Review: The King Will Kill You (The Kingdoms of Sand & Sky #3)

Title- The King Will Kill You

Author- Sarah Henning

Series- The Kingdoms of Sand & Sky

Preceded by- The Queen Will Betray You , The Princess Will Save You

Pages- 368

Genre- Young Adult, High Fantasy, Romance

Rating- 4.5/5

Publisher- Tor Teen 

ISBN 13- 9781250841032 

Review No.- 60

Synopsis-

The Princess Bride meets Game of Thrones in this commercial YA trilogy from acclaimed fantasy author Sarah Henning.

Princess Amarande is finally on the verge of having everything she wants. To be with her true love Luca, no one nor law standing in the way. To rule Ardenia as queen outright, no marriage necessary, as Luca does the same with the reformed Torrence. To rebuild the continent of The Sand and Sky into a place not defined by archaic, patriarchal laws, but by the will of its people.

However, threats await in the shadows of Amarande’s hoped-for happily ever after. One expected and deadly to both her love and every one of her objectives. The other, unexpected, and arising with a vicious aim: revenge at any cost. Against the princess who killed him, the boy whose love made her do it, and the continent cruel enough to deserve his rage.

The King Will Kill You is the epic, pulse-pounding conclusion to Sarah Henning’s Kingdoms of Sand and Sky trilogy.

Review-

"The King Will Kill You" by Sarah Henning, the third book of the Kingdom of Sand and Sky series, is a thrilling conclusion to the epic fantasy saga. The story picks up where the previous book left off, with Amarande and Luca facing off against the ruthless King Sendoa and his armies.

The writing style is engaging and immersive, with vivid descriptions of the action and well-crafted dialogue that brings the characters to life. The plot is fast-paced and full of surprises, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

The character development is another strong point of the book, with Amarande and Luca continuing to evolve and grow as they face ever-increasing challenges. The supporting cast of characters is also well-developed, with each playing a significant role in the story.

One criticism of the book is that the conclusion feels rushed and somewhat unsatisfying. The climactic battle is over too quickly, and some loose ends are left untied. Additionally, some readers may find the ending bittersweet or even disappointing.

Overall, "The King Will Kill You" is a satisfying conclusion to the Kingdom of Sand and Sky series. With its engaging characters, fast-paced plot, and immersive world-building, it is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy. While it may not be perfect, it is still a highly enjoyable and entertaining read.

I thank Netgalley and Tor Teen for providing me with an advanced reader's copy. 

Review: Ace of Spades

Title- Ace of Spades

Author- Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Pages- 470

Genre- Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller, LGBT, Contemporary

Rating- 5/5

ISBN 13- 9781474967532

Review No.- 59

Synopsis- 

An incendiary and utterly compelling thriller with a shocking twist that delves deep into the heart of institutionalized racism, from an exceptional new YA voice.


Welcome to Niveus Private Academy, where money paves the hallways, and the students are never less than perfect. Until now. Because anonymous texter, Aces, is bringing two students' dark secrets to light.

Talented musician Devon buries himself in rehearsals, but he can't escape the spotlight when his private photos go public. Head girl Chiamaka isn't afraid to get what she wants, but soon everyone will know the price she has paid for power.

Someone is out to get them both. Someone who holds all the aces. And they're planning much more than a high-school game...

Review-

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is a gripping and thought-provoking young adult thriller that explores issues of race, class, and power in a prestigious private school. The story follows two main characters, Devon and Chiamaka, as they navigate their way through a series of unsettling events that threaten to upend their lives and expose the dark secrets of the school they attend.

The writing style is engaging and fast-paced, with short chapters and shifting perspectives that keep the reader on their toes. The characters are well-developed and complex, with Devon and Chiamaka both struggling to balance their personal lives with the pressures and expectations of their school environment.

