 A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses) by Sarah J. Maas Hardcover, 705 pages Published May 2nd 2017 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's manoeuvrings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit - and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well. As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords - and hunt for allies in unexpected places. In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all. My Thoughts: I will try to make this as non- spoilery as I can though as it is a third book in a series I don’t quite know how that will work. This book was masterful in its own way. That being said it took me a really long time to read it. It took me about a month to get through. This was partially because I was quite busy with work and I didn’t want to read it fast, but also it defiantly felt to me at least like this last book was three separate books. I think this was because each time I put it down for a few days it was right around a new part of the book. This thought could also have occurred to me because there are just SO many details in this book. While the book was a whopping 705 page book that we all had no problems reading, I feel like it could have been split into two longer books in order to give some of the scenes the extra time it deserved. Since some of the scenes felt a bit clipped to me. Not in the sense were it didn’t do it do it justice, but more that it was rushed. I felt very rushed in this book compared to the others. It was partially due to these scenes but also the freaking war that was starting/ about to happen. This war is another reason I feel like the book should have been split in half. I really enjoy reading books where a war takes place, particularly a fantastical war. And I feel like Maas really captured the high a stakes of war really well. She didn’t just through her readers in as she eased Feyre into war she eased us in, using the supporting characters to well support us as we learned what the fighting style of each of the characters was like and to see them in their own element. (I will get back to the characters in a bit) I wanted to see more scenes like the war counsel. I wanted to learn even more about the different courts and how they are all interconnected. I wanted to see how they think. How they appreciate, or don’t, Feyre being the first High Lady. Maybe in the spin off?  Let’s talk about the characters a bit. Particularly they differences in the characters we are finally seeing. While I am new to Maas’s writing I have read other reviews etc. that have mentioned the lack of diversity in her previous books. But in this last book we got a taste of it. Helion the High Lord of the Summer Court is described as a dark skinned fae who wears gold and is whom Feyre received her ability to glow from. But not only is Helion a dark skinned character, but he is bi- sexual, who likes to joke about having sex with Az, Cass, and Mor. I don’t know about you but I got a sort of genie (Broadway Genie) vibe from him? It was weird.
Another character we learned about was Mor! I’m sorry for the ones who haven’t read the book but this spoiler must drop. Oh my lord did this make me excited, but this was another scene I wanted to be extended or to be touched on at a later time. It is relieved that Mor is actually gay, and that is why she has been keeping the males at length. She has sex from time to time with men, like Hellion to just sort of keep them at bay. But in the 500 years she has know Cassian, and Az she has not been able to tell them that she prefers females. I am really, really intrigued to see where this goes. There is much more I could talk about but that will have to wait until you read it. I want to say I give the book… a 4 ¾ star rating. I wasn’t a huge fan with the ending, it seemed to neat and tidy. Though maybe in the next few books we will see that it wasn’t so neat and clean. The other reason is as I said before, it felt rushed and I wanted to have those genuine moments with the characters. If you are of an age to deal with sex, and some blood and gore, and have read the other two books in the series my recommendation is go get the damn book right now. Katelyn Costello Twitter @Scripturienting IG: @Scripturient101 Facebook: The Scripturient 101 Youtube: The Scripturient 101
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Hello Bookworms, Today I wanted to show you the books I read this month. It felt like the month of March went by so fast, but also so slow. So this month I wanted to read, Wicked, and the Series of the Mortal Nicholas Flamel Series. I did that... well I didn't read Wicked. I have no idea where Wicked is right now. Truth be told I didn't even look for it. I read 5 books this month, and my average for the month was 3.8 stars. That would be because of a one star DNF. My April TBR will be posted tomorrow on my Youtube Channel at roughly 11am. Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Nobel 5 Stars Review> When kingdom come, there will be one. In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born—three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions. But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown. The Alchemyst By Michael Scott Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Nobel Review > 5 Stars Nicholas Flamel was born in Paris on 28 September 1330. Nearly seven hundred years later, he is acknowledged as the greatest Alchemyst of his day. It is said that he discovered the secret of eternal life. The records show that he died in 1418. But his tomb is empty and Nicholas Flamel lives. The secret of eternal life is hidden within the book he protects - the Book of Abraham the Mage. It's the most powerful book that has ever existed. In the wrong hands, it will destroy the world. And that's exactly what Dr. John Dee plans to do when he steals it. Humankind won't know what's happening until it's too late. And if the prophecy is right, Sophie and Josh Newman are the only ones with the power to save the world as we know it. Sometimes legends are true. And Sophie and Josh Newman are about to find themselves in the middle of the greatest legend of all time. The Magician by Michael Scott Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Nobel Review> 4 Stars Ashes to ashes… California: In the hands of Dr. John Dee and the Dark Elders, the book of Abraham the Mage could mean the destruction of the world as we know it. The most powerful book of all time, it holds the secret of eternal life—a secret more dangerous than any one man should ever possess. And Dee is two pages away from the knowledge that would bring the Dark Elders into ultimate power. His only obstacle? Josh and Sophie Newman—who are eight thousand miles away. Paris: After fleeing Ojai, Nicholas, Sophie, Josh, and Scatty emerge in Paris. The City of Lights. Home to Nicholas Flamel. Only, this homecoming is anything but sweet. Niccolò Machiavelli, immortal author and celebrated art collector, is working for Dee. He's in hot pursuit, and time is running out for Nicholas and Perenelle. Every day they spend without the book, they age one year: their magic becomes weaker and their bodies more frail. For Flamel, the Prophecy is growing clearer and clearer. It's time for Sophie to learn the second elemental magic. Fire Magic. And there's only one man who can teach it to her: Flamel's old student the Comte de Saint-Germain—alchemist, magician, and rock star. Josh and Sophie Newman are the world's only hope. If they don't turn on each other first. The Death of Joan of Arc by Michael Scott Michael Scott’s first-ever exclusive ebook short story delves into the world of the bestselling series The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel and offers readers a never-before-seen lost story—the story of two warriors who would become sisters. Joan of Arc was not burned at the stake in Rouen, France in 1431. She was rescued from certain death by Scathach the Warrior. The truth about that day is revealed in the last will and testament of William of York, and it will leave you wondering: does Joan of Arc still walk the earth? Currently Reading:The Inquisition by Taran Matharu Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble Review > Coming soon In this sequel to The Novice, Fletcher is put on trial by the Inquisition and discovers his tragic origins. Soon after, a competitive challenge is given by the King and his council to the graduating students at Vocans--to go behind enemy lines and complete a dangerous mission. The reward--an army of their own and peace between dwarves, elves and men. Billy the Kid and the Vampyres of Vegas By Michael Scott Years before Sophie and Josh Newman met Nicholas Flamel, two legendary warriors fought together for the first time. Billy the Kid and Scathach the Shadow. Now that lost story can be told . . . Billy the Kid is immortal. And being immortal means following unpredictable paths. With this exclusive eBook, Michael Scott offers readers a never-before-seen short story from the world of the bestselling series the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel: the tale of how Billy the Kid and Scathach meet for the first time and join forces against the unseen, deadly and eternally hungry vampyres who control the city of Las Vegas—where Scathach must face her greatest fear. DNF BOOKSThe Elven Tales: The Company of the Rose Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Nobel Review > 1 star Prudence Clark lives a seemingly normal life in Cambridge with her best friend’s family. But a series of strange events compounded by a wave of kidnappings is about to turn everything she believed about her existence upside down. A brutal attack catapults her into a new reality – one that makes her the most important refugee of the Council of the Five Kingdoms. Now, she’s charged with the task of finding the King’s runes to stop Alanel, the most malicious and ruthless being, following his escape from prison. Alanel has declared war on the king of Arkana. Now, even more shocking truths come forth, exposing long-held secrets about Prudence’s past and her destiny. Her newfound knowledge will prompt her to embark on a treacherous journey to face dangerous beasts in the most inhospitable of places. But her journey will not be alone, she’ll be joined by the Company of the Rose, brave warriors that will fight by her side, and hopefully, lead to the retrieval of the runes before it’s too late. What did you read this month? Have you read any of the same books I read? Let me know what you thought!
