Book Review: Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier

Date of Publishing: October 7th, 2014

Author: Kerstin Gier

Publisher: Square Fish

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction 

This is the last book in The Precious Stone Trilogy by Kerstin Gier and considering how amazing this entire series is, I’m not surprised that this trilogy has been translated in multiple languages. The story follows Gideon and Gwen as they try to figure out their complicated family trees while navigating time sensitive events that can potentially get them killed. Not to mention the two time travelers that have been on the run since a long time and just happen to be related to Gwen in the most unexpected of ways, I must say I did not see the plot twist coming. 

The humor used throughout the series and especially in this book had me cracking up and really helped with my mood. I especially loved Xemerius. I think he’s my favorite character of the trilogy and I wish I had a ghost pet like him. Why isn’t there such a thing as ghost pets in real life? I’m pretty sure my Mom would’ve allowed me to keep one as a child. I LOVE YOU, XEMERIUS! 

My juvenile obsessions aside, another thing I absolutely loved in this trilogy was how the writer worked with the concept of time travel. I’m not usually a fan of science fiction but this author combined it with historical fiction, a genre which I love, and the next I know I’m reading a masterpiece with a trope that was not my favorite but now has become one. 

Not to mention the impeccable writing style through which the author has crafted the story. Kerstin Gier’s writing style is really easy to follow and the storyline is, despite the time jumps, has a smooth flow that takes you on a crazy ride. 

And I love Gideon, I mean what’s not to love, he’s perfect. And his relationship dynamics with Gwen is the perfect blend of romance and comedy. I loved how sweet and caring he is towards Gwen, at the same time he’s good at hiding his feelings as well as we see in the initial chapters. 

I also enjoyed the family dynamics, especially when it came to Gwen and Charlotte. Things do take a turn for the crazy for Gwen but her love for her family never wavers, which is something that endeared me to Gwen all the more. 

Furthermore, the fact that Gwen is not portrayed as perfect is something that I appreciated a lot. I hate how the main characters are often portrayed as perfect in every aspect i.e. being the strongest, the smartest, the prettiest and the luckiest just grates on my nerves, so a character that makes mistakes every now and then and has flaws just like all of us is just so satisfying to read about. 

Despite the story having high stakes and danger, the overall atmosphere of the book was light. If I had to give it a color, I’d give it silver, which is my favorite, hence the reason for me loving this book and this entire series. The plot twists were some of the most amazing I’ve encountered as I wasn’t expecting them, so hats off to the author for that. Maybe somebody else would’ve seen the plot twists coming but not me. 

Though I’ve already talked about him, I can’t help but mention him once again because he made the story so much more enjoyable and that’s our ghost pet, Xemerius. He was just downright perfect. With all his crazy jokes and insults, he had me cracking up and hungry for more of him. Not to mention how he sticks up for Gwen and insults her at the same time, I wish I had a Xemerius in my life. 

Overall, I highly enjoyed this book and the series as a whole. If you haven’t read this series yet, then I’m telling you to go to a bookstore or Amazon, wherever you buy your books from, and purchase this series immediately because it’s fantastic and you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend these books and though I’m late as always on getting to this series, I’m glad I did and can’t wait to read the other books by this author. 

Book Review: Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia

Date of Publishing: May 30th, 2017

Author: Francesca Zappia

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult

After finding out the release date of this book I realize I’m kind of late to the party. But, don’t fret, that’s the norm for me. I’ve properly got back into reading since a couple of years ago, so I’m like the backlist queen because I’m reading books that have been published ages ago and gushing about them as if they’re new releases. 

However, despite being late to the party, I’m still going to gush about this book because it was one of the cutest books I’ve ever read in quite a while. Not to mention this made me wish I was an artist so I could draw my own comic strip. And fan fiction is not a genre I write, but after reading this story, it made me want to give it a try, though I doubt I ever would, but it’s nice to think about it. 

The story follows Eliza Mirk who is your typical definition of an outcast. She doesn’t have any friends and most of the people would consider her unpopular and weird, but she has a secret. A secret she likes to keep to herself as it protects her from the rest of the world. But she’s incredibly popular online because of her comic strip, Monstrous Sea and goes by the name Lady Constellation. Everybody loves her comic, but no one knows who she really is and that’s how she likes it. Then comes in Wallace Warland who happens to be a fan of Eliza’s comic just like everybody else and writes fan fiction based on the comic. 

