The Immortal Heights by Sherry Thomas [Joint Review!]

2.5 out of 5 Stars!

The Immortal Heights By Sherry Thomas

Series: Elemental #3

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Release: October 13, 2015

Paperback:  432 Pages

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

My Copy: Library

Reviewer: Julia & Shannon

Book Summary:
In a pursuit that has spanned continents, Iolanthe, Titus, and their friends have always managed to remain one step ahead of the forces of Atlantis. But now the Bane, the monstrous tyrant who bestrides the entire mage world, has issued his ultimatum: Titus must hand over Iolanthe, or watch as his entire realm is destroyed in a deadly rampage. Running out of time and options, Iolanthe and Titus must act decisively to deliver a final blow to the Bane, ending his reign of terror for good.

However, getting to the Bane means accomplishing the impossible—finding a way to infiltrate his crypt in the deepest recesses of the most ferociously guarded fortress in Atlantis. And everything is only made more difficult when new prophecies come to light, foretelling a doomed effort…(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Julia & Shannon - Joint Review! 

1. What are your general thoughts on Immortal Heights?

Shannon:  I don't really know what to think.  I know I really enjoyed the first two books but I really struggled with this one.  I could not get into it at all!  I don't know what changed between the 2nd and 3rd book but I was just really...bored.

Julia: My thoughts are full of apathetic nothingness. This book didn't do anything for me, zero emotions. I would have quit halfway through if it wasn't the last one, but I figured I owed it to myself to at least see how the trilogy ended. I thought the first one was pretty good, the second was okay.... this one? Ugh!! In all fairness, my favorite character died in the previous installment so maybe there wasn't anything else to carry me through. 

2. How did you feel about the plot?

Shannon:  It meandered too much for me.  A lot of talk, not a lot of action.  I had trouble remembering details of what happened in the previous books, so that's on me.  But I also kind of felt there wasn't much of a plot and there was a lot of treading water.

Julia: What plot? Lol. I need action in my books, especially the fantasy ones. There isn't any action here, but lots of talking about things. Come on. 

3. This is the third and final book in this series- did the characters evolve?

Shannon: I think so?  They must have?  As I mentioned, the details from the previous books are fuzzy.

Julia: The characters do evolve, but there isn't much that makes you really care for them or feel connected with them. It's all rather flat.

4. Any thoughts on the chemistry between Iolanthe and Titus?

Shannon: I always liked them together.  But I definitely liked them better when they didn't always know who each other ways or know all the secrets.  There was a lot more push and pull and it was more exciting.  The "dearest" and "darling" stuff got a little...much...for my tastes at least.

Julia: They work- that's obvious. There isn't chemistry popping out of the pages, but they've got it. Shannon's right, the dearest and darling stuff got silly. 

5. Is the ending satisfying? 

Shannon: Here's a common problem with a Big Bad.  The characters spend three books worrying about the villain, so your expectation as a reader is that the climatic showdown is going to be epic.  Unfortunately, sometimes the showdown is more of a fizzle than a bang and I think that is the case here.  But I do think it wrapped up the story well.  I didn't feel like there was any loose threads.  So in that sense, I am satisfied.

Julia: I don't have any lingering questions, though there isn't any big bang at the end to get you all worked up and happy. It's only satisfying in that, well, you know how it goes for everyone. I HATED the epilogue. I thought it was just... weird. I mean, awesome, thanks, I know what happens to the characters... but it just made my eyes roll. A lot.

6. Rating and recommendation?

Shannon:  I would give it 3 out 5 based on my boredom.  It was a real struggle to get through this book.  I'm crazy busy right now, so I really need something to hold my attention and make me want to read.  In general, I have recommended this series, but...I would put a little asterisk on the final book. 

Julia: 2 Stars, I was so bored and apathetic about the ending, plot and characters. I'm not recommending this book, though the first two were just okay. This one made me not want to recommend the others either. Kind of put a damper on the entire series.

Books in this series:

1. The Burning Sky - REVIEW

2. The Perilous Sea - REVIEW

3. The Immortal Heights

A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab [Joint Review!]

4.5 out of 5 Robots!

A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab
Series: Shades of Magic #2
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release: February 23, 2016
Hardcover: 512 Pages
Publisher: Tor Books
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Julia and Shannon

Book Summary:

It has been four months since a mysterious obsidian stone fell into Kell's possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Prince Rhy was wounded, and since the nefarious Dane twins of White London fell, and four months since the stone was cast with Holland's dying body through the rift – back into Black London.