Katelyn Costello https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSEeWBRSsR2aTwC8rDjAXkA twitter @scripturienting or on Facebook The Scripturient 101 and Follow me on instagram @scripturient  The Magician
Book #2 The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Michael Scott 4 Stars Hardcover, First Edition, 464 pages Published June 24th 2008 by Delacorte Press Ashes to ashes… California: In the hands of Dr. John Dee and the Dark Elders, the book of Abraham the Mage could mean the destruction of the world as we know it. The most powerful book of all time, it holds the secret of eternal life—a secret more dangerous than any one man should ever possess. And Dee is two pages away from the knowledge that would bring the Dark Elders into ultimate power. His only obstacle? Josh and Sophie Newman—who are eight thousand miles away. Paris: After fleeing Ojai, Nicholas, Sophie, Josh, and Scatty emerge in Paris. The City of Lights. Home to Nicholas Flamel. Only, this homecoming is anything but sweet. Niccolò Machiavelli, immortal author and celebrated art collector, is working for Dee. He's in hot pursuit, and time is running out for Nicholas and Perenelle. Every day they spend without the book, they age one year: their magic becomes weaker and their bodies more frail. For Flamel, the Prophecy is growing clearer and clearer. It's time for Sophie to learn the second elemental magic. Fire Magic. And there's only one man who can teach it to her: Flamel's old student the Comte de Saint-Germain—alchemist, magician, and rock star. Josh and Sophie Newman are the world's only hope. If they don't turn on each other first. My Thoughts: Book two, felt like it went by for me a bit slower than the first book. This book spends the time entirely in Paris, a place I have never been but I felt so settled into the city. (This book is one of the reasons I need to visit Paris. Someone please take me!) The descriptions in this book really made it work for me. My biggest pet peeve with this book was Josh. He felt so, so whiny to me in this book just because he didn't have his powers yet. Please stop whining you are fine. I love the fight scenes in this book, so much magic and fighting. I don't really have much to say on this one honestly. This is my least favorite book in the series, but because we mainly focus on whiny, whiny Josh. Again, we had the bad ass fighting women, with Scatty and Joan of Arc. But I am excited to get to reread the next books. #10days https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSEeWBRSsR2aTwC8rDjAXkA twitter @scripturienting or on Facebook The Scripturient 101 and Follow me on instagram @scripturient101  The Alchemist
Michael Scott Paperback, 390 pages first published May 22nd 2007 5 Stars Goodreads | Barnes and Nobel | Amazon Nicholas Flamel was born in Paris on 28 September 1330. Nearly seven hundred years later, he is acknowledged as the greatest Alchemyst of his day. It is said that he discovered the secret of eternal life. The records show that he died in 1418. But his tomb is empty and Nicholas Flamel lives. The secret of eternal life is hidden within the book he protects - the Book of Abraham the Mage. It's the most powerful book that has ever existed. In the wrong hands, it will destroy the world. And that's exactly what Dr. John Dee plans to do when he steals it. Humankind won't know what's happening until it's too late. And if the prophecy is right, Sophie and Josh Newman are the only ones with the power to save the world as we know it. Sometimes legends are true. And Sophie and Josh Newman are about to find themselves in the middle of the greatest legend of all time. My Thoughts: The Alchemist is the first book in the series "The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel." In just two weeks time I get to meet Michael Scott the author of this series. So I wanted to do a reread before I went and met him. because of course I want to have his work fresh in my mind. I gave this first book in the series a five star rating. The first book in this series is so great. I love it because Scott doesn't hold back. He throws you right into the world but as the twins Josh, and Sophie learn about the magic world within ours we do as well. It is a series that is so interesting if you know mythology but, Scott writes in a way that if you didn't know any mythology you would be totally fine. One of my favorite parts of this book and the series in general is how strong the female characters. Granted some of the characters are based off of strong women from history and mythology, but I believe that they are written in a way that they are inspiring to all who read them. I know I have always wanted to be like Scatty. She always seemed like such a badass. And I have to admit I am partial to Joan. (I found out that she is actually now St. Joan of Arc the paton saint of France; martyrs; captives; military personnel; people ridiculed for their piety; prisoners; soldiers, women who have served in the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service); and Women's Army Corps. None of these apply to me but she is still the one I chose for confirmation.) This book keeps you going, I duel read as a physical book as well as an audio book and I finished it in little over a day! I highly suggest you go grab this book, this series it is sooooo underrated and under the radar. