Overall this was by far my favorite installment. This series is breaking all the rules and twisting and turning with each new book. I am so excited to read the next one and can hardly wait!! If you couldn't tell already- I highly recommend it !!

The Bride Test by, Helen Hoang

5 Stars!!
“I only want you to be yourself with me.”


Helen Hoang is quickly becoming an auto buy author on my list of Favorites ! Her writing is amazing and her books, are super cute and adorable. They also shine a light on many topics that need to be talked about more. This is an own voices novel- in 2016 she was diagnosed with Autism herself- which inspired the Kiss Quotient and now The Bride Test.

I know most people loved the Kiss Quotient more-BUT- I am a minority and absolutely adored this one!! This book is following a couple of characters who we originally met in The Kiss Quotient. We may only see those characters for a minute- but you cant help but smile once you put the pieces together.

I don't want to say much about the plot- because to me, its such a treat to go into them blind- but I highly recommend these books!! Especially if you have any interest about autism and the autistic community. Hoang writes from experience and its like a breath of fresh air!! I cant wait to see what book 3 will be about and if we get to see all the characters we fell in love with again

Enemy's Queen by Frost Kay (Book 3)

4 Stars!! 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book 1-Rebels Blade- 4 Stars!! 

Book 2-Crowns Shield- 4.5 Stars!! 

Book 3-Enemy's Queen- 4 Stars!! 

Book 4-Kings Warrior- 5 Stars!! 

I AM ADDICTED. To put this book down - well lets just say, I DIDN'T. This series is fabulous and I really hope that it continues to be!! The characters. the dialogue, the action - not to mention the twists and turns-Im officially....

We get to see a whole NEW side to Sage and Tehl. There were both on a roller coaster of emotions. In this installment, we see misery and hopelessness. Tehl, in my opinion really showed the most growth in this book. He is learning how to communicate and to be patient. Hes also learning how to listen and heed his brothers and councils warnings. 

Poor Sage has gotten herself into a mess and she is trying to hold on to figure a way out. Meanwhile her family and her advisers are all working on a way to get her out of it as well. We get new characters in this book and a whole new group of people to learn about. The pacing and plot are constantly growing and changing. 

I am really looking forward to the next few books and anxious to see where Kay takes us!!!

Crown's Shield by Frost Kay (Book 2)

4.5 Stars!! 

“No one likes an easy fight and…” The Scythian hesitated. “The strong deserve to live. You are built from strength. You wear it like armor.” 

Book 1-Rebels Blade- 4 Stars!!
Book 2-Crowns Shield- 4.5 Stars!!
Book 3-Enemys Queen- 4 Stars!!
Book 4-Kings Warrior- 5 Stars!! 

LOVE, Love - LOVE this series!!! This picked up right where Rebels Blade left off- and went from there! These books are pretty addicting - once you start you wont want to stop- You have been warned :P

The plot is thickening and things are really starting to take off in Book 2! Tehl and Sage are together a lot more in this book - and they are starting to build somewhat of a friendship. Their banter is great and flows nicely. 

All the princes are just amazing each with their own personality that really makes each individual stand out. Sam is a womanizer and Gav is just a teddy bear I want to take home with me. Tehl is so awkward and I absolutely love that about him. 

HOLY CLIFFHANGER- this book had me on the edge of my seat as it ended!! I can not wait to pick up book 3 and 4!! If you're looking to get lost in a Feud of Kingdoms - I highly recommend this series!

Rebels Blade by, Frost Kay

4 STARS!!
"Everyone has scars, love. Some wear theirs on the inside, and some bear them on the outside. But you know what? Those that allow the world to see their scars and move forward are the bravest and best of us. That is true courage."

We follow two POVS in this Story:

Sage- Alias aka Ruby- her father owns a forge, and she has grown up learning how to make weapons. Her father gets too ill to run the forge, so Sage takes over. Woman aren't really allowed to do men's work so she has to hide out in the back so no one knows its her making the weapons- She somehow gets involved in a rebellion and then taken by the enemy - the crown prince.

Tehl- The Crown Prince, is trying to do everything he can to save his people - but since his father the king has taken a step back- Tehl has had a lot to handle and weight on his shoulders. His brother, brings home a prisoner a girl with a rebels blade. He is willing to do, (almost) whatever it takes to get answers to the rebellions plans out of her.

I really enjoyed this first book of the series. At first it was a little slow going, but after about 20 percent it picked up and I became invested in the characters and the story line. Tehl and Sage don't realize it yet- but they both want the same thing, if they could get over their distain for one another for longer than 5 minutes- they might would get to the bottom of that and work together.

The cliffhanger was excellent and I can not wait to pick up the second book!! The banter and humor in this book was like a breath of fresh air! I loved all the side characters and what they brought to the book as a whole! Overall, I was really impressed and So far- I would recommend this series!

Defy Me by, Tahereh Mafi

3 Stars!!
“Happiness does not happen. Happiness must be uncovered, separated from the skin of pain. It must be claimed. Kept close. Protected.”

So....where do I begin? I liked it for sure... but pretty sure this is the Shatter Me series from another dimension cuz.... WOW.



Yeah so everyone is just so watered down now. Warner is like a totally different person. Not to mention Juliet...



Whoops... I mean Ella?!?!?



Honestly I feel like what happened in this book probably could have been shortened and made into a novella. I miss the feel of the old peeps and...



Kenji was in this one because he is just what is needed when having to deal with Juliet's errr Ella's emotions- constantly all over the place.

So yeah- Im here for the long haul but I wasn't very excited with this installment. It fell flat for me. Really hoping the last book goes out with a BANG!!