Friday, September 23, 2016

Mystical By Michael Weekly Review

Hello Book Lovers! I hope all is well and that you enjoy my review! I also want to thank Michael profusely for being so patient with me and for sending me a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.

4/5 Stars







Synopsis of Mystical :


When Eliza Rose found out she was a witch, she thought she’d be casting spells…

However, it turns out Eliza is on her way to becoming a mystical assassin. But first she has to start college with her best friend Dawn Roberts and her feline familiar Jared. If you think college is stressful, try finding your best friend being seduced—nearly to death—by a venomous fairy. Something is horribly wrong, and Eliza must find out what it is.

Knowing who’s who in the Mystical world can be a burden—or save her life…

Murderous mermaids, seductive fairies, and manipulative elves are terrifying enough, but pure witches can become corrupt…and they’re the most dangerous creatures of all. Eliza struggles to discover the source of this chaos, but is repeatedly attacked—and saved by a shadowy figure. On a very personal note, Eliza must learn whether corruption is beginning to claim her mother.

Her strongest ally might be handsome, enigmatic Donovan—but he is hiding a shocking secret…

Donovan wants nothing to do with his old gang—not after the things they’d made him do. But when he meets Eliza, he’s both frustrated by her amateur skills and impressed by her emerging strength, and he feels compelled to help her grow into the assassin she’s meant to be.

Every answer has a price, and there are beings born to corrupt the pure.

Eliza fights to master her skills before it’s too late, while Donovan must determine whether Eliza can be saved…or if she must die to keep her out of the hands of those who would use her powers to reign over all of Mystical






Review of Mystical:

First off... This novel was awesome! I was instantly hooked from the first chapter. I really enjoyed how you get to see the main character Eliza leave her home, go off to college, live with her best friend, and try to figure out everything for herself. I liked that because it gave the story a little bit of a contemporary background, which I think is very enjoyable in a New Adult Fantasy novel.


But Eliza is far from being a normal college freshmen, she is a witch, and she doesn't quite believe  it herself. All she knows is that she has a bat crazy mom who insists that she should accept who she is (which of course she doesn't explain at all), a familiar cat who talks gibberish to her, and a broomstick that never works or turns into a weapon.
But things start to become clearer for Eliza, as evil creatures who feed off of humans and witches start to appear and threaten Eliza's life. And it all starts to go downhill when her mother becomes someone she never thought possible.

Eliza's only hope is to ensure she fully matures into her witch powers before her mother becomes corrupt. But another witch by the name of Donovan appears to seemingly save her.


I don't like to compare stories and novels to each other. But I would like to say that it reminds me of The Mortal Instruments series, with a little spin on it. And what I mean by that is that there are many similar instances where Eliza and her mom will almost reenact a scene from The Mortal Instruments.
For example: Eliza's mom hides several things about her witch life from her, and by doing so she thinks she's protecting her daughter. Same goes for Clary and her mom in The Mortal Instruments series.

Another example is that in Mystical, witches get runes on their body whenever they mature and when they kill a corrupt creature.
Whereas in The Mortal Instruments series the characters draw Runes on themselves for various things. The similar aspect in both of these novels is that they sport their runes like tattoos.

And I'm not saying that Mystical is necessarily that much like The Mortal Instruments, because of course, the two series are in quite different genres, but if you enjoy TMI, you'll most likely love Mystical. Although keep in mind, The Mystical series has more adult aspects to it as well.

I also wanted to mention how much I actually like how lovably awkward Eliza is. Even when she's almost fully matured as a witch, she's still socially awkward, and I feel like that enhances her character. In other fantasy novels where theres a badass main female heroine, they seem to be nearly perfect, whereas Eliza still has those quirky qualities about her character.


There's only one issue I had with the story, and it really isn't that bad of an issue. I just wish that there would've been more scenes between Donovan and Eliza. I feel that both of those characters have so much potential together, and that dialogue really kept me hooked throughout the story.

Michael Weekly has such an amazing way of intertwining the contemporary aspects of a freshmen in college,  Eliza making a new life for herself, and somehow throwing in magical elements within the story to create an action packed, mystical, enthralling story.






To learn more about Michael Weekly, please click here!














Also I wanted to quickly mention that Mystical, the first book in "The Mystical Series"
actually has a new cover now. I think that both covers are extremely fitting for the story, and are just down right beautiful! So, here's the new cover.


