Showing posts with label Stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stars. Show all posts

Thursday, October 25, 2018

LEGENDARY by STEPHANIE GARBER (2017)

Title: Legendary
Author: Stephanie Garber
Series: Caraval #2

Pages: 451
Published: 2018
Publisher: Flatiron Books



If you've read my review of Caraval you will know that I was all over it. It was the best book I read last year and I could not get over it. I waited over a year for this sequel and I was more than excited.


And it was magical. It was amazing that we got to follow Donatella this time, although I must say I really did miss Scarlet. I almost got the feeling that I knew Scarlet better than Donatella did and I almost fell like I missed the person who introduced me to the world of Caraval. I tend to like the first book in a series the most and this was the case with Caraval as well. It's like the beginning of a love affair where everything is new and you get to know everything for the first time. It's butterflies in your stomach, the feeling that you don't know what's around the corner and the excitement of new characters and a new world. Although this Caraval was different in many ways it didn't have the first impression of excitement. 
The plot was very exciting though. So many new characters were introduced and the story was really brought out from Caraval and into the real world, involving the Fates and the girls' mother. There is so much new to learn about Legend and the world where Caraval is set.


So as much as I enjoyed this book, because it really did think it was a good sequel, it didn't quite measure up to Caraval. That book is simply unbeatable. I'd still encourage people to read Legendary and keep following the story because it truly is unbelievable and I cannot wait for the Finale!


Plot Summary:

A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.
After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister, Scarlett, from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.

The only chance of uncovering Legend’s identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more—and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets…including her sister's. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice, but now the game is asking for more. If Tella can’t fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend’s name, she’ll lose everything she cares about—maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever...
Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . the games have only just begun.

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in the Series:

Caraval (Caraval #1)
Legendary (Caraval #2)
Finale (Caraval #3)

Monday, July 16, 2018

HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE by J.K. ROWLING (1997)

Title: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's StoneAuthor: J.K. RowlingSeries: Harry Potter #1Pages: 223Published: Jun 26th 1997Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Uhm. Favourite series. Favourite book in series. Don't know what else to say. I love the ghosts and the part with Norbert, the Norwegian Ridgeback and I think it's a shame that it's not included in the films. I absolutely love this book because although half of the book is not even taking place at Hogwarts that much half of the story is about how Harry gets to Hogwarts in the first place and I love that part. I also absolutely adore the friendship that builds up in this book. I don't think I have more to say. You know it all.

I read it first in Swedish when I was nine. We had the first three ones at home and when I picked it up I was like: WOW, what I challenge, this is gonna be solo cool!! I was so proud of myself when I finished the first page I had to call on my mum. Then I finished a whole chapter. I finished the book late at night a few weeks later (I don't know how long it took me). I have finished all of the books late at night. Just a coincident you know.

Plot Summary:

Harry Potter thinks he is an ordinary boy. He lives with Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley, who make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs. Then Harry starts receiving mysterious letters and his life is changed for ever. He is whisked away by a beetle-eyed giant of a man and enrolled in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reason: Harry Potter is a wizard!

My Rating:

10/10

Favourite Quote:

You're a wizard, Harry! - Hagrid

Other Books in the Series:

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter #1)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter #2)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter #3)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter #4)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter #5)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter #6)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #7)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Harry Potter #8)
The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Harry Potter novella)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Harry Potter novella)
Quidditch Throughout the Ages (Harry Potter Novella)

Other Books by J.K. Rowling:

Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them - The Original Screenplay
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindewald - The Original Screenplay
Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies (Pottermore Presents #1)
Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeist (Pottermore Presents #2)
Hogwarts: An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide (Pottermore Presents #3)
J.K. Rowlings Wizarding World - The Dark Arts
Harry Potter: Magical Skies: Enchanted Scene with Transfers
Harry Potter: Night Journey
Harry Potter: Magical Tales about the Wizarding World
The Sorting Hat
Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The Magical Congress of the United States of America
The Casual Vacancy
Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and Importance of Imagination
Becoming Myself: Reflections on Growing up Female
The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike #1) as Robert Galbraith
The Silkworm (Cormoran Strike #2) as Robert Galbraith
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) as Robert Galbraith
Lethal White (Cormoran Strike #4) as Robert Galbraith

Monday, June 18, 2018

THE GIRL OF INK AND STARS by KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE (2016)

Title: The Girl of Ink and Stars
Author: Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Pages: 228
Published: May 5th 2016
Publisher: Chicken House


This lovely book was given to me by my mum when I wasn't feeling too well. I was lacking enthusiasm in reading any of my books at home and this book really got me back on track.

Although this is a middle grade book I personally think it is a book for all ages. It is full of magic, friendship and love and full of imagination. It is a cozy read and reminds you of how magical it is to read books for younger readers. There is a serious under tone but it does not limit the magical setting or plot.

If you haven't read the book and are planning to read it I suggest that you do not read this paragraph as I suggest that everyone reads this book without any expectations or foreknowledge. I didn't and it helped me picture this world completely with my own imagination. When I read it I had at first a hard time to picture the time period and setting. I later decided that the Island is Spanish inspired, due to the names of people and the how the setting was built up. In the beginning I believed that it was set in the middle 1800's but I later go the impression that it was mid 1900's.

I would strongly recommend this book. Especially, if you're low, want an easy read, want something magical or just want to be reminded of what it's like to be young again. Beautifully written.

If you need more convincing this book includes: maps, waterfalls, inks, stars, huge beasts, underground tunnels, myths and legends, and of course an adventure. 

Plot Summary:

Forbidden to leave her island, Isabella Riosse dreams of the faraway lands her father once mapped. 
When her closest friends disappears into the island's Forgotten Territories, she volunteers to guide the search. As a cartographer's daughter, she's equipped with elaborate ink maps and knowledge of the stars, and is eager to navigate the island's forgotten heart.
But the world beyond the walls is a monster-filled waste land - and beneath the dry rivers and smoking mountains, a legendary fire demon is stirring from its sleep. Soon, following her map, her heart and an ancient myth, Isabella discovers the true end of her journey: to save the island itself.
-Goodreads

Favourite Quote:

"India is a place where colour is doubly bright. Pinks that scald your eyes, blues that you could drown in."
My Rating:

8/10

Other Books by this Kiran Millwood Hargrave:

The Island at the End of Everything