The Skylighter by Becky Wallace [Review]

4 out of 5 Robots!

The Skylighter by Becky Wallace
Series: The Keepers' Chronicles #2
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release: March 22, 2016
Hardcover: 422 Pages
Publisher: Margaret McElderry Books
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Shannon

Book Summary:

Johanna and Rafi are in a race against time to save their country before a power-mad Keeper destroys everything they hold dear in the “enthralling magical world” (Cinda Williams Chima, author of The Heir Chronicles) introduced in The Storyspinner.

As the last of the royal line, Johanna is the only person who can heal a magical breach in the wall that separates her kingdom of Santarem from the land of the Keepers, legendary men and women who wield elemental magic. The barrier protects Santarem from those Keepers who might try to take power over mere humans…Keepers who are determined to stop Johanna and seize the wall’s power for themselves.

And they’re not the only ones. As the duchys of Santarem descend into war over the throne, Johanna relies more than ever on the advice of her handsome companion, Lord Rafael DeSilva. But Rafi is a duke too, and his people come first. As their friendship progresses into the beginnings of a tender relationship, Johanna must wonder: is Rafi looking out for her happiness, or does he want the throne for himself?

With war on the horizon, Johanna and Rafi dodge treacherous dukes and Keeper assassins as they race to through the countryside, determined to strengthen the wall before it’s too late…even if it means sacrificing their happiness for the sake of their world.

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Shannon's Thoughts:

Skylighter was a solid follow up to the Storyspinner.   It does veer plotwise from The Storyspinner as it focuses much more on Johanna trying to decide whether to take her throne.

What I liked:
- I liked the multiple POVs.  I'm not sure this is everyone's cup of tea, but I liked it.  The chapters are short and it kept my interest.
- It's a page turner.  Because the chapters are short and the POV changes, it kept me wanting to see what happened next.
- I liked the side story with Rafi's brother, Dom.  It was fun to see him come into his own and I liked his relationship with Mirabelle.

What I disliked:
- Johanna and Rafi's relationship is fairly annoying.  Which is too bad because it is one of the main focuses of the story.  Rafi and Johanna argue a lot over the future.  Johanna doesn't trust Rafi and Rafi is overprotective.  It gets old after awhile.
- As in inevitable in these types of series, this book focuses more on the "big picture" and Johanna accepting her heritage.  The first book was more about Johanna finding out the truth, which I enjoyed slightly more.  

Overall, I think it was a good ending and if you liked the first one I think you will like this one as well. 

Books in the Series:
1. The Storyspinner
2. The Skylighter

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.

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 Iron Warrior by Julie Kagawa [Review]

4 out of 5 Robots!

The Iron Warrior by Julie Kagawa
Series: The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #3
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release: October 27, 2015
Hardcover: 384 Pages
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Shannon

Book Summary:

The Iron Prince—my nephew—betrayed us all. 

He killed me. 

Then, I woke up. 

Waking after a month on the brink of death, Ethan Chase is stunned to learn that the Veil that conceals the fey from human sight was temporarily torn away. Although humankind's glimpse of the world of Faery lasted just a brief moment, the human world has been cast into chaos, and the emotion and glamour produced by fear and wonder has renewed the tremendous power of the Forgotten Queen. Now, she is at the forefront of an uprising against the courts of Summer and Winter—a reckoning that will have cataclysmic effects on the Nevernever. 

Leading the Lady's Forgotten Army is Keirran himself: Ethan's nephew, and the traitor son of the Iron Queen, Meghan Chase.To stop Keirran, Ethan must disobey his sister once again as he and his girlfriend, Kenzie, search for answers long forgotten. In the face of unprecedented evil and unfathomable power, Ethan's enemies must become his allies, and the world of the fey will be changed forevermore.

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Shannon's Thoughts:

I liked this book, but find I have very little to say about it!  I don't have any complaints really.  I think I liked this final book this best out of the Call of the Forgotten series and it was a great ending to the Iron Fey series (which is divided into two parts: 4 books in the Iron Fey, which follows Meghan and Ash's story and 3 books in the Call of The Forgotten series, follows Ethan, Meghan's little brother).  

The book starts out at the worst it can possibly get and I was a little worried how they were all going to get out of it. But it had a very satisfying ending. I loved that everyone makes an appearance, even some from the earlier Iron Fey books.  Some of my little annoyances (like constantly referring to people by their title/nickname instead of their name, e.g. The Winter Prince, instead of Ash) were not as prevalent in this book, so I was happy.  Overall, a fun read if you like faeries!  

I don't think you necessarily need to read the first four books to read the Call of the Forgotten, but it would certainly give you a lot of context.

Books in the Series:
1. The Iron King
2. The Iron Daughter
3. The Iron Queen
4. The Iron Knight
5. The Lost Prince
6. The Iron Traitor
7. The Iron Warrior

Ungodly by Kendare Blake [Review]

3.5 out of 5 Robots!

Ungodly by Kendare Blake
Series: Goddess War
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release: September 22, 2015
Hardcover: 368 Pages
Publisher: Tor Teen
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Shannon

Book Summary:

For the Goddess of Wisdom, what Athena didn’t know could fill a book. That’s what her opponents said.

So she was wrong about some things. So her carefully planned assault on Olympus left her team beaten and scattered and possibly dead. So they have to fight the Fates themselves, who, it turns out, are the source of the gods’ illness. And sure, Athena is stuck in the underworld, holding the body of the only hero she has ever loved.

But all is not lost. Hermes is still topside, trying to power up Andie and Henry before he runs out of time and submits to his death, or the Fates arrive to speed it along.

And Cassandra is up there somewhere, too, on a quest for death…with the god of death himself.

Just because things haven’t gone exactly according to plan, it doesn't mean they’ve lost. They’ve only mostly lost. And there’s a big difference.

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Shannon's Thoughts:

This series is a bit of a conundrum for me.  I LOVE the premise.  It is one of the most interesting takes on Greek/Roman mythology retellings I've read. The gods are alive in our modern day age, but are affected by a disease that is slowing killing them.  Each god and goddess suffer in a unique way.  Athena's lung are filling with owl feathers.  Hermes is wasting away.  Demeter is being stretched out over miles and miles of land.  This book is dark and twisted in a way I like.  So, seriously, A+ on the premise.

But here is where it falls apart a little for me.  I cannot follow the plot.  I would love to explain it to you, but I can't.  Part of it is that I think having some background info on the Trojan Wars is necessary and I was too lazy to Wikipedia it.  The Trojan War plays a big part in the current plot and there are a lot of characters who are related to each other and it is hard to keep it up.  So, not only do you have to keep track of what part everyone played in the Trojan War, but what their current motivations are.  I just didn't follow it all that well.

I do think this was a good conclusion to the story though.  There was an exciting ending and there were some new and interesting characters.  Overall, I would recommend this series if you are a Greek/Roman mythology buff!

Books in the Series:
1. Antigoddess
2. Mortal Gods
3. Ungodly