Quick Lit: February 2019 (Part 1)

Quick Lit: February 2019 (Part 1)

Apr 2, 2019

Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles: I am finally caught up on my backlog of 2018/2019 reviews! I thought this day would never come. We won't speak of 2016, the year my son was born, because that's a black hole where books were read but promptly forgotten. I read 24 books in February, and I'm reviewing 18 today and tomorrow. I had so much to say about each book, even though I've reviewed most of these before, that I split this into two posts. Here's Part Two. Of the six books not included in either post, two are in my January 2019 Quick Lit post, three will be in a blog feature I'm bringing out of retirement, and one is getting an individual review.

If you've read my February 2019 recap, then you may already know that Kelly and I did something we called #FebruaREREAD. We spent the entire month re-reading books, and it was one of my favorite things I've done for my reading life. I had an informal goal of only picking books that I'd never re-read before, and I stuck to that for the most part. I mean, I had to make a few exceptions! So, all of my reviews below are my thoughts after re-reading – but clicking the titles of the books will take you to my original review (if it exists). As always, check out the Quick Lit linkup that's hosted by Modern Mrs. Darcy for reviews and recs from other readers.

THE HATING GAME BY SALLY THORNE – I read this for review when it came out in 2016 and thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve been meaning to revisit this one ever since, and this month was the perfect opportunity. Have you ever heard the song “What is This Feeling?” from the musical Wicked? It describes two people who loathe each other in a way that sounds like love if you just tweaked the words a little bit. That’s what I keep thinking of while reading this book! It’s got a workplace rivalry between two people who embody the poem from 10 Things I Hate About You: “But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you / Not even close / Not even a little bit / Not even at all.” I had a few nitpicks on this re-read that I didn't notice previously, but I honestly still So Loved It. That ending is just too perfect!

I CAPTURE THE CASTLE BY DODIE SMITH – I first read this book back in 2013 and declared it one of my favorite books of all time. I’ve read so many books since then and have always wondered — would I still feel the same way about it today? The answer is 100% YES. The book is written as Cassandra’s journal and covers six months of her life during 1934. Her observations about the world and people around her are just delightful, and her voice is so memorable. She charms and disarms you with her thoughtful (and often comical) reflections. It’s such an accessible classic, perfect for anyone who loves coming-of-age and character-driven stories. I'm So Obsessed With It, and audiobook narrator Jenny Agutter gave me a new layer of love for it! I thoroughly enjoyed her performance.

OPEN ROAD SUMMER BY EMERY LORD – I first read this back in 2014 was excited to revisit it for #FebruaREREAD. There are other things to love about this story, but the friendship is the heart and soul of it. Reagan is a prickly heroine. She’s been the subject of gossip and ridicule, and she’s got a chip on her shoulder towards other women because of it. It takes time and maturity to stop that cycle of rejection, and Reagan just isn’t there yet. But as I read, I could imagine so much growth in her future. I could picture her years down the road — still best friends with Lilah but with a more vulnerable heart around others. She’s flawed, but she’s trying. And aren’t we all? I So Loved It, a slightly lower rating than my first read, but that's just because I felt like I had outgrown it a bit.

UNDER A PAINTED SKY BY STACEY LEE – You’ll want to read this book if you love any of the following things: the Oregon Trail, girls disguising themselves as boys, danger and adventure, attractive cowboys, strong female friendship, and diverse historical fiction. This book came out in 2015 and immediately became a new favorite for me. I loved this book just as much the second time around! Lee’s writing is just so quotable, and she paints a vivid picture of life during this time period. And it’s so refreshing to read a book that depicted diversity on the Oregon Trail in such a meaningful way! This is definitely a story that will make your heart ache with the injustice of the world. But this story isn’t all sadness. There’s a lot of humor and a little romance, too. I'm still So Obsessed With It.