Now, restless after having given up his smuggling habit, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks as she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games – an extravagant international competition of magic meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries – a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.

And while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night will reappear in the morning. But the balance of magic is ever perilous, and for one city to flourish, another London must fall.

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Julia and Shannon's Thoughts:

1. What was your first thought upon finishing this book?

Julia: The end of Gathering of Shadows left me feeling a little ripped off. I LOVED the book, the ending isn't bad, but Kell is (sort of) wise and has been through a lot, seen a lot - and he falls for something stupid. I just, it isn't in his character... Cliff hanger ending, so I was sad I didn't have the next book! Need it!

Shannon: I agree.  I was 100% on board with this book and thought it was a great follow up to the first book, but was a little dumbfounded that Kell would fall for something so stupid at the end.  And...now I wish I had the second book so I could find out what happens!

2. What did you like?  What did you dislike?

Julia: The whole fighting/tournament thing is fun because you meet a lot of new characters with different talents... also! The chemistry between Alucard and Rhy. ...And the evolution of friendship between Lilah and Alucard. I disliked the easy ending and Lilah's crappy decision to do things that aren't very nice. Lol. But I liked them in the same breath...  

Shannon: I pretty liked everything.  The tournament thing is an interesting diversion from the main plot.  I liked the introduction of the new characters and how they were related to the other characters.  Besides the ending, there wasn't' much I disliked.  Kell and Rhy are definitely mopier, but I thought it was in keeping with what they went through.  

3. How did you feel about the direction of the characters?

Julia: I enjoyed it. Everyone is evolving. I'm satisfied with where this story is going... Though during the tournament I didn't quite understand why Lilah felt the need to push her own buttons when she doesn't fully understand her power. I know she likes taking risks, but she usually takes "smart" ones.

Shannon: Everyone starts coming apart at the seams a little.  Kell's thoughts are darker and he feels the weight of his decisions heavily.  Rhy's naivety is gone and he also feels the weight of Kell's decisions. Lilah becomes even more dangerous and selfish.  She is truly not a nice girl.  But it all works for me.  I loved that things were not just glossed over or people's feelings were easily fixed.

4. How did this sequel compare to the first book?

Julia: It is a great addition!! I don't even have much else to say, I was into it just like I was the first. 

Shannon:  I liked it almost as much as the first!  I mean, people do things that upset me, but I take that as a good thing.  I know some people don't like Kell being so mopey, but I think it was fitting.  

5. Who is your favorite character and why?

Julia: Alucard! He is a little mysterious... And his scenes interacting with any character is intriguing.

Shannon: I still have a total soft spot for Kell.  And I love Rhy too.  But Alucard was definitely fun addition.  A total rogue.  And his connection with Rhy was surprising.  I want to see how that turns out.

6. What is your rating?  Would you recommend this book?

Julia: 4 Stars. Recommend it to just about anyone!

Shannon: I give it 4.5.  I recommend this book to EVERYONE.  

Books in the Series:
1. A Darker Shade of Magic
2. A Gathering of Shadows
3. A Conjuring of Light (2017)

The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig [Joint Review!]

5 out of 5 Robots!

The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig
Series: Girl From Everywhere #1
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release: February 16, 2016
Hardcover: 464 Pages
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Julia and Shannon

Book Summary:

Nix has spent her entire life aboard her father’s ship, sailing across the centuries, across the world, across myth and imagination.

As long as her father has a map for it, he can sail to any time, any place, real or imagined: nineteenth-century China, the land from One Thousand and One Nights, a mythic version of Africa. Along the way they have found crewmates and friends, and even a disarming thief who could come to mean much more to Nix.

But the end to it all looms closer every day.

Her father is obsessed with obtaining the one map, 1868 Honolulu, that could take him back to his lost love, Nix’s mother. Even though getting it—and going there—could erase Nix’s very existence.

For the first time, Nix is entering unknown waters.

She could find herself, find her family, find her own fantastical ability, her own epic love.

Or she could disappear.