When Eliza comes in contact with Wallace, which signals the inception of their friendship, things start looking up for Eliza’s social life, even though deep down she’s afraid of Wallace finding out her true identity despite the fact that she wants to tell him herself. But things kind of fall of the rails for Eliza when her secret comes out in a way she never expected—in a way I never expected either—her world falls of its axis and the next she knows, she has to face the world and especially the boy who she’s started falling for. 

I found this book to be adorable… and sweet. You can’t help but smile when you read this book which was what I did the entire time I was reading. Francesca Zappia not only nailed the family dynamics in this story but the way Eliza feels the need to hide her true identity from the world as she continues to do the thing that she loves the most is something I can relate to on a personal level. I felt seen by this book. Not to mention the fact that Wallace is one adorable character, who has his own secrets, but is a genuine person nonetheless and that’s all we’re looking for in this world—a bit of honesty.

Moreover, the writing style is easy and the pace is steady. You keep turning page after page and it doesn’t feel as if you’re experiencing bumps across this journey of the two characters who’re trying to show and hide at the same time. This was my first book by this author, but since I enjoyed her writing style, I definitely want to read other stories by her and hopefully I’ll enjoy those as well. 

The plot wasn’t something unique, but it did bring with it its own unique flavor. I’ve never read a book involving a comic artist, so I found that pretty interesting. And I could relate to Eliza in a lot of ways, maybe that’s why I enjoyed this book as much as I did. Even when I was telling my friend about this book she also said that I’m like the real/human version of Eliza and maybe she’s right. Not only are the characters fleshed out really well, there’s something about each of them that make you feel something on a personal level and for me that character was Eliza, so thank you Francesca for writing this story and creating this character. 

And the way Eliza’s secret comes out, I must say that was creative and something I did not see coming. I love it when authors catch me by surprise and this was one hell of a climax. I really need to learn a thing or two by Francesca Zappia about writing the climax as I always screw that part up. I’m a terrible writer. Pity party aside, the climax was amazingly executed and the ending was perfect. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending and if you wish to know how this book ends, then go pick yourself a copy. I highly recommend this book and the next time somebody asks me for a recommendation, I’m definitely naming this book as my first pick.  

So there we go, my thoughts on Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia. If you read this book, then do let me know in the comments what you thought of it and whether or not you agree with my opinions. If not, then do let me know if you intend to read it, because I know you won’t regret it. 

5 Fantasy Book Recommendations for You

We all need book recommendations from time to time because at times we run out of reading material or can’t decide what to read next. So this post contains five fantasy book recommendations for you guys. See, if your favorite pick is on here and if so, do you agree with my opinion? 

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

This book should be your go-to if you’re looking to read some high fantasy. This is a big book, no doubt about it, but the story inside really takes you on a ride. The author seamlessly weaves two different stories of two different characters coming from separate worlds and brings them together at the end, which really goes with the flow. You do not feel as if you’re jumping from one point to another, rather it’s a smooth sailing with a lot of emotions thrown in.

Yes, this book is not for everyone due to the sheer length of it, but once you read it, you’ll find it worth it. Plus who doesn’t love reading about dragons and magic? 

Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust

When a mere touch has a power to kill you, would you really hang out with that person? This is the case with our main character and because of this curse she’s forced to stay in isolation with no friends whatsoever. But when a handsome man shows interest in her, she can’t help but lower her guard, which is something I understand. We’re social creatures and nobody likes to live a life of isolation and rejection. 

However, all is not what it seems as Soraya is plunged into a sea of darkness and deception all the while trying to protect those she loves from herself. But at times you don’t realize that the one thing you’re trying to run from or the one thing you fear has the power to set you free. 

If you’re a fan of fairytales then this book is for you. The author expertly takes elements from a childhood fairytale and entwines it with pieces of fantasy in order to create this masterpiece. I really enjoyed reading this book last year and will highly recommend it. And though Soraya thought her abilities to be a curse, I thought she had the coolest power and would’ve loved to trade places with her. Yes, my life is that boring! 

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

This is the first book I read by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and I really enjoyed the fact that the author wrote about Mayan Gods in this book. On top of that, we go on a journey with the main character in order to help the God reclaim his throne.

I love books which take you on a journey to different countries. If I could, I would travel to every country in the world, but since I can’t do that yet, I enjoy visiting different places through books and this book really satisfied my craving for adventure and travel. 

If you’re looking to read about something other than Greek or Roman mythology, then give this book a try and hopefully you’ll enjoy it. 

Piranesi by Susanna Clark

This book is a strange one. I have to be honest, I didn’t particularly like this book when I first read it, however, upon further reflection I realized that this book is an interesting gem. Yes, it has a slow start and it might even confuse you, but as you read further along everything will start to make sense and it does get fairly interesting towards the end. 