SON OF THE SHADOWS BY JULIET MARILLIER – In 2014, I binged the Sevenwaters series and fell in love! After re-reading the first book on audio in 2017, I kept thinking about re-reading more from the series. With our project motivating me, I bought the second book on audio and finished all 22 hours in four days! I love the blend of fantasy and history — the sense that a fairy tale has become flesh. Marillier’s descriptions bring the setting to life, but it’s the characters who really shine for me. If you like epic and emotional love stories, you’ll find one of my favorites in these pages. There’s a lyrical quality to the writing that made this book a lovely listen, despite the moments of sadness. This story is meant to be savored, underlined, and read again and again. I'm So Obsessed With It. 

A NORTHERN LIGHT BY JENNIFER DONNELLY – I bought this in 2003, based solely on the summary and the writing in the first few pages. I read it soon after and have always had fond memories of it. My reading taste has changed so much since then, but I can happily say that fourteen-year-old me knew what was up. Donnelly painted a vivid picture of life on a rural farm, and I loved getting to know all of the different characters. It was heartbreaking to see Mattie’s dreams for an education and writing career contrasted with her duty towards her family. But there’s one thing I’ll remember most about this book: Mattie giving voice to the beauty and the darkness in the world around her. In a book with so much sadness and loss, it was still so hopeful. I So Loved It.

I SHALL BE NEAR TO YOU BY ERIN LINDSAY MCCABE – You know a book is excellent when it makes you cry just as much the second time around as it did the first! McCabe’s debut came out in 2014, and it’s easily still one of my favorite reads. The setting and historical detail were really well done, but it’s the characters who steal your heart. Rosetta is an unconventional woman, and her voice was just beautifully captured. I could picture her in my mind so vividly that it’s hard for me to believe she wasn’t real. And I adored her relationship with Jeremiah! The sweetness and sass of their interactions were perfect, and my investment in them is the reason the story impacts me so deeply. Their love for one another is moving, and I'm always be So Obsessed With It because of it. 

HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS BY KATHERINE CENTER – Of all the books in this post, this is the only one that I know I've re-read more than once. But I couldn't resist this favorite! I adore Helen – she grows so much throughout the course of the book! The first time I read the summary, I thought it sounded like a stereotypical "divorced woman finding herself." That's not inaccurate description, but it barely scratches the surface of what's in these pages. The romance is one of my favorites, and Jake Archer is one of my Top 5 book boyfriends. How's that for commitment? But I know the reason I love this book so much is because it had such an impact on my real life – helping me look at my life through new eyes. You can read about that here, if you're curious. Obviously, I'm So Obsessed With It.

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY BY JANE AUSTEN – Don’t you love revisiting an old favorite and feeling as though time and experience has made you appreciate it all the more? That’s what happened when I listened to this book. I knew I'd still love it, but it was fascinating to see what captured my attention this read. For example, having recently turned 30, I laughed more deeply at Marianne acting as though Colonel Brandon has one foot in the grave at age 35.That had always been in the text — they just had more significance to me this time! I listened to this on audio with narrator Rosamund Pike. I'd actually pre-ordered it when it was announced because I loved her reading of Pride and Prejudice. She didn't disappoint! The perfect voice for this story, and I'm So Obsessed With It.

What have you been reading lately?

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Quick Lit: January 2019 (Part 2)

Quick Lit: January 2019 (Part 2)

Mar 29, 2019

In Part One, I reviewed nine of the 20 books I read in January. I'm talking about nine more in today's post, plus two books I finished in February. I'm SO CLOSE to being all caught on reviews. Will I ever make it?! As always, check out the Quick Lit linkup hosted by Modern Mrs. Darcy for more reviews and recs from other readers.

DREAMS OF GODS AND MONSTERS BY LAINI TAYLOR – Hello, heartbreaker and hope healer. I realized last year that I'd only read this beast once, and I knew that had to be remedied. Although I was listening to the audiobooks, I loved just savoring my time in this world over the span of three months. I've seen mixed reviews of this conclusion on Goodreads, but I unequivocally loved it. There's a whole new layer to this world introduced in this book, and I thought it was fascinating. I can understand why some felt the book was too long, but I just didn't want it to end! And speaking of the ending, I love how it leaves some things open to your imagination. I'm So Obsessed With It. 