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSEeWBRSsR2aTwC8rDjAXkA twitter @scripturienting or on Facebook The Scripturient 101 and Follow me on instagram @scripturient  *I was sent a free Ebook for an honest review. Thank you to Fabi Ghittoni for this copy. This will not change my opinion on the book* The Elven Tales: The Company of the Rose By Fabi Ghittoni ebook, paperback, hardback Published February 2nd 2017 Rating: Didn't finish I go to 72/251 Synopsis: Prudence Clark lives a seemingly normal life in Cambridge with her best friend’s family. But a series of strange events compounded by a wave of kidnappings is about to turn everything she believed about her existence upside down. A brutal attack catapults her into a new reality – one that makes her the most important refugee of the Council of the Five Kingdoms. Now, she’s charged with the task of finding the King’s runes to stop Alanel, the most malicious and ruthless being, following his escape from prison. Alanel has declared war on the king of Arkana. Now, even more shocking truths come forth, exposing long-held secrets about Prudence’s past and her destiny. Her newfound knowledge will prompt her to embark on a treacherous journey to face dangerous beasts in the most inhospitable of places. But her journey will not be alone, she’ll be joined by the Company of the Rose, brave warriors that will fight by her side, and hopefully, lead to the retrieval of the runes before it’s too late. My Thoughts: I really tried with this book I did. But I couldn't get through it. I was given the book by Fabi Ghittoni on February 23, and I was really excited to read it. If you go to Ghittoni's instagram you see the beautiful cover everywhere. The cover design and interior design are amazing however I could not let that deter my opinion. So this story made me think of Narnia with the transpatation back and forth between a magical realm and Cambridge. I feel like I would have really enjoyed this more if I had a better grounding in the world, however we only saw bare bones details, or what we did were so repetitive I wanted to snap my phone. I never want to see the words "High arching" or "Lofting ceilings" again. I found the redundencies to grate on my nerves so much I had to keep putting the book down. One thing that I may have just grwn accustom to, but I found it hard to get past. There was no internal voice. I realize I only read 70 pages of the book, however, we only saw the charecter's thoughts once. Once! If you were transported to another world, and were told all these unbeliveable things you would be freaking out, nothing. The character really hated this character but she just said she did. I didn't really believe why they did? I never know what Prudance thought! It made it sooooo hard to get into it. Of what I read I felt like if it had a lot more editing it would have been really good so sadly I had to give this one a low rating. I hope in the future we can see better work form Ghittoni.  About the Author: Fabi Ghittoni is an Argentina-based attorney and writer. Since childhood she experienced love for literature and fiction (Greek mythology being her first catch). She is also an avid reader and bookstagrammer. She graduated from law school at the very young age of twenty two. After obtaining her degree she decided to pursue a writing career. The Elven Tales is her debut novel, and the first of a five book series for kids, young adults and fantasy readers. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSEeWBRSsR2aTwC8rDjAXkA
twitter @scripturienting or on Facebook The Scripturient 101 and Follow me on instagram @scripturient101 Hello Book Lovers,
A abig part of a book blogger or just any book lovers life is thier books. I rent a lot of books and audiobooks from my library but I also have a lot of books at my house. Slowly this break I will be updating my index of books under the tab "My Library" This week I added my vanity book shelf to my list. I am hoping to add some more to this list this christmas (Hey family, take note ;) ) But anyway this is just one of the four book shelves of books I have at home.... moving out is going to suck. I already have piles.... I hope I get a big apartment. This weeks update included: Dan Brown- The Lost Symbol Digital Fortress Orson Scott Card- Pathfinder P.C Cast- Chosen Marked Betrayed Chima- the warrior heir Clive cussler- Atlantis found Black Wind F.W Dixon- The Yellow Feather Mystery The Criss Cross Shadow Walter Farley- The Black Stallion Mystery S.L Farrell-A Magic of Nightfall Phillipa Gregory- the other Boleyn girl Frank Herbert- Children of Dune Stephan King- The Gunslinger Stephenie Myer- Breaking Dawn Sandell- Song of the Sparrow Harry Sidebottom- King of Kings: Warriors of Rome John Steinbeck- the short novels J.R.R Tolkien- The Hobbit Allan C. Weisbecker- In Search of Captain Zero Wyen- Dr. Frankenstein's Daughter |
Katelyn CostelloA lover of words, reading and writing. Archives
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