Crystal Crowned Review and Interview with Elise Kova (Author of the AA series)

Hello book lovers! And welcome members of Elise's Tower Guard!





I'm super excited about talking with you all about Crystal Crowned! I can't believe that it's the fifth and final novel in the Air Awakens series. I have to say that the Air Awakens series my favorite series of all time, and it's not just because I can easily relate to the characters in the AA series, it's also about the special qualities that the series possesses.



I love the way she creates a character to be more than just a person, a symbol almost. Throughout the Air Awakens series, the characters grew on me in a way that's never happened before. It honestly felt that they were all close friends and family, and that aspect itself is enough for me to be content with any novel. But there's just something special about the way that each character develops through the journey.




Our main character Vhalla Yarl starts off as a librarian for the Solaris Empire in book one, and in book five, she is a fighter for her kingdoms existence, with her soon to be husband by her side. Out of all of the characters, I have to say that I admire Vhalla the most, because I'm so extremely inspired by her determination and strength throughout the novel. (I mean this woman cannot stop going!!!) Even when she experiences some major turmoils throughout the story, she somehow still kept going, defying death. Yet she's also one of the most caring characters in the story as well, caring for others before herself.



The other main character I'd like to talk about is Aldrik, mainly because you can't talk about Vhalla without Aldrik, and visa versa. I may have said in my other review that "Vhalla is my favorite character in the AA series". And with several qualities she still holds that position. But I have to say that Aldrik is the most intriguing, as his mysteriousness is enthralling. You can hear his wisdom in the way he speaks; well thought-out but also genuine. I've always loved genuine and honest characters, and I feel that Aldrik meets up to those qualities. Now Aldrik isn't a complete sweetheart, he's done some things against that honesty. But he is caring, and by knowing that, it's evident  that he does care for his kingdom and his people. We can also see that his thoughtfulness and power over his kingdom is more prominent in Crystal Crowned.




Now the plot of Crystal Crowned was staggering, and mindblowing. I honestly don't know how Elise does it! I just love the way her style fits the story. Elise Kova's world building is phenomenal, dynamic, but simple enough to understand. I've never once gotten confused when reading her novels, because the acts fit together with a certain seamlessness.  Each and every book in her AA series has it's events and characters in order, so as to be epic and entertaining, while retaining a feeling of understanding. Even though there are five novels in the series, all of them flow so nicely together, it feels like they are all one novel.



All of the side characters are brilliant, and extremely well built. Baldair, Daniel, Fritz, Jax, they all have a special place in my heart. To me, they do not feel like "side characters" they are more than that. I really hope that there will be some novellas of certain side characters, hint hint... all of them please?!!



I love all of the influences that Elise has intertwined within her story. With all of the magical elements that sorcerers have, it reminds me a lot of Avatar the last Airbender, but better. I have total enjoyment of the AA series, because it feels at times like there's an anime influence/writing style to it. The Grisha Trilogy also reminds me of the Air Awakens series. But, I honestly cannot compare the AA series, because, I mean, why would I want to? Nothing compares.


I couldn't and still cannot believe that Crystal Crowned is the final book! It's so exciting for the new stories and novels that Elise is writing, but it's also bittersweet knowing that I won't be able to continue this journey. That certainly doesn't mean that I won't revisit! thanks again for reading!


















Interview with Elise Kova


Fritz:

*Favorite memory with Laurel; and Vhalla?

Oh, Larel, she was the best, simply the best. Did you ever have a chance to meet her? Because she, she was something else. Let me tell you... this one time after I joined the Tower I completely froze over my room. I was SO EMBARRASSED! I didn't want to ask anyone for help. But Larel was there, with her beautiful, and a little eerie, ability to know when one of her friends was in trouble. She helped me melt through the ice... Though everything was sopping wet for almost a week after! 

For Vhal... Easily when she made her appointments following the Great Crystal War. I never expected her to have so much faith in me! And she didn't even warn me of her plans! She's lucky that I'm such a good friend... At least, that's what Elecia tells me to say!

Vhalla:

What’s one quality about Aldrik and breaks you and makes you all at once?

He carried the weight of the world on his shoulders with poise, grace, and silent dignity. It's hard to see someone you care about taking on that burden and feeling like they have no one to help carry it. But, it's admirable too. It's something I hope more people have begun to witness in the aftermath.


*You have a favorite lemon dessert you like to eat on occasion, do you like it because of the flavor? Or the certain memory it holds?
I was always fond of lemon cakes. Though, there is no better seasoning than nostalgia I'm beginning to find. I can't get enough of them, lately!



