I think…. Okay I’ll just say it. this is the best contemporary romance I’ve read so far.
Okay yeah, maybe I haven’t read alotof them, but enough to know most of them struggle to even brush my standards.
Wanna know my standards?
Both love interests arelikable.
The girl doesn’tconstantly whine.
The girl isn’t such a *tough girl* that she has no emotions or cares about no one whatsoever (or there isn’t a character arc for her becoming a caring, etc. person).Truly, this critique applies to every book out there, and I’m especially looking at YOU, YA.
If it’s supposed to be funny,it makes me actually laugh
A plot that doesn’t revolve around MISCOMMUNICATION
Their chemistry is somagnificent,the writer doesn’t need a kiss to show it (there can still be a kiss, obviously, but it should reflect their emotional/personality compatibility… not create it)
(And my personal standards are it’s not spicy and doesn’t have incessant and/or flippant language)
So guess what: this book met those standards and exceeded them.
Hannah isfreaking awesome.She’s a martial artsqueen,she reads people’s body language like a book, she’s so smart at her job of being a bodyguard. She struggles with workaholism (but honestly.. this was relatable to me so Igotit) and forgiving other people and herself, but her character arc in this was sweetly done. She does care, though— and that’s what I like about her. The book starts after she’s just lost her mom and she goes through a breakup— and I think that was a well done way to start the story, as it showed Hannah is a woman whodoescare a lot, about people and relationships, and she’s not this cold-hearted bodyguard figure. Also- her inner monologue is SUPERB. Her wit is delicious, I eat it for breakfast.
And Jack…. ahhh just discover him yourself. his character subtly unfolds into someone beautifullll. I loved how Katherine Center gave him the personal conflict and internal struggles that she did, I think they played out well in the story.
Their chemistry is. So. Good. The BANTER. The LOL moments. The cute fights over little things. Also, I’ll just say… PIGGYBACK RIDES. Adorableeeee Also Jack’s mom and dad were incredible people, simply put.
Only objections:The external conflict (not the inner, emotional or relational conflict, but the one involving Jack’s threatener) was a little ridiculous… and honestly I was here for that, until the ending, when it was… Idk, it wasn’t bad it was just kind of odd how it played out. Like, it supposed to be dramatic or inspiring maybe, but instead it was just kind of ridiculous, so I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to take it seriously.
But, it did not affect my opinion of the romance or dim the entire book. The resolution was sooo sweet, and the last words were yes, a little cheesy, but also so beautiful and I was here for it.
This is a little more than just a romance. Its themes weren’t anything profound… but they were there, as a simple and straightforward reminder. This is about losing love, finding love, defining love. Love is forgiving the people who ask for it, and forgiving yourself. Love is not about looks or fake or money. Love is in the little things, the smile lines, the worry creases, the stupid jokes, the peaceful walks. Even if Center didn’t attribute this kind of love to a reflection of God’s love, this book truly does grasp and reflect at beautiful love as much as it can.
In short:I devoured it. It warmed me from the inside out. It was freaking adorable without being cringey, and romantic without beingsteamy.I laughed more than I remember laughing at a book for a long time… and Imight’veshed a few tears too.
If this sounds like something YOU want to read, please pick this book up right now...more
update, reflecting back: not as memorable asthe Bodyguard,and one of my main memories is main character was tooupdate: why is Wes exactly my type:)
update, reflecting back: not as memorable asthe Bodyguard,and one of my main memories is main character was too whiney. 4 STARS. Still good though, I think.
_____ original review:
can we all agree:contemporary romance never fails to disappoint 89% of the time.
but this book.... IT ACTUALLY DID IT RIGHT. ______
4.7 STARS ••••••• -- JUST ADORABLE ✅.The cringey, the sweet, the heartwarming, the frustrating, and the beautiful. All of it was here and it stirred into a pot of cuteness and warmth i don't want to forget the feeling of...more
update: this was back when I just threw out five stars. this is a solid four because of how it’s lived in my mind as time has passed: as a solid bookupdate: this was back when I just threw out five stars. this is a solid four because of how it’s lived in my mind as time has passed: as a solid book I recommend but not at five star divinity.
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“Monsters were nothing. The true terrors were people like me— the ones who saw suffering, who heard the screams of a hundred generations echoing for miles around them— and still did nothing.” (p. 347)
ok woah it ACTUALLY lived up to review hype *is extremely shocked*
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4.5 STARS
This book gave me all of the things I love about fantasy — world building, different societies, magic, characters thrown into life and death situations, a dabble of romance — while feeling so seamless and fresh and entirelyits own.
