The Assassin's Blade
Sarah J. Maas
Title: The Assassin's Blade
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Genre/Age Group: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy Fiction
Format: Paperback (435)
Source: Purchased
Synopsis
Celaena Sardothien is her kingdom's most feared assassin. Though she works for the powerful and ruthless Assassin's Guild, Celaena yields to no one and trusts only her fellow killer for hire, Sam.
When Celaena's scheming master, Arobynn Hamel, dispatches her on missions that take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, she finds herself acting independently of his wishes-and questioning her own allegiance. Along the way, she makes friends and enemies alike, and discovers that she feels far more for Sam than just friendship. But by defying Arobynn's orders, Celaena risks unimaginable punishment, and with Sam by her side, he is in danger, too. They will have to risk it all if they hope to escape Arobynn's clutches-and if they fail, they'll lose not just a chance at freedom, but their lives . . .
A prequel to Throne of Glass, this collection of five novellas offers readers a deeper look into the history of this cunning assassin and her enthralling-and deadly-world.
Source: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/the-assassins-blade-9781619632219/
Review
Disclaimer: I apologize for the quick and excessive switches between Spoilers and Non-Spoiler Zones. I just wouldn’t want anyone to be spoiled because I have been so many times, and it can ruin one’s reading experience.
Abbreviations
Throne of Glass: TOG
The Assassin’s Blade: TAB
Before I read Throne of Glass (book review coming soon), I read The Assassin’s Blade. And yes, it is a prequel to the TOG series.
Personally, I believe that if I hadn’t read it in that order, I would not have enjoyed TOG that much. I’m the type of reader that does not like to be left in the dark about certain characters or events that happened before the first book if that makes sense. Knowing about Celeana’s past truly made me love her and allowed me to understand her way about handling things. Plus, knowing the exact situations that are referred throughout TOG, is good knowledge to have.
(Spoilers Ahead)
Sam, for example, was a major part of Celeana’s life before she was sent to the atrocity that is Endovier. He really shaped her into the person that we see in TOG.
After reading TOG, I can confidently say that if I hadn’t read TAB, so many questions would have been on my mind, all throughout the book. And not just ones that you’re not necessarily supposed to know the answer to yet, but ones that are crucial to apprehending, such as Arobrynn Hamel. Multiple times he is referenced in TOG, and if you don’t know who he is and what he did to Celeana to cause her to be sentenced to Endovier, then, in my opinion, you are lost. Because just like Sam, he was very important for Celeana’s character development.
Though I will say that TAB was released after TOG, so many readers didn’t have that background information, but still thoroughly enjoyed it. Therefore, I think it all depends on preference.
But moving on from that, let’s talk about the actual book.
Since TAB is the first Sarah J. Maas book I’ve ever read, I must admit that I’m impressed. The setting is just beyond incredible, with the remarkable descriptions and her style of writing. Also, I don’t believe that I’ve ever read a book that is narrated instead of the first person, just simply because I hadn’t stumbled upon any. I didn’t even know that I would love it so much, either. The words just seem more free and effortless as I read them. Sarah J. Maas has officially made me a fan of narration, not just in other works but also in my own writing.
Switching over to characters, I’d like to mention that Celeana is by far my favorite character (at least in TAB & TOG). She is so furiously strong, complex, and overall, an awesome female character. More often than not, readers---including myself, will dislike the main female character due to the negative manners the author makes of her. Of course, all characters regardless of gender possess unfavorable traits, but she still somehow persists to be inspiring and compelling. I’m just awestruck at how well Sarah can write female characters.
(Spoilers Ahead)
Lastly, if I were to choose a favorite part out of TAB, it would no doubt be The Assassin and The Pirate Lord, because of the Celeana and Sam dynamic, prior to their relationship. Plus, the portrayal of the pirates and Skull’s Bay is just so entertaining to read.
I also really enjoyed the scene when Ansel and Celeana had just stolen a couple of Asterion horses. It was so wonderfully descriptive and beautiful in the Red Desert. (click here to see the scene: https://jngodfrey.weebly.com/fan-art.html)
(Non-Spoiler Zone)
If you are a lover of fantasy I would go collect The Assassin’s Blade as soon as possible, because it truly is worth reading. I can’t wait to explore more of the Throne of Glass world, as I have just finished the fourth book in the series: Heir of Fire. So far, I am absolutely obsessed.
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Genre/Age Group: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy Fiction
Format: Paperback (435)
Source: Purchased
Synopsis
Celaena Sardothien is her kingdom's most feared assassin. Though she works for the powerful and ruthless Assassin's Guild, Celaena yields to no one and trusts only her fellow killer for hire, Sam.
