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)





 

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.

Metamorphicbooks and Madforbooks Giveaway August 1st - August 31st

Hello book lovers! I hope all is well! I wanted to inform you all that Alexis @Madforbooks and I are joining together to create a giveaway for you all.

 We have quite a lot of giveaway items for our giveaway, so we both decided to have a total of three winners for our August giveaway.



Some of the first place items include:
- A signed paperback copy of "Orphan of Tarnalin" by John McDonell.
-A signed paperback copy of Blood Rose, first book in the Blood Books series by Danielle Rose.
-A paperback copy of Becoming by Debra Kristi.

- Pre-ARC Samplers of Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth, Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs,        and Diabolic by S. J Kincaid.

There will also be some bookmarks included for the first place winner. Like the Air Awakens series bookmarks (by Elise Kova), Black Mage series bookmarks (by Rachel E. Carter), and swag from Danielle Rose, as well as Debra Kristi.




Both runner ups will receive an ebook of the first book in the Blood Books series by Danielle Rose, ebook of the first book in the Black Mage series by Rachel E. Carter, and an ebook of Becoming by Debra Kristi well as various different types of swag from the authors listed above.


Also each winner may also receive a little handmade creation by both Alexis and I.


RULES:


1: Follow both Alexis and I on Twitter.
(Alexis's twitter handle, @sweetypetitti)
(Jade's twitter handle, @crowklinger)

2: Retweet and like this photo, linked "here".


EXTRA ENTRIES: These are just extra entries, they are not required to enter the giveaway, but it will get you closer to winning.


Follow all of the authors on Twitter, linked here.

@DebraKristi


@DRoseAuthor


@EliseKova


@JohnMcDonell

@RECarterAuthor






NOTES:

Also there are no giveaway accounts allowed.

When winners are chosen, they will be announced publicly on the 1st of September.


Also if some of you don't have a Twitter, then you can enter also by commenting down below on this post about what you're currently reading and what you are and are not enjoying about your novel.


Once package is sent out, (sometime around the first week of September). We will contact you all via DM and send you the tracking numbers to your gifts.




DISCLAIMER:


When Alexis and I both send out packages to our three chosen winners, we are not responsible for your package getting lost in the mail. I will however put insurance on each package, but once we send the packages out, it is our of our hands.

However, if your package does get lost in the abyss of priority mail, please contact us, and we will figure out something to compromise for the lost package.

Thank you so much! I hope you all have fun entering the giveaway! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask!

The Raven Boys 1st book in the Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

Hello Book Lovers! Long time no talk huh? I'm so sorry for being absent, but I've just been so busy with everything, and now that school is over, I feel even busier by trying to get everything for summer situated. And if I can some how accomplish making a video, editing it, and posting it on Youtube within the next month, you may see a video or two!




Today I'm going to be talking about The Raven Boys, first novel in The Raven Cycle Quartet.
I'm going to start of by saying that I've had the first novel in the series laying on my shelf for years. Since the series is finished, I finally got the drive to pick up the first novel since my book club on Instagram @YADIVERSITY chose that for our book of the month for April.

Review of The Raven Boys

So here are my scattered thoughts on The Raven Boys. (Since I didn't review the book right away, I'm kinda forgetting some key points, so there's my heads up)


When going into The Raven Boys, I honestly didn't know what to expect. All I knew is that "The Raven Boys" somehow came into play, I just didn't know who they were and how they did.
Right when I opened the novel I was quite shocked, because I had for some weird reason expected the story to start off from a male's point of view. (Even though I had already read the synopsis, which is with a female's point of view) But besides that point, I really enjoyed reading from the strange character that was Blue Sargent.

Blue is one of the most strange and perplexing female characters I've ever read about, which made me instantly like her character. There's just something about her sassy attitude, crazy sense of style, and intuition that just somehow works for her.

Even though Blue has to endure living with several old crazy women, she actually is surprisingly adept when it comes to acting normal. Her character's way of thinking is quite dynamic, but not necessarily overblown. There's absolutely nothing better than to know that you have a special connection with a character, and even though Blue's personality is out there, I still feel like I have some similarities with her.



Now... I just want to put it out there that Gansey is so far my absolute favorite character. Maggie created such a beautiful character here. He's one of those uncommon main male characters that you rarely come across when reading a YA novel. His quirkiness is really what makes the book, although what truly shines is his wits. (I mean of course they would.. since he is a Raven Boy) I just love how that plays a key part in his personality throughout the novel. There's also a little humor hidden within his character, which allows the book to speed past.

And I can't forget about the side characters like Adam, Ronan, Noah, and Blue's family. They all played a major part in The Raven Boys. I found it pleasing that Maggie somehow shows equality to all the characters, allowing time and space for each to express themselves. Adam's humbleness is stunning, Noah's creepiness was sometimes a little too much for me, but you'll understand that later on when you read it. And Ronan was something else, I wasn't sure if I liked his mean sides or not. It may have a love/hate relationship with his character's personality down the road.

I had some minor problems with the story, namely that at first, I found the entry to be somewhat confusing. Maggie basically just throws you in the pit, but thats no biggie, as its almost expected. I also had problems with the pacing of it, as I didn't feel drawn in at the very beginning, but the middle and ending seemed almost explosive. The climax seemed to take forever, but it was indeed exciting.

So I guess that's good considering it ended on a cliffhanger, which would make you want to go grab the next book. But I didn't like the super slow burn as much as others might have liked it.

I do wish to pick up the next book very soon! I've heard fantastic things about the rest of the books, and the entire series in general. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and will continue soon. More to come!




I hope you all enjoyed my review of The Raven Boys! Tell me how you felt about it! I want to hear your opinion!

