Series Speed Date: Round #10

Series Speed Date: Round #10

Mar 22, 2019

This section will cover any key details about the series.

The Winner's Trilogy

Books In Series: The Winner's Curse, The Winner's Crime and The Winner's Kiss

Released: March 2014; March 2015; March 2016

Publisher: Macmillan; Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Pages: 355 pages; 402 pages; 484 pages

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What do these covers say about this series?

Though I don't usually love faces/people on covers, this series is definitely an exception. I remember the first time I saw the cover for The Winner's Curse. I had major heart eyes! And after great reviews from other bloggers, I was dying to read it. I also remember my shock and horror when they announced they were changing the covers mid-series. I'm so glad they reversed that decision for the hardcover! While the covers imply that Kestrel goes to more balls than she actually does, I do love that you get the sense that she isn't your typical YA fantasy heroine. 

Based on the summary, what can you expect going into this series?

Before I read the summary for the first book, I'd already seen so much hype for The Winner's Curse. The cover had caught my eye, but it wasn't really on my radar. But once I finally read it, I fell in love. You can read my full review of the first book for more of an idea of what to expect going into this series, but I think the title of the first book tells you so much about Rutkoski explores in this series. Winning often comes at a steep price  – are you willing to pay it?

What are some highlights of the series?

A beautifully written story that will make you so emotional.

A smart, compassionate heroine who is a brilliant strategist. 

A bold, inspiring hero who fights to lead his people into a better future.

A moving bond between unlikely friends and surprising allies.

A fight between conquerors and conquered that will keep you guessing the entire time

A battle of wits between the smartest minds of this world, like an exciting game of chess.

A settings that's reminiscent of Greek or Roman culture, but with a fantasy angle.

A make-believe world with a historical vibe, making it easier to get immersed in the story. 

An exploration of choices and their consequences – and the price you pay in the process.

A romance that's slow burn, a bit star crossed, but destined to make you swoon.

A heart-wrenching story about fighting injustice and surviving against all odds.

How will you feel closing the last page?

Utterly and completely satisfied! After three books of emotional torture, I think you'll finish with a hopeful and happy smile on your face. The Winner's Curse really hooked me into the series and made me so invested in this couple and the overall conflict in the world. Even when things looked bleak, I couldn't put the book down. I picked up The Winner's Crime and had no idea that it would continue to decimate my already broken heart. You're probably wondering, "And why, exactly, would I sign up for this pain?" Because trust me when I say that in the end, it's all worth it. There's so much depth to this world and story, and I see it with each re-read. The first time I picked up these books, I was in it for the romance. And while that's still (mostly) true, I have more appreciation now for the victories and defeats, the fight for something better, and the belief that healing can be found.

Summing up this series in just three words?

Strategic. Dramatic. Romantic.

Is this series worth your time?

Absolutely! I'm writing this review after having read the first and second book three times and the last book twice. Clearly, I'm committed to this series. Kestrel is one of my favorite heroines because I can relate to the fact that she prefers strategy to physical activity. And this romance? OH MY GOODNESS. Hair braiding and board games have never been so romantic! The political intrigue and actions scenes are great, too, but the characters are the reason I keep coming back to this series again and again. Also, I listened to the audiobooks for my most recent re-read and loved narrator Justine Eyre. I've seen mixed reviews of her performance, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! I flew through all three at 2.5x speed and can't wait to listen again. If you haven't read these gems, I hope you will!

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Series Speed Date: Round #9

Series Speed Date: Round #9

Dec 4, 2015

This section will cover any key details about the series.

The Shadowfell Trilogy

Books In Series: Shadowfell, Raven Flight and The Caller 

Released: June 2012 | July 2013 | September 2014

Publisher: Random House | Knopf BFYR

Pages: 410 pages | 406 pages | 480 pages

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What do these covers say about this series?

I don't hate these covers like I do some of Marillier's other books, but I don't love them either. I think my biggest issue is that I'd never be drawn to them in a bookstore if I hadn't read Marillier before. They're not eye-catching and don't make me ask, "Hmm... I wonder what that book is about!" They're not awful, but they don't scream fantasy series to me. And the model doesn't match the image I have of the heroine!

Based on the summary, what can you expect going into this series?

Before I even read the summary, I had certain expectations for this series because it's written by Juliet Marillier. I knew I'd love the writing, that it would be set in a world threatened by some type of evil, that the pacing would probably be slower, and that it would be a very character-driven story. I hoped for a swoony romance since Marillier has written two of my all-time favorites, though I couldn't tell if there'd be one of not. And, of course, I expected fantasy with a powerful journey for the main character. When I finally looked at the summary for Shadowfell, I knew I was right on so many counts:

"Sixteen-year-old Neryn is alone in the land of Alban, where the oppressive king has ordered anyone with magical strengths captured and brought before him. Eager to hide her own canny skill -- a uniquely powerful ability to communicate with the fairy-like Good Folk -- Neryn sets out for the legendary Shadowfell, a home and training ground for a secret rebel group determined to overthrow the evil King Keldec.