One of the strengths of this book is the way it explores the nuances of racism and privilege. The story highlights how systemic inequalities can be perpetuated even in seemingly liberal and progressive spaces, and how people can be complicit in their own oppression. The plot also touches on issues of mental health and LGBTQ+ identity, adding further depth and complexity to the story.

The suspenseful plot and unexpected twists make for a thrilling reading experience, with the tension building steadily as the mystery deepens. The ending is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving the reader with much to reflect on long after finishing the book.

Overall, Ace of Spades is an important and timely novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. With its strong characters, gripping plot, and powerful social commentary, it is a must-read for fans of young adult fiction and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of race and privilege in modern society.

Review: Once Upon A Broken Heart

Title- Once Upon A Broken Heart

Author- Stephanie Garber

Pages- 384

Genre- High Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Magic

Rating- 5/5

ISBN 13- 9781529380903

Review No.- 58

Synopsis-

From Stephanie Garber, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Caraval, Once Upon a Broken Heart is the first book in a new series about love, curses, and the lengths that people will go to for happily ever after.

Evangeline Fox was raised in her beloved father’s curiosity shop, where she grew up on legends about immortals, like the tragic Prince of Hearts. She knows his powers are mythic, his kiss is worth dying for, and that bargains with him rarely end well.

But when Evangeline learns that the love of her life is about to marry another, she becomes desperate enough to offer the Prince of Hearts whatever he wants in exchange for his help to stop the wedding. The prince only asks for three kisses. But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’s pledged. And he has plans for Evangeline that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy…

Review- 

"Once Upon a Broken Heart" by Stephanie Garber is a magical and enchanting YA fantasy novel that explores the power of love, heartbreak, and the importance of self-discovery. The story follows Evangeline Fox, a girl who has had her heart broken and turned to a mysterious, otherworldly figure named the Prince of Hearts to mend it. However, as she navigates through the magical and dangerous world of the Prince, she realizes that not everything is as it seems.

Garber's writing is beautiful and lyrical, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to a world full of magic and wonder. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with enough action, romance, and character development to keep the reader engaged throughout the novel.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is the characters. Evangeline is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery and growth is both empowering and inspiring. The Prince of Hearts, although initially mysterious and alluring, is a complex character whose motivations and intentions are slowly revealed as the story unfolds. The supporting characters, including the charming and enigmatic Julian and the fierce and loyal Belle, add depth and nuance to the story.

The romance in the novel is also well-handled. Garber avoids the usual tropes and cliches of YA romance and instead focuses on the development of a deep and meaningful connection between Evangeline and the Prince of Hearts. The exploration of the different types of love, including platonic and familial love, adds an extra layer of depth to the story.

The world-building in the novel is also impressive. Garber creates a rich and intricate world full of magic, monsters, and mystery, that is both fascinating and immersive. The use of fairy tale elements, such as the Prince of Hearts and the magical creatures that inhabit the world, adds an extra layer of whimsy and enchantment to the story.

Overall, "Once Upon a Broken Heart" is a beautifully written and captivating novel that will appeal to fans of YA fantasy, romance, and fairy tales. Garber's unique and imaginative storytelling, combined with her well-developed characters and world-building, makes for a truly magical reading experience

I thank Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an advanced reader's copy. All opinions are my own.

Review: Daughters of Sparta

Title- Daughters of Sparta

Author- Claire Heywood

Pages- 370

Genre- Mythology, Historical Fiction

Rating- 4/5

ISBN 13- 9781529349931

Review No.- 57

Synopsis-

For millennia, two women have been blamed for the fall of a mighty civilisation - but now it's time to hear their side of the story...

As princesses of Sparta, Helen and Klytemnestra have known nothing but luxury and plenty. With their high birth and unrivalled beauty, they are the envy of all of Greece.

Such privilege comes at a high price, though, and their destinies are not theirs to command. While still only girls they are separated and married off to legendary foreign kings Agamemnon and Menelaos, never to meet again. Their duty is now to give birth to the heirs society demands and be the meek, submissive queens their men expect.

