June Book Review: A Vow that Twisted Fate Written by Katherine D. Graham

Monday, July 5, 2021

 




June Indie Book Review: 

The Vow that Twisted Fate by Katherine D. Graham


    (Hello reader! If you are new to my blog, hello and welcome. My name is Amanda the "Book Witch". I am a firm believer that reading is magic and since I tend to read often...I naturally coined the name for myself. I have decided to start reviewing Children's books and YA.  I am moving away from Romance books and really adult topics for the time being. I want this blog to be a safe place for those young readers out there who love the same magic that I love in a story. I welcome any motivational books/self help books, children's books ages 8-12, Children's picture books ages 4-8, and YA Books/fantasy/thriller. I hope to be a light in the darkness for all of those who love to read as I do. No matter your age. You are welcome here, with me. The Book Witch. Now let's get on with the review shall we?-A. Book Witch)



Afternoon my beautiful people. It has been a while since I have given you a decent book review. I went through a small reading slump and just couldn't seem to bring myself to read anything of substance. I knew I promised to review a book before July and so I decided to open the book and give it a try. Before I knew it the story drew me in and I read the book in less than three days time. It has been a very long time since I have been this excited about a book. I literally looked forward to opening it up and seeing what happened next.  I did not get as excited about A Court of Thorn and Roses as I did with this new book by Katherine D. Graham, The Vow that Twisted Fate.  I want to explain to you why this story captivated me in as much detail that I can give you WITHOUT spoilers. 

I became involved with the characters she built in the story as they were each given enough love and attention as they deserved. I am more of a reader that is character driven rather than plot driven. If you can build strong characters that I can understand, I will more than likely be interested in sticking with the story until it is done. The Vow That Twisted Fate, is about the main character, Arlena. She is described to have constant visions or phantasms that warn her of the upcoming war, ruled by an ancient sorceress. Her struggle is to confront the trouble that is her destiny and also confront who she is in the process. The story is written in such a way the character's are loveable. I became so hooked on the story because I understood Arlena and how her emotions felt the pressure of her duty. While I am not a Queen in charge of all kinds of people/creatures, I am a Mother. I am a Mother in charge of my fortress and my children. That is a ton of pressure all together and I am thankful I do not have to battle an evil sorceress in the process of all of my other duties.  The story has two love interests that makes it interesting for a bit and they are both equally interesting. If you are a person who likes having a love interest than this book  has a beautiful love blossoming from inside the pages.  However,  that is not what kept me reading page after page. The book was not as spicy as most books. In my opinion the scenes in which the love got a bit steamy were written in such a classy way it was just beautiful. The scene was not too vivid or detailed, but perfect just as it was. I wish more writers could write this way, so that those who want more action and adventure can just read past that and get right into the story.  Her creation of the villain was phenomenal and very well described.  Without giving too many spoilers, let us just say she was understandably misunderstood. 





Why did I keep reading the book?  THE CREATURES SHE CREATED!  I really love how she describes the creatures so vividly it reminded me of the times when I was younger reading Harry Potter for the first time. I would be so involved in the story because the Author painted such a detailed picture of the characters and the creatures inside the book. Katherine did a fantastic job doing the same thing in her book that I had an issue placing the book down. I wanted to keep reading, uninterrupted. The character development was nurtured and created so much that I understood the way Arlena felt and how her life was changed completely. I did shed a tear or two as well with her during the dark and sad times in the book. 

If you love to read fantasy because you crave adventure, self discovery, and magic than this book is the perfect book for you. The Vow That Twisted Fate has the perfect amount of adventure, magic, and self growth.  I promise you, it is worth the read. The only thing I do not like is that I wanted more. I am hoping she keeps writing, because I am a forever fan.


Great news! This book comes out this week!! July 9th! You can Pre-order on Amazon or check out the Author's website below! 





                                                                   Preorder here!      





"There are some who say I am the reincarnation of one of my ancestors: the White Queen, who vanquished all evil in our world once and for all. Now the same task falls to me."

                                                    - Queen Arlena the Fair


Katherine lives in the beautiful state of Tennessee with her high school sweet heart and her two sons (and her fur babies). She loves to travel, play Skyrim, and swim. She edits when she is not writing. To learn more check out her website above!



