Review: The Ring and the Crown

A huge downside of being a princess is the inability to choose your husband. 

For Marie, a princess desperately in love with a guard, the solution to happy ever after is simple. All she needs is to convince Aelwyn, a young sorceress, to take over her appearance so she and the guard can escape in return for a lifetime of royalty. Add to the cast, a betrothed prince with a jealous mistress, his brother Wolf with a street-fighting double identity, a poor rich girl who desperately needs to wed and you get lots of funny, romantic, and dramatic turn of events.

The chapters constantly change point-of-view, giving us eyes all over the palace. One big plus in the story is De La Cruz's ability to use the right dose of magic without turning the story into fantasy. Alas, the ending might have been too rushed for my taste, but I'm sure the sequel will solve things out.

All in all, a written proof that Melissa De La Cruz was meant to write historical fiction.

Review: Far from you

Far from you takes the theme What happens when you can't be with someone you love? on a whole other level. 

For Sophie, the grief over Mina's death seems unending. The killer is still on the loose, and worse, people suspect Sophie's involvement due to the drugs found at the scene. Tess Sharpe wisely divided the book into three parts: the accident -- a car crash caused by Mina's brother, Trev, which left Sophie crippled and addicted to painkillers, and Trev feeling responsible for her. The events leading to the climax. And lastly, we flash forward to the aftermath of Mina's murder and Sophie's determination to solve the crime.

Although, the investigation is slowly plotted throughout the book to allow the bisexual triangle between Mina, Sophie and Trev to take place, the story felt oddly shaped at times. Either the cuts were too sudden or too repetitive. But mostly, Sharpe did a good job at placing the reader in Sophie's head. The turmoil Mina put her through by wanting to hide their love and practically force Sophie's relationship with Trev. The pity Trev had for Sophie. Her parents anger against her addiction to painkillers. It felt as if everyone devalued Sophie. Including Sophie herself. 

All in all, Far from you had a wonderful conclusion, making sure that every point in the story was addressed. 

Review: Like Moonlight at Low Tide

Sometimes we only see what we want to see. 

Missy was bullied at a young age due to her name. The feeling of unease upon returning to Anna Maria Island is felt throughout the book, as if at any moment people could remember the nickname and send her back to those dark days. The self-esteem issues overpower the bullying, teaching us that sometimes getting the bullies to stop doesn't mean the end. Sometimes we are our own bullies.

Quigley doesn't rest at that. She tackles the topic of suicide in an unexpected way, mixing the plot along with a boy toy loving mother, a deadbeat father, and steps we need to take to open-up to someone and let them in.

Heartbreaking and moving, Like Moonlight at Low Tide is a fair reminder that we shouldn't judge someone until we know their story.

Caught my arrow #33

Caught my Arrow is a meme similar to In my mailbox and  Stalking the Shelves featuring books that were purchased, borrowed or received that week.

Narrowed down my to-read list this week. Shift had been there for too long, and I was happy to find it on sale. Looking forward to Cress.

Purchased

Shift

Unholly

Cress

Borrowed from the library

Easy
Fire with Fire

Received from Netgalley

Emily and the Strangers (graphic novel)

Adaptation

The Rules for Breaking

What are you reading this week?

Review: Golden

"One traveler, two roads, and an inevitable choice." 

                                                                               -- Robert Frost

Parker Frost might not be related to the famous writer Robert Frost, nonetheless, her records surpass the rest of her classmates. Her mom is certain of her success, taking every opportunity to remind Parker to study. To forego friendships. To be number one. 

But when a teacher places Parker in charge of mailing old school journals to their rightful owners, Parker finds Juliana's, a student who lost her life in a terrible car crash. The revelation far too tempting, Parker reads it and uncovers just how important living life to the fullest really is -- unless you enjoy drowning in regrets. 

The mystery part was expected and evident from the start. Due to her upbringing, Parker's character is one-dimensional.  Juliana on the other hand is not. One can't help but be mesmerized by how poetic, full of life, and romantic, her version is. 

So as you turn the pages remember, you only live once.