The author has incorporated various elements that most writers don’t really consider putting in their works for one reason or the other, so even though this book appears to be a little dull initially, it has some unique elements which makes this book a must read. 

Yes, it’s not my most favorite but I’m adding it to this list because it might just be your cup of tea and this book is different from all the fantasy books I’ve read. 

The Once and Future Witches by Alix E Harrow

First off, let me start by saying that I love witches and magic and everything related to them and this book had me falling face first in love with it. 

If you’re a fan of the TV series Charmed then you’ll love this book. The book follows three sisters who’ve been estranged due to reasons you’ll know about if you read the book, who try to navigate their lives all the while keeping in mind the conservative society which they belong to. 

Magic runs through their veins but the people around them want them dead which forces the sisters to work together in order to protect others like them as well as those they hold most dear to them. 

My, oh my, I absolutely loved this book. I don’t think there was anything which I didn’t enjoy. I was just sad that I didn’t read this book sooner because it’s amazing and I highly recommend everyone to give this book a try. There are so many things I love about this book, I can go on forever, but for this post, let’s keep it short and sweet by saying the writing style, the characterization, the plot, and those small snippets at the beginning of every chapter—my favorite—everything was spot on and I think this is a book I wouldn’t mind reading again. 

So there we have it, five fantasy book recommendations for you guys, I hope this gave you some idea on what to read next. Do let me know if you’ve read any of these and what are your thoughts on it, or even if you’re planning on reading any of these. And if you have any recommendations for me, feel free to comment down below as I’m always looking for new books to read. 

February Reading Wrap Up

Target: 8

Read: 9

Private by Kate Brian

This is book 1 of the Private series which focuses on a boarding school and a group of girls who are beautiful as they are mysterious. Our main character, Reed Brennon, wins a scholarship to Easton Academy and she’s all too happy to get out of the house that’s given her so much heartache. And when she comes across the elite students of the school, she realizes that she’d do anything to be in the same group as those girls. 

Along comes the popular boy of the Academy and Reed’s life becomes a juggle of studies, friends, romance and popularity. When secrets starts revealing themselves one after the other, Reed realizes that Easton Academy is not what she expected it to be. 

It’s been a while since I read a book featuring an academy, but I must say I enjoyed myself and if you’ve been living under a rock and not read this book till now, like me, then I do recommend you go and check it out because once in a while you do enjoy an easy read when you feel like being a little laidback. 

Animal Families by Lorrie Mack

I read this book for the reading challenge I’m participating in, which is known as Pick Your Poison Reading Challenge. In fact, all the books I plan on reading this year are for this challenge mainly, and one of the prompts of the challenge was to read a book about animal families; so here we are, reading this book. 

This book is all about animal families and how just like human families, the animal families care for their young and play with each other. It’s a children’s book and I finished it in like ten minutes, but it was for the reading challenge and I’m glad I was able to fulfill the prompt and be one step closer to completing the challenge. 

Neverfall by Brodi Ashton

This is a novella following Cole’s perspective from the time he meets Nikki to everything he experiences because he refuses to accept his feelings for her. I would say this is book 1.5 in the series by Brodi Ashton and it gives us a nice perspective on Cole and how he felt about Nikki. 

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It was short and interesting. I enjoyed reading it, and look forward to reading the remaining books in the series. Yes, Cole is selfish and evil but his feelings for Nikki are genuine much to his surprise. But I’ll only know how the series unfolds once I read the remaining books in the series. 

Unveiled by A. D. Trosper

This is book 1 of the Raven Daughter series and was one of my most anticipated reads. Like this book was released some time ago but I hadn’t gotten the chance to read it until now and let me tell you guys, I was really excited to read this book and had high expectations from it. Perhaps it was because of the gorgeous cover—scratch that, it was because of the pretty cover that I was expecting this book to blow my mind and become a new favorite. However, it did not reach my expectations. 

Our main characters include Jo, who’s a reaper, though she didn’t want to be one, but became one regardless and a half-demon who just so happens to be the reapers’ enemy. But when things start going south and souls start becoming Lost, the two sides have no option but to work together to find out who’s responsible for the souls becoming Lost. 