                                                         


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The Hills and Hamlets Bookshop in Serenbe ( Pt. 2)

Sunday, May 30, 2021



 


Our First Visit to The Hills and Hamlets Bookshop:

When we found our way to the Hills and Hamlets bookshop we were greeted by the most sweetest woman in the entrance. The bookstore itself was just stunning, with each piece strategically placed as if it were on a film like Beauty and The Beast or Harry Potter. The wooden ladder was leaned against the Antique book section just as it should be. I was so mesmerized by the design of the bookshop itself that I did not even look at all of the books until close to the end of our visit. As soon as you walked in the smell of books hits your nose, paper and wood. 
To the left are Literary Candles they feature near the register. I usually do not go for candles like this because they do not really smell like the book but I smelled these and I can honestly say they do smell like the books they represent. For instance the Shire candle smelled of grass and fresh morning dew. 


The smells it represents are Moss, Smoke, Sage, and Pipe Smoke. This candle was SPOT ON to what Middle-Earth would smell like...which makes reading more special doesn't it?  



As soon as we entered the store we were greeted by a very kind woman who gladly took our two children under her wing. She enthusiastically asked them their reading level/age and guided them to books for their age/level. She also pointed out books that were recommended and interesting. I was very impressed by her knowledge and genuine love of her job. Both of my children actually took home the books she helped them pick out. During my visit in the store she guided me through the books that were recommended by staff. I found that the majority of the books I was drawn too had been already staff picked by the Owner Megan. ( From what I am told, her and I need to be friends. And from what I learned about her that day, I insist I go back on a day she is there just to say hello!)  It did not take me long to realize that there was a slight Harry Potter vibe going on in the store. 


The store reminded me of Ollivander's. From the location of the Antique books and the wooden themes, and old rustic aesthetics. The sign of the store is beautiful as well. The store all together, readers, is an experience. My only regret that I have about visiting is that I did not catch the name of the sweet woman who assisted us during our visit, and not getting enough photos of the bookstore to share with you! 

I can promise you the trip to Serenbe is worth the drive itself as the town is beautiful. But the Hills and Hamlets Bookshop is a gem. This bookstore is not like a chain book store that can be overwhelmingly large. Hills and Hamlets Bookshop is a book store of any reader’s dreams! It’s the kind you can just come in and read for a while. 


The warm and inviting feeling you get when you find yourself there is easily received by any age. ( I know as both of my children felt right at home.) I promise you will not regret visiting this lovely bookstore. I believe this store was made with love and passion. It is very evident in the design and the people that work there. We will be visiting again often, as we have claimed this town and this bookstore as our new "staycation" spot. 

Thank you Serenbe and Hills and Hamlets Bookshop for the warm and inviting atmosphere, we did not feel like visitors but more so like long awaited family.

Cannot wait to come back for another visit soon!

Love,
A. Book Witch


                                        

If you would like to visit Hills & Hamlets Bookshop the hours are Thursdays-Sundays 11 am- 6 Pm. To reach them by phone the number is (470) 488- 0330. Their website is: hillsandhamletsbookshop.com.  






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Teaching my Five Year old is like slaying a dragon. Every single Day.

Wednesday, May 19, 2021


                    

 Becoming a Homeschool Mom came with a few years of research and consideration. My oldest was in third grade at the time and her school was underfunded. She struggled with comprehension and I struggled with communication between her teachers. Finally I chose to remove her from public school and embark on the journey of Homeschooling. We are now going on almost FOUR YEARS and the time has just flown by!  Now we are approaching the youngest who turned the big five in December. I began teaching him during the day and he took to homeschooling really well. I believe it was because my oldest was homeschooling and he wanted to copy his older sister.  We began each morning with the Pledge of Allegiance and then we went through songs just as I used to do when I was a Daycare teacher. He learned the seasons of the year, months of the year, his ABCS. He then learned his shapes and numbers 1-10 all in his first year of Pre-School with me as his teacher. ( Wow! When I type it all out like that it makes me feel so good!) 