When Celaena's scheming master, Arobynn Hamel, dispatches her on missions that take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, she finds herself acting independently of his wishes-and questioning her own allegiance. Along the way, she makes friends and enemies alike, and discovers that she feels far more for Sam than just friendship. But by defying Arobynn's orders, Celaena risks unimaginable punishment, and with Sam by her side, he is in danger, too. They will have to risk it all if they hope to escape Arobynn's clutches-and if they fail, they'll lose not just a chance at freedom, but their lives . . .
A prequel to Throne of Glass, this collection of five novellas offers readers a deeper look into the history of this cunning assassin and her enthralling-and deadly-world.
Source: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/the-assassins-blade-9781619632219/
Review
Disclaimer: I apologize for the quick and excessive switches between Spoilers and Non-Spoiler Zones. I just wouldn’t want anyone to be spoiled because I have been so many times, and it can ruin one’s reading experience.
Abbreviations
Throne of Glass: TOG
The Assassin’s Blade: TAB
Before I read Throne of Glass (book review coming soon), I read The Assassin’s Blade. And yes, it is a prequel to the TOG series.
Personally, I believe that if I hadn’t read it in that order, I would not have enjoyed TOG that much. I’m the type of reader that does not like to be left in the dark about certain characters or events that happened before the first book if that makes sense. Knowing about Celeana’s past truly made me love her and allowed me to understand her way about handling things. Plus, knowing the exact situations that are referred throughout TOG, is good knowledge to have.
(Spoilers Ahead)
Sam, for example, was a major part of Celeana’s life before she was sent to the atrocity that is Endovier. He really shaped her into the person that we see in TOG.
After reading TOG, I can confidently say that if I hadn’t read TAB, so many questions would have been on my mind, all throughout the book. And not just ones that you’re not necessarily supposed to know the answer to yet, but ones that are crucial to apprehending, such as Arobrynn Hamel. Multiple times he is referenced in TOG, and if you don’t know who he is and what he did to Celeana to cause her to be sentenced to Endovier, then, in my opinion, you are lost. Because just like Sam, he was very important for Celeana’s character development.
Though I will say that TAB was released after TOG, so many readers didn’t have that background information, but still thoroughly enjoyed it. Therefore, I think it all depends on preference.
But moving on from that, let’s talk about the actual book.
Since TAB is the first Sarah J. Maas book I’ve ever read, I must admit that I’m impressed. The setting is just beyond incredible, with the remarkable descriptions and her style of writing. Also, I don’t believe that I’ve ever read a book that is narrated instead of the first person, just simply because I hadn’t stumbled upon any. I didn’t even know that I would love it so much, either. The words just seem more free and effortless as I read them. Sarah J. Maas has officially made me a fan of narration, not just in other works but also in my own writing.
Switching over to characters, I’d like to mention that Celeana is by far my favorite character (at least in TAB & TOG). She is so furiously strong, complex, and overall, an awesome female character. More often than not, readers---including myself, will dislike the main female character due to the negative manners the author makes of her. Of course, all characters regardless of gender possess unfavorable traits, but she still somehow persists to be inspiring and compelling. I’m just awestruck at how well Sarah can write female characters.
(Spoilers Ahead)
Lastly, if I were to choose a favorite part out of TAB, it would no doubt be The Assassin and The Pirate Lord, because of the Celeana and Sam dynamic, prior to their relationship. Plus, the portrayal of the pirates and Skull’s Bay is just so entertaining to read.
I also really enjoyed the scene when Ansel and Celeana had just stolen a couple of Asterion horses. It was so wonderfully descriptive and beautiful in the Red Desert. (click here to see the scene: https://jngodfrey.weebly.com/fan-art.html)
(Non-Spoiler Zone)
If you are a lover of fantasy I would go collect The Assassin’s Blade as soon as possible, because it truly is worth reading. I can’t wait to explore more of the Throne of Glass world, as I have just finished the fourth book in the series: Heir of Fire. So far, I am absolutely obsessed.
Warcross and Wildcard (series)
Marie Lu
Title: Warcross/Wildcard
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons
Release Date: September 12, 2017/September 18, 2018
Genre/Age Group: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Format: Hardcover (368)/(352)
Source: Purchased
Synopsis
(Warcross)
Set in the near future, where a game called Warcross has taken the world by storm, Warcross tells the story of Emika Chen, an eighteen-year old bounty hunter struggling to get by in New York City. When Hideo Tanaka, the enigmatic young billionaire creator of Warcross, suddenly contacts her one day with an offer she can't turn down, she's whisked away into a world beyond her wildest dreams. But every dream has a price. Can she survive the dangerous path this hunt will take her?
(Wildcard)
Emika Chen barely made it out of the Warcross Championships alive. Now that she knows the truth behind Hideo’s new NeuroLink algorithm, she can no longer trust the one person she’s always looked up to, who she once thought was on her side.