But when the weight of their husbands' neglect, cruelty and ambition becomes too heavy to bear, they must push against the constraints of their sex to carve new lives for themselves - and in doing so make waves that will ripple throughout the next three thousand years.

Perfect for readers of Circe and Ariadne, Daughters of Sparta is a vivid and illuminating retelling of the Siege of Troy that tells the story of mythology's most vilified women from their own mouths at long last.

Review- 

"Daughters of Sparta" by Claire Heywood is a captivating and richly detailed historical fiction novel that explores the lives of two legendary women of ancient Greece: Helen of Troy and her sister, Klytemnestra. Heywood's writing style is evocative and immersive, transporting the reader to the world of Ancient Greece, with all its grandeur, beauty, and brutality. 

The story follows the sisters from childhood to adulthood, as they navigate their complex relationships with each other, their families, and the men who shape their lives. Heywood does an excellent job of bringing the two sisters to life, imbuing them with unique personalities, desires, and struggles. Helen is portrayed fiercely independent and intelligent woman, who longs for adventure and freedom. Klytemnestra, on the other hand, is more pragmatic and stoic, but equally determined to chart her own path in life. 

The novel's exploration of the sisters' relationship is one of its strongest aspects. Heywood delved into the complexities of their bond, highlighting the love, jealousy, rivalry, and betrayal that exists between them. The depiction of their sisterhood is realistic and nuanced, with both sisters portrayed as flawed and multidimensional characters.

Heywood's attention to historical detail is also impressive. The novel is steeped in ancient Greek mythology, culture, and politics, with the events and characters of the Trojan War serving as a backdrop to the sisters' story. The depictions of the settings, clothing, and customs of ancient Greece are vivid and well-researched, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the story.

The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with enough action, drama, and character development to keep the reader engaged throughout the story. The alternating perspectives between Helen and Klytemnestra also add an extra layer of depth to the narrative, allowing the reader to see events from both sisters' perspectives.

Overall, "Daughters of Sparta" is a beautifully written and compelling historical fiction novel that will appeal to fans of Greek mythology and ancient history. Heywood's immersive writing style, well-developed characters, and attention to historical detail make for a captivating reading experience.

I thank Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an advanced reader's copy. All opinions are my own.

Review: The City We Became

 

Title- The City We Became

Author- N. K. Jemisin

Pages- 437

Genre- Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction, Contemporary

Rating- 3/5

ISBN 13- 9780356512679 

Review No.- 56

Synopsis- 

Five New Yorkers must come together in order to defend their city.

Every city has a soul. Some are as ancient as myths, and others are as new and destructive as children. New York City? She's got five.

But every city also has a dark side. A roiling, ancient evil stirs beneath the earth, threatening to destroy the city and her five protectors unless they can come together and stop it once and for all.

Review-

'The City We Became' is one of the most hyped and talked about sci-fi/fantasy book of 2020. It is the first installment of Great Cities series. The synopsis seemed pretty interesting, the cover design is cool too and I immediately clicked the request button on NetGalley. I really wanted to loved this book. It seriously hurts when I am not able to love some hyped book (there may be some legit reason for being hyped, right?). Did I enjoy reading it?? Why did I rate it 3/5??? Well...

The City We Became is set it New York. Sorry! It's a story about New York. Not just New York as a city, but New York as a person. And five other people who are the five boroughs of New York. New York is under attack by an evil, other-worldly force/spirit/creature/monster (still not sure what it was) referred to as 'the enemy'. Will the new born city and its five boroughs be able to hold the line against it?

The concept of people who truly represent the city and its borough being born as an avatar of the city itself on reaching maturity is a wonderful, highly potential concept. The writing is quite humorous at some point. The diverse characters from different kinds of backgrounds, BIPOC and LGBTQA (hell yes!!!). I was surprised and immensely happy to see an Indian girl, that too a Tamil girl represented in this book (high-five). Her family was totally relatable (seriously, her aunt said a proverb that MY grandma used the other day). In short, great research by the author! The other characters were pretty likeable too. The map helped a lot since I had no idea about New York's topography.

