King of Scars - Leigh Bardugo (me hoping to see Six of Crows characters again!)

 I started reading this book yesterday afternoon, and oh boy, I read late into the night wanting to finish it. I devoured the entire thing and cannot wait till the 30th of March to get the last book of the two-book series!

Good, let's dive into it in more detail without really spoiling anything. ;) 

The characters

I loved all three main characters. They're not good or bad, but very human in the way that you feel connected to them. They each deal with their own trauma and grieve which makes them to some extent very relatable. Although I liked all Nikolai, Zoya, and Nina; I have to say that the latter seemed sometimes a little bit off. I would have loved to see more development about her losing the love of her life and how she's dealing with it. But that didn't happen which, this may sound bad, was very off-putting in some way? I had the feeling she said goodbye and immediately moved on??? 

As for Nikolai and Zoya's story, they both deal with their own demons (Nikolai LITERALLY) and slowly grow close together without it being overdramatic? I LIVE FOR THESE SLOW-BURNING ROMANCES! Anyways, they both have an interesting storyline on which I will indulge further later. 

The writing
Leigh Bardugo does have a flair to write cocky dialogue, action scenes and loves to plant little seeds that will explode at the ending of the story. I enjoyed the pace of the book a lot! The style of always alternating between characters in the chapters was something I at first needed to get used to, but agree with now. There were moments in the book that I wasn't invested in certain side stories (sorry Nina, but I will elaborate on that further soon) so it was nice to think "God, I hope this chapter is over soon because I will see the world through Zoya's or Nikolai's eyes after this." It got me through reading these boring pages! 

The story itself
Now, I might have dropped a little bit already how Nina's story did not interest me at all. I think the reason being is that I found her chapters offputting. in the beginning, I was very invested. She is grieving over her lost love (we're all still traumatized by that ourselves) and she just puts him in the ground and that's that? Like, we were all grieving along with her? There was no closure for the reader at all??? And then it immediately moved on to, again, some sort of heist; which I normally adore but couldn't take seriously because she started daydreaming about a new character who I, frankly, didn't really like... I am curious to see how it will develop further, but she's not the reason why I'll read the sequel.

Nikolai and Zoya had a way more interesting plot, had more 'real' dialogue, and was very genuine. Nikolai struggles with what the Darkling cursed him. For Zoya, it's her quest to protect him. At the same time, you get a background story of why they are this way. Despite being so different, they both fit perfectly well together. Them in the waste, the love for their country and kind??? It was incredible. Also, I mentioned before, the slow-burning love and affection they have for each other is great. It's not too overwhelming in this series which I think is awesome for people who hate sappy love stories. 

All in all a good book, but no 5⭐️'s because of Nina unfortunately. 

xoxo, peace out
Elke

A Court of Sliver Flames - Sarah J Maas (Amplifying my love for Nesta)

 Okayyyy, where to start???? 

This book about Nesta has been a long time coming. Unlike more than half of the ACOTAR community who hate Nesta, I actually adored her from the beginning of the series. Starting from the first chapter of A Court of Thorns and Roses until the very last of A court of Silver Flames. 

1) Her character is the most complex one in the entire series. She's someone who I relate to. From having the feeling of letting everyone down and shutting them out to regaining her strength in the most unexpected times that it even takes her by surprise. ACOSF made this abundantly clear now how her headspace is working. I loved every minute of it! Of course, I also understand how people dislike her. And honestly? It should be that way. She's a very 'grayish' person. She's not all good or all bad, and it would be abnormal if everyone likes her. That has never been the intend of SJM in the first place. 

2) Now about the book. Can I just dieeeee? I'm very surprised about the story. Somehow very fresh to see the Inner Circle from a different set of eyes. I had to read everything in one sitting (thus if I make mistakes, please don't come for me, I barely slept last night...) and devour it completely. I won't spoil anything, but man the SMUTTTT is what I lived for! The book reads incredibly and the world building, tension and new characters are written as to how only SJM can write. It's a necessary book to read if you want to hang a little bit longer on to the entire ACOTAR-series. Oh also, a must-read if you're into SMUT heheh.

3) We also (FINALLY) get to see a lot more of Cassian! I loooooooove his character. He's my favorite male in the entire series too (sorry Rhysand stans) and has absolutely NO FILTER which basically makes him an open book to read for everyone. His emotions are difficult to control when he's around the people he loves, but he will do everything to protect them. Cas is respectful and understanding of my smoll bean, Nesta, and that's all I wanted for her. 

All in all, a good book and I cannot wait to read the last 2 books of the series (PLEASE SJM DON'T MAKE US SUFFER AGAIN FOR 3 YEARS!!!). 5/5⭐️'s! 

xoxo Peace out,
Elke 

Kingdom of Ash - Sarah J Maas (a true masterpiece)

(Hi there! Before we start a quick note: I know it's super random that my first review of the blog is about a book that is the last in a series. Just so you know, I reread all the ToG-books back in December and am not planning on doing a review of it now as I've probably forgotten half of the contents already, because that's just how I roll. I read I love, I forget after 1 week. Hope you understand! Now, let's get to the review!)

I spent 12.2 hours reading this book. Intense, emotional, and happy. 

Intense because it truly was a wild ride to reread this series one book after the other in such a short time. When I started the series, only books nr 1 & 2 were released. Aelin's name was just a mere whisper that had no big scheme in the story yet and Celeana, our favorite assassin, was the main character. Every year I waited for another book to release which meant having a break in the meantime of the ToG-story. This, the big rereadathon, has been a thrill to relive the incredible characters; see their development, powers, and courage grow. Eternally, this will be one of my favorite worlds created.

Emotional because despite the tale of these heroes, it brought along a lot of heartache, sadness, and grief. The gorgeous characters that we lost in this world should not be forgotten because without them no big grande finale would have been there. Aelin and her entourage would not have been the characters that they ended up being at the conclusion of this series. 

And at last Happy. It was the story of a lifetime. Not only for these characters but for readers too. The world we've gotten to know and love ended in such a perfect way. And that is something no one can take away from us. 

Thank you, SJM, for everything you did with your words. Thank you for helping me see that everyone is a Fireheart and that everyone can face their fears. Thank you. 

In conclusion: This book is a 5/5⭐️'s for me. 

xoxo, peace out
Elke