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Julia and Shannon's Thoughts:

1. Sum up your feelings in a sentence or two

Julia: Girl from Everywhere is exciting, a true adventure story full of pirates, time travel and treasure maps... I loved it! It is incredibly refreshing.
Shannon: I don't know if it was just the mood I was in or what, but this story really stood out to me.  I thought it was incredibly fun and interesting and it felt different than most other books out there.

2. What did you like?  What did you dislike?

Julia: I liked that there is a parental figure, and unlike most young adult stories, the relationship between parent and child is complicated. Slate isn't perfect but obviously cares and Nix is torn between helping her dad and doing what's best for herself. Just love that he is a strong character in the story and there is a lot of interaction between the two. The only thing I disliked is that it seems there is a love triangle developing. No, thank you! 
Shannon: My favorite part was also the complicated relationship Nix has with her dad.  It felt very genuine to anyone who has a complicated relationship with their parents.  That push and pull between wanting to help them and loving them, but also recognizing their faults and inadequacies.  The main thing I disliked was no fault of the books.  We had an ARC that did not have the maps!  So sad!  But, I also thought the love triangle development seemed a little forced.  

3. Who was your favorite character?

Julia: Slate or Kashmir. They are both fascinating and keep things interesting... both have an intriguing back story that gives their characters depth. 
Shannon:  I agree with Julia.  Slate and Kashmir are the richest characters.  Slate is one of those love to hate characters.  But I just love how complex he is!  Kashmir is very dashing - straight out of a story, haha.  I got a little frustrated at Kashmir and Nix's back and forth.  Just kiss already!

4. How did you feel about the ending?

Julia: Nothing really stands out about it, but there is a fine amount of action to lead up to it. Can't wait to see where they sail The Temptation next... Really hoping that Slate and Nix stay together awhile longer! 
Shannon: The ending felt adequate.  It probably could have been a stand alone and I would have been satisfied.  Those are my favorite kinds of books.  But I definitely liked where it left off.

5. What is your rating? 

Julia: I would rate it a 5 out of 5. Highly recommend to other fans of time travel, young adult or pirates :)
Shannon: I would rate it 4.5 out of 5.  I only docked that half point because I do think it can take awhile to understand what is happening and how it all fits together.  And the back and forth between Kashmir and Nix.  I don't have time for games, people!

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard [Joint Review!]

3.5 out of 5 Stars!

Truthwitch By Susan Dennard

Series: Witchlands #1

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Release: January 5, 2016

Paperback:  416 Pages

Publisher: Tor Teen

My Copy: Library

Reviewer: Julia & Shannon

Book Summary:
Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.

Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.

In a chance encounter at Court, Safi meets Prince Merik and makes him a reluctant ally. However, his help may not slow down the Bloodwitch now hot on the girls' heels. All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom, but danger lies ahead. With war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch. (Courtesy of Goodreads)

Julia & Shannon - Joint Review! 

1. In one sentence, how would you describe Truthwitch? 

Shannon: A good premise with an interesting magical world that didn't always deliver on its premise.

Julia: Truthwitch feels a little rushed, but the fresh take on witchery is refreshing.

2. Truthwitch is written in multiple point of views, did that work for this story? 

Shannon: This was one of the most frustrating aspects for me. I generally like third person, especially with multiple POVs. But the weird thing about this book is important moments or feelings for a character were described or seen through another character's perspective. It was so strange! It was hard to know what a character was really feeling and I felt very disconnected because of it. 

Julia: I love multiple point of views and I didn't mind it here. It is extremely frustrating though that many things that were happening were coming from a character's point of view that wasn't experiencing it. I felt zero chemistry between Merik and Safiya, this could have been the reason.

3. What did you think about the romance? 

Shannon: Well, since very little of it was experienced through the characters themselves, it felt forced. I'm usually all for enemy to lover scenarios, but it only works when the reader can really understand the turning point. But I couldn't see why they would fall in love with each other.

Julia: The "romance" between Merik and Safiya is terrible! It is forced and awkward. Didn't enjoy that at all. I do think there is an abundance of chemistry and tension between Iseult and the bloodwitch though. That is fun.

4. Favorite character? Least favorite? 

Shannon: To be honest...I am very ambivalent to the characters so I have no opinion. I didn't love anyone, but I didn't hate anyone either.

Julia: Safiya is probably my least favorite. Her reaction to her place in the ending confused me and seemed out of character... and I just didn't connect with her at all. My favorite is probably the bloodwitch. Just because he's interesting. Really wish this book would have explored the characters more.