I did not expect this book to be so… boring. I did not like the world, which appeared to be too Sci-Fi-ish and I was not expecting that from a story about angels and demons. And then we have the main character. I’m personally not a fan of characters who’re just too perfect, and that’s exactly how Jo was. Like she’s mature, she’s also super powerful—okay that is to be expected from a YA novel but it still irks me—and not to mention that she’s responsible for saving the world—which is also to be expected from a YA novel, but still…

Anyways, I had high expectations from this novel and it didn’t meet the mark. However, I will be reading the second book in the series and maybe things will become more interesting. 

Relish by Lucy Knisley

This is a really delicious graphic novel about food and funny stories. There’s a recipe given at the end of each chapter which you can try out. I was definitely inspired to recreate the recipes given and I’m someone who never cooks. 

The author writes about her journey with food and how she grew up with food being such an integral part of her life. Not to mention the cute and funny life stories she throws in which makes this an interesting and easy read. 

I enjoyed this book and found myself quickly finishing it. This was a nice, laidback graphic novel which really gives you a beautiful glimpse of the author’s life. Do give this a shot if you’re looking something related to food other than a cookbook. 

Glitches by Marissa Meyer

This is book 0.5 of The Lunar Chronicles series which is about Cinder and how she came to live with her new family. It’s a novella which gives us a flash of the inception of the world created by Marissa Meyer.

After reading this book, I couldn’t help the heaviness in my heart. The way Cinder’s adopted mother treats her and the way her adopted father contracts the virus, it not only hits a little too close to home—considering the pandemic we’re living in—but my heart goes out to Cinder and it makes me wish that I could help her somehow. 

Though you don’t have to read this before you read the other books in the series, it does tell you how it all started and why Cinder was the way she was. 

I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman by Nora Ephron

If you need a fun, lighthearted, slice of life kind of a book, then you should definitely give this book a shot. This book is so relatable and doesn’t fail to make you laugh. It is pure, raw and allows you to accept the changes of life. 

The author talks about her life in this book and the reasons behind the decisions she made in life. From choosing her apartment to the kind of bag she buys, she’s given details about her life that you cannot help but appreciate the author for writing such a book. I’m really glad I stumbled upon this book and I highly recommend it. 

Capture by Melissa Darnell

This is book 4 in The Clann series by Melissa Darnell and this follows a completely new set of characters instead of Tristan and Savannah which were the protagonists of the previous three books. 

Tarah and Hayden used to be the best of friends but due to misunderstandings drifted apart. Now, once again destiny forces them to work together and allows them to finally accept their feelings for one another as the world around them threatens to destroy everything they hold dear. 

When I read book 3 in the series, I thought that was the end until one day I was scrolling through Goodreads and came across this book which was labeled as book 4 in the series. So me being the completionist that I am, I had to read it. 

I enjoyed the writing and the way the events unfolded. However, I felt the ending was a little rushed. I don’t know if there will be more books in the series or not, but the ending of this book made me think that there will be more books coming as a lot of things were left unresolved. I just can’t imagine the members of the outcast to be living in hiding forever and the world leaders not knowing where they’re hiding. Let’s see what the author’s plans are for this series, but I did enjoy this book and do recommend the series. 

Legend by Katy Evans

This is book 6 in the Real series by Katy Evans and just like the rest of the books in the series, this book is one hell of a drool-worthy ride. The story follows Maverick who’s main goal is to defeat Remy aka Riptide and Reese who happens to be Brooke’s cousin. One encounter in the gym has sparks flying between the two. Neither of them can fight their attraction for the other but by belonging to different worlds, their happily ever after stands with a big question mark. 

Katy Evans is an expert at writing drool-worthy heroes and she hasn’t failed this time either. Remy was a dream but Maverick is no less. The way he falls for Reese and the way he’s so possessive of her is the reason why I’m still single. I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants a dreamy book boyfriend to fantasize about. 

So this is what I read in the month of February. Let me know if you’ve read any of these books or are planning to read any of these. Also, do let me know what you read and what was your favorite book of the month. 

January Reading Wrap Up

Target: 10

Read: 8

January was not exactly a successful month for me in terms of reading. I planned on reading ten books and ended up reading only eight. So I do feel disappointed, but it’s still okay that I at least managed to read eight books. 

So without further ado here is the list of the books I read: 

Figment by Cameron Jace 

This is book 2 in the Insanity series by Cameron Jace which follows a girl named Alice Wonder who is locked in an asylum. The story continues with Alice’s adventure as she tries to navigate between reality and imagination, trying to find and stop the Wonderland Monsters from killing innocent children. Add a handsome, sweet boy who just might not be what she expected and you have a roller coaster of a book. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series. The twists and turns and the fantastic way the author plays with psychological concepts really kept me at the edge of my seat. 

