I had such a great time reading this book! The concept of the story is one that I find to be very fresh and original, and it doesn't suffer from too mI had such a great time reading this book! The concept of the story is one that I find to be very fresh and original, and it doesn't suffer from too many overused tropes. I also loved that it's the main character's friend, not the main character herself, who gets a quest, because so often in fantasy books, the main character is the special one who has all these incredible powers and needs to save the world. This book doesn't have that and is truly an enjoyable read. The characters feel so real, and I already love them. After finishing this book, I keep wondering two things: 1. Why does it have less than 3000 ratings? 2. Why the heck did I have this on my want-to-read list for almost FOUR YEARS?????...more
What a fun book! I truly loved every moment of it. I've been wanting to read more historical fiction set in the early modern period because most of whWhat a fun book! I truly loved every moment of it. I've been wanting to read more historical fiction set in the early modern period because most of what I've read from that genre is either set in modern or late medieval times. This book takes place in London in 1665, during the reign of Charles II. For those who don't know, his father, Charles I was killed in the English Civil War and the monarchy was overthrown. There was a period of parliamentary rule from 1649-1660, after which the monarchy was re-established. The book also made references to historical details like holidays and the conflict between the Anglicans and the Puritans which I quite enjoyed reading about. Another thing that I loved seeing is the way that Christianity is portrayed. Many historical fiction books set in majority Christian countries have tried to minimize the aspect of religion, something I find quite unfortunate and honestly irritating. However, here there are mentions of prayer, God, the church, famous theologians, and the Bible without being overly preachy to readers. Overall, it feels authentic to the time period and does not try to write modern characters in the past. For those who love a fun middle-grade fantasy mystery series filled with action and enjoyable characters, this is a must-read....more
I accidentally discovered this series while searching on Amazon for another book and immediately knew that I had to read it. There aren't many middle-I accidentally discovered this series while searching on Amazon for another book and immediately knew that I had to read it. There aren't many middle-grade historical fiction books set in ancient times, and it's something that I want to read more of. The story takes place in Thebes during the second intermediate period and I found it quite interesting that the book is inspired by a real scroll from ancient Egypt. One thing that annoyed me is that the king is repeatedly called "Pharaoh" even though that title was not used until the 18th dynasty. He is also never named but must have been from either the 16th or 17th dynasties. Aside from those issues, I found the book to be quite enjoyable and am excited to continue with the series....more
I had such a fun time reading this young adult contemporary retelling of the biblical book of Daniel, which is my second-favourite Bible book. There aI had such a fun time reading this young adult contemporary retelling of the biblical book of Daniel, which is my second-favourite Bible book. There are so many jokes and references in here that only a certain group of people will get, but since I happen to be in that group, I found myself laughing out loud at numerous places throughout the novel. It's a funny and chaotic high school story with characters based on people from the Bible and lots of arson. I can't wait to read the next one!...more
This was the funny escape I needed now! I had a great time with it, though I found myself wishing I had read it as a child. Already reading the secondThis was the funny escape I needed now! I had a great time with it, though I found myself wishing I had read it as a child. Already reading the second book!...more
This book was truly a delight to read. I haven't read very many books about music, and it's something I want to do more of. There are so many similariThis book was truly a delight to read. I haven't read very many books about music, and it's something I want to do more of. There are so many similarities that this book has with my favourite series, Keeper of the Lost Cities. Many things that happened were predictable but there were a few things that I wasn't expecting. The city of elves feels so real and the characters are great, even if there is a bit of a love triangle....more
This book was such a fun way to learn about Chinese history! That has been something that I've wanted to get more into for a while, but never really pThis book was such a fun way to learn about Chinese history! That has been something that I've wanted to get more into for a while, but never really put in the time until now. I'm so excited for the next book, as I'm always up for another middle-grade fantasy series....more
This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations. It is definitely aimed at an older audienceThis was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations. It is definitely aimed at an older audience than Marissa Meyer's other books. There was a mix of expected twists and some that I didn't see coming. The mc is not a very likable character, being a notorious liar, and there were times I was so annoyed with her. I did enjoy reading it and will read the next book when it comes out....more
I was a bit hesitant going into this book (and still am for the rest of the series) considering some of the other young-adult fantasy series I've readI was a bit hesitant going into this book (and still am for the rest of the series) considering some of the other young-adult fantasy series I've read and didn't like. Overall, the first book was enjoyable. Zofia was my favourite character, as it's not common to see autistic characters in fantasy/historical fiction and I could relate to her so much. I also quite liked Enrique and his knowledge of history (something that I am fascinated by) and the way that his relationship with Zofia grew over the course of this book. Despite my harsh criticisms about many fantasy romances, I quite like them together especially given the reference to them possibly being Mini's great-great-great grandparents in the Pandava series. Severin's and Laila's relationship, however, is another story. To put it simply, I don't like either of them and I certainly don't like them together. I really want to love this series, given the high potential I've seen so far, but I'm not going to get my hopes too high....more
I am officially in love with this book. It is certainly the best one I have read so far this year and I am questioning why I put off reading it for soI am officially in love with this book. It is certainly the best one I have read so far this year and I am questioning why I put off reading it for so long. Now I need to devour the next book because it seems like reading Mistborn is the only thing I want to do anymore. Read my spoiler-free reviews of each book in the series on my blog...more
Ever since I started researching biblical archaeology, I've also developed an interest in the history of ancient civilizations mentioned in the Bible.Ever since I started researching biblical archaeology, I've also developed an interest in the history of ancient civilizations mentioned in the Bible. One of these has been Mesopotamian history since the mighty empires of Assyria and Babylon are mentioned several times throughout the Bible. Not even joking, I was literally providing a commentary on the copyright page when I found out that Digital Hammurabi had provided the cuneiform script and that Stephanie Dalley's translation of the Epic of Gilgamesh (which I am planning on reading very soon, I promise!) was used in the book. This stuff probably means absolutely nothing to the vast majority of people, but not everyone has an archaeology obsession. Anyways, I loved the book and I really want to keep learning more about ancient Mesopotamian history and mythology....more
It's been several months, but I've finally picked up another Rick Riordan Presents book. This was such a fun story filled with humour, action, and lovIt's been several months, but I've finally picked up another Rick Riordan Presents book. This was such a fun story filled with humour, action, and lovable characters. I found myself laughing at Zane's awkwardness more than once and finding him relatable, especially his being disabled and a social outcast. The Maya mythology aspect of the book was quite interesting for a history nerd like me who is always looking to learn more about random and obscure topics. I'm totally ready to continue with the series and learn lots along the way!...more
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