SETTING/WORLDBUILDING: I wouldn’t describe it as a fantasy that felt so wholly unlike anything else (such as Nevermoor or a Wrinkle in Time, perhaps, which are built upon quirkiness), but that made this world have a sense of timelessness. It’s structured very much likeHunger Games,with 12 different realms ((view spoiler)[ and an outcast 13th realm(hide spoiler)]), with one realm being the center hub of it all, Aristar, bearing the most power. Unlike it, though, realms have less inherent social hierarchy except in Aristar (which are led by blood heirs), and are inspired by different cultures. The transportation reminded me ofKeeper of the Lost Cities,which uses crystals to travel; instead people in this world travel to different realms by “lodestones,” which have the negative effect of making one want to vomit after use, thus it cannot be used multiple times in a row without serious consequences (brilliant job by Ifueko—consequences!!!).
The world is very much intwined with a spirit world and spiritual/demonic beings, as well as sprites, and genie-like being ehrus (I think that’s how it’s spelled?) who must fulfill the first three commands they are given. Every year, this world sacrifices “specially born” people, who are only born in onespecificrealm (I say this vaguely so not to diffuse the enjoyment of discovering the details of the book by yourself) in order to preserve a treaty with the spirit world so they won’t devour them in war.
PLOT: I loved the plot of this book, can Ijustsay. It begins with the personal conflict of Tarisai, at this time a young child (8 years old? I forget) who is commanded by her manipulative mother (but whom she loves nonetheless) to kill the same-aged crown prince of Aristar, Ekundayo. She must first, though, travel to Aristar and be chosen as one of his council — which occurs by the test of the “Ray,” a magical power born to heirs of the empire and of the Kunleo family; a person can only accept the Ray and join the council if they truly love the Raybearer, who is Ekundayo in this case. This is becauseonly the council of the Raybearer/crown prince(formed of 12 people from each realm, including the prince)can kill the Raybearer.
Then, as the book progresses, the plot morphs into more political intrigue and societal, save-the-world and fight-for-justice kind of thing — which I loved. Our protagonist is convicted of the flaws in her world that have devastating consequences — and everyone else accepts them. So on top of personal conflict, she must also decide what justice is, and whether she will and can fight for it.
The plot connects to the second book, while also having its own plot in the first book with a satisfying conclusion.
>>>Romance.I’ll just say two things about this. 1) It is not necessarily the first thing you might predict or assume from reading the plot synopsis, don’t worry there. 2) I was SO surprised by how wholesome the main relationship is. So many books emphasize the steam, but this relationship was so much more about support and compassion and all that loveREALLYis (though, steam did follow in the second book and some of it was unnecessarily suggestive… but oh well).
CHARACTERS: Tarisai is definitely my favorite character (and she develops even better in the second book!), and that’s saying something, since I usually despise main characters because they’re crackers and water —- dry and watery, since it’s much easier for an author to use their POV that way. But through the emotional longing of finding new family and the simultaneous longing to stay true to her blood family, I was immediately attached to Tarisai’s journey. Then, she (especially in the second book) is placed in situations where she must stand firm in the things she truly believes, even when the entire WORLD— and worse, all her FRIENDS— tell her to do something otherwise. She is a brave and fierce heroine while also being full of love and compassion — tell me, how rare is that to find nowadays?
The side characters are notobsessive-able,but they brought significance to the story. I love Tarisai’s guy relationships, they are a great example of how healthy guy-girl relationships can be. I also love her bestie relationships with Kirah — they are so supportive of one each other while also having a fun ride (but I was disappointed that their friendship was basically non-existent the second book???). The CHARACTER ARCS are so well-developed, especially Tarisai’s, and that only cements more in the second book.
WRITING: Literally perfect for the story. Illustrious without weighing down in description, flowing in narrative, and setting the tone beautifully.
THEMES: And finally, the themes. These are POWERFUL, my friends. Searching for new family and family healing; desiring belonging; seeking purpose and meaning; discovering what love truly is; deciphering what justice is and standing up for what you believe; leadership— just to name a few.These themes are what cementRaybeareras resonant and unforgettable. ______
So why did I knock off half a star?
Right now it doesn’t have the je ne se quois, I suppose, and I have to marinate on it a little further. But it’s almost there.
_______
CW // Sexual content (references and brief scenes), blood, death, verbal child abuse....more
How do you reviewHarry Potter,the ruler of all fantasy series???
(and, okay yeah, probably ALL book series in general. My special snowflake syndrHow do you reviewHarry Potter,the ruler of all fantasy series???
(and, okay yeah, probably ALL book series in general. My special snowflake syndrome struggles with loving the same books everyone else in the entire world does— but I really cannot deny it. This book series is amazing. That’s it. Done.)
Anyways— answer is:You don’t review Harry Potter. At least I won’t. I’ll just leave the long, extensive rants to the rare oddballs who dislike Harry Potter and this is the only outlet they can get their words out on.
Go ahead. Release your words. You are subject to your own opinions, and such opinions are so far out and ineffective to my life that I don’t care.