During her dangerous journey, she receives aid from the Good Folk, who tell her she must pass a series of tests in order to recognize her full potential. She also finds help from a handsome young man, Flint, who rescues her from certain death -- but whose motives in doing so remain unclear. Neryn struggles to trust her only allies. They both hint that she alone may be the key to Alban's release from Keldec's rule. Homeless, unsure of who to trust, and trapped in an empire determined to crush her, Neryn must make it to Shadowfell not only to save herself, but to save Alban."

Didn't I call it? An epic journey, a magical world, a handsome stranger, and the promise of a better future.

What are some highlights of the series?

A gorgeously written story led by well-developed characters.

A kind and gifted heroine determined to do the right thing - no matter the costs.

A handsome and intriguing man in a dangerous position and keeping many secrets.

A group of Good Folk longing for peace and potentially able to turn the tide of war.

An evil and powerful King and Queen who want to silence all opposition.

A world where people live in fear, magic seems to no longer exists, and a rebellion is stirring.

A story of hidden talents, searches for knowledge, unexpected relationships and powerful courage.

A romance that comes second to the cause but has lovely dreams for the future.

An epic quest and a battle against evil by characters who believe in love, generosity and loyalty. 

How will you feel closing the last page?

When I started Shadowfell, I was immediately hooked. I was intrigued by the world and wanted to know more. I could already tell I was going to love the main character, so I was excited to follow her on her journey. And, as expected, Marillier's writing just drew me in. After finishing (and loving) that book, I moved right on to Raven Flight. Although it was a bit slower (and probably my least favorite of the series), I found myself falling more in love with the secondary characters. They were stealing the show!

Then, I got to the last book, The Caller. Honestly, it was probably my favorite book in the series! It's the perfect conclusion to the series. These books build as they go, and they're strong when you look at them as a whole. If you're thinking of reading them, I'd definitely recommend making the time to read them back to back. Each step in this journey is significant, and the last book brings all the threads together in a way that just thrilled me. There's so much growth, for Neryn and others, that it only deepens the impact of the relationships between the characters. I was equally caught up in the political and personal aspects of this series. I cared deeply for the romance, but I was also so invested in the outcome of the fight against injustice. And honestly, I was never sure how everything would end. Thankfully, it was everything I could have asked for and more.

Summing up this series in just three words?

Thoughtful. Emotional. Powerful.

Is this series worth your time?

I couldn't decide what to read, so I picked up a handful of books and decided to read a few pages of each. Shadowfell was the second book in the stack, and I "accidentally" read five chapters before realizing how far I'd gone. I was hooked, and I knew I'd found the perfect book for my mood!  I finished the whole series in about a week, and I sighed in contentment when it was over. And I may have shed a tear or two at the fact that I had to say goodbye to the characters I'd come to know and love. 

Marillier was a new-to-me author last year, and I've been obsessed with her ever since. She's an incredible writer, and I'm so happy I've discovered her work. This series just sealed the deal for me! I will always recommend picking up her books. What's not to love? She delivers complex characters, imaginative worlds, slow-burn romances and epic quests for truth and justice. 

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Series Speed Date: Round #8

Series Speed Date: Round #8

May 18, 2015

This section will cover any key details about the series.

The Scarlet Series by A.C. Gaughen

Books In Series: Scarlet, Lady Thief and Lion Heart

Released: February 2012 | February 2014 | May 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury | Walker Children's

Pages: 287 pages | 308 pages | 348 pages

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What do these covers say about this series?

These covers aren't my favorite, but I don't hate them! My favorite aspect is how Scarlet is portrayed on them. On Scarlet, you see the way she clothes herself as a boy... though I refuse to believe that anyone would be fooled by this disguise. On Lady Thief it feels like she's on the prowl for something and trying to stay hidden, which I love. She's the most feminine version of herself on Lion Heart, and I think it's fitting for the story inside.

Based on the summary, what can you expect going into this series?

The Scarlet series is a retelling of the Robin Hood story. If you're familiar with the folklore about this heroic outlaw, you may have more expectations going into the story. My only previous experience with Robin Hood is the Disney movie, and I know from other Disney movies that their version isn't always close to the source material. I knew he stole from the rich to give to the poor and was aided by his band of "Merry Men." I didn't know much else, but A.C. Gaughen doesn't focus on Robin Hood. Instead, her story centers on Will Scarlet - a character from the original legends. In this version, Will Scarlet is a girl. It's a secret known only to Robin and his men, but even they don't know much about her. When a legendary thief taker arrives in Nottingham, Scarlet's past catches up to her and everyone is in danger because of it. I was so excited to read Scarlet once I read the summary because it promised danger, adventure, bravery, loyalty and love. And it absolutely delivers!

