Showing posts with label Sara Raasch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sara Raasch. Show all posts

Thursday, January 3, 2019

Paul's TOP FIVE Books Read in 2018

2018 was full of reading for me, but oddly enough I didn't read many non-graphic books. I read 75 of my 47 books for my 2018 Goodreads Reading Challenge, but only a handful of them qualified for this list. After 2 years of not succeeding I overshot my goal! Therefore, I'm setting my 2019 Challenge at 50 books. I'm hoping to get back to reading more novels so I'm not going to set my challenge too high. Since I read so many comics and graphic novels this year, I've made a separate post featuring my favorite reads: TOP COMICS OF 2018There were a lot of great YA books released in 2018 and I'm hoping to get to some of them this year that I missed.  Below you will find the TOP FIVE books that I read in 2018. Click on the titles or cover pictures for links to my reviews!  




 MY TOP 5 BOOKS OF 2018





Sightwitch (The Witchlands, #2.5)




What were your favorite books of 2018? What books are you looking forward to in 2019?




--PAUL

Thursday, September 27, 2018

These Rebel Waves (Stream Raiders #1) by Sara Raasch - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

These Rebel Waves (Stream Raiders, #1)Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: 
These Rebel Waves (Stream Raiders #1)
Author: Sara Raasch
Recent Release Date: August 7, 2018

Synopsis: Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid, a country ruled by religion. But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work.

Devereux is a pirate. As one of the outlaws called stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he pirates the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war.

Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.

As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace.



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Review: I started reading this book while my reading slump was in full blast. I think I may finally be out of that reading slump...but it's too early to see. This book definitely took me way longer than it should have to read. If you don't follow the author, Sara Raasch, on social media you need to!!! Her twitter is @seesarawrite. Her insta stories are also always very entertaining (and spoilery at times): @sara_raasch


There's a lot happening in this book. Magic, politics, intrigue, religion, multiple nations, races, pirates, and so much more! The world building is so detailed. The protagonists each have so much depth. Each of their pasts are pivotal to the story. I definitely liked Ben's chapters the most, even though they were the most sparse. 

In addition to the main characters, there's a large cast of minor characters. I found myself forgetting who some of the character were since it took me so long to read this book. Towards the end of the book, I was flipping through my kindle pretty quickly, going from chapter to chapter. I think what was dragging down the first half of the book for me was the amount of thoughts and explanations. It seemed to outweigh the action. I usually prefer books with more focus, but this book has multiple characters over a large area of land interacting with many other people. The ending came suddenly and when definitely abrupt. I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel.

I loved the representation in this book. There are characters with differing opinions and mindsets that all make sense in context. All of the characters are well thought out.

I give this book a 4.5/5. The beginning dragged and lacked enough focus for me to give it a perfect score, but I really enjoyed this book. Sara Raasch is an excellent YA Fantasy author. 

--PAUL

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes #2) by Sara Raasch - Paul's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Balzer+Bray via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*


Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: 
Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes #2)
Author: Sara Raasch
Upcoming Release Date: October 13, 2015

REVIEW of Snow Like Ashes

PRE-READING of Ice Like Fire

Synopsis: It’s been three months since the Winterians were freed and Spring’s king, Angra, disappeared—thanks largely to the help of Cordell.

Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria’s lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity—with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses—the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell orders the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm’s secrets, Meira plans to use the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe—even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves?

Mather just wants to be free. The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Januari—leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell’s growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies, he decides to take Winter’s security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken kingdom and protect them from new threats?

As the web of power and deception weaves tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom—and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter, but for the world. 



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Review: In Snow Like Ashes, there was one chapter I absolutely loved everything about. That was Chapter 24. In Ice Like Fire, Chapter 30 blew me away! I loved everything about it. Raasch is an amazing storyteller and worldbuilder. This book expands the world introduced in the first book. You get to visit many places that were only mentioned in the Snow Like Ashes. 


I experienced culture shock with the characters as they traveled between kingdoms. The details that go into each different society are great. I am so looking forward to searching tumblr for fanart. 

Not only are the new locations colorful, the new characters are vibrant too. They're are great contrasts among the characters. We get to see many different ways kingdoms can be maintained. The styles of the kingdoms are great, too. 

Meira has great growth in this novel. Two parts of her are battling: the warrior and the queen.

Magic is a big part of this series and in this novel we learn more about the system. I enjoy when a magic system is set up only to be broken. Establish the rules and then amaze me with how they can be broken. It is done in a way that makes sense and excites. 

Math and Alysson's relationship was done really well. I definitely had the feels. 

I really enjoyed this book and can't wait until book 3! I give this novel a 5/5!