5. What did you think about the ending? 

Shannon: It was a decent ending. It felt like an ending, but left the door open for more adventures. But in all honesty, I wasn't feeling this book so I was just kind of relieved to be done with it.

Julia: It isn't a bad ending, it is satisfying and I enjoyed it enough. Though Safiya seemed to contented with where her life led her after hearing one thing the entire book. Sorry, trying to explain myself without giving away the story.

6. Rating? Recommendation? Reading more? 

Shannon: I give it 3 stars, with saddens me because I liked Dennard's Strange and Deadly series a lot. It could have just been me and the mood I was in, but I just couldn't get into this book at all. But, your mileage may vary. I don't think I will be back for the sequel.

Julia: I gave it 4 stars because I was kept entertained the entire time I was reading it.... It felt quickly paced and there is some decent action. I wouldn't highly recommend this, but it's good and fluffy. The ending didn't really leave a cliffhanger, so this is fine as a standalone and I won't be reading the next one. I just didn't walk away caring about the characters though I enjoyed what I was reading. Lol.

Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman [Joint Review!]

4 out of 5 Stars!

Their Fractured Light By Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Series: Starbound Novel #3

Genre: Young Adult SciFi

Release: December 1, 2015

Paperback:  425 Pages

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

My Copy: Library

Reviewer: Julia & Shannon

Book Summary:
Gideon Marchant is an eighteen-year-old computer hacker—a whiz kid and an urban warrior. He’ll climb, abseil and worm his way past the best security measures to pull off onsite hacks that others don’t dare touch.

Sofia Quinn has a killer smile, and by the time you’re done noticing it, she’s got you offering up your wallet, your car, and anything else she desires. She holds LaRoux Industries responsible for the mysterious death of her father and is out for revenge at any cost.
When a LaRoux Industries security breach interrupts Gideon and Sofia’s separate attempts to infiltrate their headquarters, they’re forced to work together to escape. Each of them has their own reason for wanting to take down LaRoux Industries, and neither trusts the other. But working together might be the best chance they have to expose the secrets LRI is so desperate to hide.(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Julia & Shannon - Joint Review! 

1. In a couple of sentences, how would you describe Their Fractured Light?

Shannon: Their Fractured Light was fast paced and intense.  We are introduced to a new set of characters who are pulled into the wider machinations of LaRoux Industries and everything comes to a head.  

Julia: Their Fractured Light is captivating from start to finish! I love the characters, their relationship and witty dialogue. There is romance, action and a quickly paced plot!

2. What did you like? What did you dislike?

Shannon: I loved how fast paced it was!  I literally could not put it done and finished the whole thing in one sitting.  And I love that our new characters meet up with some of the previous characters and finding out how they are all connected.  I honestly didn't dislike anything!  Oh wait.  The only thing I had trouble was when the aliens were narrating.  I couldn't remember who they were referencing!

Julia: I loved that the romance didn't get in the way of the plot and that the story just kept rolling! Couldn't put it down. There isn't much I didn't like. LOVEEEED that all of the characters from previous books make a big appearance and the lives of them all are soooo intertwined it is brilliant. The only part that is a little silly are when we read the thoughts of the whispers. Didn't add much to the story and it was like a riddle every time trying to remember who they were talking about. Didn't mind it, just... could've done without. 

3. How was the plot? Romance between Gideon & Sofia?

Shannon:  The plot was good.  No complaints.  I liked Gideon and Sofia together.  I thought they kind of made sense in a way.  I liked that the romance didn't get in the way of the plot, but it was still charming.

Julia: Enjoyed the plot. Enjoyed the romance. Gideon and Sofia had great dialogue and their romance is sweet. It is easy to see where their feelings come from, as their relationship is built on throughout the story. 

4. This is the end of the Starbound trilogy- what did you think about the end?

Shannon:  Loved it.  The gang's back together!  It was very intense, but ultimately a satisfying ending.  Even if I wanted a little more retribution for the people.

Julia: They tied up all lose ends so well! I have no questions and I'm totally satisfied with each and every character's ending. Still loving how Gideon ended up knowing the other characters- didn't see that coming.

