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

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  

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare [Review]

4 out of 5 Robots!

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
Genre: YA Historical Fantasy
Release: December 1, 1958
Hardcover: 249 Pages
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Shannon

Book Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Kit Tyler is marked by suspicion and disapproval from the moment she arrives on the unfamiliar shores of colonial Connecticut in 1687. Alone and desperate, she has been forced to leave her beloved home on the island of Barbados and join a family she has never met. Torn between her quest for belonging and her desire to be true to herself, Kit struggles to survive in a hostile place. Just when it seems she must give up, she finds a kindred spirit. But Kit’s friendship with Hannah Tupper, believed by the colonists to be a witch, proves more taboo than she could have imagined and ultimately forces Kit to choose between her heart and her duty.

Elizabeth George Speare won the 1959 Newbery Medal for this portrayal of a heroine whom readers will admire for her unwavering sense of truth as well as her infinite capacity to love.

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Shannon's Thoughts:

I have to admit, I am surprised I never read this book as a kid.  I was aware of it, but never got around to it.  But, as you know, I'm on a quest to read all the Newbery Award books, so I finally picked this one up.  And I quite enjoyed it!  

Kathryn "Kit" Tyler was raised by her grandfather on Barbados who let her run free and independent.  But Kit's grandfather died and having no other option, Kit gains entry onto a ship bound for Connecticut, which is where her aunt lives.  Kit finds her aunt's family to be a stern Puritan one and she chaffs under their rules.  But she also tries to make a place for herself in Connecticut.  I admire Kit's tenacity.  She eventually befriend Hannah, an old Quaker woman who is treated with suspicion by the other townspeople.  

This book had held up very well to the test of time.  I found the story very charming and timeless.  Kit is fearless, loyal, stubborn and a little reckless.  But she is also charming and brings a light to those around her.  She would be in good company with Anne of Green Gables, I think.   I also loved the other characters, who I found very believable.  I especially loved Hannah, who has a wisdom and gaiety about her I found irresistible.

Overall, I enjoyed this story much more than I expected!

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.

 

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson [Joint Review]

4 out of 5 Robots!

Walk on Earth a Stranger By Rae Carson
Series: The Gold Seer #1
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction
Release: September 22, 2015
Paperback:  432 Pages
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Julia & Shannon

Book Summary:
Lee Westfall has a strong, loving family. She has a home she loves and a loyal steed. She has a best friend—who might want to be something more.

Lee can sense gold in the world around her. Veins deep in the earth. Small nuggets in a stream. Even gold dust caught underneath a fingernail. She has kept her family safe and able to buy provisions, even through the harshest winters. But what would someone do to control a girl with that kind of power? A person might murder for it.

When everything Lee holds dear is ripped away, she flees west to California—where gold has just been discovered. Perhaps this will be the one place a magical girl can be herself. If she survives the journey. (Courtesy of Goodreads)

Julia & Shannon - Joint Review! 

1. What are your initial thoughts on Walk on Earth a Stranger?

Shannon:  My very first impression is the cover is TOTALLY misleading.  Based on the cover, I would think this was a fantasy.  And it's not.  Magical realism, sure, but it is very much a western.  My second impression is that this series is very different than Rae Carson's other series (The Girl of Fire and Thorns).  Which is not a bad thing!  And lastly, I thought it was a little slow to get going, but by the end, I was really interested in Leah's story.

 

Julia: Walk on Earth a Stranger is nothing like what I had expected. I was thinking, fantasy, magic. You don't get any fantasy and very very little magic. The book still works though and it is perfectly written. Not much happens, but I was totally engrossed.

2. How does it compare to Rae Carson's Fire and Thorns series?

Shannon: Uhh, totally different.  For one, and I cannot emphasize this enough, this book is NOT a fantasy.  The only "magic" is Leah's ability to divine gold.  But that reads much more like magical realism than fantasy, as I mentioned.  Everything else is realistic.  Buuuttt, I'm not sure I enjoyed this quite as much as the Fire and Thorns series.  I really enjoyed that fantasy world.  And while I enjoy historical fiction and westerns, it isn't quite as exciting as a good fantasy world.

 

Julia: The only similarity is maybe how much I love the way Rae writes her stories and pushes her characters to evolve. Whereas the Fire and Thorn series is epic fantasy- this isn't even close. I'm thrilled at getting to read something a little outside of what I usually do though. 

 

3. Leah Westfall takes a trying trip west, what do you think about her? 

Shannon: I liked Leah (Lee). I liked that she was willing to do the hard things.  I wish she wasn't so...wishy-washy with acknowledging her feelings for Jefferson.  Get off the horse already, Leah!  (Haha, pun intended).  

 

Julia: Leah is an easy character to like. She's independent and strong, isn't afraid to work. I also like that she seems to accept everyone as they are.

4. Leah travels with many strangers- Do you have a favorite? 

Shannon:  What a great group of characters.  My favorite part of the book is when Lee is traveling with the wagons. I loved how Mrs. Joyner progresses through the book, but I think my favorite side characters are the College Boys and the Captain.  They both play some important parts, but I liked how they react to their situations.

 

Julia: Jasper, Mrs. Joyner, the Captain and Jefferson. I can't choose. Jasper is just compassionate and smart... Mrs. Joyner is terrible, but her character grows and changes and that's awesome. Captain and Jefferson are also just solid characters. Great group!

5. What about the ending? Will we be reading more? 

Shannon: I liked the ending because I felt like we got a full story, but with plenty to look forward to.  Half way through the book I wasn't sure if I would want to continue reading, but the ending was strong enough to change my mind.

 

Julia: I love the ending and that we do get closure. BUT I'm really excited there will be more because I want to know about the lives these people lead after such a long, devastating trip.

6. Rating? Recommendation? 

Shannon:  I give this book 4 stars and I do recommend it.  Especially if you like westerns! 

 

Julia: 4 out of 5 Stars. I would've probably given it 5, but though it was hard to put down- when I did, I wasn't rushing to pick it back up. But I'm definitely recommending this to anyone that needs something a little different or enjoys westerns!