This last  year with the Pandemic I was a bit easy on them both but we still managed to pursue schooling. He began to move to the recognition of sounds with letters and recognizing capital letters and lower cases. Soon before we knew it he was ready to start school regularly like a BIG KID!  And that is when it really hit me. That was when I realized I was not only going to be teaching a 6th/7th Grader but a Prek4/5 year old. HOLY RABIES! The pressure hit me and I got really nervous. Think about it. That is a lot of pressure on one person to make sure these young minds are learning the way they should be and are prepared for life. It was up to me to make sure they both stayed on task every single day. Not only did I need to make sure the home was cleaned and dinner was cooked but I also had to learn to teach my son the fundamentals of reading and math. I became overwhelmed and very insecure. THIS IS NORMAL.  If you are new to homeschooling the first rule of homeschooling you must know is that you will second guess yourself all of the time but that only means you care. You are more than likely already doing an excellent job and you can do this because you care most about these young minds than anyone in the entire world! ( Aside from their other involved parent.)

When my son turned five, he began to become more and more into his own person. His personality has sky rocketed this year and I am learning rather quickly that his learning style is a lot different than his older sister's. She is more of a self learner and doesn't mind just tackling an assignment. Telling her to stay on task is not something I have ever had to worry about with her. 

My son enjoys rewards when he is learning, he gets really excited when he learns something new. It is that joy of his development that makes me want to teach him as long as I am able too. I was using the free homeschooling website allinonehomeschool.com for both of my children for the longest time.  I noticed that he was not as focused with some of the assignments and that he loved to play games more than anything. The oldest also seemed to get a bit bored with some of her work. I switched up our curriculum in the middle of the school year to supplement to their normal schooling. I switched them both to Time4Learning to make sure they were on task to what they should be learning for their age and levels. It also helps me keep their school work organized and graded. This also helps me to transition them to public school should either of them ever truly want to go back to public school. Currently the oldest enjoys this type of learning, she enjoys the teachers and the extra learning that this program gives her. And during her time using this program, it frees up my time to then help my youngest with his school on a more one on one environment. 



Things that I have learned about my Five year old as a student:

  • He must be moving every twenty minutes. Time moving helps him focus better and remove his energy. We call it "Wiggles". We normally start the day off using a fun Math song/workout on Youtube. Once we get that done we can then sit down to focus.
  • HIs attention span is short. Taking breaks is going to be normal but staying consistent in a schedule is best. He knows exactly what is going to happen next and he looks forward to this every day. We spend maybe an hour doing Math and then Language Arts using Time4Learning. We then move on to Mom learning time.
  • During Mom learning time we read a book, we go outside and free play, we play with 3D shapes or a letter game/sight word game ( coming soon, next week), or we watch a documentary on an animal in nature. He enjoys learning about animals and their habitats. I encourage this natural curiosity as much as I am able too. Disney Plus has a ton of Animal Documentaries and shows that are safe for little eyes to see. 
  • We are moving back next week to more book work, using Allinoneeasypeasy.com. This is a free homeschool program that offers workbooks to buy or pintables. We will be practicing his handwriting, and reading more often now that he is getting the hang of schooling every day. 
  • We take a break. Both of my children do well with breaks in between. We go to the park or we go on a field trip to a new place. We enjoy nature or spend a day playing with the sweet children next door. It is very important to allow them to have imaginative play on their own. It is equally important to allow them to learn to play with others and gain friendships. The older my youngest gets the more he is wanting to make friends. This is vital to his cooperation in learning at home. I make a point to take my children out once a week as best as I am able too. 
  • IT is okay to take a break. I am learning sometimes he needs a break. Learning should be fun and it should be encouraged not forced. He will learn either way whether at home or in a school setting. I have told both of my children many times that homeschool only works when the student is willing to learn. They both constantly tell me they enjoy learning at home. The oldest is ready for a public High School experience but the youngest is still openly happy to be homeschooled. I have to meet my students, my children where they are and always listen to them. Always. 
  • Teaching my five year old is like slaying a dragon every single day. There are days he does not want to do his work. He would rather play with his Hotwheels or on Roblox. I totally understand that he may not want to tackle something. Some days I meet him in the middle and he does school work later in the day but this is rare. I simply tell my son that it is time to do his work and then he can play. "Let's take a look at what games are in store for today." " Let's go read a book outside!" "Let's go outside to the school house and play a game."  I usually begin a sentence with "let's" because learning is a joined adventure. It makes him feel included and not isolated. A day in which we can tackle one on one learning reading a book, learning a new skill, or writing a letter is a day that is successful. The feeling of him learning and tackling his school work is the same feeling I would imagine a Knight would have slaying a dragon. His mission is completed. But there are so many more dragons to come. That is how we look at school here at our home. Every day has dragons to slay, but each day is a new adventure. School only works at home when each day is a fun learning experience. Especially when the child is young and requires more attention.