What are some highlights of the series?

An exciting twist on a familiar, legendary tale.
A resourceful and brave heroine fleeing past demons and meeting new foes.

A handsome and honorable outlaw who wants to protect the people under his watch.

A pair of kind and loyal friends who will do anything for the ones they love.

A petulant and evil prince who stops at nothing to get his own way and gain the throne.

A world where the rich prosper, the poor suffer, and it's a risk to do what's right.
A story of past regrets, remarkable secrets, beautiful friendships and incredible strength.
A love story that defies the odds and overcomes the obstacles.
An epic and emotional tale infused with humor and hope.

How will you feel closing the last page?

Emotionally drained! I binge read the entire series in less than a week, and I was anxious and nervous for these characters the entire time I was reading. Scarlet has this rough, lower-class dialect that totally works for her character, but it threw me off the first time I sampled this book. So, I decided I was going to listen to Scarlet on audiobook instead. While I loved the reader, I ended up ditching it about four hours in because I HAD to pick up the book myself to read faster. The characters are headstrong and occasionally frustrating, but they won my heart from the very beginning. I was rooting for them and completely hooked on their story.

While Scarlet was an exciting read, Lady Thief absolutely blew me away. It took the tension to a whole different level, and I think I cried at least three times while I was reading it. The stakes are higher than ever, and I honestly didn't know how in the world these characters would make it out alive. No one told me that Gaughen was going to take my heart and practically traumatize it in the second book! There's definitely no "middle book syndrome" at play here. In fact, Lady Thief was my favorite book in the entire trilogy. 

By the time I got to Lion Heart, I was scared. Gaughen had already put these characters through the ringer... What was coming next?! While the plot of Lion Heart was probably the weakest of the three books, I thought it was an emotionally satisfying read. The romance takes center stage, and I had absolutely no complaints about that fact. I was desperately in need of swoon after the emotional devastation of the previous book! It didn't have the same tension as the previous books and was a bit anticlimactic, but I still loved the book overall. My one issue? I wish the book had just one more chapter, or possibly an Epilogue, because it ends a bit abruptly. I needed just a little more in those final moments, but I still loved this series!

Summing up this series in just three words?

Romantic. Emotional. Heart-Pounding. 

Is this series worth your time?

I would recommend this series! I flew through these books, and I love when I get so invested in a story that I almost forget the characters aren't real. It read like a cross between fantasy and historical fiction, and it made me even more curious about the legend of Robin Hood. I might have to do some more research about him now! While Lady Thief was definitely the standout book, I thoroughly enjoyed spending my time with Scarlet, Rob, and the rest of the gang. But be warned - these books are an emotional roller coaster. Prepare your heart... and possibly have tissues on hand. I considered giving these a Commit rating because I see myself re-reading them, but I think the series overall is a bit inconsistent so I downgraded them one level in my scale.

*I received a copy of Lion Heart from the publisher for review consideration. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review.

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Series Speed Date: Round #7

Series Speed Date: Round #7

Feb 11, 2015

This section will cover any key details about the series.

The Boleyn Trilogy by Laura Andersen

Books In Series: The Boleyn King, The Boleyn Deceit and The Boleyn Reckoning

Released: May 2013 | November 2013 | July 2014

Publisher: Random House | Ballantine

Pages: 358 pages | 416 pages | 416 pages

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What do these covers say about this series?

Personally, I really like these covers! I love that the look is consistent across all three covers with the dress, hands and object. I think the dresses are eye-catching, but that's partly because I adore costume dramas and historical clothing. The objects displayed on the covers are significant to the story inside, which was a nice surprise. Even before Kelly pushed these books, I was curious about them from the covers alone!

Based on the summary, what can you expect going into this series?

I love historical fiction, but I don't know if I've ever read anything that presents an alternate version of history. So, I loved the idea of a series meant to answer this question: "What if Anne Boleyn had given Henry VIII the son he so desperately wanted?" I'm not a Tudor aficionado, but who hasn't been a bit curious about this infamous king and his many wives? Based on the summary, I knew I'd meet some familiar characters (Mary and Elizabeth Tudor, for example). But I could tell there'd also be lots of new faces: Henry IX, known as William, his best friend Dominic and the young orphan girl, Minuette, who has been raised as a royal ward of Queen Anne Boleyn. So, I couldn't wait to see how everything would play out in this new version of history! The summary for The Boleyn King promises secrets, betrayal, murder and romantic obsession - things you'll find in all three of these books. 

What are some highlights of the series?

Four best friends - two of royal birth and two promised to serve them.