SKY IN THE DEEP BY ADRIENNE YOUNG – Since I was still in a fantasy mood after finishing my previous read, I dove in to this standalone. I'd heard good things about it, including that it was part Wonder Woman and part Vikings. But I don't know either of those things well enough to tell you if that's true! I can tell you that it's got brutal battles in a world that felt vivid. It started on a high and then slowed down a lot in the middle, but I never wanted to put it down. Where it was lacking was in the characters. I wasn't invested in the heroine or other characters, so the book won't stand out in my memory. I So Liked It and will be interested in seeing what Young writes next.

THE CRUEL PRINCE BY HOLLY BLACK – To call this book hyped would be one of the biggest understatements of book blogging. I've heard nothing but praise since it came out last year! And whether it was my sky-high expectations or general dislike of faerie stories, this one didn't totally work for me. I finished it quickly but didn't like anyone in it. Was that supposed to happen? The romance bothered me. The hero, if you can call him that, was an asshole. And I'm supposed to forgive him because of his tragic backstory? NOPE. It took me a while to warm up to the plot, though it did end on exciting note. I was So Okay With It and probably won't continue the series. 

FOOLISH HEARTS BY EMMA MILLS – Though I enjoyed both books I've read from Emma Mills, I bought this one for the cover. It's just so gorgeous! And y'all, it ended up being one of my favorite reads of the month. Lately I've felt like I've outgrown most YA contemporary novels because I often identify more with the parents than the protagonist. But this little gem reminded me of why I love the genre! It was the best comfort read when I had a nerve-wracking doctor's appointment, and I found myself laughing out loud more than once. If you're a fan of clever dialogue, this book is for you. It has great friendships and an even better romance. I So Loved It!

SILENT IN THE GRAVE BY DEANNA RAYBOURN – After loving Raybourn's Veronica Speedwell series, I kept meaning to check out Lady Julia Grey. I finally got around to it in January! There are a lot of similarities between the series: a convention-defying heroine, a mysterious hero, a slow-burn romance, and a case to untangle. It was enjoyable, but I didn't like it nearly as much as Veronica in comparison. I can't really put my finger on the reason! I solved the mystery very early on, and I just wasn't invested enough in the characters. I'm sure the romance will build to something even better, but I don't care enough to continue. I So Liked It but won't keep reading the series.

UNMARRIAGEABLE BY SONIAH KAMAL – Pride and Prejudice set in Pakistan? This sounded right up my alley! And while I loved how Kamal reimagined this beloved book in a new setting and culture, I struggled to finish it. The setting was definitely my favorite aspect of the novel! I loved learning about the the food, clothes, class system, and more. The characters felt so flat to me, and the relationships all needed development. I didn't feel connected to anyone in the story! I don't know if it was the writing or just because I'm harder to please with P&P retellings, but I was only So Okay With It. The premise and setting were fantastic, but the story itself was just so boring.

THE CHILBURY LADIES' CHOIR BY JENNIFER RYAN – There's a scene in this one where a mother watches her adult son leave to fight in WWII, and it was one of the most moving moments for me. I love when a book is able to tap into an emotion that‘s universal and timeless! This novel, told in journal entries and letters, depicts life in a small English village during the war. From weighty moments of grief and fear to petty squabbles between neighbors, it was an uplifting read. I had to suspend some disbelief over the level of detail in the letters/journal entries, but I still So Enjoyed It overall. I don't think this story will stick with me in the long run, but it was still charming.

ACT LIKE IT, PRETTY FACE & MAKING UP BY LUCY PARKER – I took stole this cute picture from Kelly. But don't worry, I had her permission! I just couldn't resist this cuteness and don't own headphones like these, and it was too perfect since I re-read via audio, too. I was in the mood for something fun and fast, and these fit the bill. Bonus? The narrators were great, especially for the second where the voice played a role in the plot. I fell for this series last year, and I stand by my recommendation after re-reading. I love all three relationships, and they each have just the right amount of drama that never drags on too long. I'm So Obsessed With It and can't wait for the fourth book.