You know your child. No one else can tell you how to teach your child but you. IF you have chosen to Homeschool your child, take the time to see how your child learns. Not every child learns in front of a screen or in a book. Some children require both. Some require learning in a book, screen, and outside. Some require Art while others require quiet solitude. As long as you know your child, you can teach them all the things they will need to know to succeed. 

I am so happy both of my children are smart and imaginative. Every day I feel we slay dragons together. I hope when they grow older and become adults that they know they can always come to me. I will always be here to help them slay dragons. I will always be here to encourage them to look for the magic in every moment with an open mind and an open heart.


Thanks for sharing your time with me today. I can't wait to write more about our Homeschool Magic. 


p.s. Excuse any run on sentences, comma placement, and errors. I will edit this evening!

xoxox, 
Amanda The Book Witch

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Welcome!

Tuesday, May 18, 2021



                

Photo Cred: Mabel Amber

                       Welcome to the Book Witch's Den!

 Below is basically a map to my blog! There you will find out what each tab offers. Be sure to subscribe to the list to get updates and notifications of new posts! 

                                                                              XOXO,
                                            Amanda The Book Witch

  • New Author's Tab- This is where I will share all of the debut Authors that are Indie writers who may not have a traditional publishing house. They are Authors that have given me the opportunity to share with you information on their books and their interests. I conduct interviews with at least 1 Author a month but would like to increase this as time goes on. If you would like to BE one of the Authors that I interview please email me @Amandathebookwitch@gmail.com or DM on my Instagram @Amanda_Thebookwitch.
  • Book Reviews Tab- This section is a bit self explanatory as it is where I will post my book reviews from books that I have read, or from the Indie Authors that have entrusted me with their book babies. I will try to have at least one a Month but as homeschool Mom sometimes that does not happen. I will do my best to make this a regular feature. I enjoy writing them! To have your book reviewed DM my Instagram or email. 
  • My Adventures Tab- This tab is where you will learn all about me, and my adventures. I will discuss my writing journey and all the fun that is involved with publishing.  It will also be the place I share my adventures and travels with as I explore nature and towns to inspire my stories and my work. I will also post updates on my Children's book and my other work as I continue my writing journey. This tab is most important to me as it is more of a personal tab and I welcome you to get to know who it is that I am and for your support & friendship. 
  • Homeschooling is Magic-   This tab was the most fun to create, because it is the most personal. I am a Homeschool Mom with huge hobbies and dreams. The most important job that I have currently is teaching my children. The biggest form of magic is the ability to watch a child learn and grow. It is from this tab that I am going to share all the fun and all the tears that come with the most important job in the world. Framing young minds to be brave, loyal, kind, smart, and magically creative.


                                                           




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Did we just step into a Hallmark movie? Mother's Day Trip

  


(Atlanta Parent Cred:Dalia Faupel)

All I wanted this Mother's Day was to go on an adventure. After spending a year in quarantine basically isolated from the entire world, I had the travel bug. I wanted to go to a new town that we have never been too and I wanted to find a book store that resembled a small town shop. I went online and researched for about two months when I finally came up with a list. I went through the list to find the most interesting book stores to visit this year, starting with the ones that were the closest to our home. There was something about the town of Serenbe that seemed to call me from the great beyond. ( The Great beyond is the internet.) Serenbe is a small quiet wellness neighborhood in the town of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. Serenbe is what is called a "New Urbanist" town. (New Urbanism is an urban design movement which promotes environmentally friendly habits by creating walkable neighborhoods containing a wide range of housing and job types. Wikipedia to the rescue.)  



We woke up on the Friday before Mother's day to embark on our hour and a half journey to this mysterious bookshop and town. Upon arriving we realized that this town was actually a community neighborhood which seemed to be sectioned off by itself from the rest of Chattahoochee Hills. As soon as we turned in we saw people walking their dogs and beautiful landscaping which turned out to be a walking trail. Then our eyes were amazed at this small town sectioned off from the rest of the world. It was almost like finding buried treasure but much better. The homes surrounding us were red, grey, black and white. Their architecture was beautiful and very unique. I wanted to stop and stare at them but my family was ready to go explore.