An alternate version of history where Anne Boleyn lives... and produces a son.

A young King, new to the throne and ruling a country in crisis.

A wise princess showing a gift for leadership and a desire to rule.

A loyal friend who provides wise counsel but keeps a dangerous secret.

A kind and enchanting young woman who wins the hearts of all who know her.

A fight for the future of a country threatened on all sides.

A deadly betrayal with far-reaching consequences.

A tale of power, political intrigue and romantic obsession.

An intriguing look at destiny and fate.

How will you feel closing the last page?

Of the three books in this series, I think the third is my least favorite. I'd grown a little tired of the secrets being kept, and at that point I was beyond ready to see what would happen when they all came to light. There's a lot of drama in this final installment - and I was worried what would happen to my two favorite characters. I disliked the way one character's personality experienced a significant shift in this book. I wanted a more nuanced portrayal of this character rather than (basically) making him into the villain. And since I was never a huge fan of Minuette in this series, so I was mostly reading to see what happened to everyone else. It didn't play out quite like I hoped it would, but I'm glad I saw it through. The most intriguing part to me was seeing how everything came full circle! I love the idea that certain things in history would play out the same either way.

Summing up this series in just three words?

Power. Politics. Passion.

Is this series worth your time?

If you love the Tudors, absolutely! I have a feeling that this series will work best for readers who are very familiar with what actually happened in history so that they can compare it to this alternate version. But what about for a reader like me? Well, I enjoyed these books. I binge read the series and though it was intriguing and imaginative. The characters were never my favorite, and I found a few things either annoying or somewhat implausible, but I enjoyed these books overall. I don't see myself re-reading them because they weren't favorites for me, but they were a great escape and an exciting look at a past that might have been.

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Series Speed Date: Round #6

Series Speed Date: Round #6

Oct 31, 2014

This section will cover any key details about the series.

His Fair Assassin Series

Books In Series: Grave Mercy, Dark Triumph and Mortal Heart

Released: 2012 | 2013 | 2014

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Pages: 549 pages | 385 pages | 464 pages

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What do these covers say about this series?

Honestly, I both love and hate these covers. I love the way the covers are similar with the heroine of the book front and center, and the way that each person seems true to the character inside. I like that each heroine is wielding a different weapon, but all wear a fierce expression. But I hate that these covers have real people! However, I do think these covers give you a good sense of what's inside: an epic historical fantasy that follows three very different, but equally amazing, characters.

Based on the summary, what can you expect going into this series?

His Fair Assassin series is set in Brittany during the late 1400s. It's historical fiction... with a fantasy twist. It follows three women who are trained at a convent to be "handmaidens of death" (or, you know, powerful assassins). It deals with actual historical events and includes many real figures, but it adds in the epic drama of missions from Death. I don't even know how to describe it, except to say that it's amazing. Each book also includes a swoonworthy romance, too. The summary promises "dangerous gifts", "a violent destiny" and "deadly games of intrigue and treason," and you'll get all of that and more in this series!

What are some highlights of the series?

Three courageous heroines who all have hurts but use them to become stronger.

Three unlikely heroes who are supportive and protective.

A plot to overcome Brittany... and a plan to thwart it.

A duchess in need of all the help and protection she can get.

A convent with a duty to serve Death.

An order to kill and administer justice, but a desire for mercy.

A dash of power, a whisper of treason and dose of political intrigue.

A well-researched and impeccably detailed world.

An incredible cast of secondary characters. 

Three love stories built on mutual respect and bursting with tension and chemistry.

How will you feel closing the last page?

Mortal Heart ends on such a great note! I will admit that it was probably my least favorite of the series, but that's just because I wasn't nearly as invested in the romance in it. The final book in the series includes more of the fantasy elements than the previous two did, and I occasionally wished it had felt a bit more historical. But honestly, it's a pretty minor complaint. I am amazed by how much research went into this series, and I'm so glad that LaFevers chose to focus on three different characters rather than use the same protagonist throughout the series. It gave me something new to look forward to with each book and expanded the world in such a fascinating way. This is such a strong series, and I doubt there will be any disappointment in the ending! It resolved the overarching conflict in the series, and left me hopeful and happy about each character's future.

Summing up this series in just three words?

Danger. Intrigue. Passion.

Is this series worth your time?

YES! I absolutely love this series, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to so many readers. It's a great introduction to historical fiction for readers who are perhaps a little unfamiliar with that genre, especially since the fantasy elements up the stakes. It's also a great chance for readers who are newer to fantasy to ease their way into that genre. And fans of both? Well, they'll likely want to cuddle up with these books and never let them go. While I had my favorite book in the series, they are all captivating stories of remarkable heroines who are filled with passion and courage!

*I received a copy of Mortal Heart from the publisher for review consideration. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review.

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