Now comes the bitter parts. The world building was very complex and I did not understand anything more than the basic concept. My brain was just too tiny to absorb all that info dump, I guess. The writing was confusing and I just didn't know wth-is-going-on at some places. It was really tedious and I just wanted to get over with the book (a week). The language had slangs that I had no idea of (my bad). And the only white mc is shown in bad light too (is it racist to portray every white person to be racist? I guess so).  

In short, I am not a big fan of The City We Became. But I do recommend you to give it a try and decide for yourself. I have met lots of people who have loved it and as I previously said, I feel that hyped books are hyped for a reason. 

I thank Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for providing me with an advanced reader's copy. All opinions are my own.

Goodreads

Review: Kingdom of the Wicked

 

Title- Kingdom of the Wicked

Author- Kerri Maniscalco

Pages- 372

Genre- Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical, Romance

Rating- 3/5

ISBN 13- 9781529350449

Review No.- 55

Synopsis-

Two sisters.

One brutal murder.

A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself...

And an intoxicating romance.

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are strenghe - witched who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family's renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin...desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister's killer and to seek vengeance at any cost- even if it means using dark magic that's been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia's side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women's murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems...

Review-

I have not read Jack the Ripper series or any other book by Kerri Maniscalco before and this book is my first. I had high expectations for this book since it is so hyped. Though I enjoyed the next book in the series (Kingdom of the Cursed), I was not a fan of Kingdom of the Wicked. 

Emilia and Vittoria are twin sisters but they are as different as twins can be. Vittoria is bold, outgoing and likes to experiment whereas Emilia is the innocent, prudent girl who loves cooking. They are secretly witches but they live as ordinary people, running a well-known sicilian restaurant. Everything goes on as usual, until one day, Emilia finds Vittoria murdered, her body mangled beyond recognition. Wrecked with grief and anger, she sets out to find Vittoria's murderer. Even if it means using dark magic or teaming up with one of the most dangerous princes of Hell. As she uncovers secrets of her sister and grandmother, she begins to doubt if her sister's murder is indeed what it seems to be or if it's just a play in a greater scheme.

I absolutely adore the 19th century Sicilian Palermo setting. The writing style was easy to understand.  The descriptions of food is just mouth watering. I loved the concept of Hell, its gates and princes of Hell (not literally though) being named after the seven deadly sins. The banters between Emilia and Wrath were hilarious. Wrath is the most well-mannered, gentleman-ish morally grey character I have ever read. The fact that Wrath, being a prince of hell- loves Cannoli, is cute as hell too. And the mere mulishness of Emilia, the I-may-want-to-kill-my-sister-at-times-but-I-would-definitely-kill-the-person-who-kills-her-even-if-I-have-to-make-a-deal-with-a-prince-of-Hell thing? LOVED IT! I would be pretty pissed off if someone even thinks about harming my sister (bet she'll read this and at least then treat me like the gold that I am). 

The biggest reason I gave this book 3 stars is because I was not able to get involved with the plot. It was like, I was aware of reading, instead of feeling like watching the events unfold (I don't know if I making sense now). Anyway, that made it harder to remember the course of the story. Everything beyond the basic information about hell and its princes felt like information dump and I was truly not able to remember them. By the time I finished the book, I had to skim through it all over again, because the ending just didn't make any sense. The pace was a bit inconsistent too. The ending was predictable but it also promises a good storyline in the next book. 

Overall, I feel that Kingdom of the Wicked is a good one-time read. Moreover, now that I have read the next book in the series, this series is totally worth it!

I thank Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Jimmy Patterson Books for providing me with an advanced reader's copy. I requested for this book at both the publishers' netgalley page (just in case one of them rejects) but both of them approved my request. All opinions are my own.