YOU HAD ME AT HELLO BY MHAIRI MCFARLANE – I technically read this at the very end of February, but I had space for one more book in this post so it got bumped up. I spent February re-reading, and it was so fun. I was craving some Mhairi humor and when with this book since it's the only one I hadn't re-read! In my memory, it was my least favorite of the five I've read from her. And that's still true after revisiting it. In fact, I like it less now than I did before. It's a solid So Enjoyed It, so it's not like I hated it! I just got way more frustrated with the characters and the miscommunication that led to such a huge separation. However, Mhairi's writing and humor still shine!

What have you been reading lately?

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Quick Lit: January 2019 (Part 1)

Quick Lit: January 2019 (Part 1)

Mar 28, 2019

I've finally made it to 2019 reviews! I've still got reviews to write, but the task is less daunting now. I read 20 books in January. I'm reviewing nine today and nine in Part Two tomorrow. I talked about my one other January read in December's Quick Lit. Check out the Quick Lit linkup hosted by Modern Mrs. Darcy for reviews from other readers.

A RULE AGAINST MURDER BY LOUISE PENNY – Confession, y'all: I still don't love this series. I know I said it in my review of the previous book, but I keep waiting for these books to get better for me. If I hadn't splurged and bought the entire series, I probably would have quit by now. I'm going to give it another book or two, and then... we shall see. Penny's writing is always really enjoyable, and I love that she seems fascinated by the whys of human nature. I liked the change of setting, Gamache is still great, and I loved seeing more of his relationship with his wife. All good things! But the mystery was boring, and the motive seemed weak. I So Liked It overall, but I want more from it.

BRIDGE OF CLAY BY MARKUS ZUSAK – This is about five brothers surviving in the wake of family tragedy. It spans continents and generations, zipping between characters, and shifting where it’s at in time. There is the simplicity of life in suburban Australia infused with the magic of Michelangelo and the greatness of two Greek poems. In the first 60 pages, I almost set it aside. Zusak’s writing has a rhythm all its own, but puzzle pieces eventually started to fall into place. I So Loved It, but maybe in the way you love a sibling? I loved it, even when it tested my patience or wasn't what I expected. If you like stories about family, forgiveness, and finding your way, this one is for you.

WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES BY GEORGIA HUNTER – I cried over this book, and that rarely happens. Inspired by the true story of one Jewish family during WWII, this book was the perfect choice to start the year. Sometimes a statistic is hard to wrap your head around, but reading just one family’s story can put a name to a number and breathe feelings into facts. Stories like this one remind me that reading is such a gift. Great books can call out the best in us: igniting our imagination, inspiring our actions, and bringing forth empathy and compassion. And this book certainly did all of that and more. I'm So Obsessed With It and know this will be one of my favorites of the year.

TARNISH BY KATHERINE LONGSHORE – Kelly gave me this book back in 2014, and it sat on my shelves until I finally picked it up this year. Kelly adores Anne Boleyn, and this is one of her favorite historical fiction books about her. While I don't have her same wealth of knowledge about the subject matter, I really enjoyed this backstory. Longshore imagines Anne's return to the Tudor court in her teens, and I thought the setting was so well. Anne's ambition and desire to prove herself was fascinating. My least favorite aspect of the book was the relationships. None of them worked for me. But this is about Anne, not the romance, and that aspects earns a So Enjoyed It.

LOVE Á LA MODE BY STEPHANIE KATE STROHM – Rosie and Henry have a meet cute on a flight to Paris — where they’re headed to study at a prestigious cooking school. What followed was a delicious mix of food, family drama, and falling in love. I’m not a foodie (gimme all the pizza rolls and don’t come near me with pâté), but I looove books with a culinary angle. This satisfied that craving! I was drooling over crêpes and croissants the entire time. The only sour note in an otherwise sweet dish? The romance! The hero was moody and jealous, and the miscommunication was frustrating. I So Liked It and recommend it if you love France and/or food in books, with reservations.