The Alchemists of Loom by Elise Kova Cover Reveal

Hello book lovers! How are you this lovely day? I have some amazing news to share with you today. It's the cover reveal to Elise Kova's new adult fantasy that's coming out January of 2017!!

Elise's Air Awaken series is mind blowing. I'm somewhat sad and it's bittersweet to say that her Air Awakens series is coming to an ending, but I'm super excited to see how her new series unfolds.





The Alchemists of Loom Synopsis:

Her vengeance. His vision.

Ari lost everything she once loved when the Five Guilds’ resistance fell to the Dragon King. Now, she uses her unparalleled gift for clockwork machinery in tandem with notoriously unscrupulous morals to contribute to a thriving underground organ market. There isn’t a place on Loom that is secure from the engineer turned thief, and her magical talents are sold to the highest bidder as long as the job defies their Dragon oppressors.

Cvareh would do anything to see his sister usurp the Dragon King and sit on the throne. His family’s house has endured the shame of being the lowest rung in the Dragons’ society for far too long. The Alchemist Guild, down on Loom, may just hold the key to putting his kin in power, if Cvareh can get to them before the Dragon King’s assassins.

When Ari stumbles upon a wounded Cvareh, she sees an opportunity to slaughter an enemy and make a profit off his corpse. But the Dragon sees an opportunity to navigate Loom with the best person to get him where he wants to go.

He offers her the one thing Ari can’t refuse: A wish of her greatest desire, if she brings him to the Alchemists of Loom.

Doesn't that just give you chills? I'm very intrigued to see how Ari and Cvareh's lives come together on a journey!

Now for The Alchemists of Loom amazing cover!!! Here it is!!

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Gosh isn't it spectacular?? I'm loving those bright pink eyes and golden steampunk hues! I'm also enjoying how everything is proportioned perfectly! 

(For any who are curious… Cover illustration by Nick D. Grey)

Countdown Timer:

Click here to see the Preorder Links to The Alchemists of Loom.

To learn more about the author of the Air Awakens series and The Alchemists of Loom series please click here! 

Water's Wrath 4th book in the Air Awakens series by Elise Kova

Hello lovely book addicts! I hope all is well! Today I'm going to be talking about Water's Wrath by Elise Kova, the 4th book in the Air Awakens series. And I hope that you all enjoy my review! I love the Air Awakens series so much, each and every novel takes you to a mind-blowing world! The 5th book is coming out very soon, and it's somewhat bittersweet to see it end. But I'm extremely excited to see what else Elise has up her sleeve.

 Here are my thoughts and review.

                                                      Review of Water's Wrath:


Okay, let me just put it our there, I talk about this series a lot... In Water's Wrath we start right off from where we left off in book 3 (Earth's End), which honestly was great because there was an extremely emotional cliffhanger. AND I NEEDED TO KNOW WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT!!!


In each Air Awakens novel, Elise's story, world building, and character development gets thrown into the next novel. In Waters Wrath most of my questions were answered, so I wasn't left wondering as I was in the other novels. But don't get me wrong, at the end of Water's Wrath I was still left hanging. Just a little bit.. :)

It's evident that all of the characters in Water's Wrath like Fritz, Daniel, Baldair, Jax, Aldrik and Vhalla were so carefully shaped. It was quite a treat seeing some of my favorite characters (and not so favorite), grow, learn, and develop into the ending character they were made to be. And I'm very curious, excited, and overwhelmed to see what the final conclusion will be to each character.

There are many traits that Vhalla and I have in common, and that's one of the many reasons why I love her (but I'd never want to be in her shoes). Ever. Throughout Water's Wrath, Vhalla went through many trials that not only tested her strength, but her entire being. I'm still completely astonished of how strong Vhalla truly is. Her character has been through so much that I'm surprised she still exists at times. From the very beginning of the series, you can tell that Vhalla is such a beautifully strong character, and she's just become so much more throughout Water's Wrath.

Everything to do with Aldrik and Vhalla's relationship is addicting yet undeniably painful. The end of Earth's End was just a stab to the heart for me. When it come to Water's Wrath, it hurt to read at times, with the delicate state that both Aldrik and Vhalla were in. In the end, it makes me really impatient for the final novel (Crystal Crowned) because I need to know how this will end between them. Although with the conclusion of Water's Wrath, I'm actually quite pleased with the way it so far progressed.

Elise never ceases to shock me with her world building, it's absolutely beautiful, and it continued to grow throughout Water's Wrath. Elise peppers her story with so many events and emotions, it makes you wanting more. The political decisions that took place in the 4th book were also quite shocking. I don't want to say much, because I would spoil you all, but there were more than a handful of really important things that took place throughout the novel.


I read Water's Wrath in one sitting and it left a huge emotional impact on me. The pacing for this novel was beautiful, it started off with a slow rise, but the climax is super intense. Elise created a sense of evenness, and although there was so much going on, there still was enough room for everything in the story to pan out.

I cannot contain my excitement for the 5th and final book in the series! I wish July 12th would come sooner. The struggle is real... Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed my review. All of my previous reviews will be linked down below as well as more info about the author of Air Awakens, Elise Kova. Preorder links to Crystal Crowned and a new book that Elise is working on called The Alchemists of Loom, the first book in Elise's new high fantasy adult series called the Loom Saga.






Review of Air Awakens (1st book in the AA series)

Review of Fire Falling (2nd book in the AA series)

Review of Earth's End (3rd novel in the AA series)

Pre-order link to Crystal Crowned (5th novel in the AA series)



















The Alchemists of Loom






















To learn more about Elise Kova, please click here.