Review: Tahira in Bloom

 

Title- Tahira in Bloom

Author- Farah Heron

Pages- 381

Publisher- Skyscape

Genre- Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Rating- 3.5/5

ISBN 13- 9780241476178

Review No.- 54

Synopsis- 

Life is full of surprises in a winning novel about a girl dreaming big during one unexpected small-town summer. 

When seventeen-year-old aspiring designer Tahira Janmohammad's coveted fashion internship falls through, her parents have a Plan B. Tahira will work in her aunt's boutique in the small town of Bakewell, the flower capital of Ontario. It's only for the summer, and she'll get the experience she needs for her college application. Plus her best friend is coming along. It won't be that bad.

But she just can't deal with Rowan Johnston, the rude, totally obsessive garden-nerd next door with frayed cutoffs and terrible shoes. Not to mention his sharp jawline, smoldering eyes, and soft lips. So irritating. Rowan is also just the plant-boy Tahira need to help win the Bakewell flower-arranging contest- an event that carries clout in New York City, of all places. And with designers, of all people. Connections that she needs! 

No one is more surprised than Tahira to learn that floral design is almost as great as fashion design. And Rowan? Turns out he's more than ironic shirts and soil under fingernails. Tahira's about to find out what she's really made of- and made for. Because here in the middle of nowhere, Tahira is just beginning to bloom.

Review-

First of, the cover looks awesome and appropriate for the novel. I immediately fell in love with it and clicked the 'Request' button on NetGalley.

Tahira has her future all planned out, right from when she was seven years old. Get into an amazing fashion internship, keep designing for portfolio, increase social media influence and get in to the dream college in New York. But when a parakeet disrupts her perfect plan, she is left with no other choice but to go to Bakewell, where everything is flowery and gain fashion experience by working in her aunt's boutique. Not only did she have to deal with working at the simple boutique and living in a tiny house made of pine, but also the rude grumpy garden nerd next door. 

The writing style is simple, easy to understand and laugh-out-loud humorous at places. The setting of Bakewell, the flower capital of Ontario, is wonderfully described. The characters were diverse- both in terms of personality and representation. There's representation of South Asian Muslim, Black, Pansexual and Bi. I loved how toxic friends were identified and how the mc realized it. I also liked the lovely way in which passion for art is described!

The desi-parent thing- the parents being totally supportive of their kids' ambition was totally unrelatable for me. I am an Indian (if you don't know that already), and I totally know the real 'desi parenting'- no matter what your ambitions are or where your interests lie, you are expected to become a doctor or engineer. You are not supposed to choose even your parents' profession (if they are not a doctor or engineer). I wish Rowan was more of a normal looking guy than a drop-dead-gorgeous guy. I keep telling myself while reading fantasy that, may be, the laws of nature in that world doesn't work the same way. I seriously feel that YA books, at least Contemporary, should have representation of not-so-gorgeous, not-so-perfect people. I also sometimes felt that the main character was too self-centered and a bit judgy but her character development in the second half of the book does solve some of that.

Overall, Tahira in Bloom is a quick, satisfying read that shows that life does not always go on as planned and is full of surprises. I thank NetGalley and Skyscape for giving me this wonderful opportunity to read and review Tahira in Bloom. All opinions are my own.

Review: The Inheritance Games (The Inheritance Games #1)

 

 

Title- The Inheritance Games

Author- Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Series- The Inheritance Games

Succeeded by- The Hawthorn Legacy

Pages- 372

Publisher- Penguin

Genre- Young Adult, Contemporary, Mystery

Rating- 4/5

ISBN 13- 9780241476178

Review No.- 53

Synopsis- 

She came from nothing.

Avery has a plan: keep her head down, work hard for a better future. Then an eccentric billionaire dies, leaving her almost his entire fortune. And no one, least of all Avery, know why.

They had everything.

Now she must move into the mansion she's inherited. It's filled with secrets and codes, and the old man's surviving relatives - a family hell-bent on discovering why Avery got 'their' money.