Determined to put a stop to Hideo’s grim plans, Emika and the Phoenix Riders band together, only to find a new threat lurking on the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. Someone’s put a bounty on Emika’s head, and her sole chance for survival lies with Zero and the Blackcoats, his ruthless crew. But Emika soon learns that Zero isn’t all that he seems—and his protection comes at a price.
Caught in a web of betrayal, with the future of free will at risk, just how far will Emika go to take down the man she loves?
Source: http://onetrueportal.com/marielu/books
Review
Marie Lu is one of the first authors that lead me to not only love, but appreciate reading. Her unique writing style is incomparable to other authors, as well as her stories. With each series she writes, the worlds are remarkably complex and compelling to not only read but to envision. And the Warcross series is no exception.
When I first started reading Warcross, I was and still am fascinated by its creation. Not only with the virtual reality competition, but also its world. How Marie Lu can vividly describe an area of a nonexistent world in both ours but also the characters, is beyond me.
The annual Warcross competition is exciting, active, and most of all...creative. I find the power ups to be most interesting due to their individual strengths and how the players intend to use them. The virtual reality is entertaining because of the compelling details such as the black market within the "dark web" of Warcross. It is clearly in relation to our reality, accept much more amusing, which allows the readers feel connected to a familiar but different world. In fact, I would not be surprised if our reality might some day be transformed into one such as Warcross.
To begin with character analysis, I would like to point out that I am stoked to see more characters with an Asian ethnicity. A few who were not only my favorite to read but to truly understand are Emika Chen, Hideo Tanaka, and Sasuke Tanaka (AKA Zero). Though, if I were to pick one out of the three, it would have to be Hideo, simply due to his good looks, traits, and character development. But Emika also had her fair share of growth, as well. Not to mention the shocking, unexpected plot twist in relation to Sasuke.
With that said, there is one critique I'd like to share.
Like I've said before, the world of Warcross is massive and multifarious. Therefore, I believe there could have been more than just two books in the series. But at the end of the day, it is the author's story, no matter what other opinions there are. Only Marie Lu can determine what will work best for her plot.
Overall, Warcross and Wildcard were both electrifying and fast-faced, making it very hard to put them down. I love the relationships between the characters, especially the teammates, and all that the competition has to offer, including the hackers who happen to be villains. The neon aesthetic throughout the series is also an attribute I must call attention to, as well. It creates a fun and dramatic atmosphere that truly sets the story.
I highly recommend reading this series if you are a lover of Si-Fi, action, or even romance!
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons
Release Date: September 12, 2017/September 18, 2018
Genre/Age Group: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Format: Hardcover (368)/(352)
Source: Purchased
Synopsis
(Warcross)
Set in the near future, where a game called Warcross has taken the world by storm, Warcross tells the story of Emika Chen, an eighteen-year old bounty hunter struggling to get by in New York City. When Hideo Tanaka, the enigmatic young billionaire creator of Warcross, suddenly contacts her one day with an offer she can't turn down, she's whisked away into a world beyond her wildest dreams. But every dream has a price. Can she survive the dangerous path this hunt will take her?
(Wildcard)
Emika Chen barely made it out of the Warcross Championships alive. Now that she knows the truth behind Hideo’s new NeuroLink algorithm, she can no longer trust the one person she’s always looked up to, who she once thought was on her side.
Determined to put a stop to Hideo’s grim plans, Emika and the Phoenix Riders band together, only to find a new threat lurking on the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. Someone’s put a bounty on Emika’s head, and her sole chance for survival lies with Zero and the Blackcoats, his ruthless crew. But Emika soon learns that Zero isn’t all that he seems—and his protection comes at a price.
Caught in a web of betrayal, with the future of free will at risk, just how far will Emika go to take down the man she loves?
Source: http://onetrueportal.com/marielu/books
Review
Marie Lu is one of the first authors that lead me to not only love, but appreciate reading. Her unique writing style is incomparable to other authors, as well as her stories. With each series she writes, the worlds are remarkably complex and compelling to not only read but to envision. And the Warcross series is no exception.
When I first started reading Warcross, I was and still am fascinated by its creation. Not only with the virtual reality competition, but also its world. How Marie Lu can vividly describe an area of a nonexistent world in both ours but also the characters, is beyond me.
The annual Warcross competition is exciting, active, and most of all...creative. I find the power ups to be most interesting due to their individual strengths and how the players intend to use them. The virtual reality is entertaining because of the compelling details such as the black market within the "dark web" of Warcross. It is clearly in relation to our reality, accept much more amusing, which allows the readers feel connected to a familiar but different world. In fact, I would not be surprised if our reality might some day be transformed into one such as Warcross.