PRINCESS OF THORNS BY STACEY JAY – I was browsing my library's audiobook selection and spotted Princess of Thorns. I downloaded it, turned it on, and got swept up in Julia Whelan's excellent narration. I loved this one back when I first read in 2015. But y'all, it was even better than I remembered! It's a fairy tale with a twist, and I love that it uses Sleeping Beauty as its jumping off point. The characters steal the show here, though the world and story are great, too. Aurora + Niklaas is a match made in heaven. I loved how their journey led to a wonderful friendship first! I'm So Obsessed With It and am buying the audio for future re-reads. Whelan did an excellent job reading it!

THE HUNTRESS BY KATE QUINN* – In the aftermath of WWII, three people are brought together by a common goal: the search for a female Nazi known only as the Huntress. Readers know the identity of the Huntress pretty early on, and I’m not sure that entirely worked for me. I expected this to read like a thriller, but the pacing didn’t have that sense of urgency. It's a slow-burning game of cat and mouse. I had to remind myself — it isn’t about the mystery, it’s about the hunt. I think if I'd gone in with that expectation, the pacing wouldn't have bothered me as much.

Of the three storylines, Nina’s was the most compelling for me. I had never read much about female pilots in the war, so I loved learning more about them. Ian’s perspective highlighted the difficulty of searching for someone without current technology. So tedious and time consuming before the Internet! And Jordan’s POV had a building sense of anxiety because she knows something isn’t right, but no one believes her. Quinn excels at providing vivid historical detail, memorable settings, and hitting all the emotional notes. It was satisfying overall, and I So Loved It.

THE OTHER MISS BRIDGERTON BY JULIA QUINN – I loved the first book in this series and thought the second was just okay, so I didn't know what to expect going into the third. I hadn't seen a lot of reviews for it either. I'll be honest, I just never loved the premise of this one. I mean, he kidnapped her! Yes, he had his reasons, but still... Their interactions were fun, but it started to feel repetitive after a while. The pacing was a little off for me, too. The first two-thirds felt somewhat languid, and then a lot of drama is packed into the last third. That unevenness bugged me! I'd give it a So Liked It because it was fun, but I won't re-read or remember much about it.

I OWE YOU ONE BY SOPHIE KINSELLA* – Fixie Farr saves a stranger’s laptop from disaster at a coffee shop and ends up with an “IOU” that changes everything... eventually. Prepare for these characters to test your patience on every page. The heroine’s nickname comes from her desire to “fix” everything around her, but she really needed to focus on fixing herself. The hero and other secondary characters weren’t any better, and that was the downfall of the book for me. There were classic Kinsella elements I enjoyed (humor, personal growth, heartwarming ending), but I was So Okay With It overall. It's hard to root for a heroine who let everyone in her life take advantage of her!  

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

What have you been reading lately?

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Addicted to Audiobooks

Addicted to Audiobooks

Mar 26, 2019

I always check out the weekly Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl) topic, and today's is an audio freebie! I'm excited to recommend some audiobooks I've loved lately, and looking back at my audiobook superlatives post from three years ago reminded me that I need to write a discussion about my audiobook journey. So much has changed in the past few years! Similar to my previous audio post, I've assigned fifteen superlatives to the books below. And if you have recs, I'd love to hear them in the comments!

Two things worth noting: 1) I primarily use audiobooks for re-reading, which you'll see mentioned in my comments about most of the books. And 2) I listen to my audiobooks on a faster speed – usually 2-2.5x, but sometimes 1.75x or 3x. So I'm always finishing them in less time than the actual length and probably notice fewer narrator quirks.

1. An Audiobook That Flew By, Despite Its Length: Son of the Shadows

Written by: Juliet Marillier | Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

I just re-read this book via audio in February, and I was a little nervous before starting it. It's 608 pages / 22 hours long, and that felt like a commitment. But I ended up finishing it in four days! I couldn't stop listening.

2. An Audiobook I Didn't Want to Be Over: All the Truth That's In Me

Written by: Julie Berry | Narrated by: Kathleen McInerney

This book is just shy of 8 hours long, which makes it one of the shortest books in my library. I remember finishing it in the car while driving to my brother's wedding and being so sad it was already over. This story is a favorite!