--PAUL

Monday, October 5, 2015

Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes #2) by Sara Raasch - Paul's Pre-Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Balzer+Bray via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: 
Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes #2)
Author: Sara Raasch
Upcoming Release Date: October 13, 2015

REVIEW of Snow Like Ashes

Synopsis: It’s been three months since the Winterians were freed and Spring’s king, Angra, disappeared—thanks largely to the help of Cordell.

Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria’s lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity—with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses—the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell orders the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm’s secrets, Meira plans to use the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe—even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves?

Mather just wants to be free. The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Januari—leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell’s growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies, he decides to take Winter’s security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken kingdom and protect them from new threats?

As the web of power and deception weaves tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom—and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter, but for the world. 



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Why?: Snow Like Ashes was my TOP BOOK OF 2014! This is the sequel. I am super excited for this book! I loved the world building and the characters in the first book. I'm really hoping Raasch brings it in this one!


Expectations:   It seems like this will be two stories: Meira adventuring with Theron and Mather dealing with the people of Winter. I'm interested to see Mather's POV. I hope to see the kingdoms that weren't included in the first book. 


Judging a book by its cover: The cover is stunning. I love it! 



--PAUL

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Paul's Top Books Read in 2014

2014 was another wonderful year for Young Adult books, especially in the Fantasy genre. I didn't meet my Goodreads Reading Challenge, but I did read over 50 books in 2014. I wanted to share a few of my favorites. First, I have my favorites that are not sequels. Then at the bottom I have listed my favorite sequels. Click on the titles or the cover pictures for links to my reviews!

TOP BOOK OF 2014




Runner Ups

                                   
The Wizard's Promise                                   No Place Like Oz



Honorable Mentions

                  






Here are some sequels that I loved in 2014:

                      


What were your favorite books of 2014? Check out my reviews of these books by clicking on the titles or the cover images.

-PAUL

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch - Paul's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Balzer + Bray on Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*


Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Snow Like Ashes

Author: Sara Raasch

My Pre Reading

Upcoming Release Date: October 14, 2014

Synopsis: 
A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.

So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.


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Review: This book was fantastic. This is the kind of YA fantasy I want more of! The world building is awesome. The magic is totally cool. The characters are interesting. The imagery is breathtaking. Everything about this book is just fantastic. 


There are 8 kingdoms. And although it may seem confusing at first to try and remember them, they all are unique and interesting. Four of them are Seasons and the others are Rhythms. The four Seasons represent each of the natural seasons and have the physical features that go along with that season always occurring. In Winter, it is always cold and snowing. I also really enjoyed the names of the cities within the Seasons. 

Each kingdom has a magic conduit in the form of a device like a locket or a sword. The history of these conduits is expanded on more and I found it really cool. 

Although there is a little bit of a love triangle, I felt that it was very well handled. It felt natural. One of the boys Meira has known all her life, while the other she has just met. 

I love when books hint at things to the reader that the characters don't realize until later. I felt like this was one of those books where the audience should have most of the pieces of the puzzle together, just waiting on the characters to figure it all out. All the reveals felt organic. 

I loved Sara's writing. There is a particular chapter that I thought was excellently written. Chapter 24. I won't spoil anything about the chapter, but I loved it. The imagery Sara paints with her words is wonderful. I loved the aesthetic of each kingdom. The "spring-in-darkness motif" of Agra's palace was captivating.  

Some of the characters have unusual names that may take some time to get accustomed to (Sir), but I was used to them a few chapters in. 

We are Winter!

I give this book a 5/5. I am so excited to continue this series. It is everything I like in a YA fantasy. It reminds me of Jodi Meadows's Incarnate trilogy and Rae Carson's Fire and Thorns trilogy. If you're a fan of Kristin Cashore, Leigh Bardugo, or Pearl North you should check this book out, too! I cannot give this book enough praise.  


--PAUL

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch - Paul's Pre Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Balzer + Bray on Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*


Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Snow Like Ashes

Author: Sara Raasch
Upcoming Release Date: October 14, 2014

Synopsis: 
A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.

So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.


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Why?: I have heard amazing things about this book! I've seen authors and bloggers rave about it all over goodreads and twitter. The concept alone is also so interesting. A Kingdom of Winter? I'm in!


Expectations: I'm expecting an awesome fantasy adventure that takes place in an epic world. I've heard Raasch has been writing this book since she was 12 so she's had plenty of time to expand and explore this world and really fledge it out. 


Judging a book by its cover: I love this cover. It is simple and brings so many questions to me. I like how large the font of the title is. I like how we see two different seasons through the chakram that also reminds me of a yin-yang symbol. I kept seeing the cover on social media sites before I requested it or had read about it. The cover really grabbed me in.



--PAUL