Now there's only one rule: winner takes all.

Soon she is caught in a deadly game that everyone in this strange family is playing. But just how far will they go to keep their fortune?

An utterly addictive and twisty thriller, full of dark family secrets and deadly stakes. Perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying and Knives Out.

Review-

There was so much of a hype for this book when it released and I understood why only after completely reading this book. This book was sooo entertaining, intriguing and captivating that it immediately became my favorite YA Mystery of the year 2020! (even after all the flaws I have mentioned below). And the first cover (the green one) looks pretty good but I am not a fan of the second one though.

Avery Grambs is living in an old broken down car and plans on getting a scholarship to get out of her difficult life until philanthropist billionaire Tobias Hawthorne leaves his entire fortune to her. The catch is that Avery must live in the Hawthorne House for an entire year in order to receive the inheritance. And its not just the riddles, clues and secret passageways that would make living in the Hawthorne House hard for Avery, when she would be living with the real, disowned heirs of Tobias Hawthorne. Will she be able to survive? Will she be able to uncover the mystery of why Tobias Hawthorne chose her as the heiress?

I loved the short-chapter writing style. It made the plot fast-paced but at the same time, easy to follow. Since the entire story is narrated by Avery's point of view, the suspense was great. The riddles and puzzles set up by Tobias Hawthorne were very interesting and entertaining. And I just loved the side characters soooo much!- Libby (the kindest, sweetest person ever), Nash, Xander (the cinnamon roll mad scientist, like Christopher Lightwood), and Max (Best Friend Forever).

I did not quite like the main characters though. Avery's story was a bit too cliche for me- the poor orphaned girl becomes a billionaire because some old, rich man thought it would be fun and exciting to do so? Not my taste. The other two other Hawthorne brothers are just broody. Even though we get a reason for that in the second half of the book, I didn't end up liking them. And the love triangle just annoyed the hell out of me. This opinion may be a little biased because another love triangle from another book is literally killing me (looking at you, The Last Hours). Another personally annoying factor was that there are soooo many questions which remained unanswered at the end of the book. That actually how a mystery series should be but it ended up frustrating me no less.

Overall, I do recommend the book. I am writing this review after reading the second book and I really loved it! It totally worth it to read The Inheritance Games series. I recommend it to fans of YA mystery. 

Review: Legendborn (Legendborn #1)

 

Title- Legendborn

Author- Tracy Deonn

Series- Legendborn

Pages- 501

Publisher- Simon & Schuster/Mc Elderry

Genre- Contemporary, YA Fantasy, Own Voices, Diversity

Rating- 5/5

ISBN- 9781534441606

Review No.- 49

Synopsis-

After her mother dies in an accident, sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews wants nothing to do with her family memories or childhood home. A residential program for bright high schoolers at UNC-Chapel Hill seems like the perfect escape-until Bree witnesses a magical attack her very first night on campus.

A flying demon feeding on human energies.

A secret society of so called "Legendborn" students that hunt the creatures down.

And a mysterious teenage mage who calls himself a "Merlin" and who attempts-and fails-to wipe Bree's memory of everything she saw.

The mage's failure unlocks Bree's own unique magic and a buried memory with a hidden connection: the night her mother died, another Merlin was at the hospital. Now that Bree knows there's more to her mother's death than what's on the police report, she'll do whatever it takes to find out the truth, even if that means infiltrating the Legendborn ad one of their initiates.

She recruits Nick, a self-exiled Legendborn with his own grudge against the group, and their reluctant partnership pulls them deeper into the society's secrets-and closer to each other. But when the Legendborn reveal themselves as the descendants of King Arthur's knights and explain that a magical war is coming, Bree has to decide how far she'll go for the truth and whether she should use her magic to take the society down-or join the fight.