 How does it feel to have the title and responsibility of a Windwalker?
I think my biggest responsibility lies now in education about Windwalkers and their history. As more Windwalkers come forward I want to make sure they're welcomed both by Sorcerer and Commons society.


Aldrik:

* In my perspective I think that you and Vhalla were destined to be, no matter the circumstances. But if Vhalla wasn’t a Windwalker, how do you think that you two would’ve ended up together? 
I do not know if I share your certainty on the matter. I certainly did not make it a habit to fraternize with common folk. However, to indulge your hypothetical on the matter... I had previously met a young woman in the library, so it's not impossible to say that could happen again.

*What’s your favorite memory with Baldair?
There's a summer palace the old kings of Lyndum built down in Oparium. On occasion, we would travel there for hunting and fishing. One such summer, Baldair and I crept off after dark to the docks and disguised ourselves in common clothing to go to the parlors. Though, I distinctly remember having to try to keep my idiot brother from getting into a brawl before the night was over...





I hope that you enjoyed my review of Crystal Crowned, and interview with Major Elise Kova herself!
This series is so amazing and special to me, so I hope that you pick up the first series in the Air Awakens series and go on a beautiful and action packed travel with Vhalla Yarl. You won't be disappointed.

 To learn more about Elise Kova and her Air Awakens series, please click here!

If your finishing up the series, here's the link to buy Crystal Crowned.


If your new to the Air Awakens series, then here's the link to buy Air Awakens.



Note to Elise Kova:

Your series is magnificent and mind-blowing. I'm so happy to have met you and be apart of your Tower Guard. Thank you smooch for giving the wonderful opportunity to read your entire series. The Air Awakens series has honestly helped me a lot when it comes to personal problems. And I just want to thank you for creating such a lovely story with amazing characters. It's evident to see that you poured your heart and soul into creating and writing such a masterpiece. Congrats Elise on the fifth and final book in the Air Awakens series! (Virtual hugs and lemon cakes)





 

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Review of Star Touched Queen by Roshani Choshki

Hello Book Lovers! I've been out of the loop for quite sometime, so I'm very sorry about not being consistant with my book blog. Life got in the way, and from being busy making money for more books...hehe, I kind of unintentionally got stuck in the rut of a book slump.











But today I wanted to talk about The Star Touched Queen by Roshani Choshki. First and foremost I'd like to say thank St. Martins Press so much for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.


When starting "The Star Touched Queen" I was beyond excited because of all of the hype circulating around Booktube and Bookstagram. Since I heard so many amazing things about Roshani's novel, I figured I'd give it a try. Plus it was right up my alley since it is based on Hades' and Persephone's story. The synopsis drew me in immediately; how could you go wrong with a plot-line based on a girl who's "cursed by the stars" and a" horoscope that promises a marriage full of death and destruction"? Honestly that line alone had me sold.

But as I got around to finishing it, I wasn't sold at all. I found myself completely lost and unbelievably confused throughout the entirety of the novel. For quite sometime, I wondered if I was just crazy for becoming so confused when I read "The Star Touched Queen". It seems that almost everyone else who read it loved it.  But I ended up having to painfully backtrack and reread handfuls of paragraphs at a time, even selected chapters too because I had such a difficult time deciphering certain metaphors and meanings. I couldn't find my way around because the novel doesn't make clear what world or timeframe it is in.


Then again, Roshani's lush and poetic writing style really helped me make it through. I feel that without her talent for putting words on paper, the story would've been very unappealing.


I found it quite interesting when I read one Roshani's interviews she did. She stated that her inspiration for The Star Touched Queen wasn't just based off of Hades and Persephone's mythological story, but based off of several others. For example, Shakuntula, Beauty and the Beast, Savitiri and Satyavan. From Indian Folklore to Beauty and the Beast to Hades and Persephone, it almost felt like process of elimination didn't come into consideration. And from that, again I will say it was completely confusing.



As I finished the novel, it almost felt like there should've been more to it. So I will wait eagerly to see if Roshani will come out with any works related to "TSTQ". I'm very excited to see how her writing will grow. Her ability to use words is completely out of this world.




I hope you all enjoyed this review. If you've read this book, please tell me your thoughts and opinions on it. This review was my opinion on TSTQ, I do not want it to dissuade you from picking up Roshani's novel and reading it. 






To learn more about Roshani please click here.



To buy The Star Touched Queen please click here.