For one of you, there are a thousand HP fans giving a five-four star rating. It’s just facts.:)
Exactly the book I wanted to read right now, and a marvelous follow-up to Alice In Wonderland.Review to follow.
TW // Fatphobia/sizeism & e4 STARS
Exactly the book I wanted to read right now, and a marvelous follow-up to Alice In Wonderland.Review to follow.
TW // Fatphobia/sizeism & eating disorders (MC likes to eat, but her mother calls her name based on size and stops her from eating multiple times), otherwise mild mental parent abuse. CW // Death (moderate), mentions of "undergarments" (mild)...more
YAY, I LOVED IT JUST AS MUCH AS THE FIRST TIME— IF NOT MORE!!
This book is a brilliant concoction ofHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’s plot (if itYAY, I LOVED IT JUST AS MUCH AS THE FIRST TIME— IF NOT MORE!!
This book is a brilliant concoction ofHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’s plot (if it was lighter hearted),Alice in Wonderland’s world (if it was a little more structured), a little bit ofMary Poppins’curiousness, and a little bit ofStar Wars’magic (The Forcevibes) — with characters blended from each of those — while still being its own fresh and exciting story.If that doesn’t sound like a fantastically fun story to you, I don’t know what is.
I want desperately to be transported to this new, magical city of Nevermoor; to stay at the eccentrically welcoming Hotel Deucalion; to get my own unique knack and be tested in the adventurous Trials to join the Wunder Society. I want to celebrate Christmas for a whole month there, and see Saint Nick and the Yule Queen have a “face off.” And I certainly want to float off a roof with my own magical umbrella (that’s the Mary Poppins part for you).
I want desperately to become friends with Jupiter North — wild, adventurous, sarcastic, and brilliant — who I have to say is myfavoritementor figure I’ve ever encountered (yes. I mean it. More than Dumbledore). I want to ride on Fenestra the sarcastic talking cat’s back, I want adorable Hawthorne to teach me how to ride dragons, and I want to hang out with stubborn and rebellious Morrigan as she discovers this Wunderous world.
I highly recommend this book if you want an absolutely fun and adventurous ride into an engrossing new world, with distinct characters, charming magic, and an exciting plot that unravels a deep secret behind the world… and a notorious villain — all told through Jessica Townsend’s flowing and merry writing style.
This book awakened the childlike side of me and I don’t want it to go away! ON TO THE SEQUEL!!!...more
The writing is SOOOOOOOO dry. I mean, it’s parched. It’s thirsty. It’s dead. (There a gazillion things wrong with this book.
It’s basic. It’s cliche.
The writing is SOOOOOOOO dry. I mean, it’s parched. It’s thirsty. It’s dead. (Save for the very few, well-placed but still quite unoriginal declarations of romantic feelings). but you get it. It’s done. Kaput.
The political intrigue, world building, the whole caste system… it was kinda interesting, but the more and more I think about it, the more and more that this book is like Hunger Games. With a MUCH better ending (IMHO), but to be fair this book failed much more at “political intrigue” and so it didn’t even try to go to the lengths that HG did.
Anyways…All the girls are kindaunbearablein this book. That does resolve in the later books, but it took some pain to get there.
America is nice sometimes because I tend to like “fiery girls who are protective of their family”, but she was bogged down by her annoying, self-pitying tendencies.
The entire plot of this series revolves around America “unsure of her feelings.” She must choose between one of two boys in the LoVE tRiAngLe— and, as all love triangles go,the choice was clear of which boy she should choose from the very beginning.
BUT LISTEN…. When I read this book years ago, I was 12ish years old.And I was obsessed.Granted, it was probably the first *official* romance book I’ve ever read… but I clearly remember how real, and deliciously banter-y, and and swoon-y and sweet the relationship was in this book.
And..that boy,(view spoiler)[Maxon(hide spoiler)](it’s not rlly a spoiler, we all know it, but just to be safe),boy do I love that boy.He’s my book boyfriend and I want to marry him.
THE CONCLUSION? No, I’m not blind. This book is by NO MEANS a masterpiece. And it is for sure much more appealing to fresh young tweens just beginning to dip their toes in YA. But you might just find it to be an easy escape into a sweet and fun and emotional, but well-ending romance story (plus: just know The One is the best book in the trilogy:))....more
I don’t think this book or series is anything special or deep or intricately plotted or has a fantastic ending—which is usually what I go for. Don’t eI don’t think this book or series is anything special or deep or intricately plotted or has a fantastic ending—which is usually what I go for. Don’t expect an incredible mystery, or impressive puzzles, or a once in a lifetime romance. What I found in this book though is afun time,especially with the Knives Out vibes and the Hawthorne Brothers being characters you can really get attached to. If you need something to get you out of your reading slump, this series is it; I ripped through these books. I would rate it lower…but I do enjoy myself with these books so that’s that....more
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