Review- 

I immediately picked the book up as soon as it was released because of its gorgeous cover. I did not expect the story inside to be even more mind-blowingly powerful and I finally saw what the hype for this book was all about. This is one of those books that I had been desperately recommend all my bookworm friend to read (if you're reading this review and haven't read Legendborn yet, then quit reading more reviews and just get the bloody damn book!!!). And the fact that the release date for the sequel was not announced when I finished reading this book, was just killing me. 

In Legendborn, we follow Briana (Bree) Matthews, a Black American girl, who gets accepted into the Early College Program at UNC Chapel hill, the college of her dreams, as she struggles to cope wirh her mother's tragic loss. But whe she stumbles upon a demon attack on the first day of college, Bree is sucked into the world of demons, arthurian legends and the Legendborn, which makes her question if her mother's death is all that it seems to be...

The writing style is wonderful- easy to understand yet so full of power. All the themes in the book like racism, black american history, arthurian legends, hereditary power and ancestral magic were well blend and given justice to. The characters were diverse and amazing. This book has so much of representation both in terms of race and in terms of sexuality. I especially loved Alice and her hilarious banters with Bree. I like Nick x Bree ship and I really want them to be the endgame but it's like I know somewhere in my heart that that wouldn't be the case (Sel x Bree). And Sel's giving me "Will Herondale" vibes, so maybe we will get to know about and love him more in the next two books. And GODS...the twist at the end was so unexpected! I totally did not see that coming.

Overall, I LOVED this book. It is my favorite book of 2021 (last year's favorite was The Ten Thousand Doors of January). As I said before I strongly recommend this book to everybody- readers, friends and enemies. Just give it a read and you won't regret it!

Cover and Peek of Sequel: Bloodmarked | Goodreads

Review: All About Romantic Love

 

Title- All About Romantic Love

Author- Dr. Govind Sharma IAS(Retd.)

Pages -110

Publisher -Notion Press

Genre - Non-fiction, Psychology, Self-help, Family and Relationships

Rating -5/5

Review no. -54

Synopsis -

Based on what has been said by the greatest psychologists of our time, this book tells the reader what is the concept of romantic love and how to be in a relationship without getting hurt. It is about how to further strengthen a healthy relationship and how to get out of a toxic relationship. The choice that life offers is whether one wants ten superficial, meaningless relationship. The choice that life offers is whether one wants ten superficial, meaningless relationships, or one great relationship that lasts a lifetime. 

Review -

All About Romantic Love is yet another amazing book by Dr. Govind Sharma sir. I had previously read two other books by the same author, both were works of fiction that I had loved. But this book is very different from those and I liked it even more.

All About Romantic Love revolves around the psychology around love and relationship. Love is the most sublime emotion but it can also prove to be destructive at some places. The books enlightens the reader on many important but not talked about themes like the components of romantic love, how to differentiate between healthy and toxic relationship, how to strengthen the relationship and attain the stage of consummate love etc. 

The first two chapters discusses the psychological and scientific aspects of romantic love, Freudian theory of love, the chemical theory of love, Solomon's opponent process theory etc. The next four chapters are case studies, that is, short stories that show us what goes wrong in a relationship in a comprehensive view. The characters are realistic and all the case studies are based on real life situations. The last chapter 'Towards Consummate Love' deals with how to attain the stage of consummate love and remain there with references to various couples in books, movies and real-life. The language used is simple and easy to understand through the book. 

Overall, All About Romantic Love is a short yet very insightful book! The author must have surely done lots of research for this book. I had already said in the review of 'The Shaadi Story' that I generally have a though time with non-fiction. But I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend this book to everyone because the matters discussed in this book are things that everyone should be aware of. 

I sincerely thank Govind Sharma sir for giving me this wonderful opportunity to read and review yet another work of mastery. All opinions in this review are my own.

Click here to buy the book from Amazon

Click here to buy the book from Notionpress

Click here to view the book on Goodreads

Previous reviews for other books by the author-

Madhuleena | State vs. Amrit Kumar