Llwellyn’s Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kynes

If you’re into witchcraft or esotericism, then it’ll be good for you to give this a book a try. Someone like me who is new to this world would benefit greatly as correspondences are difficult to find at times. However, this book contains all the correspondences organized alphabetically so it is a helpful book to have around, whether you’re a beginner or at a higher level. It was a highly informative book for me. 

Childhood Disrupted by Donna Jackson Nakazawa

Childhood plays an important role when it comes to shaping our personalities, and this book tells us exactly how childhood impacts our lives as adults. The trauma we experience as kids, whether physical or psychological, it leaves a mark, the signs of which appear in our adulthood. 

Containing real life accounts of people who suffered in their childhood in one way or another, this book is an eye opener for those who believe that the trauma suffered in childhood has absolutely no effect on our lives and personalities as adults. 

This book was enlightening and an engaging read, so do give it a try if you’re looking to read something interesting in the non-fiction genre. 

Cloak and Dagger by Nenia Campbell 

This is book 1 of The IMA series by Nenia Campbell, who—in case you guys didn’t know—is one of my favorite authors ever. This follows Michael who happens to be an assassin working for the IMA. When a hacker manages to breach into the organization’s database, the IMA sends Michael to find out who’s behind it and kill the one responsible. Christina, on the other hand is an ordinary school student until she’s kidnapped by a group of people who are dead set on killing her. This follows a chain of events that lead to Christina fighting for her life all the while trying to navigate the sinister world of ruthless mercenaries. 

I love Nenia Campbell, and this is the second series that I’ve started reading by her and so far I love the first book and I’ll be reading the rest of the series as soon as I read all the other books I plan to read. The plot is intriguing as I love reading about criminal organizations and assassins just happens to be my favorite. So this book was a quick read for me, though the antagonist in the book made me want to kill him. 

Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain by Portia de Rossi

This memoir follows the life of actress Portia de Rossi and her journey with Anorexia and her love for food as she tries to fit in with the cutthroat world of media and stardom. 

The purity and rawness of this book was what really kept me flipping page after page. Portia de Rossi really poured her heart out in describing her battle with Anorexia and how the world forces you to change yourself just to feel accepted. And I think everyone should read this book, because no one should be pressured into changing their appearance in order to feel accepted and beautiful. 

Audacity by Melanie Crowder

This is a novel written in verse and the first of its kind that I’ve ever read and for some reason this novel did not speak to me in the way I expected it to. I’m not sure if it’s the novel itself or the format as I’ve never read a novel written in verse before. 

However, I did understand the overall context of the novel which follows a Jewish girl as she fights for equal rights at the work place. A girl who refuses to back down due to tradition and the cruel condition of the workplace. This novel is meant to inspire and it did to me to some extent, but I believe that someone else might get more out of it than I did. 

True Nature by Willow Madison

Before I give my opinion on this book, I would like to mention the trigger warnings associated with this book. This book contains abuse consensual and otherwise, so please read at your own discretion. 

So this is a dark romance book which dives into abuse and intertwining it with love. This is book 1 in the series involving Max and Lucy. Max is a man of primitive thinking and clearly knows how to treat a woman—in his opinion of course, which many of you might disagree with—while Lucy takes whatever Max dishes out. 

Though I’m all up for dark romance, I kind of found Lucy a bit too docile for my liking. She never questions how Max treats her and happily goes along with whatever he says and does. I know I’m no one to judge but it would’ve been nice if Lucy had a bit of a backbone. 

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia 

This is a contemporary novel following two high school students, one who is a popular comic artist but no one knows her identity, while our other main character writes fan fiction related to the same comic. His fan fiction is loved by everyone who is a fan of the comic. 

Eliza loves to draw but with being an introvert comes a strong desire for privacy and that’s exactly what she exhibits when she hides behind a pseudonym and dazzles the world with her comic. Whereas, Wallace passionately writes fan fiction based on Eliza’s character, and even though he’s open about his craft, he has his own closet full of secrets. And when Eliza’s secrets come out, it becomes a tricky maze of emotions and feelings as they both try to figure out what it is they truly want. 

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was cute, inspirational and downright fun. It even made me wish that I could one day have my own comic or webtoon which I can present to the world, however, I can’t even draw a straight line. Wallace and Eliza really are perfect and I intend to read more books by Francesca Zappia. 

Well there you have it. These are the eight books that I read in January. Do let me know if any of these piqued your interest and do let me know what you read in the month of January. Let’s see if I’d be able to complete the next month’s target.