"Did we just step into a Hallmark movie?" My twelve year old daughter asked as she stood in amazement looking at all the little tiny stores down the right side of the town. The town resembled the town from the "Good Witch" television series on Hallmark. It was uncanny because on the way to checkout the little area there was a sign that read, "Middleton Way", and Middleton is the name of the small town from that very show! 


There was a General Store ( yes that is actually the name of the store), and inside as we walked around the Owner was very kind to give us the history of this little community! The creator of the town Steve Nygren, created a Bed and Breakfast and then branched out to form a small community that is now Serenbe. The town of Serenbe actually branches out into the older first versions of the town with more restaurants, boutiques, homes, and if you keep going a Trail riding area and the Serenbe Farm House Bed and Breakfast. (The Farmhouse at Serenbe)  As we kept walking towards the Hills and Hamlets Bookshop that was located across the street from the General Store we noticed a few of the buildings were not stores at all. As we walked by the the open doors we were surprised to find school desks, a chalkboard, and backpacks. We then realized these were classrooms. And actual School Houses. Talk about Hallmark vibes central!!!! That would also explain the group of different aged children across the street playing on the play ground and sandbox. We decided to visit the book store AFTER we let the kids go play with the school children. They enjoyed playing in the sand and socializing with the locals. My husband and I sat quietly under the beautiful Gazebo in bewilderment at the town we felt way too lucky to have discovered.  After sometime I am sure the teacher realized there were two extra children that did not belong. and then she found us and when we asked she informed us that the school houses were a part of a  Montessori school.  ( A Montessori School is a school that encourages independence and supports children's natural ability to want to learn and encourages it in their environment.) She explained that the town was very small and there was a mixture of different ages at the school which were separated by buildings. During the day they play outside together and are encouraged to learn at their own pace when inside a classroom environment. I have never before in my entire life wanted to I drop my normal life and just become a member of a community without any hesitation until I came to Serenbe. I was willing to move my entire family and give up my cabin in the woods to be a teacher for this school and move to Serenbe. Soon all the kids packed up and snapped my husband and I back to reality. We told the kids it was time to check out the Bookstore in which was why we came there in the first place. 


Read Part 2 to find out about the Hills and Hamlets Bookshop and our experience inside this captivating book store! 

xoxox, 

Amanda The Book Witch




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Who is the Book Witch?

Saturday, February 13, 2021

 


Hello Reader, 

You do not know me. I in turn do not know you. I am hoping we can meet in the middle and become wonderful friends. My name is Amanda and I am a writer as well as a dreamer. I believe a part of me never really grew up. My imagination is still firing and still ever so powerful. Sometimes it gets me into trouble and I have a hard time fitting in some crowds. But I find that those who share similar qualities make the best company. I am a mother who Homeschools as well as writes a blog, takes photos of books, and writes reviews. I find myself busy chasing my passions as well as raising my children to follow theirs. I love to read books of fantasy and mystery. But I am not shy to romance and indie authors. 

I am a believer in magic, fairies, and fantastical beings. I believe in miracles, afterlife, and new birth. I believe in the power of love and determination. My hobbies include cosplay, music, writing, and photography.  I find the my peace in the quiet and in nature. My favorite place to be is in the mountains and close to trees of all kinds.  Fall is my favorite season as it triggers my creativity and sparks my energy. 
I hope we can become wonderful friends, and that you enjoy my page as much as I enjoy writing. I will be writing about my journey as an aspiring author. I will also be writing book reviews and interviewing artists/authors. 

Thank you dear reader for your time, 

Love,
The Amanda Book Witch









 

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Fable by Adrienne Young



I finally finished Fable! You guys I am so excited to share with you my thoughts about this wonderful read! Also if you have a Goodreads account check me out @Amanda the Book Witch. Now before I get into my review, below is a quick summary of what the book is about.  Keep in mind that the very bottom of this post will have a spoiler alert listed, for a more detailed review. 

                                                      Summary: 

"Welcome to a world made dangerous by the sea and by those who wish to profit from it. Where a young girl must find her place and her family while trying to survive in a world built for men."