5. How does Their Fractured Light compare to its companion novels, These Broken Stars & This Shattered World?

Shannon: Ok, I ADORED These Broken Stars, especially the romance between Lilac and Tarver.  Like, wow.  So that is my favorite out of the three.  Then I think I like Their Fractured Light second.  I liked how fast paced and exciting it was.  I like Gideon and Sofia, separately and apart.  I liked how everyone comes together.  This Shattered World brings up the rear only because I wasn't feeling the romance as much on that.  But, that being said, the whole series is awesome and everyone should read it.

Julia: This whole series is so romantic, it just makes me *siiiigh* in a good way. I think I liked Their Fractured Light the best because there is just so much action AND romance. I loved Gideon/Sofia. They're badass on their own, let alone together. These Broken Stars comes in second for my deep love of Tarver, my favorite character in the whole series. So Their Fractured Light is right on par with the previous two!

6. What is your rating and who would you recommend this to?

Shannon:  5 Stars and I recommend it to everyone!

Julia: 4.5 Stars. Anyone that loves a little scifi with their romance, pick this up. Or even if you don't ;)

Other books in this series:

1. These Broken Stars - Our Review

2. This Shattered World - Our Review

3. Their Fractured Light

Winter by Marissa Meyer [Joint Review!]

4 out of 5 Robots!

Winter By Marissa Meyer

Series: Lunar Chronicles #4

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Release: November 15, 2015

Paperback:  824 Pages

Publisher: Fiewel & Friends

My Copy: Library

Reviewer: Julia & Shannon

Book Summary:
Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won’t approve of her feelings for her childhood friend—the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn’t as weak as Levana believes her to be and she’s been undermining her stepmother’s wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long.(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Julia & Shannon - Joint Review! 

1. Winter - What did you think? 

Shannon:  Overall, I really really liked it.  This whole series has been very strong from start to finish.  It was a lot of fun.  The character are all very different, but inventive and unique.  They stick with you for awhile.  But I'm not sure this last book needed to be 800 pages.  There was a lot of stuff going on, but some of it felt like filler to the big showdown...which was a pretty easy showdown, all things considered.

Julia: WINTER is a great story and a fantastic end to a super fun, adventurous series. I did feel like this book is a little longer than necessary, but it is still awesome. So much fun! Going to miss these characters!  

2. Let's talk characters and couples. Is your favorite couple different from your favorite character?

Shannon:  My favorite couple was Scarlet and Wolf.  They felt the most "real" to me, the most "earned".  But I, in general, liked all the couples.  I like Cress and Thorne better in the previous book when it was more focused on them...this time around their romance felt a little squeezed in.  Cinder and Kai were a forgone conclusion from the start, so I liked to see that progression.  And while I liked Jacin and Winter, I felt the least from them.  Probably because I couldn't get a good feel for either.  I think Winter and Thorne are my favorite characters overall.  They bring a lot of humor and interest to the story.  You never really know what they are going to do.

Julia: I enjoyed all the couples, but couldn't stand the Cress and Thorne sappy stuff towards the end of the book. It didn't feel legit... I don't know. But Thorne is probably my favorite character in the entire series. SO yeah my favorite couple is also Wolfe and Scarlet. They're the only ones that made sense to me, felt like I could understand their relationship and saw it "grow." Everyone else was kinda like, instalove? I don't know. 

3. How did you feel about the romances? Did all those romances detract from the storytelling? 

Shannon:  On one hand, I like the romances.  I do.  I liked the swept away feeling and seeing the couples finally come together.  But, I can't deny that it was a lot to work out in the last book.  I think the problem was this: we have 4 couple and only one (Scarlet and Wolf) are established.  But Scarlet and Wolf spend most of the book apart.  Then we have three other couples in varying states of coupledom.  Kai and Cinder are together, as much as they can be...which is not much.  Cress and Thorne are still dancing around their kiss from the previous book and Jacin and Winter have a forbidden romance that is so forbidden that there isn't one for much of the book.  Like I said, that is a lot to work out and still deal with the rest of the plot.

Julia: Don't get me wrong, I enjoy romances, but these overpowered the story sometimes. I didn't need all that. I wanted action (of the fighting kind) and plot twists. Mostly the only couple that distracted from the story and was a little like, really? Now? Could have been Cress/Thorne because stuff goes down with them near the end. There were just too many all at once all apart of the same crew. I loved Jacin and Winter and Wolf/Scarlet. 

