Month: Jul 2017

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas // Book Reviews

Emily @ theBookishLounge2 Comments

Hey hey!

I have a big review for you today: Empire of Storms, book #5 of the Throne of Glass series. This is a spoiler free review for THIS book, but it will spoil you for previous books in the series. You have been warned. I have reviews for previous books in this series if you’re interested in my thoughts:

And now, let’s begin!

28260587Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass (#5)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: September 6th 2016 by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Pages: 693
Source: Borrowed

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don’t.

With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

In this breathtaking fifth installment of the New York Timesbestselling Throne of Glass series, Aelin will have to choose what—and who—to sacrifice if she’s to keep the world of Erilea from breaking apart.

GENERAL THOUGHTS

I’m conflicted about how I feel about this book because there were some really engaging parts, but then there were some aspects I can’t deny I hated. There are a lot of references to the happenings of the prequel novellas, The Assassin’s Blade, so I highly recommend reading them before tackling this one (also those stories are amazing). I wish there was more of a recap of what happened in the previous book, because it took me a while for understand what was happening and get into it. I have many thoughts. Some may be a bit unfair or blown out of proportion. It’s a bit of a negative review for a 3-star rating.

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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling // Book Reviews

Emily @ theBookishLounge2 Comments

Hey hey!

I’ve got another reread review for y’all today. It’s a spoiler free review for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, but you may be spoiled for previous books in the series. It’s a bit of a long review, but I hope you enjoy!

444327Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Series: Harry Potter (#5)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: 21 June 2003 by Bloomsbury Publishing
Pages: 766
Source: Bought
5 stars

Harry Potter is due to start his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His best friends Ron and Hermione have been very secretive all summer and he is desperate to get back to school and find out what has been going on. However, what Harry discovers is far more devastating than he could ever have expected…

PLOT

This book gets dark and the events that take place in this novel are disheartening. It was a huge emotional rollercoaster and there were so many feels. Despite Harry’s pretty down but dynamic mood throughout this book, I found it pretty humorous. I love that the school (like the fandom) has a mutual rage and agreement that Umbridge needs to go, and everything must be done to end her rampage at Hogwarts (even the staff riot). The sass, the pranks, making efforts to defy every new stupid decree Umbridge enforces.

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The Dark Days Pact by Alison Goodman // Book Reviews

Emily @ theBookishLoungeLeave a comment

Hey hey!

WARNING: the synopsis will spoil you for the FIRST book of this series, so if you don’t want to be spoiled – go read and come back so we can discuss!

26061581The Dark Days Pact by Alison Goodman

Series: Lady Helen (#2)
Genres: Paranormal, Historical Fiction
Publication: January 31st 2017 by Viking Books for Young Readers
Pages: 496
Source: Borrowed

June 1812. Just weeks after her catastrophic coming-out ball, Lady Helen Wrexhall—now disowned by her uncle—is a full member of the demon-hunting Dark Days Club. Her mentor, Lord Carlston, has arranged for Helen to spend the summer season in Brighton so that he can train her new Reclaimer powers. However, the long-term effects of Carlston’s Reclaimer work have taken hold, and his sanity is beginning to slip. At the same time, Carlston’s Dark Days Club colleague and nemesis will stop at nothing to bring Helen over to his side—and the Duke of Selburn is determined to marry her. The stakes are even higher for Helen as she struggles to become the warrior that everyone expects her to be.

PLOT

This was such a fun and intense sequel. Unlike a lot of second book sequels, this one isn’t a filler story. In fact, it contributed so much to the progression and intensity of the series. This sequel involves a very intriguing story that’s built on a great foundation provided by the first novel. We get a wider scope of the world of reclaimers and demons, and experience it through Helen’s perspective. A large focus in the story involves the dark days club being super convinced that Carlston isn’t loyal or stable for the club, so SPYING!

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