As the daughter of the most powerful trader in the Narrows, the sea is the only home seventeen-year-old Fable has ever known. It’s been four years since the night she watched her mother drown during an unforgiving storm. The next day her father abandoned her on a legendary island filled with thieves and little food. To survive she must keep to herself, learn to trust no one and rely on the unique skills her mother taught her. The only thing that keeps her going is the goal of getting off the island, finding her father and demanding her rightful place beside him and his crew. To do so Fable enlists the help of a young trader named West to get her off the island and across the Narrows to her father.

But her father’s rivalries and the dangers of his trading enterprise have only multiplied since she last saw him and Fable soon finds that West isn't who he seems. Together, they will have to survive more than the treacherous storms that haunt the Narrows if they're going to stay alive.


                                                               Fable gets a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars! 


    Why does Fable get a five out of five stars?  There are a few ways to tell if a writer is a fantastic story teller. One of the most significant ways to tell if a writer is a natural story teller is if the writer can create characters in the story that feel not only relatable but truly genuine. Fable's character was a strong female character who captured my heart and would not let it go. I was so concerned with her future that I found myself thinking of her during the day. I wanted to do nothing but sit down and read more of her story. The conflict between her survival in a place that I personally, do not have much experience with, was captivating. This book was not like any of the other books I normally read as they usual revolve around magic or fantasy. This book was not geared towards that type of world but the world of the sea. The rules of traders and shipmates. The scary world of living near the sea and barely getting by. I kept reading because the story became like an emotional investment for me. The relationships Fable encountered were formed by rules and limitations. For a while it was as if I was holding my breath waiting for her to bend her heart.  The story was full of adventure and the readers were sent off to sea to embark the secrets that lay deep within the hearts of the characters. The book Fable was worthy of five stars because Adrienne Young took the time to construct well thought out characters who become people that the reader cares about. She took the time to describe the harshness of the sea and the unforgiving stories of heart ache and pain the storms of life can bring.  The story line leaves you wanting more. The descriptions of the people and places were written so beautifully and clearly, reading this tale was an easy task.  It held my attention until the very end.



                                                    ❤ Spoilers below! Read at your own risk!!❤





 I am still learning how to write reviews without too many spoilers but just enough to say how I felt about the book. So please if you have any advice or any input to add feel free to comment! I want more input!

Fable was left and abandoned by her Father after her mother died. Saint felt really cold and heartless from the beginning. How could any father leave their child, especially after she lost her Mother? I had trouble at first wrapping my head around this thought. But after I continued to read I began to see that maybe her father was just so emotionally withdrawn after her mother passed. Maybe he felt he could not provide a safe life for her,  or maybe he just could not look at her without thinking of his wife. Fable made a way for herself the best she could to survive, and found herself on the Marigold. Upon meeting the crew, I felt like she had made a huge mistake boarding a ship because of how rude and cruel everyone behaved towards her. West always seemed like he was protecting his crew mates. The storm that the crew faced and the way West behaved, hinted to me that there was another reason why he was so concerned with Fable's future. Saint and West's history took me by surprise.  He seemed like he had a lot hidden and didn't let many people close to him. Over time I began to realize that there was something more and this is when the book began to become very interesting. Once I saw what was happening, I had to now that Fable and West would take the leap. I am very happy the way the story played out, and the ending only left me wanting more of their story. As soon as Namesake is available, I will be reading it! 


Have you read Fable? What did you think?
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A Court of Thorns and Roses

Thursday, February 4, 2021

There has been much talk via the Bookstagram Community about the Author Sarah J. Maas. I noticed that there was a huge fan base for her books and it drew my attention. I wanted to see what all the hype was about only because I am a curious creature. I wanted to know if I would love them just as much as everyone else. So I ordered the Collector's Edition of the A Court of Thorns and Roses. ( Why not? I took a chance on a book I never read because it was pretty.) 

What is it about? 