4. The plot work for you? What about compared to the previous stories?

Shannon:   Yes, I think so.  I'm pretty satisfied for the most part.  I have a few small quibbles, but that's it.  I think the biggest thing was for all the lead up to the ending, it felt a little easy.  No big sacrifices, only a couple fingers.  I think Scarlet was my favorite out of the four books, and the strongest one too.  But I would definitely recommend this series!

Julia: Yes! Though there are a few things that distracted me from it a bit, I loved the plot itself. And I loved all the character lives intertwining. 

5. That conclusion... 

Shannon: It was a definitely a "Happily Ever After", which is fine and good.  At least it didn't rip my heart out like a Sarah J. Maas book.

Julia: I liked the showdown, the happily ever after is great. This is a fairy tale retelling, after all. Do wish there was a little more sacrifice, I'm satisfied though!

6. Rating? Recommending? Will we read the novellas?

Shannon: I give it 4.5 stars and I would definitely recommend it.  We read Fairest and it was actually really good.  I generally don't like reading novellas, but I will probably read the new one that comes out.

Julia: I give it a 4 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend reading this book and all the other ones in this series. You won't regret it! I don't usually give novellas the time of day, but I miss this world and characters so much that I'm definitely reading the novellas. 

The Lunar Chronicles in the order they should be read:

0.1 Fairest

0.2 Glitches

0.3 The Little Android

1.0 Cinder - Our Review

1.5 The Queen's Army

2.0 Scarlet - Our Review

3.0 Cress - Our Review

3.1 Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky

3.5 The Princess & The Guard

4.0 Winter  

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo [Joint Review!]

4 out of 5 Robots!

Six of Crows By Leigh Bardugo

Series: Six of Crows #1

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Release: September 29, 2015

Paperback:  465 Pages

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co

My Copy: Library

Reviewer: Julia & Shannon

Book Summary:
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first.(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Julia & Shannon - Joint Review! 

1. What are your feelings on this Grisha spinoff as a whole?

Shannon:  I was so excited!  The Grisha-verse is one of my favorite "worlds".  I also love that this series focuses on a part of the Grisha-verse that wasn't very well known from the Shadow and Bone series.  It felt completely separate, yet familiar at the same time.  I love that.

 

Julia: I am so thrilled that Leigh Bardugo decided to continue with the Grisha universe. The universe and Grisha are so fascinating and Bardugo is such an awesome story teller. I also love how separate this is from the other series, like Shannon said. It's an entirely separate journey with the same feel.

2. Did you like the alternating viewpoints?

Shannon:  I did.  But I like 3rd person.  Yes, you may not get into the deep inner workings of a character's mind, but I feel like you have a much more complete picture.  And rotating between the viewpoints kept things fresh and interesting.  I felt like you got to know the characters not only from their personal thoughts, but also from how they were viewed by others. 

 

Julia: I loved it. Kept the story fresh and moving. I get a better feel for every character with the switching of viewpoints. And the story felt whole that way. The characters are more vivid and alive - easier to feel a connection with. 

3. How does this compare to the other Grisha books?

Shannon:  I have a very special spot for Shadow and Bone.  It felt so exciting and different. I haven't quite fell in love with the characters in Six of Crows as much as I did in Shadow and Bone.  And Six of Crows is less romantic, with a darker tone.  But I can also say that I think Six of Crows was a better written and stronger book overall

 

Julia: This book is right on par with Leigh's other novels. It is well written, unpredictable and feels unique. I love it just as much as I do her other novels!

4. Did you have a favorite character, least favorite?

Shannon: I'm not sure I liked one character over another.  I liked parts of each of them.  I think my least favorite was probably Matthias, but it's by a small margin.

 

Julia: I keep trying to decide which character entertained me the most. I can't. They're all intriguing, witty and have depth.

5. What about the ending?

Shannon: I thought the ending was a tad predictable, but definitely left me excited and anxious to read the next book. That epilogue about killed me because I had so many questions! 

 

Julia: Boo! I didn't want it to end! I knew a little of what was to come, but it is still a solid ending. Though it will leave you dying for the sequel.

6. Rating? Recommending? Are we reading more? 

Shannon: 5 stars!  And yes, definitely recommended.  Leigh Bardugo 4 Life!

 

Julia: Definitely five stars! And everyone should read this. Leigh Bardugo fans, people who aren't fans, fantasy fans.... everyone. I will read just about anything Leigh Bardugo writes.