To begin with character analysis, I would like to point out that I am stoked to see more characters with an Asian ethnicity. A few who were not only my favorite to read but to truly understand are Emika Chen, Hideo Tanaka, and Sasuke Tanaka (AKA Zero). Though, if I were to pick one out of the three, it would have to be Hideo, simply due to his good looks, traits, and character development. But Emika also had her fair share of growth, as well. Not to mention the shocking, unexpected plot twist in relation to Sasuke.
With that said, there is one critique I'd like to share.
Like I've said before, the world of Warcross is massive and multifarious. Therefore, I believe there could have been more than just two books in the series. But at the end of the day, it is the author's story, no matter what other opinions there are. Only Marie Lu can determine what will work best for her plot.
Overall, Warcross and Wildcard were both electrifying and fast-faced, making it very hard to put them down. I love the relationships between the characters, especially the teammates, and all that the competition has to offer, including the hackers who happen to be villains. The neon aesthetic throughout the series is also an attribute I must call attention to, as well. It creates a fun and dramatic atmosphere that truly sets the story.
I highly recommend reading this series if you are a lover of Si-Fi, action, or even romance!
Turtles All the Way Down
John Green
Title: Turtles All the Way Down
Author: John Green
Publisher: Dutton Penguin
Release Date: 10 October 2017
Genre/Age Group: Young Adult, Fiction
Format: Hardcover (286 pages)
Source: Library
Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis.
Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts.
Source: http://www.johngreenbooks.com/books
Review
One of the many extraordinary novels John Green has written, if I do say so myself.
The characters are so individually unique and profound that it’s hard to choose a favorite. Each one has a backstory that ties in with present time, which further progresses the plot. Aza, for example, deals with many struggles throughout the book, some she overcomes, some she doesn’t. To me, that is very accurate, pertaining to a non-fictional world, such as ours. On multiple occasions, Aza clearly states her feeling towards a theme that one cannot simply forget a negative trait, that it takes time. I have read a countless number of books that often portrayed a problem in the main character’s life, and have it suddenly disappeared all because of one’s own thinking, which is unrealistic and misleading to readers. It teaches people that mental illness isn’t a disease of the brain, but a disease of the mind, (yes, they are different), which is not the case.
That is why I appreciate and LOVE Turtles All the Way Down. It is so unmistakably true, not matter how unpleasant some of the circumstances may be. I believe that anyone who reads the book can benefit from it in some way. Whether you are dealing with mental illness or have dealt with mental illness, you might relate to Aza. Or, if you have no idea what it’s like to experience that, you can learn from it.
(Warning: Below contain some spoilers)
Not to mention the story itself is very interesting and heartfelt. John Green writes effortlessly, no matter the topic on the page. It could be just Aza and Daisy chatting about Fanfiction, or Davis and Aza sharing a moment, but both are entertaining and thought-provoking.
Lastly, I don’t want it to seem as though the book is just about mental illness, because it’s not. That is simply the theme it centers around. It also includes crime, mystery, and a little bit of romance.
Author: John Green
Publisher: Dutton Penguin
Release Date: 10 October 2017
Genre/Age Group: Young Adult, Fiction
Format: Hardcover (286 pages)
Source: Library
Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis.
Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts.
Source: http://www.johngreenbooks.com/books
Review
One of the many extraordinary novels John Green has written, if I do say so myself.
The characters are so individually unique and profound that it’s hard to choose a favorite. Each one has a backstory that ties in with present time, which further progresses the plot. Aza, for example, deals with many struggles throughout the book, some she overcomes, some she doesn’t. To me, that is very accurate, pertaining to a non-fictional world, such as ours. On multiple occasions, Aza clearly states her feeling towards a theme that one cannot simply forget a negative trait, that it takes time. I have read a countless number of books that often portrayed a problem in the main character’s life, and have it suddenly disappeared all because of one’s own thinking, which is unrealistic and misleading to readers. It teaches people that mental illness isn’t a disease of the brain, but a disease of the mind, (yes, they are different), which is not the case.
That is why I appreciate and LOVE Turtles All the Way Down. It is so unmistakably true, not matter how unpleasant some of the circumstances may be. I believe that anyone who reads the book can benefit from it in some way. Whether you are dealing with mental illness or have dealt with mental illness, you might relate to Aza. Or, if you have no idea what it’s like to experience that, you can learn from it.
(Warning: Below contain some spoilers)
Not to mention the story itself is very interesting and heartfelt. John Green writes effortlessly, no matter the topic on the page. It could be just Aza and Daisy chatting about Fanfiction, or Davis and Aza sharing a moment, but both are entertaining and thought-provoking.
Lastly, I don’t want it to seem as though the book is just about mental illness, because it’s not. That is simply the theme it centers around. It also includes crime, mystery, and a little bit of romance.