"Feyre's survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill— the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price. Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever." ( Wikipedia's help)

ACOTAR GETS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'s

 I had no prior thoughts of the book and I honestly have no idea what is is that I expected to read.  I cracked open the book to find the beautiful map and the details written in it, and that is when I knew this book was much more than a pretty cover. This book was going to be a detailed book and I was about to go on an adventure.  With the coffee maker brewing and my blanket all snuggled underneath my arms, I settled down to begin. It never occurred to me that I would actually enjoy the book and the characters she so eloquently wove together. I began to worry so much about the fate of each one that I would catch myself staying up later than I should have. I was up late many nights listening to Audible, watching the worlds in my mind as she painted the pictures so perfectly. I love imagery in a book because it gives me more to go on than just small descriptions and needless words. The relationships of the main characters are the true reason why anyone is carrying around this book as if it is a gift from the book Gods. The characters she has created are emotionally driven and you cant help but want to make sure that they are going to be okay. The fight against good and evil is so intense you want nothing more than the good to prevail. .  The truth is I did not expect to like this book at all, I expected to find it a bit basic. I had no idea that I would be hooked on the series and now I must order the second one. If you love stories about strong leading ladies who love deeply than this story is for you!  My review gets a bit more detailed below but if you have not read the book it may contain spoilers. 




***** SPOILERS BELOW! READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL!********



"Caldron, boil me!" First of all this line had me giggling in my bed at two am. I have never heard of this phrase in my entire life, then again I am not a High Fae. This book literally made me look at fae folk differently. I used to only see fairies as these small tiny creatures who loved nature and mischief. But Sara wrote an entire book about fairies as beasts and marvelous superior beings. She took fairies to a level I have never even seen before. I think that is why I kept reading A Court of Thorns and Roses to start with, the concept was fascinating to me from a creative point of view. Once I got passed the first few chapters I was fully invested in the story. IT did take me a couple of chapters to have the want to complete the book. At first the main character Feyre seemed really hard and cold. Granted she was the care taker of her family and had a lot of responsiblity due to her promises to loved ones. However like Feyre the other characters began to grow on me and I found myself thinking of them long after I placed the book up for the day/night. Tamlin and Lucien are incredibly strong characters and the banter between Feyre and Lucien was just brilliant. The fact that Tamlin and Feyre truly caring for one another set the entire mood of the rest of the story. You can't help but want them to be together no matter what, so much that you some what hold your breath near the last few chapters. 

Tamlin vs Rhysand ( Thoughts?)

I loved Tamlin and the love he had for Feyre. But I am a bit ticked off at him for not being honest with her. I understand that he was unable to really tell her what was going on about the curse but come one...you couldn't figure out another way to get the message across? A way for her to know she needed to be honest with you and say how she felt about you? You wait until everything has gone to heck and she feels responsible? Lame. Just lame dude. For that I think you could have been a bit smarter, especially being an High Fae of the Spring Court and all. 


Rhysand...Oh Rhysand.


I am not one to usually crush on book characters. I am older now and have not really felt that way about a character in a book in a very long time. However, this character took me off guard from the moment Feyre met him. I instantly wanted to know more about him and what his deal was. I found myself wanted more information about him despite his cruelty to Feyre. It was not until I realized what he was doing did I realize he was truly doing the best he could and he was protecting her in many ways. It stinks to have been deemed the bad guy the entire time but he literally got stuff done. I tend to always like the confident types, so it is not surprising that I would his character more appealing than the other leading High Fae males. 


The villain. Amarantha. You nasty. Cold. B***..


Once the story unfolds and I began to see that the "blite" and all the misfortunes of all the creatures and Fae folk in Prythian was because of her..I was furious. Her cold hatred towards humans because of the past affected so many and the deaths she caused in the wake of her hatred was horrible. The way she handled Feyre and the trials just had my mood all sorts of messed up. To have a hatred that strong to tear apart many lives is just selfish and immature. To be someone of higher power and superiority she certainly behaved like a child. I was more than happy to watch her fail and die painfully. If there is something I love more than a good book is a fantastic villain. Amarantha was a great villain as she had a back story that made sense and you could almost see why she would have let that anger cause so much strife. If a writer can make the reader hate the villain as much as the main characters do than the writer has done her job well. In most cases I find that the villain is almost just as important as the hero in every good story. 



Overall, 

I give this book 5 Stars! 


A Court of Thorns and Roses was an incredible book that deserves all of the praise and recognition it has received. I thought it was a YA Fantasy novel but some of the content showed me that it was indeed an Adult Fantasy. I tend to not read books with certain scenes as I am more reading for the adventure not the spicy romance bits. But I can say the way she wrote the scenes and the way she worded certain moments was done so delicately and beautifully that I did not mind them so much. She is a talented writer and it was an enjoyable read. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second one in the series, immediately! 


Have you read this book? Did you like it? What are your thoughts?










 


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