3. An Audiobook I Could Listen to Every Year: Illuminae series

Written by: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff | Narrated by: Full Cast

I told Kelly recently that I feel like I could listen to this series ever year, and I think it's due to the production quality. I love the book themselves, too, but the full cast + sound effects makes these feel like an Experience.

4. An Audiobook I've Been Saving: Anne of Green Gables

Written by: L.M. Montgomery | Narrated by: Rachel McAdams

This is the only audiobook in today's post that I haven't listened to yet. It's one of my all-time favorite books, and I've always had a soft spot for Rachel McAdams. I'm saving it for the perfect moment and mood!

5. An Audiobook I'll Always Buy: Veronica Speedwell series

Written by: Deanna Raybourn | Narrated by: Angele Masters

This is one of the only books on this list that isn't a re-read! I pre-order each new installment of this series and love listening to all the drama unfold. The most recent release was my favorite so far! Hello, slow-burn romance.

6. An Audiobook I've Listened to 2+ Times: To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Written by: Jenny Han | Narrated by: Laura Knight Keating

I don't know what it is about this series, but I'm drawn to these audiobooks when I'm in need of a feel-good read. They're a great listening length – I love knowing that I can finish all three in a few days and with a smile on my face.

7. An Audiobook Perfectly Read by the Author: The Almost Sisters

Written by: Joshilyn Jackson | Narrated by: Joshilyn Jackson

Having an author read their own book can be tricky. Most people just aren't meant to do it! But Jackson performs hers so well. I was iffy on it at first but grew to love her Southern twang because it fits her stories perfectly.

8. An Audiobook I Bought Solely for the Narrator: The End of the Affair

Written by: Graham Greene | Narrated by: Colin Firth

When I saw that Colin Firth had narrated a book, I had to buy it... even though I wasn't super interested in the book. And while it wasn't a favorite for me, I don't regret the time I spent listening to Mr. Darcy... I mean, Colin.

9. An Audiobook That's Better Than the Sample: Happiness for Beginners

Written by: Katherine Center | Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

I almost always buy my favorite books on audio for future re-reads, but it took me forever to purchase this one. I didn't like the sample at all! Thankfully, it was much better than I expected once I started (and sped it up).

10. An Audiobook That Made Me Love the Book MORE: Code Name Verity

Written by: Elizabeth Wein | Narrated by: Morven Christie & Lucy Gaskell

I absolutely loved this book when I read it back in 2012 but, for the most part, my memory of it has faded over time. So, I just recently listened to it and can say it really is excellent AND the narrators make it even better.

11. An Audiobook with Mixed Reviews I Loved: Winner's trilogy

Written by: Marie Rutkoski | Narrated by: Justine Eyre

The series itself is a favorite with many readers, but I dragged my feet on the audios because the narrator had mixed reviews. I should have ignored them sooner because she was great! I loved the unexpected accents.

12. An Audiobook I Can't Wait to Listen to Again: The Royal We

Written by: Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan | Narrated by: Christine Lakin

This book is such a delight, and listening to Lakin read it just made me love it even more. With the news that a sequel is coming next year (AHHHHH!), this is on my radar to re-read again soon. I need to relive all the feels!

13. An Audiobook That Makes Me Swoon: Act Like It

Written by: Lucy Parker | Narrated by: Billie Fulford-Brown

There are so many audiobooks that qualify for this superlative, but I've got to go with this recent re-read. I love Parker's series and am acquiring them in audio, too, because sometimes you just need a good love story.

14. An Audiobook That Makes Me Nostalgic: My Oxford Year

Written by: Julia Whelan | Narrated by: Julia Whelan

It's really the story and setting that make me nostalgic – because I studied abroad at Oxford one summer – but it still fits. I re-read this via audio for #FebruaREREAD and loved it. The author narrates it beautifully, too.

15. An Audiobook That Makes Me Cry: Dark Triumph

Written by: Robin LaFevers | Narrated by: Angela Goethals

I flew through this series on audio at the beginning of the month, but this one will always be my favorite. It has the best narrator of the three, and the story is just so emotional and intense. Beast and Sybella have my heart!

Do you love audiobooks?

What are some of your favorites?

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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

Add on Goodreads

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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